General composition of media

Common ingredients used in media are:

i.Inorganic salts: Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium are the regular components. Microelements like Manganese, Copper, Tin, Cobalt may also be present.

ii.Vitamins: the most important vitamins present are Thiamine and Inositol.

iii.Carbon Source: usually 2-4% sucrose is present which acts as carbon source.

iv.Growth regulators: Of all the plant growth regulators that are present, Auxins and Cytokinins are the major components included in the media. Auxins such as IAA, IBA, NAA etc. are present.

Auxin: Cytokinin ratio of 4:1 induces shoot formation.

Auxin: Cytokinin rati of 100:1 induces root formation.

v.Organic supplements such as malt extract, yeast extract and coconut milk are incorporated.

pH of media should be in the range of 5.5 – 5.7.

References:

• Plant tissue culture by Kalyan Kumar
• Plant Biotechnology by Vas and Dikshit
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel/genes/reproductionandcloningrev4.shtml