Product List
1. MS Medium Set (1 Liter Prepack)
Purpose:
Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium is a widely used plant tissue culture medium formulated to support plant growth, callus formation, and micropropagation. It contains essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins necessary for plant cell development.
Usage:
- Suitable for general plant tissue culture, micropropagation, organ culture, and callus induction.
- Often used with growth regulators like 6-BAP, NAA, or IBA depending on the plant species and desired outcome.
- Dissolve the contents in 1 liter of distilled water, adjust the pH to 5.7–5.8, add agar if needed, and sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15–20 minutes.
2. Half-Strength MS Medium Set (1 Liter Prepack)
Purpose:
Half-strength MS medium contains 50% of the macronutrients found in full-strength MS medium. It is designed for plant species that require lower nutrient concentrations to avoid stress or excessive growth.
Usage:
- Ideal for rooting stages, seed germination, and in vitro culture of sensitive plants.
- Helps prevent nutrient toxicity for plants that grow better in diluted nutrient solutions.
- Prepared similarly to full-strength MS medium, but with a lower nutrient concentration.
3. WPM Medium Set (1 Liter Prepack)
Purpose:
Woody Plant Medium (WPM) is specifically formulated for the in vitro culture of woody plants and hard-to-culture species. It has a different nutrient composition compared to MS medium, with lower nitrogen levels to support woody plant growth.
Usage:
- Best for woody species such as trees, shrubs, and perennial plants.
- Used for shoot proliferation, micropropagation, and somatic embryogenesis of woody plants.
- Similar preparation process as MS medium: dissolve in 1 liter of distilled water, adjust pH, add agar if needed, and autoclave for 15–20 minutes at 121°C.
Key Differences:
When to use:
| Medium Type | Nutrient Strength | Best For | Common Uses | Example Plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Medium | Full-strength | General plant tissue culture | Callus induction, micropropagation, organ culture | Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Banana (Musa), Strawberry (Fragaria), Potato (Solanum tuberosum) |
| Half-Strength MS | 50% of MS nutrients | Sensitive plants, rooting | Root development, seed germination | Arabidopsis, Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Mint (Mentha), Rice (Oryza sativa) |
| WPM Medium | Lower nitrogen, optimized for woody plants | Woody species | Shoot proliferation, somatic embryogenesis | Apple (Malus domestica), Oak (Quercus), Pine (Pinus), Blueberry (Vaccinium) |
The agar content is at 8 grams per liter and sucrose or sugar at 30grams per liter.
Required Tools & Material
Tools & Equipment (Household Alternatives)
| Tools & Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pressure Cooker / Rice Cooker | Sterilizes culture media and tools at high pressure & temperature |
| Still Air Box (SAB) / Clean Plastic Storage Box | Provides a sterile workspace |
| New Razor Blade & Tweezers | Used for cutting and handling plant tissues |
| Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%) | Disinfects tools, hands, and workspace |
| Household Bleach (e.g., Clorox, 10% diluted) | Used to sterilize plant explants |
| Boiled & Cooled Water | Prevents contamination from tap water |
| Baking Soda & White Vinegar (for pH adjustment) | Adjusts media pH (~5.7) |
| Spoon & Glass Jar | Mixes media properly |
| Clear Plastic Cups with Lids (use PP only) | Holds the plant cultures |
| Plastic Wrap / Cling Film | Seals culture jars to prevent contamination |
| Any Clean Spray Bottle with Rubbing Alcohol | Sterilizes hands, tools, and workspace |
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare MS Medium for Plant Tissue Culture (Using Household Tools & Equipment)
Step 1: Gather Ingredients & Tools
🔹 Ingredients:
- MS Medium Powder – Pre-measured for 1 liter
- Table Sugar – 30g (~1.5 tbsp) (energy source)
- Agar-Agar Powder – 8g (~1.5 tsp) (solidifying agent)
- Boiled & Cooled Water – 900ml to start
- Baking Soda or White Vinegar – for pH adjustment
🔹 Tools Needed:
- Spoon & Glass Jar (for mixing)
- Plastic Cups with Lids (PP type) (for culture containers)
- Plastic Wrap / Cling Film (to seal)
- Pressure Cooker / Rice Cooker (for sterilization)
Step 2: Mix the MS Medium
1️⃣ Heat 900ml of boiled & cooled water in a clean glass jar or mug.
2️⃣ Dissolve MS Medium Powder – stir well with a spoon.
3️⃣ Add sugar and mix until fully dissolved.
4️⃣ Add agar-agar powder and stir thoroughly.
5️⃣ Check & adjust pH using:
- Add a drop of vinegar if pH is too high (>5.8).
- Add a tiny pinch of baking soda if pH is too low (<5.7).
6️⃣ Top up to 1 liter with boiled & cooled water.
7️⃣ Pour the medium into plastic cups (fill about ⅓ full).
Step 3: Sterilize the Medium
1️⃣ Place filled plastic cups inside a pressure cooker or rice cooker.
2️⃣ Add some water inside the cooker (not too much, just to create steam).
3️⃣ If using a pressure cooker: Heat at 121°C (15 psi) for 15-20 minutes.
4️⃣ If using a rice cooker: Steam for 30-40 minutes (may not be as effective as a pressure cooker).
5️⃣ Let the cups cool inside the cooker before opening.
Step 4: Seal & Store
1️⃣ Cover each plastic cup with its lid.
2️⃣ Wrap the lids with plastic wrap/cling film to prevent contamination.
3️⃣ Store in a clean area until ready to use.
Next Step: Sterilizing & Transferring Plants
Now that the MS medium is ready, the next step is to sterilize plant explants and transfer them into the medium inside a Still Air Box (SAB).
