Spatial Distribution and Reproductive Behaviour of a Triploid Braken (Pteridium aquilinum) Clone in Britain

Chromosome counts of 156 in root tip cells of a bracken plantgrowing in a natural British population confirm the first recordof a triploid in this species. Spore and stomatal measurementssupport the contention of earlier work that cell size in correlatedwith ploidy level in ferns, but the plant is unusual in comparisonwith other odd-numbered polyploids in its degree in its of fertility('good' spore and functional gametophyte production). Two-dimensionalmapping based on isozyme electrophoresis reveal substantialspatial dimensions for the triploid, indicating a plant of considerableantiquity.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press Pteridium aquilinum, bracken, triploid, clone, reproduction, spatial distribution, genetics     

Bending growth in fern gametophyte protonema

Filamentous young gametophytes of the fern, Pteridium aquilinum,exhibit a positive phototropism in unilateral light. The displacementof artificial markers demonstrated that this new direction ofgrowth was due to the repositioning of the apical growth tiprather than an increased growth on the dark side. (Received December 16, 1974; )     

The Distribution of Silicon Deposits in the Fronds of Pteridium aquilinum L.

The occurrence of silicon in mature fronds of Pteridium aquilinumwas investigated using light and scanning electron microscopyand X-ray micro analysis. The heaviest deposits were locatedin the outer tangential walls of the epidermis of the petiole,but the upper epidermal cells of the costal regions of the laminaealso accumulated small quantities. No discrete bodies were associatedwith these deposits. However, the mid-ribs of the laminae exhibitedsome long siliceous fibres associated with the luminae of thestrengthening tissues. The significance of these accumulationsin relation to deposition mechanisms and possible carcinogeniceffects are discussed. Pteridium aquilinum L., bracken, frond, microanalysis, silica     

On separation and identity of fern antheridiogens

Chromatographic studies show that the hormones controlling antheridiuminduction in the fern species Pteridium aquilinum (Polypodiaceae),Anemia phyllitidis and Lygodium japonicum (Schizaeaceae) aredifferent molecular entities. SCHRAUDOLF's report that gibberellic acid induces antheridiain A. phyllitidis and L. japonicum was confirmed. The activityspectrum of GAs towards species of different fern families stronglyresembles that of the native Anemia antheridiogen. However,the native antheridiogens of A. phyllitidis, and of Lygodiumjaponicum, are more species-selective in their action than isGA₃. Preliminary studies have yielded no conclusive evidenceon whether the native antheridiogens are gibberellins. (Received August 21, 1967; )     

THE LOCOMOTOR BEHAVIOR OF LYGODIUM AND MARSILEA SPERM

Flagella of living sperm of the ferns, Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. and Marsilea vestita Hook, and Grev., beat three dimensionally with a continuous traveling helical wave. The wave is propagated from base to tip of the flagellum. Flagella of Lygodium and Marsilea complete 65 and 30 beat cycles per sec, respectively. Each flagellum circumscribes an open conicoid oriented in a latero-posterior direction. Only dead sperm have anteriorly directed flagella as illustrated in plant morphology textbooks.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and septate endophyte fungal associations in lycophytes and ferns of south India

