Method for increasing the production yield of steviol glycosides from sweet stevia using aeropic cultivation

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of plant cultivation and biotechnology and is intended for increasing the content of the principal steviol glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside A, in sweet stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) plants. The method comprises cultivating in vitro germinated seedlings in rock wool cubes until the development of two true leaves, transferring the seedlings to an aeroponic cultivation system, and growing them under controlled environmental conditions. The plants are cultivated under a predetermined photoperiod, temperature regime, LED light intensity, relative air humidity, and CO₂ concentration, while the root zone is supplied with a nutrient solution in the form of intermittently sprayed mist. Following the cultivation period, the accumulated steviol glycosides in the plants are quantified. The method provides a 1.8- to 2-fold increase in leaf biomass and enhances the total steviol glycoside content of the plants, including cultivars characterized by naturally high levels of these compounds. The invention can be applied for the production of stevia biomass with enhanced biological value for use in dietary supplements and functional food products.