Optimization of chemical sterilization agent in Stevia rebaudiana tissue culture

Abstract

This study was to distinguish the efficiency of using sodium hypochloride, (NaOCl) in sterilization of explant Stevia rebaudiana in tissue culture technique. Sterilization technique is ought to be done for the successful in growth of the tissue culture especially Stevia rebaudiana which is the type of plant to be studied. The tenacity of sterilization technique was to diminish the risk that the microorganisms sustain on the cultures. NaOCl is use as modification on using mercury chloride, (HgCl2) which was very harmful. The plant part used was leaf (1 cm) and culture in Murashige & Skoog media. By determining the optimal concentration and time immersed of the NaOCl to be used with existence of ethanol solution, the optimum solution attained was 0.70 % of NaOCl concentration with time immersed of 20 minutes and plus existence of ethanol.