Ocimum x citriodorum ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ - New Crop Summary & Recommendations
By Jolyne Pomeroy
2008
Series: New Floricultural Crops: Formulation of Production Schedules for Wild, Non- domesticated Species
Part of the requirements for Horticultural Science 5051: Plant Production II University of Minnesota Ocimum x citriodorum ‘Pesto Perpetuo’
Jolyne Pomeroy Hort 5051 Taxonomy
Ocimum x citriodorum = O. basilicum (Sweet basil) and O. americanum (Lemon basil) hybrid First came to U.S. from Thailand in the 1940’s ‘Pesto Perpetuo’s’ parent plant is ‘Lesbos’ Common name: Lemon basil, Greek Columnar basil Family: Lamiaceae Native Habitat and Uses
Africa and Asia - Sudan, Iran, China, India, Arabia Warm, tropical and subtropical Tender perennial grown as an annual, cultivated in Africa and Asia. Interspecific hybridization common but basil not seen much in the wild, outside of cultivated areas. Ocimum Greek for “aromatic herb” - basil is linked to Greek words basilisk (mythical beast) and basileus (King) Planted on graves in Iran and Egypt, used for medicinal purposes as an antifungal and to ease coughs and headaches Now used as culinary herb, in perfumes ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ is suitable for container gardening and as landscape plant
Taxonomic Description
Compact, annual shrub, slightly columnar in habit and non- flowering. 18 - 24”. Leaves: Variegated - light green centers with creamy white margins, leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, glabrous on both sides Roots: Fibrous and fine Flower: None!
Propagation Methods
Vegetative: terminal stem cuttings, possibly all year Micropropagation possible Patented plant - PP 16260 issued 2/14/2006 Ideal Phenotype: Variegated, compact, upright/columnar habit. Non-flowering means continuous harvest
Production Requirements
Target sales dates: late spring through summer 2-3 wks for rooting, 5-6 wks finishing in 4” pots Start in 72 cell tray then TP Temp: 65-72 F during rooting, growing on 70-75 F/65 F, “holding temp” 50-60 F Light: High, long days, 3,500 - 5,000 fc Nutrition: 200 - 300 ppm, every 2nd or 3rd irrigation Media: Well drained, pH 5.8-6.2 PGR: none, can pinch if needed General Cultural Info
USDA Zones 9-11 Heat tolerant but not drought. Needs moderately moist to moist soil - water stress decreases yield and alters oils Fusarium, rhizoctonia, alternaria, pseudomonas No fungicides - insecticidal soaps ok if needed (aphids, whiteflies) Market Niche
Potential holiday: Memorial Day = start of MN gardening season or Father’s Day = summer holiday, barbeques, emphasize culinary uses for parties and gatherings (Pesto!!) Programmability: Could be propagated yr round. Houseplant, windowsill kitchen gardens during cooler months. Crop story “Enjoy the taste of summer all year round” Competition: Many basils on the market but ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ is unique Currently available and recognizable to consumers and growers, should be major crop
Possible Limitations
Have to be set up to root cuttings - no seed prop Short days appear to decrease leaf color intensity Possibility that some variegation is lost as plant matures? References
Germplasm Resources Info Network. 2008. www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?406917. Accessed: May 1, 2008
Hamrick, D. 2003. Ball RedBook, Volume 2: Crop Production. 17th ed.
Patent Storm. 2008. www.patentstorm.us/patents/PP0162620-description.html. Accessed: May 1, 2008
Phillips, Roger and Nicky Foy. 1990. Herbs. Random House Publishing, New York.
Proven Winners. 2008. www.PWcertified.com/grower/plants/detal/cfm. Accessed: May 1, 2008.
Siddique, I. and M. Anis. Rapid micropropagation of O. basilicum using shoot tip explants precultured in thidiaznion supplemented liquid medium. Biologia Plantarum. Dec. 2007. Vol 51. 787 – 796.
Tucker, Arthur O. and Thomas DeBaggio. 2000. The Big Book of Herbs Interweave Press, Colorado.