In vitro Studies on Gametophyte Development and Gametangial Ontogeny of Athyrium falcatum Bedd. (Woodsiaceae)

Athyrium falcatum Bedd. is an economically important fern that occur in different ecological niche. In the present work spores of Athyrium falcatum were cultured in P & T medium and 77.5% spore germination was recorded within a week of sowing. The viability of spores was lost in seven months, when kept in room temperature. Prothallial development was found to be 'Drynaria Type'. Antheridia appeared first after 85 days of spore sowing, archegonia were initiated after 95 days and bisexual stage appeared after 110 days of sowing. Fern habitats are under continuous threat due to anthropogenic factors and developmental activities which ultimately decrease the forest cover and fern vegetation. In vitro culture creates a new path for mass cultivation of ferns and will be very helpful for their restoration and conservation. The main aim of the present investigation was to record the peculiarities of the pattern of spore germination, sex ontogeny and gametophyte development in this terrestrial taxon.