Microwave Sterilization of Plant Tissue Culture Media

Abstract

Nutrient medium can be sterilized using a household-type microwave oven. The required microwave treatment time was influenced by the oven's microwave power intensity (70 to 700 W), vessel type, volume of medium employed, and the presence of energy sink water reservoirs (ESWR). Growth rates of strawberry ( Fragaria vesca L.) shootlets, lemon [ Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.] fruit halves, or carrot ( Daucus carota L.) callus cultured on either microwaved or autoclaved media were similar. Microwaving and autoclaving appeared to reduce GA 3 activity compared with medium containing filter sterilized GA 3 . Chemical name used: gibberellic acid (GA 3 ).