Effects of light, macronutrients, and sucrose on germination and development of the endangered fern Adiantum reniforme var. sinense (Adiantaceae)

Effects of light, macronutrients strength of Murashige and Skoog (MS) (1962), and sucrose in the culture medium on spore germination and gametophyte development of the endangered fern Adiantum reniforme var. sinense were investigated. The presence of light was found to be essential for both spore germination and gametophyte growth. Moreover, a medium consisting of 1/4 MS with 15 g/l sucrose was optimal for spore germination and early gametophyte development; whereas, MS medium with 30 g/l sucrose was optimal for further gametophyte development. Increasing amounts of sucrose (45–60 g/l) in the medium delayed gametophyte growth and development. Additionally, sporophyte formation and early growth of gametophytes in a medium consisting of clay and peat (v/v = 1:2) was higher than those in a medium consisting of pure river sand. These findings indicated that requirements for nutrients for spore germination and early gametophyte development of A. reniforme var. sinese were relatively low, but these increased with further gametophyte development, formation and growth of sporophytes.