Sterilization of Anubias nana and Rotala macrandra for In Vitro Culture

This study was conducted to establish a sterilization protocol for Anubias nana and Rotala macrandra. The plants from its originated area are highly exposed to microbial contamination such as bacteria and fungi. Those contaminants can be eliminated by using suitable sterilizing agents. The sterilization is a vital step in preparing a healthy and viable explant in tissue culture. In this study, three different sterilizing agents which are fungicide, silver nitrate (AgNO3) and mercuric chloride (HgCl2) were used. The percentages of survived and contaminated explants were observed after one week of culture. The results showed that 100% of Anubias nana explant survived when the explants were rapidly rinsed with 0.1% (HgCl2). The explant of Rotala macrandra resulted in 56% of survival when it was rapid rinsed with 0.05% HgCl2. However, treatment 0.05% HgCl2 for Rotala macrandra also produced 33% of fungal contamination. Keywords: Rotala macrandra, Anubias nana, sterilization, fungicide, silver nitrate, mercuric chloride