Allelopathic Effect of Sweet Basil on Potato Haulms Desiccation, Yield and Residue Determination in Tubers

Abstract

A field study was carried out to estimate the allelopathic potential of sweet basil extracts and powder on pre-harvest desiccation and destruction of potato haulms, tuber yield and quality, residues level in potato (cv. Cary) tubers, and compliance with Codex and EU residue limits. The experiment included different pre-harvest treatments: control (untreated), WRCLM eg 95%SL at the rate 2.4 L/ha, Po WRCLM eg 90% SP at 840 g/ha, WRCLM plus eg 95%SL at 2.4 L/ha, Po WRCLM plus eg 90% SP at 840 g/ha and Glufosinate ammonium 20% SL at 3.6 L/ha (standard of herbicidal treatment). The different field experiments were carried out in 2024/25 season using a completely randomized block design with four replicates in two locations. The results obtained showed that various pre-harvest destruction treatments of potato haulms tested gave significant effect, and statistically similar to the standard herbicidal treatment. The different treatments caused increase in potato tuber’s weight, length, diameter, overall yield, protein, carbohydrates and starch contents without any residues of sweet basil, compared to the untreated control. Findings obtained suggested that adoption of sweet basil extract as herbicidal treatment was effective in decreasing tuber skin injury and increased tubers quality, and without any residues of sweet basil in the harvested tubers.

Keywords:

Allelopathy, tuber yield, potato haulms destruction, sweet basil extract.