We studied extent and type of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and septate endophytic (SE) fungal associations in five lycophytes and 50 ferns collected from Eastern and Western Ghats regions. Of the 54 species and one variety (belonging to 31 genera) examined; 54 taxa had AM association and AM fungal structures were absent in Marsilea quadrifolia. This is the first report of AM and SE fungal status for 26 species each. Of the 55 taxa examined, AM morphology has been evaluated for the first time in 51 species. The hydrophytic fern Salvinia molesta was mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal at different sites. All the epiphytic and saxicolous species examined were mycorrhizal. The percentage of AM colonization ranged from 22.23 (Christella parasitica) to 82.20 (Adiantum lunulatum) in ferns and 53.46 (Selaginella bryopteris) to 84.34 (Selaginella sp.) in lycophytes. Epiphytic life-forms had the maximum average AM colonization levels, whereas aquatic life-forms had the minimum colonization levels. The percentage root length colonized by septate fungi ranged between 0.59 in Ophioglossum reticulatum and 16.36 in Pteris pellucida. The root length with AM and SE fungal structures as well as their total colonization significantly varied among the taxa examined. Most of the lycophytes and ferns had intermediate-type of AM morphology with a few exhibiting Paris-type. AM fungal spore numbers ranged from 1.0 (Angiopteris evecta, Pteridium aquilinum) to (Nephrolepis exaltata) 9.3 spores per 25 g soil and varied significantly among taxa. AM fungal spore morphotypes belonging to Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis, Glomus and Rhizophagus were recorded.     

STIPE ANATOMY,WATER POTENTIALS,AND XYLEM CONDUCTANCES IN SEVEN SPECIES OF FERNS (FILICOPSIDA)

Anatomy and water relations were studied for the desert fern Notholaena parryi, as well as six other ferns representing three different orders which occupied xeric as well as mesic habitats. Tracheid number and diameter, and total xylem cross sectional area increased during leaf development for N. parryi; the whole plant conductance (volume flow of water through a stipe divided by the rhizome-to-leaf water potential drop) increased but tended to level off as the leaves matured. The reported occurrences of very steep water potential gradients (about 25 MPa m^–1) in stipes of N. parryi were confirmed. The ferns with the highest whole plant conductances (Alsophila australis, Botrychium dissectum, and Adiantum capillus-veneris) had the largest or greatest number of tracheids. Numerous tracheids in Botrychium dissectum offset a low tracheary conductivity, whereas Marsilea vestita had few tracheids resulting in a low whole plant conductance. Whole plant conductances for the ferns were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude less than those generally observed for angiosperms and 6 orders less than for gymnosperms. However, the relative conductivity (whole plant conductance times stipe xylem length divided by xylem area) was only 5- to 10-fold less than for angiosperms and about the same as for the gymnosperms. Stipe water relations in these ferns are discussed in relation to the evolution of xylem anatomy.     

The Effect of Colchicine on Spermatogenesis in a Fern, Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

Treatment of developing antheridia of Pteridium aquilinum for24 h with radioactive and normal colchicine resulted in spermatocyteswith restitution nuclei, binucleate spermatocytes with multipleimmature blepharoplasts, and spermatids in which the organizationof the microtubular ribbon and basal bodies, and the shapingof the nucleus were seriously disturbed. The results indicatethat the coiling of the multilayered structure and the condensationof the chromatin, two key events in spermatogenesis, are independentof tubulin polymerization. Transitional stages were observed between the granular materialof the blepharoplast and microtubules. Colchicine affected theassembly of the cartwheel structure of the basal bodies lessthan that of the triplets, which were often rudimentary or absent.Autoradiographs were only partially successful because of thefailure to devise a satisfactory method of embedding by freeze-substitution,but there was clear evidence of colchicine binding by nucleiin young spermatocytes. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, bracken, spermatogenesis, colchicine     

Effects of Sodium Selenite on the Growth of Bracken Fern Root Callus

Sodium selenite promotes the growth of bracken fern root callusgrowth over a narrow, low range of concentrations, while higherconcentrations are strongly inhibitory. Pteridium aquilinum, bracken fern, sodium selenite, selenium, callus     

The Effect of Systemic Griseofulvin Pre-Treatment on Invasion of Bracken Prothalli by Botrytis cinerea

Griseofulvin pre-treatment of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)prothalli reduces their susceptibility to invasion by Botrytiscinerea. The number of infection pegs successfully penetratingcell walls is reduced and the size of lesions, where penetrationis achieved, is much reduced. This is partly attributed to reductionin fungal growth-rate by free griseofulvin, but there is alsoa change in host cell-wall reaction to infection. The generalappearance of lesions in griseofulvin-treated prothalli is similarto that of lesions developing on naturally resistant clonesof prothalli. Griseofulvin treatment has no effect on the susceptibilityof prothalli to invasion by Pytkium debaryamtm.     

