A simple technique for tracking individual spore and gametophyte development in Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f. using modified extra thin alginate film technique.

A new technique was developed for accurate calculation of percent germination and tracking of individual spores from germination to gametophyte development in Adiantum lunulatum. High percentage of ETAF immobilized spore germination (72.4%) was followed by development of gametophytic clumps. The ETAF immobilized clumps were cut into pieces and multiplied en masse. Apomictic sporophytes developed from the gametophytes. This indicated the potential of ETAF for mass propagation of A. lunulatum without the need to start from spores. Since individual spores can be tracked from germination to gametophyte development, the ETAF technique has the potential to be used for (i) harvesting uniformly developed plants of similar age for extensive experimentations and commercial utilization and (ii) detailed study on developmental and reproductive biology of different ferns and fern allies.