Prediction of Germination Potential in Seeds of Indian Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Indian basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an essential oil and aromatic chemical-producing crop of India. Optimal germination potential and seed vigor are essential for commercial growers and farmers to justify buying premium-priced seed and ensure performance of their crop. Seed germination tests of Ocimum basilicum variety CIM-Saumya were carried out in Petri dishes at constant temperatures of 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, and 40 degrees C at 16 h light/8 h dark daily regimes. The temperature of 25 degrees C was found to be optimal, and germination percentage and seedling vigor indexes I and II were 75.6, 496.7, and 0.358, respectively. Seeds produced abnormal seedlings at 40 degrees C. Significant decreases in germination percentage and seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed at 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 35 degrees C. Days 2-3 and days 6-7 after seed sowing were ideal times for first and final count, respectively, for seed germination of Indian basil.