When traditional sterilization is ineffective,
improved sterilization is often obtained
with fungicides and bactericides. The use of
antibiotics and fungicides can help with disinfection
of explants. However, the antimicrobials
must show some desirable features
to be used on plant tissue culture, such as
solubility and stability; they have to be unaffected
by pH and by media, with reduced
side effects and a broad spectrum of bactericidal
activity, suitable in combination,
showing reduced chance of resistance, and
with low cost. It is unlikely that any single
drug will fulfil all these criteria, but it
is essential that the user is fully aware of
any adverse effects that the media might
have