Abstract: A method was standardized for the quick establishment of aseptic cultures in guava from mature field-grown stock plants for micropropagation through enhanced axillary branching technique. The maximum number of aseptic explants with shoot proliferation was obtained by a combination of surface sterilizing agents involving hydrogen peroxide (10%), silver nitrate (0.25%), and mercuric chloride (0.05%) treatment of explants one by one for five, six, and three minutes, respectively. The problem of phenolic browning was also minimized to a great extent by leaching of phenolic compounds due to agitation in antioxidant solution as well as by proper drying of explant prior to inoculation.
