Differential responses of genotype × environment interaction on Agronomic interventions affect the yield and quality of essential oil of interspecific basil hybrid of Ocimum basilicum L. × Ocimum kilimandscharicum

Abstract

The investigations on interspecific hybrid basil were carried out in two distinct agro-climatic regions of India: Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Rangareddy (Telangana). The experiment used an RCBD replicated thrice in each trial in each of the three seasons/environments: Jaid, Karief, and Rabi. The morphological and chemical changes of an interspecific basil hybrid/variety were studied across environments/seasons, and locations. All morphological traits and essential oil production are affected by the environment/seasons and location. The essential oil production and linalool concentration were found to be consistent. A high-quality linalool essential oil was discovered throughout the environment and locales. The biplot contrasted the test seasons/environments, as well as the researched locations and their interactions, visually. The ‘r' correlation between measured (M) and predicted (P) values was 0.998, and the predicted (P), means, and instability values (I) were all calculated using ATC coordinates. The ‘r' between GGE distance (GD) and entry means was also −0.952. This means that a higher absolute number indicates less stability, whereas a lower absolute value indicates a high level of stability. In summary, significant amounts of linalool-rich essential oil were obtained in the Northern Region (Lucknow) during the Jaid season (69.76 %) and the Southern Region (Hyderabad) during the Rabi season (69.88 %). This hybrid/variety's linalool content and essential oil yield averaged 190.78 kg/ha across seasons/environments and locations, with a linalool content of 67.91 %. Due to its high yield of top-notch linalool essential oil, the basil hybrid/variety that is particularly stable in terms of essential oil yield with high linalool content across seasons and places should be suggested for large-scale cultivation.