Abstract

Aloe vera L. is extensively used in preparation of medicines, cosmetics and food supplements. In this study 21 ecotypes were evaluated and significant variation was observed among the ecotypes for growth, yield and quality parameters. Ecotype TVM recorded the highest leaf yield per plant of 1597.37 g and gel yield of 1731.60 g with the gel quality parameters viz., moisture (99.20%), acidity (3.93), total solids (0.81), soluble solids (0.71), fibre (0.10%) and reducing sugars (1553.70mg l-1). Its superiority could be due to its genetic makeup, ability to absorb more nutrients from the soil and capability of capturing PAR and thereby enhanced assimilation of photosynthates. The highest dry latex (crude aloin) yield of 1.78g plant1 was obtained from an ecotype TCY as its leaves possess more number of pericyclic cells in the vascular bundles and its inherent ability to divert its photosynthates towards the production of alkaloids. Suitable ecotypes for gel (TVM) and aloin yield (TCY) were identified.

Keywords: Aloe vera, ecotypes, soluble solids, Aloe gel, aloin, reducing sugar