Evaluating the Efficacy of Mercuric Chloride as a Surface Disinfectant for In Vitro Establishment of Stevia rebaudiana

Vaibhav D. Misal, Ashok M. Chavan

Abstract: The present study aimed to standardize an effective surface sterilization protocol for the in vitro propagation of Stevia using nodal segments, shoot tips, and leaf explants. Different concentrations of mercuric chloride (HgCl?; 0.05?0.5%) and exposure durations were evaluated to determine their effects on explant contamination and survival. Among the treatments tested, 0.2% HgCl? with a 2-minute exposure was found to be the most effective, resulting in maximum survival rates of 70% for leaf explants and 80% for both nodal segments and shoot tips. Higher concentrations of HgCl? resulted in increased tissue mortality and reduced explant viability, whereas lower concentrations were inadequate for effective contamination control. Therefore, treatment with 0.2% HgCl? for 2 minutes was established as an effective surface sterilization protocol for achieving aseptic culture establishment while maintaining high explant viability during the in vitro propagation of Stevia.

Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana, Surface Disinfectant, HgCl2, in vitro, tissue culture

How to Cite?: Vaibhav D. Misal, Ashok M. Chavan, "Evaluating the Efficacy of Mercuric Chloride as a Surface Disinfectant for In Vitro Establishment of Stevia rebaudiana", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2169-2171, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26827162552, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26827162552

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