The picked nodal segments were kept under
running water for about 15-20 minutes to
remove soil particles and then rinsed with
liquid detergent (Teepol 1%) (v/v)) for 5-10
minutes. Then they were rinsed with sterile
double distilled water at least thrice to get
rid of teepol. Prior to inoculation, these
explants were subsequently surface
sterilized in the laminar air flow chamber
with 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2; w/v)
for 2 minutes followed by repeated rinsing
with sterile double distilled water.