Influence of Aloe Vera Gel on Germination and Early Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seedlings in the Nursery

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) nursery production often relies heavily on chemical inputs to ensure vigorous seedling growth, which may have environmental and economic drawbacks. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel as a natural alternative to chemical treatments for improving germination and early seedling growth of Cobra 26 tomato seeds. The study used a factorial block design to compare the effects of seed treatments (Aloe vera gel coating, mancozeb, and untreated control) and substrate types (unfertilised topsoil, NPK-fertilised topsoil, and Aloe vera gel mixed with topsoil) on seed germination and seedling growth over three nursery cycles. Seeds coated with Aloe vera gel demonstrated the highest germination rate (90.53%) and fastest germination time (3 days), outperforming both mancozeb-treated and control seeds in germination kinetics. Growth parameters such as seedling height and leaf number were significantly influenced by substrate type (p<0.03), with no notable differences between NPK and Aloe vera-treated substrates. The study suggests that Aloe vera gel, both as a seed coating and soil additive, offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments, enhancing seed germination and early seedling growth in tomatoes