SEEDLING PERFORMANCE AND PHENOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BASIL CULTIVARS IN SUBTROPICAL PROTECTED CULTIVATION

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a valuable resource for the pharmaceutical and food industries; however, its production faces increasing climatic instability. In this scenario, protected cultivation emerges as a solution to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality raw material. This study aimed to characterize the phenological development and agronomic performance of five basil cultivars ('Grecco a Palla', 'Limoncino', 'Basilicão', 'Folha de Alface', and 'Vermelho Rubi'), identifying genotypes adapted to protected environments in subtropical regions. The investigation assessed the seedling development stage and the progression of vegetative and reproductive phenological stages. Results from the seedling stage indicated that 'Basilicão' and 'Vermelho Rubi' exhibit superior initial vigor and efficiency in dry matter partitioning, while 'Grecco a Palla' displays a compact architecture and a dense root system, traits ideal for high-density systems. Phenological development was uniform among genotypes, reaching the vegetative peak at 60 days after sowing, a moment indicated as ideal for biomass harvest. The transition to the reproductive phase occurred at 65 days of cultivation, reaching full bloom by the 90th day. However, the entomophilous pollination of basil was restricted by the use of anti-aphid netting, negatively impacting seed production. We conclude that the viability of basil in subtropical protected environments depends on the alignment between genotype and commercial purpose, with this system being effective for stabilizing the phenological cycle of the crop. Furthermore, although anti-aphid screens provide phytosanitary isolation, their presence imposes severe restrictions on pollen flow, necessitating assisted pollination strategies to enable seed production.