Reproductive potentials of a tropical fern Cyclosorus afer (Christ.) Ching (Thelypteridaceae: Pteridopyhte) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Reroductive potentials of Cyclosorus afer (Christ.) Ching a tropical fern was studied. Propagation by the spores of this plant was therefore investigated. The aim was to determine the ability of early germination of these spores using nutrient (growth) agar. The experimental site was the Reforestation unit of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Fresh matured spores collected from this site were cultured in a prepared nutrient medium inside the Petri dishes labeled A, B, C, D, and E. The rapid rate of germination was observed at day 10 and day 14. The experiment was replicated thrice. Statistical analysis was carried out using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result showed that maximum germination occurred around the second week. This is th because about three-quarters of the spores germinated between 10^thand 14th day of planting during which 80%, 50%, 90% and 60% germination was recorded in each of the Petri dishes B, C, D and E respectively while no germination was observed in the control experiment in Petri dish A. This indicates that the spores have potentials to raise this plant within a short period.

Keywords: Cyclosorus afer, Croziers, Sporangia, Spores, Sori,