Abstract:
Turmeric are commercially cultivated by vegetative propagation method as it has a very rare
flowering ability. Even though, vegetative propagation through rhizome is done their
multiplication rate is very low and also there is a high contamination rate of propagating
materials. The use of in vitro culture techniques for large scale propagation of turmeric is a
current trend. Therefore, the study was focused on developing a proper explant sterilization
protocol which is a major pre-requisite for a successful in vitro culture. The experiment was laid
out in a two-factor factorial complete randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SAS statistical package (Version 9.1). Sprouting rhizomes of
turmeric were cleaned and washed with a soap solution for 10 minutes and washed with
distilled water. Then treated with a 0.4% (w/v) Carbendazim (fungicide) solution for 10 minutes
and treated with 70% ethanol for 1 minute. Buds were then treated with 10%, 20%, 30% and
40% commercially available Clorox for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. For each treatment 10 buds
were used, where 3 replicates were performed for each treatment. They were introduced to MS
(Murashige and Skoog) medium to observe the growth and contamination. Data were collected
after 4 and 6 weeks of culture. The results showed the significantly highest survival rate (80%)
of rhizome buds from the treatment 30% Clorox for 20 minutes and 40% Clorox for 15 or 20
minutes. Therefore, it can be recommended to use 30% Clorox for 20 minutes to ensure the
provision of disease free viable buds for in vitro propagation of turmeric.
