Preliminary studies on optimization of surface sterilization technique and effects of selected carbon source on in vitro callus induction of mango ginger (Curcuma Mangga Val.)

Curcuma mangga Val., is a traditional ginger with unique mango-like aroma and has medicinal values. Cultivation of this species through conventional methods is prone to diseases and has a low propagation rate. In vitro micropropagation is an alternative to produce disease-free C. mangga plantlets. Thus, we conducted preliminary study to establish in vitro culture, by optimizing surface sterilization technique and identifying optimal carbon source for callus culture initiation. The combination of 70% NaOCl + Tween 20 (5 minutes), 70% ethanol (5 minutes) and 0.3% HgCl2 as disinfectants was found to be the most effective surface sterilization technique out of three methods tested, with an 89.25% survival rate. Next, the effects of carbon sources on callus induction were studied by culturing the explants in 1 mg/L 2,4-D added MS medium supplemented with sucrose or glucose at three different concentrations (15, 30 and 60 g/L). The callus induction percentage, morphology and size obtained varied depending on the treatments. Friable callus was obtained from all the treatments except in treatment T4 with 60g/L glucose, which produced compact callus. The calluses obtained can be indirectly regenerated into C. mangga plantlets that can be further used as planting materials of C. mangga. Suspension culture could also be initiated using the callus culture. These cultures can be engineered as source for production of essential bioactive compounds