Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Stem Cuttings Under 3-Indoleacetic Acid (IAA) Treatment

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana is a high-value crop because of its metabolites, such as steviol glycosides. However, it only produces a few seeds, resulting in low productivity. Therefore, an appropriate propagation method is required to enhance its productivity. This study aimed to assess stevia’s morphological and physiological characteristics upon treatment with three doses of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) [mg/L] through stem-cutting propagation. The cuttings were treated with IAA at 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/L by dipping them in the IAA solution for 1 minute, then planting in growth media (garden soil, organic compost and coco peat with a ratio of 2:1:1) and keeping them in the greenhouse. The survival percentage, root length and number, plant height, leaf number, total chlorophylls, and stomata length and number were assessed in the 3rd week. The application of 40 mg/L IAA resulted in a significant improvement in all parameters. However, IAA treatment also causes stomata abnormalities. This result suggested that stem cutting and IAA treatment significantly contribute to stevia propagation.

Keywords

• propagation
• survival percentage
• growth
• stomata
• chlorophyll