Response of Microsorium punctatum (Polypodium polycarpon) `Grandiceps' to gamma irradiation
1998
Aurigue, F.B. | Rosario, T.L. (Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Dept. of Horticulture)
The commercial production of fish-tail fern (Microsorium punctatum `Grandiceps') for cutfoliage is beset with the problem of spore formation that lowers the quality of the produce or makes it unmarketable. In addition, the variation is limited only to the size or length of fronds. Propagation is by division of the rhizome which is rather slow especially for the dwarf clone. To produce plants in large numbers, propagation by spores was tried using different substrates for germination. Sterilized "paslak" or fern roots was found the best. Prothallus formation was observed as early as 18 days after sowing while sporophyte formation occurred 46 days later. In order to induce variation, the spores were treated with 0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 kilorads of gamma rays before sowing. It is hoped that by mutation induction, new frond characteristics, novel pigmentation and sterility or inability to sporulate could be obtained. Initial results showed no differences in the rate of prothallus formation as well as sporophyte formation. At the present stage, the appearance of the young sporophytes do not vary between treatments. However, observation is still being undertaken for sporophytes that have been transferred to community pots. Another experiment wherein the sporophytes had been irradiated with gamma rays is being conducted
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