Enhanced in vitro Shoot Regeneration and Biochemical Properties of Stevia rebaudiana using Chitosan

Stevia rebaudiana is a herbaceous perennial plant with great global demand due to its beneficial steviol glycosides(SGs) content. Current conventional breeding technique unable cater the need for more S. planting materials. Therefore, an improved in vitro shoot regeneration protocol was developed by using chitosan. The highest fresh weight of (0.586 ± 0.176 g/explant), dry (0.056 0.02 g/explant) and height (4.94 1.17 cm/explant) maximum number leaves (25.33 6.95 /explant) were observed on explants grown optimun treatment MS basal medium supplemented 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyaminopurine (BAP) 60 low molecular (MW) chitosan after 4 weeks culture. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that new primordia bud formation can be seen as early day 3 5 cultures treatment. Further biochemical assays total phenolic acid content, protein content hydrolyzed sugar recorded higher cultured compared control media. In contrast, chlorophyll flavonoids reduced optimum Meanwhile, no significant difference antioxidant activity observed. All from optimal successfully regenerated, acclimatized grew well 100% survival rate. Taken together, enhanced efficient which will useful rapid large-scale micropropagation future.