Studies on floral biology and breeding behavior of Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, immune boosting and hypoglycemic properties. There are more than 75 active ingredients found in Aloe vera, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, saponin aloesin, aloeemodin, methylchromones, flavonoids etc. from the inner gel of leaves. On behalf of ameliorations of such a divine medicinal plant, flower study is prerequisite for breeding programme. By considering the medicinal and economical importance of Aloe, the present study was therefore undertaken at Nagrjuna Medicinal Plants Garden, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola with a view to collect detailed information on floral biology breeding behavior of this divine plant. The flowers are bisexual, containing both male and female reproductive parts. The flowers had perianth of 6 petals with six stamens and ovary is superior, where the petals and stamens are inserted below the ovary. Maximum anthesis was observed from 09.00 to 10.00 am at RH of 61-66% and temperature ranged of 32.9-38.3 0C. Anther dehiscence was maximum between 10.00 and 11.00 am. It is observed that the time between anthesis and anther dehiscence was nearly 1.00 hr.