PERBANYAKAN STEVIA ANTARA KESERAGAMAN DAN KEANEKARAGAMAN

Stevia Propagation Trade-offs between Uniformity and Diversity

Abstrak

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a potential source of a zero-calorie natural sweetener, yet it faces challenges in its propagation system that affect productivity and quality standards. This study critically compares the efficiency of generative (seed) and vegetative (cutting) propagation methods to support sustainable stevia production. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for publications from 2014 to 2024, focusing on empirical studies reporting quantitative data on propagation success rates, growth, and steviol glycoside content.  The analytical results indicate that vegetative propagation achieves a high success rate particularly with the application of auxins, compared to the lower seed germination rate, which is highly dependent on seed viability. Plants derived from cuttings exhibited superior vegetative vigor, with increases in plant height, leaf number, and biomass, alongside higher steviol glycoside content and a more commercially favorable rebaudioside A. stevioside ratio. Conversely, the generative method resulted in high phenotypic diversity and low biochemical consistency.  These findings confirm the superiority of vegetative propagation for commercial purposes, as it preserves superior genotypes and the physiological maturity of the plant. However, the potential for genetic erosion and dependence on mother stock remain significant risks. Therefore, the propagation method must be aligned with the intended objectives: vegetative for market-oriented standard production, and generative for genetic conservation and breeding programs. Integration with micropropagation is recommended to minimize somaclonal variation.