Basil could become alternative crop

Basil is a popular herb worldwide. U.S. imports of the crop were valued at nearly $6 million in 2000. The aromatic plant holds potential as a high-value alternative crop for U.S. growers. USDA, in cooperation with researchers at Miss. St. Univ., have been evaluating field performance and composition of 38 basil species/varieties obtained from USDA’s Nat’l Plant Germplasm Collection. Studies show the plants don’t appear to be susceptible to insect pests that typically infest basil varieties grown in southeastern Europe, a major area of basil production. The yields of dry basil obtained from all species/varieties were relatively high with most exceeding 3,500 lbs. per acre. The plants also contain a range of different essential oils. The research showed that harvest methods altered the essential oil content, yield and composition.