In vitro sterilization protocol for micropropagation of Achyranthes aspera L. node

Achyranthes aspera L. (Apang locally) belongs to the family Amaranthaceae, is a highly significant medicinal herb found almost everywhere in Bangladesh. The herbs are produced by using traditional propagation and in vitro techniques. Micropropagation is a rapid propagation technique, but the greatest problem is contamination with fungi and bacteria. We analyzed the effects of Nistatin, Flugal, Bavistin, Ridomil gold, and HgCl 2 on surface sterilization to obtain desirable asepsis. However, among the different sterelants, Flugal 3% for 10min followed by 0.1% HgCl 2 for 2-3min was the most effective treatment when field-grown plants (node) were used as explants. At higher concentration, fungicides were showed maximum effects against contaminants although survival percentages were low. This is the first report of successful sterilization and reduced contamination of explants from naturally field grown A. aspera L. by different sterilizing agents.