In Vitro Regeneration of Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis (G.Forst.) Ching)

Abstract

Abstract Rumohra adiantiformis, also known as “leatherleaf fern”, is an ornamental species that, because of its long display life, is widely used in floral arrangements. In this study, a new protocol for in vitro regeneration of the leatherleaf fern was established. For spore germination, two culture media (MS and Knop) were assessed with presence or absence of 1g L−1 activated charcoal (AC) under different light and dark conditions. Frond, frond microcuttings, and prothallus explants were evaluated on Knop regeneration medium supplemented with 1g L−1 AC, 0.5% agar, pH 5.0 in combination with 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D: 0.0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg L−1) and 6-benzylamino purine (BA: 0.0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg L−1). For rooting, four levels of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA: 0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 mg L−1) were tested. After 18 days of culture, spore germination rate was 100% on Knop medium with AC and 8 h light/16 h dark. After 120 days of culture, sporophytes 1.7 ± 0.4 cm in length developed on Knop m...