The effect of corn (Zea mays L.) kernel extract as a natural growth regulator in pacthouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) subculture plantlet

Abstract

Abstract Patchouli is an essential oil producing plant which has high demand in the market. The high demand for patchouli cannot be met by conventional methods so it is diverted to use the in-vitro culture method. In-vitro culture media and plant growth regulators (PGR) are the keys to the success of culture. The study was conducted using corn kernel extract as natural PGR on in-vitro culture media with the aim of observing the effect of corn kernel extract on Patchouli plant explants. This research was designed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 5 replications, namely the addition of 2, 6, 12, 18, 24 mg/L extract and no extract as a control. The parameters measured in this study were stem height, number of shoots, number of leaves and number of roots. The research results showed that the addition of corn kernel extract has a significant effect on stem height and number of roots, inversely for number of shoots and number of leaves. Media sterilization is thought to damage natural PGR due to the low stability of PGR. The starch content in corn kernel extract is thought to have the potential to inhibit the growth of Aceh patchouli explants.