Studies on the Development of Gametophyte in Brainea insignis

Abstract:

The spores of the Brainea insignis (Hook.) J. Sm. were cultured in the inorganic medium. The spore germination and the gametophytic development were observed by microscope. The results showed that the spores were brown and monolete with a wrinkled perine. The spores germinated about three days after sowing. The spore germination belonged to the Vittaria-Type while the gametophyte development was of the Drynaria-Type. The prothallial plates formed about fifteen days after sowing. The mature cordate prothallus developed twenty-five days after sowing, profuse trichomes bearing superficial and marginal prothallus. Antheridia consisted of three cells. Archegonial neck was usually composed of four rows of cells and four to five cells high at maturity.

Key words:Brainea insignis;Gametophyte;Development