Studies on spore culture of ferns (Platycerium coronarium and Asplenium nidus) in agar medium
1996
Juntadach, S. (Prince of Songkla Univ., Songkhla (Thailand). Faculty of Science and Technology. Dept. of Science)
Ferns are large group of plants of which many species live in the jungle. Serveral species are in use for landscape gardening. Platycerium coronarium and Asplenium nidus are rare, and may become extinct in the near future due to overcollection. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of these species by using spore cultures in agar media. This is important for conservation and we may also return them to nature. The sporangium of Asplenium nidus grows on the dorsal frond arranged like veinlets, but the sporangium of Platycerium coronarium develops on a bowl-shaped structure on fertile fronds. The sporangia of both species are filled with brown spores. Sporangia of both species were placed in agar media (Miller and Miller 1961). The spores germinated after 1 month of culture. Gametophytes development: Spores germinated to filament gametophytes. Rhizoid cells were developed after the third or fourth cell division. After that, cordate gametophytes were formed in Platycerium coronarium and spoon-shaped ones in Asplenium nidus. The sporophytes were developed after the sex organs on the gametophytes had been formed. Sporophyte development: Filament gametophytes were grown in hormone-free Miller and Miller (1961) Murashige and Skoog (MS), MS+Benzyladenine (BA), MS+2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and MS+BA+2,4-D. The growth in hormone-free Miller and Miller medium was the best. After that, they were transferred to hydroponic solution. It took 18 months from spore germination to young sporophyte plants. The plants could be successfully planted in 2-inch pots. Direct placing of the spores in hydroponic solution can reduce unnecessary steps.
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