Strategies to improve poor seed germination in Stevia rebaudiana, a low calorie sweetener

• DOI: 10.5897/jmpr12.226
• Publication Date: 2013-06-25
• Authors: Ravinder Raina; Shes Kanta Bhandari; Romesh Chand; Yashpal Sharma
• Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana; Stevia; Rebaudioside A; Plant reproductive morphology

Expanding cultivation of exotic ‘stevia’ in mid- and low-hill areas Himachal Pradesh, India, is difficult because the problem low seed fertility. The objectives present study were to devise strategies produce fertile seed. Two distinct compatible morphotypes isolated, which when used pollination produced seeds, whereas self-pollination always resulted sterile set, indicating sporophytic self-incompatibility species. To obtain a mixed population genotypes should be raised. Although chromosome numbers ranging from 22 70 are reported literature, both investigated had only chromosomes but differed on basis leaf shape, shoot collar diameter, plant type (compact or loose) stevioside/rebaudioside A content.

Key words: Stevia rebaudiana, number, pollination, stevioside, rebaudioside A.