Effects of Disinfectant, Cytokinin, and Chlorine Dioxide on Multiple Shoot Induction of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. in Sterile Condition

Abstract

Wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb.) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. This plant is used in cosmetic formulations and traditional medicinal applications. Naturally, there aren't many seeds in C. aromatica Salisb, which makes it challenging to grow new cultivars or enhance existing types. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the appropriate type and concentration of disinfectant against contamination of the explant, and to study the effect of cytokinin on multiple shoot induction. The result showed that 0.1% Mercuric chloride for 10 minutes gave the lowest contamination at 26.67±5.77% and the highest germination at 53.33±5.77%. For sterile explants, the effects of various types and concentrations of cytokinin on multiple shoot induction were investigated. The highest number of shoots, at 3.11±0.69 shoots/explant, was obtained from shoots cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 6-Benzyladenine and 0.25 mg/L Thidiazuron For explants contaminated with bacteria, they were cultured on medium supplemented with chlorine dioxide to reduce contamination. The culture medium supplemented with 19.2 mg/L of chlorine dioxide (9.6 mg/L, two times) produced the greatest results in 100% reducing contamination.