Genetic variation in the living repository of Ocimum germplasm.

Abstract

In the present study different species of Ocimum (Ocimum basilicum and O. sanctum) were collected from different agro-ecological zones of the world and compared for their phenotypic (qualitative and quantitative) and biochemical trait. Comparatively high variation was seen for seed germination, canopy and spikes/plant, florets/spike and leaf area. A UPGMA cluster, grouped the 9 Ocimum genotypes into two major clusters on the basis of total seed protein and phenotypic characters, except Siam Queen and Lime basil stand alone, re- spectively. Euclidian distance for morphological traits ranged from 3.60 to 7.26. Conversely on the basis of total seed proteins genetic distances ranged from 0.11 to 1.00. Due to greater genetic diversity in Ocimum germplasm and its suitability for commercial cultivation even in the area under small holdings, the investiga- tion suggest its genetic as well as biochemical investigation for the production of commercial varieties and exploitation of the plant for economic benefits of the local communities.