AMF and PGPR enhance yield and secondary metabolite profile of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.), one of the valuable fresh vegetables and medicinal plants , is widely cultivated in warm areas of Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The essential oil of basil has spacious use in fragrances, food flavor, and the cosmetics sector. This study aimed to determine the effects of AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi), PGPR (Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria), and their combination on yield and essential oil composition of basil in Bolu (Turkey) ecological conditions. In the research, plant height, fresh herbal yield, fresh leaf yield, dry herbal yield, dry leaf yield, and essential oil percentage and content were determined. Relationships among the properties and applications were evaluated by multivariate analysis . Microorganism applications yielded statistically superior values compared to the control in all properties. The AMF application granted higher essential oil yield and percentage (0.77%, and 1.23-ml plant -1 respectively) than the other applications. Eugenol and Ɣ-cadinene, which are two of the highest ratio components of the essential oil composition, were higher (7.22% and 5.06%, respectively) in the AMF. Correlation analysis revealed the importance of germacrene-D and camphor on the terpenoid synthesis pathway. The results proved that AMF increases not only the yield properties but also some of healthy secondary metabolites . • AMF, PGPR, and their combination significantly enhanced yield properties. • AMF provided the highest improvement on essential oil content and percentages. • PGPR was higher than combine application in terms of essential oil production. • The importance of Germacrene-D and Camphor in terpenoid pathway was identified. • The ACE2 binding compound, α-Bergamotene, was increased by AMF.