Evaluation of morpho-anatomical variation in Ocimum spp.

Abstract

A comparative evaluation of the morphological and antomical features the protein pattern of the four different species of Ocimum viz., O. Tenuiflorum, O. Gratissimum, O. Basilicum and O. Canum was carried out in the Department of Plant Brreding and Genetics during 1994-95 to find out the evolutionary ralationships existing among the species and to prepare a key for their identification. Ample variability was observed among the four species of Ocimum for morphological and anatomical features as well as biochemical aspects. Based on these observations a key for identification of the species is proposed. From the morphological and anatomical observations made during the study it appears that O. Gratissimum and O. Tenuiflorum are phylogenetically related and so also O. Basilicum and O. Canum. The protein banding pattern of the four species further confirms this view. From the herbaceous nature, presence of pitted xylem vessel elements and vessels which are circular in Transverse Section it seems that O. Basilicum and O. Canum are more evolved than O. Tenuiflorum and O. Gratissimum.