The Effects of Foliar Nitrogen Fertilization and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization on The Growth and Physiology in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Regarding to the importance of environmental issues, the aim of the present research is the assessment of the induced changes by the foliar application of Aminol-Forte product (containing nineteen free amino acids) and /or mycorrhizal colonization on the physiology and growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum). Plants were treated with two different concentrations (0 and 0.1 % v/v) of Aminol-Forte solutions and two levels (0 and 10%) of mycorrhizal (Glomus intraradices) fungi. Plants were grouped in four different treatment groups including C (control), M (mycorrhiza), AA (amino acid) and M-AA (mycorrhiza-amino acid). Foliar applications of Amino acid solutions were done five times with a week interval. The significantly promoted growth and development of basil plants were observed in mycorrhizal fungi and/or amino acid treated plants as it was indicated by the higher leaf numbers, area and dry weight as well as improved root system (higher root length, dry mass and numbers) compared with control. The used treatments affected the secondary metabolism as it was shown by the induced activities of PAL enzyme, the raised phenolic contents and the significantly intensified essential oil contents in M, AA and M-AA treatment groups. The application of mycorrhizal fungi and/or amino acid led to the significantly increased soluble carbohydrate contents in root tissues. The thousand grain weights in M, AA and M-AA samples were significantly higher than control one. The obtained results from the present research suggested that the foliar application of amino acids and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as bioagents, potentially represent an environmentally friendly way of promoting growth as well as modifying secondary metabolites of basil.