SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS OF STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Leaf and nodal segments were cultured on MS media supplemented with varying concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/L) of 2,4-D for callus induction. The highest amount of callus 26.38%, 48.50% and 72.15% at 14, 21 and 28 days after inoculation in dark phase was produced in the MS medium with 0.4 mg/L 2,4-D. Interaction effects of media supplemented with NAA (a­ napthanlene acetic acid), Kn (Kinetin) and BAP (6-benzyl amino purine) were significant for somatic embryo induction. Among the three media the highest amount of somatic embryo was obtained in MS media supplemented with 5.0 mg/L Kn, 10.0 mg/L Kn and 1.0 mg/L BAP respectively. The highest amount of plant regeneration was obtained in MS media supplemented with 0. 1 mg/L NAA + 2.0 mg/L BAP. The best response towards root number and root length was obtained from MS media supplemented with 0.2 mg/L IBA. Finally the regenerated plantlets were successfully established into the pots after proper hardening.