Reciprocal hybridisation of Aloe species (Aloe arborescens with A. vera) and their characterisation in a highland region of Venezuela

Aloe vera and A. arborescens are succulent plants widely used incosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. The objective of this study was toperform interspecific crosses and agronomically characterise three genotypes cultivated inaVenezuelan highland region (altitude 1 727m, 13–17.9C). Successful hybridisation was achieved only when A.arborescens pollen (P1) was used onA. vera pistils (P2), whereas the reciprocal cross was largely unsuccessful. Hybrid seed germination reached 11.86%, and adult hybrids exhibited significant vegetative superiority over P1, particularly inleaf volume, leaf weight, and flower number. The progeny outperformed both parents inleaf base width and lateral tooth size, thereby enhancing its ornamental value. The expected 2n = 2x = 14 karyotype was confirmed inthe root meristems ofhybrids. The analysis of leaf pulp processing indicated that the hybrid was promising for juice production (39.8% yield, 1203 ppm acemannan), thus highlighting its potential for agro-industrial applications intropical highlands orcomparable temperate regions. Other agronomic traits, including number, thickness, colour, and shape ofleaves; sprouting ofstem branches and basal suckers, flowering period, inflorescence, eggs/ovary, and details ofthe colour and dimensions ofbracts, perianth, pedicel, and ovary, were also evaluated.