The Altered Output of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Crop under Differential Water Stress Conditions

Experiments were conducted the xerophytic Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. plant samples of three age group viz. 20 days, 40 days and 60 days old plants in order to estimate the change in productivity (total yield) and protein content under differential water stress conditions. The plantlets were subjected to different water stress conditions under excess, optimum and deficient water supply under water-logging, daily-watering, alternate-day, bi-weekly, once-a-week water supply conditions. It was found that the total productivity and protein content was maximum in once-a-week watered plants and minimum in daily-watered plants indicating that the cultivation practice adopted for best production of the crop should be based on intermittent weekly rather than continuous water supply to the plants. Water-logged conditions were detrimental for their survival.