Work

Reciprocal hybridisation of Aloe species (Aloe arborescens with A. vera) and their characterisation in a highland region of Venezuela

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aloe vera and A. arborescens are succulent plants widely used incosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. The objective of this study was toperform interspecific crosses and agronomically characterise three genotypes cultivated inaVenezuelan highland region (altitude 1 727m, 13–17.9C). Successful hybridisation was achieved only when A.arborescens pollen (P1) was used onA. vera pistils (P2), whereas the reciprocal cross was largely unsuccessful. Hybrid seed germination reached 11.86%, and adult hybrids exhibited significant vegetative superiority over P1, particularly inleaf volume, leaf weight, and flower number. The progeny outperformed both parents inleaf base width and lateral tooth size, thereby enhancing its ornamental value. The expected 2n = 2x = 14 karyotype was confirmed inthe root meristems ofhybrids. The analysis of leaf pulp processing indicated that the hybrid was promising for juice production (39.8% yield, 1203 ppm acemannan), thus highlighting its potential for agro-industrial applications intropical highlands orcomparable temperate regions. Other agronomic traits, including number, thickness, colour, and shape ofleaves; sprouting ofstem branches and basal suckers, flowering period, inflorescence, eggs/ovary, and details ofthe colour and dimensions ofbracts, perianth, pedicel, and ovary, were also evaluated.

Source: Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding

DOI: 10.17221/7/2025-cjgpb

Authors: José Imery-Buiza, Wendy Ozols-Narbona

Institution: Universidad de Oriente

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemistry and biological activity of medicinal plants

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $609