A reliable method for the selection of axenic seedlings

Summary Sterile seedlings are required for the investigation of interactions between microorganisms and plants. The present study was designed to develop a simple and reliable method for the selection of sterile seedlings by the use of liquid nutrient media, avoiding some of the disadvantages of solid media. The method of germinating surface-sterilized seedlings on solid water agar or nutrient media was compared with our method for sterility control in nutrient broth. Sterile plant selection in liquid media was the most sensitive method for detecting bacterial and fungal contaminants. Sterile plants grow with the same vigour as unsterilized plants and can be used for sterile plant experiments.