Indian Journal of Crop Science

Stevia is a small shrub of North Eastern Paraguay and adjacent of Brazil. It attains height of 80 to 120 cm and grow well in sandy and acidic soils. At global level, it is mainly distributed in Southern United States and Mexico to Argentina, Chile and highlands of Brazil. It consist of 150–200 species of herbs, perennial herbs are diploids or polyploids with x =11 or 12. Stevia is an obligate short day plant belongs to family Asteraceae. Since its seeds have low germination, therefore, may be propagated commercially by cutting and micropropagation. The plant is affected by Septoria steviae disease observe in British Columbia and Ontario Canada. Stevia consist of stevioside (glycosides content) which is 150 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose, the other fragment of glycoside rebaudioside-A and D are 50 to 120 times more sweetener than sucrose. Stevia may be used in the form of dry leaves, dry leaves powder, tablets and also in crystal forms. It has zero calorie energy therefore, its products have medicinal properties and useful for the peoples suffering from diabetes, hypoglycemia, blood pressers, hypertension, etc. It is indicated as antigen for obesity reduces, heartburn and hypertension. It may also be utilized for industrial and household usage, mainly in soft drink and beverage sector and in Indian typical dishes.