The Nature of the Membrane Around the Egg of Peteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

The mature egg of Pteridium aquilinum is surrounded by an acetolysis-resistantmembrane. Cytochemical tests indicate that this consists oflipid, possibly in a polymerized form. There is no evidencefor the presence of polysaccharide, protein, lignin, suberin,or sporopollenin. The membrane is believed to be formed frommaterials secreted by the egg itself, and to be analogous tothe inner portion of the megaspore membrane of a gymnospermwhich has a comparable origin and staining properties.     

The physiological implications of primary xylem organization in two ferns

Xylem structure and function are well described in woody plants, but the implications of xylem organization in less‐derived plants such as ferns are poorly understood. Here, two ferns with contrasting phenology and xylem organization were selected to investigate how xylem dysfunction affects hydraulic conductivity and stomatal conductance (g_s). The drought‐deciduous pioneer species, Pteridium aquilinum, exhibits fronds composed of 25 to 37 highly integrated vascular bundles with many connections, high g_s and moderate cavitation resistance (P₅₀ = ?2.23 MPa). By contrast, the evergreen Woodwardia fimbriata exhibits sectored fronds with 3 to 5 vascular bundles and infrequent connections, low g_s and high resistance to cavitation (P₅₀ = ?5.21 MPa). Xylem‐specific conductivity was significantly higher in P. aqulinium in part due to its wide, efficient conduits that supply its rapidly transpiring pinnae. These trade‐offs imply that the contrasting xylem organization of these ferns mirrors their divergent life history strategies. Greater hydraulic connectivity and g_s promote rapid seasonal growth, but come with the risk of increased vulnerability to cavitation in P. aquilinum, while the conservative xylem organization of W. fimbriata leads to slower growth but greater drought tolerance and frond longevity.     

Fern constituents: Including occurrence,chemotaxonomy and physiological activity

A comprehensive survey of the 1966–1984 literature of the chemical constituents in ferns is presented. A table of fern constituents listed by species arranged according to Crabbe et al. (1975) is included. Advances in flavonoid, terpenoid and xanthone fern phytochemistry, including chemosystematics, are summarized. The taxonomic, chemical and pharmaceutical aspects of the phloroglucinols found in ferns are discussed. Developments in the investigation into the structure of the toxic principles of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), whose consumption leads to cancer in domestic stock and to bracken cattle poisoning, are presented.     

Ethylene Production and Ethylene-induced Apogamous Bud Formation in Nine Gametophytic Strains of Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

A comparative study of the abilities of nine gametophytic strainsof Pteridium aquilinum to produce ethylene and to undergo apogamywas conducted. Each gametophytic strain produced ethylene atits characteristic rate and all the strains, except one, formedapogamous buds in response to evolved ethylene which collectedwithin sealed culture vessels or to exogenous ethylene suppliedin a continuous-flow system. The number of apogamous buds producedby each strain was not directly related to the ability of thestrain to produce ethylene, but rather appeared to be dependenton the ability of the gametophytes to respond to ethylene.     

Interaction between Antheridogens and Fatty Acids in Fern Spore Germination

Certain fatty acids in the C₅ to C₁₈ range, at concentrations as low as 10⁻⁵ M, were found to inhibit the germinations of spores of the sensitive fern, Onoclea sensibilis L. The addition of gametophytic culture flltrates of the bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, containing antheridogen A, was found to overcome this inhibition and allow the spores to germinate and the gametophytes to develop in a normal fashion. Some fatty acids were found to increase the antheridium-inducing potency of antheridogen A as much as 10-fold. An effect similar to this may promote the diecious reproduction of ferns.     

