Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and potassium fertilization

WOS: 000366154800001The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of potassium (K) fertilization and soil texture on total yield (1st and 2nd cuttings) and yield components of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized statistical design. Basil growth was examined in two different textured soils under three different doses of K fertilization. Generally, for the basil grown under clay soil conditions, moderate amounts of K fertilization is proposed to be sufficient if higher linalool contents are wanted. However, if the growing conditions are sandy loam in texture, it is suggested that higher doses of K be used. Results also highlighted the contribution of second cut as an important cultural practice in the cultivation of an annual basil

Essential Plant Nutrients and Heavy Metals Concentrations of Some Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

WOS: 000342863000003In Turkey, the majority of medicinal plants at the selling points are wildly harvested. Therefore, no control exists during their growth and development. The public awareness on effects of environmental pollution in this regard especially with respect to heavy metals in the herbs is increasing. With this objective, medicinal and aromatic plants were collected from herbalists in different, densely populated districts of Izmir Municipality. The concentrations of some essential plant nutrient elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, and Mo) and toxic heavy metals (Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) and Al were measured. Results showed that herbs are rich in the investigated mineral elements; however, some of the heavy metals are found to be at concentrations above the reported critical levels

Effects of winter green manuring on organic cucumber production in unheated greenhouse conditions

WOS: 000321226800008The effects of winter green manure crops on organic cucumber production were determined in unheated greenhouse conditions in order to integrate soil building and conservation practices, which are critically important in greenhouse production without crop rotation. The study was conducted between 2006 and 2008 to compare (1) pea (Pisum sativum L.), (2) Italian rye-grass (Lolium multiflorum L.), and (3) common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as winter green manure plants. These treatments were compared with a control without green manuring (4). All of the plots were divided into halves, and poultry manure was applied as 0 (-PM) and 0.75 kg m(-2) (+PM) to each. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus 'Sardes') was grown as a spring cycle production after winter green manure plants were incorporated into the soil. Treatments were evaluated in terms of yield, fruit quality parameters such as electrical conductivity, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and dry weight. Soil fertility and pest/disease incidence were also determined. It was found that cucumber yield varied between 9.7 and 16.3 kg m(-2) and between 10.0 and 13.6 kg m(-2) in the first and second spring growing seasons, respectively. Green manuring improved the organic matter and nitrogen contents of the soils. Other available nutrients in the soil were also analyzed and found to be sufficient. Additionally, the nutrient status of the cucumber plants was found to be sufficient. Pea and vetch proved to be efficient as winter green manure crops for vegetable production in greenhouses. Poultry manure also produced positive effects, in particular on soil total N content. Therefore, it could be used with green manure crops according to the N content of the soil.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [1050571]This project (1050571) was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). The author is grateful to Dr Ken Cockshull for his helpful comments