Bio-physical characterization of different aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis L.) germplasm

Chetna Gangwar, Pratibha Singh, RN Kewat, RP Singh

Department of Biochemistry, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Faizabad- 224229

Received: 13 September 2016                          Revised Accepted: 18 November 2016

ABSTRACT

Aloe vera has a long history as a medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic applications. Germplsm of Aloe vera used in study were procured from experimental farm of medicinal and   aromatic plant of NDUAT, Kumarganj, Faizabad. This study was conducted to determine morphological and biochemical character of Aloe vera leaves and leaves gel. Physical and biochemical characteristics of germplasm revealed that the line  IC-112517 showed maximum per cent of leaf weight (168 g) gel content (97.00 per cent) and number of leaves per plant (14 leaves). The germplasm IC-283655 showed maximum leaf length   (48.77 cm) leaf thickness (6.97 cm) and leaf width (9.97 cm). Aloe vera line IC-112527 showed maximum per cent of carbohydrate (64.20%), total mineral (11.10%) and total sugar content (30.07%). Thus, on the basis of physical and biochemical analysis of germplasm, the lines IC-112517, IC-283655 and IC-112527 were selected as promising germplasm among all the germplasm under investigation. Overall this investigation has provided a succinct resume of information regarding the morphological character and gel content of Aloe vera leaves. It would be worthwhile embarking on an intensive scientific experimentation and investigation on this valuable medicinal plant and to promote its large scale utilization.

Key Words: Aloe vera, Leaf weight Morphological analysis