Rapid plant regeneration and assessment of genetic fidelity of in vitro raised plants in Aloe barbadensis Mill. using RAPD markers

Rapid micropropagation was achieved in Aloe barbadensis Mill. using shoot meristems as explants. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to determine the genetic fidelity of in vitro raised plants. Forty decamers were used to amplify DNA from in vitro and in vivo donor plants to assess the genetic integrity. All RAPID profiles from in vitro raised plants were monomorphic and similar to that of field grown donor plants. No variation was detected within the in vitro raised plants. High multiplication frequency and molecular stability ensure the efficacy of the protocol developed for the production and conservation of this important medicinal plant.