Provenances effect on biochemical traits, phytochemical quality, and productivity of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. provenances in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f . is an important medicinal plant with high ecological and economic value in global, widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and antimicrobial applications. Despite its extensive utilization, there is missed information on the biochemical properties, elemental composition, and productivity of Aloe vera provenances in the North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the phytochemical quality, productivity, and elemental composition of different Aloe vera provenances in the Amhara region. Six Aloe vera provenances were collected from Ankober, Merhabete, and Kewot districts and established at Alem Ketema. Local communities distinguish Aloe vera plants into male and female types according to leaf and floral characteristics. The treatments included Ankober Male Aloe (AMA), Ankober Female Aloe (AFA), Merhabete Male Aloe (MMA), Merhabete Female Aloe (MFA), Kewot Male Aloe (KMA), and Kewot Female Aloe (KFA). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot consisted of 12 plants established at a spacing of 0.7 m × 0.7 m. The morphological traits of fresh Aloe vera leaf and survival rate were evaluated by using standard protocols. The biochemical traits, phytochemical constituents and elemental composition of Aloe vera were estimated by using standard methods. Leaf volume and leaf weight per hectare showed highly significant differences at ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In terms of plant height, leaf weight per hectare, and survival rate, KMA and AMA were best promising performance then other provenances. Leaf pH (4.46–5.13) remained within acceptable ranges for antimicrobial, cosmetic, and medicinal applications across provenances. While, most macronutrients and AMA and MMA in total ash and MFA in gel content varied significantly among provenances, this may be due to genetic variation, environmental adaptation, soil fertility, water availability, plant age, and physiological differences. In conclusion, Aloe vera provenances from Kewot and Ankober demonstrated strong potential as alternative genetic sources for improved biochemical traits, elemental composition and productivity, comparable to those from Alem Ketema. This study highlights the importance of diversifying Aloe vera provenances to enhance biochemical traits, elemental composition, productivity, and provenance variation under changing environmental conditions.