Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Callus Formation In Stevia Rebaudiana

Abstract

Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni (natural sweetener) belongs to Asteraceae family and can be used as artificial sweeteners for diabetic patients. It has zero calories value and 300 times sweeter than sugar. Usually, it is cultivated by seeds or stem cutting, but seed viability rate is poor. The presented research was conducted to develop a standard protocol for the development and cultivation of stevia rebaudiana (Bert.). Experiment was conducted in the laboratory of nuclear institute of food and agriculture using complete randomize design (CRD) design including three replications and four treatments. In this study the effect of different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) on efficient regeneration of Stevia (S.) rebaudiana (Bert.) from the leaf explants has been investigated. Napthelic acetic acid and Benzyl amino purine (NAA+BAP) 2mg/Lshows a significant result as compared to a treatment of Basal, 2-4D 1mg/L, 2-4D 2mg/L. A suitable leaf was aseptically inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium for callus proliferation.