Translocation in Pteridium

The distributions of radioactivity with distance have been mappedin the rachis of Pteridium aquilinum at different times afterapplication of ¹⁴CO₂ to a pinna. Profiles change in shape withtime, from wave to transition and then to diffusion. The apparentdiffusion constant of sucrose may be obtained from transitionand diffusion profiles. Values varied from 2.2 x 10^–3to 3.6 x 10^–2 cm₂ sec^–1. These results are comparedwith those for various angiosperm species.     

The effect of thiouracil on the viability of eggs and embryogeny in Pteridium aquilinum

Summary Gametophytes of Pteridium aquilinum fed for six days with 50 and 75 p.p.m. thiouracil ceased to produce archegonia, but archegonia already initiated completed their development. Eggs produced in the presence of 50 p.p.m. thiouracil were viable, but embryogenesis was retarded. Gametophytes fed with 75 p.p.m. thiouracil mostly remained barren after insemination, the eggs being inviable, but others produced outgrowths from the archegoniate region which were either gametophytic, or sporophytic with a tendency to revert morphologically and functionally to gametophytic tissue.Thiouracil administered after fertilization either prevented embryogenesis, or retarded it, the sporophytes then being deformed and often showing a tendency to produce gametophytic tissue. The embryo became less sensitive to short periods of thiouracil as it developed, possibly because of the appearance of relatively quiescent regions, serving as reservoirs of unaffected cells.The results are held to support the view that the genes responsible for sporophytic growth become activated during oogenesis, and that the cytoplasm of the mature egg already contains the information leading to this kind of growth.     

Mobilisation of phosphorus byPteridium aquilinum

Summary A leaching experiment was designed to assess the ability ofPteridium aquilinum rhizomes to mobilise phosphate from inorganic sources. It was found that in contrast to roots ofCalluna vulgaris Pteridium aquilinum residues effectively released phosphate in an available form from both ground mineral phosphate and a mineral soil.     

Experimental and Analytical Studies of Pteridophytes: XXI. Sterile cultures of an abnormal growth from the gametophyte of bracken

The isolation and growth in sterile culture through sixteenpassages, each of 4 to 6 weeks' duration, of an abnormal growthisolated from a gametophyte of Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculumis reported, and the nutritional requirements described. The cultures consist of green, photosynthetic, predominantlyfilamentous, but coherent, masses. Prothalli were regeneratedon five occasions during the first two passages only. Outgrowthsof whitish or pale green parenchymatoua tissue occur. Thesepossess a central strand of elongated cells, some of which becomedifferentiated into a core of tracheides. Prothalli of the strain in culture are haploid. When examinedsoon after the initial explantation, the filamentous parts ofthe cultures were diploid, but there has been a subsequent increasein the number of chromosomes, and each cell is now irregularlyaneuploid, with a chromosome number between triploid and tetraploid.     

蕨受精作用的细胞学观察

为了阐明进化蕨类受精作用的特点和细胞学机制,该文采用透射电镜观察了蕨(Pteridium aquilinum var.latiusculum)受精作用的主要过程,观察结果显示:(1)蕨精子通过受精孔进入卵细胞,多数情况下,该精子的螺旋运动先在受精孔的下方产生一个受精腔,然后精子再与卵细胞质融合。(2)第一个精子的这种延迟的螺旋运动和因精子的钻入而引起的卵细胞固缩反应可能是阻止多精受精的重要因素。(3)卵发育时期产生的核外突在受精后仍能持续12 h,然后与核本体分离,逐渐在细胞质中消解。(4)合子通过其后方细胞质的液泡化而建立了水平极性,此后再进行细胞分裂。该研究观察到了进化蕨类受精作用过程中的一些新现象,包括产生受精腔、卵细胞固缩反应、核外突的命运以及合子极性建立等,这有助于理解蕨类植物的受精作用机制及有性生殖的演化。