INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC SUBSTANCES ON GROWTH AND HERB YIELD OF SACRED BASIL (OCIMUM SANCTUM L.)

Sacred basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaves, seeds and whole plant is useful. Investigations undertaken aiming to increase the growth and yield parameters using different organic substances produced positive results. The present study envisages that spraying of combination of 2% Panchakavya + 0.2% Humic Acid + 2% Moringa Leaf Extract resulted in higher plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and leaf area index of basil both at 60 and 90 days after planting. Further the same treatment also produced a pronounced effect on fresh and dry herb weight at both the stages of plant growth. The highest dry herbage yield of 1317 kg ha1 was recorded from the treatment of combination of 2% Panchakavya + 0.2% Humic Acid + 2% Moringa Leaf Extract (T7) and was significantly differed from other treatments. The same treatment also registered the highest benefit: cost ratio of 2.71. Hence it is concluded that combined bio-stimulant spraying (2% Panchakavya + 0.2%Humic Acid + 2% Moringa Leaf Extract) at 30 and 60 days after planting economically viable in producing higher dry herbage yield in sacred basil.