In vitro production of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Experiments were conducted for the standardization of in vitro culture technique for the mass propagation of Stevia rebaudiana, a medicinally important, zero-calorie value, sweet tasted and an antidiabetic herb. Shoot tip, nodal segment and leaf were used as explants and they were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of BA, Kn and IAA both in individual and in combined form for shoot inductions and the best results were obtained from MS medium supplemented with BA+ IAA at the concentrations of 1.0 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l respectively. Among the explants used, shoot tip stood first in inducing shoot development. Best root formation of in vitro developed shoots could be achieved on half-strength Nitsch (N^sub 6^) medium supplemented with IAA at concentration 1.0 mg/l. The in vitro developed plantlets were transferred to pot and they were grown in greenhouse for hardening and finally they were planted in the open filed. Around 82% of plants were successfully established in natural field condition. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]