Characteristics of Plants and Plant Extracts from Five Varieties of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Grown in Australia

A horticultural trial on five varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) showed differences in morphological features, growing characteristics, and yields of essential oil produced per unit area of land. Anise basil was the most productive in terms of plant biomass, while Cinnamon basil produced the most essential oil. Gas chromatographic analysis showed considerable differences in the composition of oils among varieties. Seasonal variations had a significant effect on plant growth, essential oil yield, and composition when Reunion and Anise were grown in successive years in the same soil. All varieties were susceptible to cold temperature injury caused by ground frost. Variations in oil composition due to environmental factors appear to be of the same order of magnitude as genetic factors. Data are provided on the yield, composition, and physical appearance of extracts within the same variety obtained by hydrodistillation and with CO2. The yields were highest using supercritical CO2 followed by liquid CO2 ...