Sterilization and Callus Formation of Rubber Meristem (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

Abstract

Rubber plant (Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg) is one of the important plantation commodities in Indonesia because of its role as a source of income. It stimulates the economic growth around the rubber plantation area. The propagation of rubber is still using conventional methods like grafting. The technique of tissue culture through callus induction is one of the alternatives of mass propagation of rubber seedling with quick and efficient time. The sterilization method is very important to determine the success of tissue culture techniques. Therefore, the aim of this research is to know the best method of sterilization and callus formation in rubber explants. The basic media used were WPM and MS, with BAP of 2 ppm and NAA 0.1 ppm. The best result of sterilization is by soaking 5% fungicide solution for 5 minutes, 5% Clorox solution for 15 minutes, betadin 10% solution for 5 minutes, and finally it rinsed with sterile water three times. The best medium uses WPM medium for callus induction, with 0.5 cm callus length and embryonic callus. In contrast, the MS medium has 0.4 cm callus length and non embryonic callus.