Review on Methods of Explant Surface Sterilization for Efficient Micropropagation

Abstract

Surface sterilization of plant parts which are introduced to commence in vitro establishment is a crucial activity in micropropagation. To begin the elimination of microbial contaminations, selected plant parts should come from healthy mother plants which are grown in a protected environment with minimal biotic and a biotic stress. However, other than epiphytic microorganisms, plants also harbour microorganisms in the intercellular spaces which are referred to as endophytes. Thus elimination of contaminants to obtain axenic cultures is a challenge especially since endophytes can be carried over to the multiplication stage. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are popular among in vitro culture contaminants; hence sterilizing agents which can destroy epiphytic as well as endophytic microorganisms should be used with different concentrations and exposure time according to the explant type and plant variety. In this respect, disinfectants such as Sodium Hypochlorite, Benzalkonium Chloride, antibiotics (tetracycline + vancomycin + streptomycin + gentamycin + rifampicin), fungicides (Daconil™, Benomyl,) are used in plant culture to control or destroy pathogens. Efficacy, handling and storage must be carried out in aseptic conditions. This article has filtered all the surface sterilization methods and obtained the easiest and effective methods of sterilization of commonly used explants such as leaves, buds, nodes and seeds.