The Influence of Disinfection Method on the Contamination Rate of Explants from Ornamental Grasses Carex montana and Sesleria caerulea, In vitro

Sterilizing underground parts such as rhizomes and roots is a challenging step in tissue culture and a complication faced by most researchers. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a protocol for achieving this goal. Sterilizing agents such as silver nitrate (AgNO3), silver nanoparticles (NSPS), and activated charcoal were used at different concentrations and durations. It was found that immersing the crowns of two ornamental grass species in 0.5% AgNO3 for 20 minutes increased the percentage of uncontaminated explants. The regenerated shoots were observed to be healthy when cultured on all media types. However, the treatment did not prevent necrosis. On the other hand, immersing Sesleria caerulea explants in 0.25% silver nitrate (AgNO3) for 10 or 15 minutes with culture media of silver nanoparticles (NSPS) significantly increased the percentage of healthy regenerated shoots. This protocol failed to eliminate microbial contamination and did not produce healthy regenerated shoots in the Carex montana species. This treatment resulted in a notable percentage of necrosis among contamination-free explants.