Effects of growth regulators and activated charcoal on in vitro propagation of Aloe vera L

Aloe (Aloe vera L.) is one of the most valuable plants in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and health industries. Due to the growing need for this plant, extensive research has been done on in vitro culture. In vitro propagation of this plant is a convenient and efficient way for the massive proliferation and the use of secondary metabolites. In this study, the best method of sterilization for the explants derived from Aloe vera seedlings and the effects of growth regulators BAP, NAA, and activated charcoal were investigated. The experiment was based on a completely randomized (CRD) design with 3 replications and 5 treatments. BAP at concentrations of 5 and 4 mg per liter, NAA at 0.2 mg per liter, and activated charcoal at 2 grams per liter were used in the MS-medium to induce the lateral buds of seedlings. Fungicide carbendazim 1% (20 min.), alcohol 70% (30 seconds), sodium hypochlorite 2.5% (20 min.), mercuric chloride 0.1% (10 minutes) was identified as the best protocol. In addition, MS-medium with 5 mg/L BAP and 2 grams per liter of activated charcoal was known to be the best environment to induce the lateral buds. The buds obtained in the MS-medium containing 2.0 ppm NAA were rooted and 85% of cuttings survived in the greenhouse.