ESTIMATION OF GENETIC PARAMETERS IN A LINALOOL-TYPE BASIL POPULATION

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic and medicinal plant species of great economical importance, mainly owing to its essential oil content. The available Ocimum ssp. genotypes vary considerably in the production and active principles of essential oil. This study was aimed at estimating genotypic and phenotypic yield-related parameters and genetic gain after selection in three generations of selfing. The accessions were evaluated and selected based on individual plant selection in the S₀ (original population) and S₁ and S₂ generations of selfing, for essential oil content and linalool content in essential oil. There were significant yield increases for both variables with gains of up to 234% for essential oil content and 71% for linalool content, indicating efficiency in the selection process. The estimates of the genetic variance and heritability, associated to high yield values, suggest the possibility of developing a new basil cultivar.