An Efficient Method for Regeneration of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Genetics and Breeding Department, Sugar Crop Research Institute, Sabahia Research Station

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a natural sweetener plant with zero calorie content, becomes an inevitable alternative to sugar especially with the over 346 million diabetic population across the world. The present experiments were conducted to standardize an in vitro culture technique of stevia rebaudiana to explore its potential for callus culture. Leaves explants were cultured on MS medium with specific concentration of growth regulators (2,4-D,BA, Kin and NAA). The results showed that, 1. MS medium containing 1mg/l 2,4-dichlorophexoy acetic acid (2,4-D)+0.5mg/l Benzyl adenine(BA) was gave the best result of callusing. 2. Higher regeneration of plants (32.6 plantlets/callus) was obtained by placing callus on MS medium with 5mg/l BA. 3. Highest rate of root formation (56%) and rooting average (6.1) was recorded in MS medium with 1mg/l IBA.

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