Spore Germination and Gametophyte Development in Three Species of Asplenium

Laboratory and field experiments involving Asplenium ruta-murariaL., Asplenium trichomanes L. subsp. quadrivalens D.E. Meyeremend. Lovis and Asplenium scolopendrium L. [= Phyllitis scolopendrium(L.) Newm.] revealed differences in their temperature requirementsfor germination and in their sexual development on soil. Thegermination responses of A. trichomanes and A. scolopendriumto culture temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C were verysimilar and all spores were able to germinate at 10 °C.Spores of A. ruta-muraria differed in that germination was slowerat 15-25 °C and very much delayed, or even inhibited, at10 °C. Both laboratory and field cultures of A. trichomanesand A. scolopendrium produced male, female and bisexual gametophyteswhereas those of A. ruta-muraria produced only males and bisexuals.The ecological significance of these differences is discussed.Copyright1994, 1999 Academic Press Fern, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium scolopendrium, Phyllitis scolopendrium, spore germination, gametophyte, reproductive biology, temperature effects, field experiments