ABSTRACT

The growing demand for sustainable agriculture has led to increased use of biofertilizers as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM), and mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB) are widely recognized for their ability to enhance plant growth and soil health. Aloe barbadensis Mill., a medicinal plant known for producing Aloin and Aloe emodin, holds significant pharmaceutical value. This study aimed to develop an effective microbial consortium-based biofertilizer and assess its impact on plant growth and secondary metabolite production in A. barbadensis. Based on plant growth-promoting traits, Funneliformis mosseae (AM), Aspergillus terreus (PGPF, MCC 1819), and Bacillus tequilensis (MHB, MCC 4174) were selected. Eight treatment sets were established to evaluate individual and combined effects. Results showed that the AM+MHB combination significantly improved soil nutrient status and primary plant growth. HPLC analysis revealed maximum Aloin content in AM+MHB-treated plants and highest Aloe emodin content in the AM+PGPF set. The AM+MHB combination demonstrated strong potential as a sustainable biofertilizer, enhancing both growth and metabolite yield in Aloe barbadensis. This microbial consortium offers an effective, eco-friendly strategy for improving medicinal plant cultivation and meeting global pharmaceutical demands. Keywords: Aloe barbadensis Mill., Mycorrhizal Helper Bacteria
Publication date: 01/09/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10466.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.10466