Use of Benomyl and Rifampicin For in Vitro Shoot Tip Culture of Camellia sinensis and C. japonica

Abstract

The fungicide benomyl and the antibiotic rifampicin were screened at nine concentration combinations for effectiveness in controlling persistent bacterial and fungal contaminants of field-grown Camellia sinensis and C. japonica shoot tip explants. Following traditional disinfestation, a 24-hr culture in liquid medium containing benomyl at 1, 2, or 4 g·liter −1 and rifampicin at 10, 25, or 50 mg·liter 1 reduced contamination with no phytotoxic effects. Chemical names used: methyl[1-[(butylamino)carbonyl]-1 H -benzimidazol-2-yl]carbamate (benomyl); 3-[4-methylpiperazinyl-iminomethyl]rifamycin SV (rifampicin).