The Effect of Gabaculine on Germination and Gametophyte Morphogenesis of Anemia phyllitidis L.Sw.

Gabaculine, applied to germinating spores of the fern Anemiaphyllitidis in concentrations between 10^–4 M and 10^–6M inhibits chlorophyll synthesis together with considerablesimplification of chloroplast ultrastructure. Though gabaculinereduced phytochrome-induced morphogenetic effects (cell shape,inhibition of hormonal antheridium induction), the rate of redlight-induced spore germination, however, has not been affectedby the inhibitor. This indicates significant differences betweenthe two types of photomorphogenetic reactions regarding theirdependency on phytochrome homeostasis. (Received April 21, 1986; Accepted October 22, 1986)