The sterilisation of explants was based on two approaches (two compounds): dichloroisocyanuric acid (DICA) (Aldrich, Germany) and sodium hypochlorite. For DICA sterilisation, explants were soaked for 20 min in DICA (16.6 g/L) to which 2-3 drops of Tween 20 (a wetting agent) were added and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water. Based on the second approach, the explants were immersed in 70% ethanol for 40 sec, soaked in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 15 min and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water