Abstract:
Stevia rebaudiana plants produce non caloric sweeteners that can be used as an alternative to sugar. In the present study
reliable protocol was developed to obtain healthy plants of S. rebaudiana through callus cultures. Leaf discs and nodal
explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of PGRs. MS medium
supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L NAA was found to be the best medium for callus induction. Leaf disc was
found to be the best explant type for callus initiation. Leaf derived calli were transferred into shoot induction media and MS
medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2.0 mg/L BAP was the best medium. Shoots with more than 5.0 cm were
transferred into root induction media and half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L IBA was the best medium for
root induction.
