Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

The successful application of in vitro propagation methods for strawberries leaned on the effective surface sterilisation of tissue culture explants. To reduce contamination and improve survival rates, a range of sterilizing chemicals were used. These treatments included various fungicides (Bavistin 0.4% + Carbendazim 1% and Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w) as well as Mercuric Chloride (0.1%), NaOCl2 (4%), Citric acid (0.45%), and Ascorbic acid (0.25%), followed by a 70% ethanol treatment. Upon examining different combinations and durations, the study revealed that the highest survival percentage (72.05±8.41%) was achieved using the combination of Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w for 5 minutes, followed by a 1-minute treatment with 0.1% HgCl2. This combination outperformed others significantly. Additionally, the treatments involving Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w for 7 minutes and 0.1% HgCl2 for 1.5 minutes, and Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w for 3 minutes and 0.1% HgCl2 for 0.5 minutes, resulted in survival rates of 63.52±5.78% and 57.79±4.93%, respectively. In conclusion, the most successful method for the in vitro propagation of strawberries involved treating the explants with Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w for 5 minutes, followed by a 1-minute exposure to 0.1% HgCl2. This combination offered the highest survival rate, presenting a promising technique to boost strawberry propagation through tissue culture. These findings hold significant implications for the agricultural industry, as they contribute to the advancement of strawberry cultivation methods and the availability of high-quality strawberry plants for commercial purposes.