Gametophyte development and conservation of Ctenitis submarginalis (Dryopteridaceae) in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Abstract

The spore germination and gametophyte development of Ctenitis submarginalis from Punta Lara Natural Reserve, Buenos Aires province were studied as a contribution to the conservation of the species in this protected area. Spores collected from natural populations were sowing in Dyer medium and germinated in six day with a percentaje of 88 % fifteen days after sowing. The germination is Vittaria type and the gametophyte development is Aspidium type. The gametophyte of Ctenitis submarginalis is cordate, with a deep notch and well developed and symmetric wings. The gametangia appear 50 days after sowing. The sporophyte emerges 190 days after sowing and two different hairs were observed in the first lamina. The in-vitro spore germination is a successful method for obtaining numerous sporophytes of Ctenitis submarginalis. The sporophytes obtained were gradually acclimated, transplanted to its natural habitat in the reserve and will be monitored frequently to contribute to the conservation of the species.