Micropropogation of Stevia

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial herb, belongs to family Asteraceae, commonly known as 'Madhu patra', is a valuable medicinal herb having anti-diabetic properties. It is highly used as low calorie sweetener and has importance in the nutritional market. An experiment was conducted on Micropropagtion of Stevia rebaudiana. Shoot base of the selected herb as explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP, Kn and IBA alone and in combination (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mg/1). The induction of multiple shoots from shoot bases was the highest in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 BAP+2.0 mg/1 Kn. For rooting, different concentration of IBA were used and highest rooting was recorded on MS medium with 1.0 mg/1 IBA. The rooted Plantlets were hardened initially in culture room condition.