Rapid in vitro propagation of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and evaluation of its stevioside content

An efficient protocol was established for rapid in vitro propagation of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, using explants from mature plants. The effect of 1/2MS, MS and B5 culture media, also 27 different combinations of auxins and cytokinins was studied on in vitro growth and development of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The best culture medium for shoot and root formation was 1/2MS, producing 1.30 shoots/explant, 10 leaves/explant, 6.68 roots/explant and 100% rooting. Shoot and root formation increased by using plant growth regulators. The best shoot formation (2.83 shoots/explant and 12.35 leaves) was obtained in the MS basal medium supplemented with 2.21 μM BAP and 1.42 μM IAA. The best root formation (100% rooting, 7.2 roots/explant and 2.19 cm root length) were obtained in the MS basal medium supplemented with 1.42 μM IAA. S. rebaudiana Bertoni plantlets were adapted and grown well in the growing medium containing perlite and vermiculite (1:3). After transplantation to the field. HPLC results demonstrated that stevioside content was similar between the regenerated (19.48 mg g-1 dry weight) and the mother plants (20.45 mg g-1 dry weight).