The effect of alginate as an elicitor on transcription of steviol glycosides biosynthesis pathway related key genes and sweeteners content in in vitro cultured Stevia rebaudiana.

Background: Stevia rebaudiana is a medicinal herb that accumulates non-caloric sweeteners called steviol glycosides (SGs) which are approximately 300 times sweeter than sucrose. This study used alginate (ALG) as an elicitor to increase steviol glycosides accumulation and elucidate gene transcription in the steviol glycosides biosynthesis pathway.

Methods And Results: To minimize the grassy taste associated with stevia sweeteners, plantlets were grown in complete darkness.