Direct Shoot Organogenesis from Leaf Explants of Stevia rebaudiana

Abstract

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to standardize a protocol for direct shoot regeneration from leaf explants of Stevia rebaudiana.  Among the combination of plant growth regulators tested in field grown leaf explants maximum number of shoots (10.4±0.21) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BA (1.0 mg/L), Kn (0.5 mg/L) and IAA (0.1 mg/L), where as in in vitro derived leaf explants maximum number of shoots (28.7±0.84) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BA (2.0 mg/L), Kn (0.5 mg/L) and NAA (0.1 mg/L). All the in vitro raised shoots with a length of 3-5 cm were transferred to rooting medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins such as IBA and NAA (0.1–2.0 mg/L). The best rooting response was observed on 2.0mg/L IBA. The well rooted plantlets were transferred to polybags containing soil + vermiculite in 1: 1 ratio for hardening. Finally the hardened plantlets were transferred to field conditions for maximum survivability.