Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, cilt.188, ss.180-190, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
High contamination rates during in vitro propagation of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) represent a major barrier to the widespread application of tissue culture techniques. Renewing aging plantations with genetically uniform and high-performing cultivars is essential for sustainable tea production, but traditional propagation methods fall short in maintaining clonal fidelity. Conventional surface sterilization protocols often involve toxic agents, such as mercuric chloride, which raises significant environmental and safety concerns. In this study, we developed a safer and more sustainable surface sterilization protocol for the micropropagation of four elite Turkish tea cultivars (black, white, green, and oolong) using nodal segments. A standard sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treatment was first optimized based on seasonal variation in contamination levels. To further improve decontamination success, an anti-agent immersion step was introduced using alternative antifungal agents: fluconazole (1%, 3%, 5%), nystatin (10%, 25%, 50%), and Quadris Maxx (1%, 3%, 5%). These agents were selected for their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and reduced phytotoxicity. Among all treatments, 1% Quadris Maxx achieved the highest sterilization rate (93-97%), particularly with explants collected in summer. Fluconazole (5%) and nystatin (25%) followed with 70-79% and 55-58% effectiveness, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the use of Quadris Maxx as a surface sterilant in tea micropropagation has not been previously reported. These results offer a practical and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional sterilants, supporting efficient and contamination-free propagation for commercial tea production.