Effect of coloured nets on growth and biochemical components in different species of Ocimum
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Date
2020
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The effect of different colored nets on the growth and biochemical constituents were recorded
during the present investigation on four different Ocimum spp. (O. tenuiflorum, O. sanctum,
O. basilicum and O. gratissimum). The plants were grown under five different coloured nets
viz- green, blue, black, red, white all cutting the light intensity by 50% and open (no net
condition) as control. Growth parameters like number of branches, number of leaves, total
fresh biomass, total dry biomass, root dry biomass, shoot dry biomass were recorded to be
higher in control than coloured nets. However, shoot length, root length and leaf area were
recorded higher in white coloured net than in control. All growth parameters except shoot
length and leaf area were found to be suppressed as they recorded lowest values in black
coloured net. The requirement of high light intensity for better growth and development has
been reflected in all our growth parameters. Thus, suggesting that growth parameter are
recorded higher in control (no net condition) than under the coloured nets. Variable response
was observed for biochemical parameters in different coloured nets. However, the trend was
same for all species. Biochemical parameters like total carotenoid content, total anthocyanin
content, total sugars, reducing and non reducing sugars and protein were also recorded
maximum in control i.e. under full sunlight while black coloured net recorded highest chl a,
chl b and total chlorophyll content among all treatments. Total phenols, flavanoids, saponins
and essential oil content were recorded to be highest in red coloured net while alkaloids were
recorded to be highest in white coloured net followed closely by red coloured net. Ocimum
spp. is an important medicinal herb which is predominantly sun loving in nature. However,
biochemical parameters were influenced and phytochemical compounds like phenols,
flavanoids, alkaloids and saponins recorded increase under coloured nets in the biochemical
constituents which contribute to its medicinal properties.