Evaluation of the Performance of Aloe Vera under Different Locations of Ethiopia

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 2012- 2014 G.C. with the objectives of evaluating the adaptability of Aloe Vera under different locations of Ethiopia. The performance evaluation trials were conducted at three testing locations namely Hawassa, Koka and Wondo Genet; agronomic performance data was collected for two cycles. Testing location exerted significant (P < 0.05) influence on fresh weight of single leaf, fresh leaf weight/plant and fresh leaf yield/ha. Harvesting cycle exerted highly significant (P < 0.0001) influence on fresh weight of single leaf. Harvesting cycle had significant (P<0.05) influence on number of harvested leaves /plant, fresh leaf weight/plant and fresh leaf yield/hectare. Harvesting cycle two gave significantly higher fresh weight of single leaf, fresh leaf weight/plant and fresh leaf yield/hectare (tons). Even though it was not significant; higher plant height and percentage Jell continent was recorded during harvesting cycle two. Significantly higher number of suckers and number of harvested leaves per plant was recorded during harvesting cycle one. Interaction effect of harvesting cycle and location was significant (P < 0.05) on fresh weight of single leaf, fresh leaf weight/plant and fresh leaf yield/hectare. Number of suckers per plant was significantly (P <0.01) influenced by harvesting cycle and interaction effects of harvesting cycle with testing location.