Enhancement growth of Swietenia Mahogany seedlings under different irrigation intervals by foliar application of basil leaves extract

Drought is a global problem that many countries suffer from, as a result of climate change. Swietenia mahogany tree is grown as an ornamental and timber tree and its wood is used in shipbuilding and furniture manufacturing. Therefore, the goal is to use this type of plant for its multiple uses, while reducing the quantities of water consumed for its growth to cope with the drought conditions by using basil leaves extract as natural extract and eco-friendly, it is noticed that all vegetative growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments decreased by increasing irrigation intervals, the rest chemical constituents were increased by increasing irrigation intervals except total sugar content which showed the highest value at irrigation every 7 days. Treating the seedlings with BLE at 10% enhanced all vegetative growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments and reduce all oxidative markers and so antioxidant compounds, it was concluded that BLE at 10% enhanced the tolerance of S. mahogany seedlings under all irrigation levels. The irrigation every 5 days showed preferable results followed by irrigation every 7 days