Ecophysiology of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. in Guayacán, Península of Araya, Sucre State, Venezuela

Abstract:

The ecophysiology of Aloe vera was studied in two plots, plot A far from the sea and B plot near the sea, situated in Guayacan, Araya Peninsula, Venezuela during the dry and wet seasons. The soil textures in plots A and B were medium and coarse, respectively. Plot B presented lesser humidity (%), Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+, and higher Cl. and Na + in comparison with plot A. The fresh foliar biomass was greater in plot A and in the wet season; whereas there was no difference between seasons in dry biomass, the latter being greater in plot A. Titratable acidity was variable during the day, with the highest values in plot A and in the wet season. The content of chlorophylls was higher in plot A and during the wet season; nevertheless, carotenoids were not significantly affected. The soluble sugar content was high in plants of plot A, while the plants of the plot B, near the sea, incorporated in their leaves more Cl. and Na+ and less Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+. The results demonstrate that the dryness of the environment and the proximity to the sea affect the culture of A. vera negatively, which suggests that A. vera could be cultivated in coastal zones but not so near the sea and having an adequate water supply to the plantation area.

Año de publicación:

2012

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus