General Info and Guide to Prepare Medium
1. Product List & Descriptions
MS Medium Set (1 Liter Prepack)
A widely used medium containing essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins to support plant growth, callus formation, and micropropagation.
Usage: Suitable for general tissue culture, organ culture, and callus induction. Often used with growth regulators (6-BAP, NAA, IBA).
Half-Strength MS Medium Set (1 Liter Prepack)
Contains 50% of the macronutrients of full MS medium. Designed to avoid stress or excessive growth in sensitive species.
Usage: Ideal for rooting stages, seed germination, and in vitro culture of sensitive plants to prevent nutrient toxicity.
WPM Medium Set (Woody Plant Medium) (1 Liter Prepack)
Formulated specifically for woody plants and hard-to-culture species. Features lower nitrogen levels.
Usage: Best for trees, shrubs, and perennials. Used for shoot proliferation and somatic embryogenesis.
2. Key Differences & Specifications
- Standard Additives: Agar content is 8 grams per liter and sucrose/sugar is 30 grams per liter.
- MS Medium: Best for general culture (Orchids, Banana, Strawberry, Potato).
- Half-Strength MS: Best for sensitive plants and rooting (Arabidopsis, Tomato, Mint, Rice).
- WPM Medium: Best for woody species (Apple, Oak, Pine, Blueberry).
3. Required Tools & Materials
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pressure Cooker / Rice Cooker | Sterilizes media and tools. |
| Still Air Box (SAB) | Provides a sterile workspace. |
| Razor Blade & Tweezers | For cutting and handling plant tissues. |
| 70% Isopropyl Alcohol | Disinfects tools, hands, and workspace. |
| Household Bleach (10% diluted) | Sterilizes plant explants. |
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare MS Medium
Gather Ingredients
MS Medium Powder (1L pre-measured), Table Sugar (30g), Agar-Agar Powder (8g), 900ml Boiled & Cooled Water.
Mix the Medium
- Dissolve MS Medium Powder in 900ml water and stir well.
- Add sugar and agar-agar, mix thoroughly.
- Adjust pH to ~5.7 using vinegar or baking soda.
- Top up to 1 liter and pour into PP plastic cups.
Sterilize
Autoclave at 121°C (15 psi) for 15-20 minutes in a pressure cooker. Allow to cool before opening.