Effects of aluminosilicate zeolite application on morphological traits and chemical compositions of Aloe (Aloe vera L.) under drought stress

Aloe vera is used in the food and pharmaceutical as an aid to effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to improve growth, increase production of valuable metabolites and increase the sugars in Aloe vera gel with low cost and high efficiency under water stress conditions.

In this study, Aloe vera potted in greenhouse conditions with four levels of zeolite including 0, 11, 22, and 44 g in 5 kg pots of soil in three replications. The pots were treated under three irrigation levels for five months. Experimental treatments included irrigation in once a week, once every two weeks, and once every three weeks. Some characteristics, as well as amount of production barbaloin and sugars in the plant were measured by HPLC. The data were analyzed using the MSTATC statistical software.  

The study of simple effects and interactions of zeolite application and levels of irrigation, The best results traits were obtained from 22 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil and once every three weeks irrigation. The highest amount of barbaloin was observed in 44 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil with  once a week irrigation. The highest amount different sugars was obtained from 44 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil with once every two weeks irrigation.    

Zeolite is effective in improving the morphological traits, which in this study increased amount of barbaloin, and levels of polysaccharides in Aloe vera gel under water stress conditions.