In-Vitro Micropropagation and Media Optimization of Stevia Reboudiana an Important Bio-Sweetener and Medicinal Plant”.

The technique of Plant Biotechnology has an important role to play in the production of agriculture, horticulture and ornamental plants and in the manipulation of plants for improved agronomic performance. In the present study initiation of callus has been done by using explants from auxiliary and apical meristems of Stevia rebaudiana. Explants were inoculated on MS basal medium having Vitamin supplement with Auxin like 2-4, D and NAA (0.5mg/lt. -2.0mg/lt.) alone or in combination with cytokinis like BAP & Kinetin (0.52 mg/lt. -1.0 mg/lt.). Sucrose 30 gm. and agar 4.5 gm./lt. After the formation of explants, they were transferred into shoot induction medium containing different concentration of cytokine like BAP & Kinetin (0.5 mg/lt. to 30 mg/lt.) with additional vitamins. After few days numbers of multiple shoots were formed. Strong and elongated shoots were treated with root initiating medium i.e MS containing Auxin like IBA, NAA & activated charcoal. Maximum 60-70% callusing in 10 to 15 days was initiated on 2-4D (1-2mg/lt.) and 40-50% callusing were reported in medium containing (1.0 NAA & 0.5 mg/lt. BAP) in 25-30 days. Nodular compact cells were formed in 2-4D. The medium containing BAP alone showed shoot formation 70-80% with 40% coconut water. Second rooting medium used was containing NAA and activated charcoal and 85% rooting were observed within 7-10 days after transferring. Finally the cultured plants were transferred for hardening.