1Department of Biotechnology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
2National Institute of Engineering and Technology, NIMS University, Jaipur
3Department of Botany, IP College, Bulandshar, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author: Arvind Arya E-mail: arvindarya@hotmail.com
Online published on 19 October, 2013.
The effect of different types of explants, PGRs, sucrose concentrations, different media and the strengths of medium were standardized to get the enhanced in vitro multiplication of Stevia rebaudiana. Efforts were also made to develop photoautotrophic micropropagation of Stevia. Among the various explants used for axillary bud induction the nodal explants showed the best results when cultured on 1x MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mM NAA+7.0 mM BAP or 5 mM IAA+7.0 mM BAP. Sucrose was proved as best carbon source at 3% concentration. The use of liquid medium did not affect the induction of buds but the elongation. BAP at 5 mM concentration was found best for further multiplication of shoots. Results pertaining to medium type and strength showed that MS medium at 1x strength alongwith 3% sucrose resulted in best multiplication and elongation of shoots. The in vitro raised Stevia plantlets were cultured on sugar free and sugar containing modified MS medium devoid of PGRs. Sugar containing medium proved better over sugar free medium.
Stevia, Photoautotrophic, Photomixotrophic, Micropropagation, Axillary, Propagation
