The excised explants were dipped in 70% ethanol for 60 sec. After
pretreatment with ethanol, the explants were rinsed with double
distilled water twice, so as to lower the toxic effect of ethanol. Nodal
segments were then surface sterilized with 1.0% mercuric chloride
(HgCl2) for 3 min (IIlahi et al., 2007). After the surface sterilization of
explants, mercuric chloride was removed and the explants were
rinsed with double distilled water thrice, so as to lower the toxic
effects of HgCl2.