Selection of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) breeding material with improved tolerance to low temperature

The production of basil in pots for the fresh herb market requires high temperatures (20 degrees C to 22 degrees C) in the greenhouses which is very energy consuming, especially during the winter months. Producing at lower temperatures could save a lot of energy costs. The German breeding company GHG Saaten GmbH (Aschersleben) is participating in a project which is financially supported by the Federal ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The aim is to select basil varieties tolerant to low temperatures. Breeding lines and varieties of the's called "Genovese" type - which is mainly grown for fresh herb production - and red-, small and lettuce-leaved basil types have been grown in a climate chamber at 18 degrees C (day and night). Breeding lines of the "Genovese" type have been selected which had a similar development under cooler conditions compared to the control varieties grown in the warmer (22 degrees C day/18 degrees C night) greenhouse.