Abstract:
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) the "queen of spices" is a universal table condiment
belongs to family Zingeberaceae. It is usually cultivated through seed and vegetative
means that are slow and time consuming. Tissue culture methods are considered more
efficient for mass propagation. The present study was initiated to develop a protocol for
surface sterilization techniques for in-vitro propagation of cardamom through the
suckers. The suckers were surface sterilized using 70% Clorox, 1g/l Captan, and
detergent (Dettol).
Murashige and Skoog medium was used as the basal medium. Completely randomize
design was conducted to test the effect of Captan fungicide. Captan dipping period of 30
minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 75 minutes were tested. Fungal contamination
percentage, bacterial contamination percentage, tissue browning, green appearance, and
number of shoots were assessed for testing the effect of Captan and optimization of
surface sterilization protocols. The surface sterilization procedures were effective but
there was no significant difference among Captan dipping period for the parameters
evaluated.
