Introducing Stevia rebaudiana, a natural zero-calorie sweetener.

摘要: Two accessions of Stevia rebaudiana were successfully introduced in the experimental farm at Institute Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 2000. Cultivation trial these was conducted during 2001-03. Overall crop performance satisfactory for both and they least affected by biotic abiotic factors like high rainfall, frost, infestation insects diseases. Quantitative differences found stevioside content two accessions, ranging between 6 8%. Accession 1 superior 2 leaf biomass. Higher regenerated January, second year plant growth. With improved management practices, there is further scope improvement content. A laboratory-scale process developed extraction up to 63% purity. Although self-incompatible its breeding behaviour, prevalence diverse has facilitated seed production under conditions. This triggered material introduction amongst interested growers large numbers. The present communication outlines growing pattern yield from North Indian region. Three cuts could be obtained two-year period crop.