Effect of substrate in the acclimatization of <i>Aloe vera</i> L. <i>in vitro</i> plants

Abstract

Aloe vera L. for its exceptional therapeutic properties has great economic importance. However, the main problem, especially in Cuba, lies in the scarce commercial plantations. The development of in vitro propagation protocols may contribute to this end. The present work was carried out with the objective of determining the effect of the substrate in the acclimatization of in vitro plants of Aloe vera. Substrates were formulated with different ratios of compost and zeolite (100: 0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0: 100). A 100% survival rate was achieved, 8.38 leaves per plant with a height of 9.02 cm and the highest number of roots per plant (7.69) in the substrate containing 100% compost. In vitro plants showed 100% survival in field conditions, similar to plants obtained by traditional methods. However, the number of shoots per in vitro plant cultivated in the field was five while the plants cultivated by traditional methods were 2.7 after 60 days of planted. In Cuba, the present research constitutes the first report about the effect of the substrate on the acclimatization of in vitro plants as the last stage of an in vitro propagation protocol and its response under field conditions. These results close the cycle of in vitro plant culture that corroborates the possibility of using them in the establishment of commercial plantations for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Keywords: compost, ex vitro conditions, in vitro plants, zeolite