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Updated: 04-07-13

MICRO-PROPAGATION OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA BERTONI THROUGH ROOT EXPLANTS

EJAZ GUL GHAURI^*, MUHAMMAD SIDDIQUE AFRIDI, GUL AKHTAR MARWAT, INAYATUR-RAHMAN AND MUHAMMAD AKRAM

Abstract: Protocol for In vitro micro-propagation of exotic medicinal plant Stevia rubaudiana. Bert (Asteraceae) through induction of shoots on root explants and further proliferation of multiple shoots and induction of roots on the micro shoots established. Regeneration of cultures In vitro was markedly influenced by the sterilant; cytokinins, auxins supplied to Murashige and Skoog’s medium. Synergistic combination of 6-Benzyl aminopurine (BAP) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) evoked the regeneration of shoots with optimum numbers and maximum lengths. Subculturing of root explants on basal medium with the same concentration of BAP and TDZ resulted in the proliferation of shoots. Roots induction and maximum percentage of number of roots regeneration on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1mg/L IBA was observed.  The In vitro regenerated plants were established in sand, loamy soil and farmyard manure 1:1:1. The exotic plants grow normally in the field and acclimatized in the local habitat of Peshawar valley of Pakistan.

Medicinal Botanic Centre, PCSIR Labs Complex Peshawar, Pakistan.

٭Corresponding author’s e-mail:ejazpcsir@gmail.com