Growth of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) basal shoots in companion planting systems

Abstract

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is an important plant to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industry worldwide. In Colombia its cultivation has grown even when technical crop management is unknown. This study evaluated the growth of three aloe basal shoots weights ranges in two companion planting systems and monoculture (control). A completely randomized split plot design was used. Main plots were: aloe monoculture (AMN), common bean companion planting (CBCP), and giant taro companion planting (GTCP). Treatments were weight ranges from 50 to 150 g (LWe), 151 to 250 g (MW), and 251 to 350 g (HW). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Duncan multiple range test (P≤0.05), and linear regressions. Variables evaluated were total height (TH), number of leaves (NOL), length (LL), width (LW), and leaf thickness (LT). In CBCP, GTCP, and MW variable LL predicted GH. Models fitted to HW and AMN were not representative (R 2 <0.64). CBCP obtained the highest values in NOL (17.8), TH (56.2 cm), LL (40.2 cm), and LW (5.8 cm). LWe and MW basal shoots reached non-significant differences one year after planting in any variable (P>0.05). Companion planting promotes predictability of aloe growth and CBCP associated with HW are a promising alternative to aloe cultivation.