Effects of light, macronutrients strength of Murashige and Skoog (MS) (1962), and sucrose in the culture
medium on spore germination and gametophyte development of the endangered fernAdiantum reniforme
var. sinensewere investigated. The presence of light was found to be essential for both spore germination
and gametophyte growth. Moreover, a medium consisting of 1/4 MS with 15 g/l sucrose was optimal
for spore germination and early gametophyte development; whereas, MS medium with 30 g/l sucrose
was optimal for further gametophyte development. Increasing amounts of sucrose (45–60 g/l) in the
medium delayed gametophyte growth and development. Additionally, sporophyte formation and early
growth of gametophytes in a medium consisting of clay and peat (v/v = 1:2) was higher than those in a
medium consisting of pure river sand. These findings indicated that requirements for nutrients for spore
germination and early gametophyte development ofA. reniformevar. sinesewere relatively low, but these
increased with further gametophyte development, formation and growth of sporophytes.Effects of light, macronutrients strength of Murashige and Skoog (MS) (1962), and sucrose in the culture
medium on spore germination and gametophyte development of the endangered fernAdiantum reniforme
var. sinensewere investigated. The presence of light was found to be essential for both spore germination
and gametophyte growth. Moreover, a medium consisting of 1/4 MS with 15 g/l sucrose was optimal
for spore germination and early gametophyte development; whereas, MS medium with 30 g/l sucrose
was optimal for further gametophyte development. Increasing amounts of sucrose (45–60 g/l) in the
medium delayed gametophyte growth and development. Additionally, sporophyte formation and early
growth of gametophytes in a medium consisting of clay and peat (v/v = 1:2) was higher than those in a
medium consisting of pure river sand. These findings indicated that requirements for nutrients for spore
germination and early gametophyte development ofA. reniformevar. sinesewere relatively low, but these
increased with further gametophyte development, formation and growth of sporophytes.