Comparative studies of in vitro and in vivo grown plants and callus of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni).

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is investigated as an option for artificial sweetening agents. An efficient plant regeneration via shoot and callus organogenesis was established. Explants were cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations of cytokinins and auxins. Optimal shoot initiation was achieved on medium containing 0.3 mg/l kinetin. Root induction was optimized on MS medium with 2.0 mg/l IBA. Callus optimization was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.1mg/l 2,4-D.Shoot initiation from callus was maximum in MS+BA +2,4-D and rooting was supported by presence of IBA in MS medium. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized, with a survival rate of 40%.Plantlets and calli grown on MS medium with different plant growth regulators were screened for proximate analysis. Plant and callus regenerated from shoot explant on MS+2,4-D+IBA was proved to be a substantial source for stevioside production. In histological analysis vascular tissue development was seen.