Abstract
The peduncle subtending the sporangial area of the fertile spike of Ophioglossum petiolatum elongates considerably bringing the sporangial area above the sterile segment of the frond. Surgical removal of the sterile segment of the frond has no effect on subsequent peduncle elongation, nor does removal of the sterile tip or any fraction of the sporangial area, providing a few basal sporangia are left intact. However, excision of the entire sporangial area results in an immediate cessation in peduncle elongation. Replacing the excised sporangial area with various growth substances indicates that, of those investigated, only auxins are able to induce peduncle elongation, but to a lesser degree than if the sporangia are left intact. Auxins stimulate peduncle cells to elongate without maintaining the mitotic activity of the intercalary meristem. An investigation of 19 rhizomes shows that three types of fronds are normally produced by this species: sterile fronds, fronds bearing a normal fertile spike, and fronds with an aborted spike. Aborted spikes lack sporangia and an intercalary meristem and fail to elongate.
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