Growth Performance and Water-Use Efficiency of Red Rubin and Genovese Basil Varieties in Aeroponic Cultivation

Authors

  • Györgyi Kovács University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9792-440X
  • Dávid Pásztor University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2878-6220
  • István Szűcs University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5152-0750
  • Deven Shah University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary
  • János Tamás University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9893-6725
  • Attila Nagy University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Debrecen, Hungary https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1220-8231

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17108/ActAgrOvar.2026.67.1.63

Keywords:

aeroponics, basil, soilless cultivation, water use efficiency

Abstract

Our study investigated the growth of two basil varieties – Red Rubin (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens) and Genovese (Ocimum basilicum var. Genovese) – under aeroponic conditions at the Institute of Water and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen. Growth dynamics were monitored using morphological parameters (plant height and leaf number), manual LiDAR measurements, and yield analysis. The aim was to evaluate the performance of these varieties in terms of growth characteristics and productivity under controlled light, climate, and nutrient conditions, with particular emphasis on water-use efficiency. The results revealed differences in growth patterns between the two varieties, as well as in their responses to nutrient availability and environmental factors. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing aeroponic basil cultivation and supports sustainable, resource-efficient agricultural practices, especially in urban and vertical farming systems. The research presented in the article was carried out within the framework of the Széchenyi Terv Plusz programme, with support from the RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00008 project.

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Published

2026-06-29

How to Cite

Kovács, G., Pásztor, D., Szűcs, I., Shah, D., Tamás, J., & Nagy, A. (2026). Growth Performance and Water-Use Efficiency of Red Rubin and Genovese Basil Varieties in Aeroponic Cultivation. Acta Agronomica Óváriensis, 67(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.17108/ActAgrOvar.2026.67.1.63

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Scientific paper

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