Auxin and cytokinin synergism in micropropagation for mass production of Aloe vera

Aloe vera [Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.] is considered a valuable medicinal plant worldwide due to its remarkable beneficial effects on human health. However, challenges in A. vera propagation hinder meeting the increasing demand in the health and beauty sectors. As an alternative method, in vitro propagation is crucial for the mass production of Aloe plants, which is a rapid method as well. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish an efficient micropropagation protocol for A. vera by in vitro optimization of the effect of different plant growth regulators (PGRs). For shoot proliferation, sterilized explants were inoculated on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/l) in combination with 0.5 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Subsequently, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg/l) was used for root induction. It was found that the explants cultured on the MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA showed the highest percentage of response (90 ± 1.29) for shoot induction within the minimum number of days (5 ± 0.33). The highest number of shoots (2.7 ± 0.36) and length of shoots (4.7 ± 0.42 cm) per explant were also observed with the same concentration of PGRs. However, the highest number of roots (3.2 ± 0.57), length of roots (5.67 ± 0.21 cm), and root induction (80 ± 1.97 %) were noticed within the minimum number of days (11 ± 0.79) on the MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Thus, the proposed method is a quick and effective approach for the mass propagation of A. vera with appropriate dosages of auxins and cytokinins, which may allow meeting the increasing commercial demand.