In vitro studies on development of gametophyte, sex-ontogeny and reproductive biology of a threatened fern, Microsorium punctatum (L.) Copel.

Abstract

Studies on reproductive biology vis-a-vis conservation of threatened state of the species, Microsorium punctatum, is the major concern of the present study. The life cycle starting from spore germination, gametophyte growth and differentiation, sex ontogeny and success of sporophyte formation through intra-and inter-gametophytic selfing was scrutenised and reproductive biology of this species was completely studied. The result indicates that the species could moderately be a good colonizer, as considerable number of sporophytes was produced through selfing, but in contrast very few plants were observed in the area of its occurrence. The threatened state could be due to unfavourable conditions for gametophyte growth, mating, subsequent slow pace of sporophyte development, and both epiphytic and terrestrial habit of the species.