Gametophyte morphology and reproductive biology in Elaphoglossum

Abstract

Gametophyte morphology, behavior, and growth habit of Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud., Elaphoglossum callifolium (Bl.) Moore, Elaphoglossum crassifolium (Gaud.) Anderson & Crosby, Elaphoglossum marginatum (Wall ex Fee) Moore, and Elaphoglossum yoshinage (Yatabe) Makino were observed on artificial agar medium. The morphology of these gametophytes are very different from those of Bolbitis, a genus of Lomariopsidaecae thought to have a close relationship with Elaphoglossum. The growth habit of Elaphoglossum gametophytes, like many other epiphytic species, is perennial and clone forming. Isozyme analysis of naturally occurring sporophytes of E. alatum, E. crassifolium, and Elaphoglossum paleaceum (Hook. & Grev.) Sledge suggest that sporophytes of E. alatum and E. crassifolium are diploid and derived from highly outbreeding populations. Fixed heterozygosity in E. paleaceum suggests that sporophytes of this species are polyploid, but at least some outcrossing occurs. High genetic loads determined from single gametophyte cultures of E. callifolium and E. crassifolium indicate low probabilities of successful intragametophytic selfing. Several tests indicate, however, that these species neither produce nor respond to antheridiogens. Therefore, intergametophytic mating in these species is likely maintained by genetic load. This mating behavior is promoted by a perennial and clone-forming growth habit which may function to prolong the life-span and to enlarge the space occupied by individual gametophytes.Key words: Elaphoglossum, fern gametophyte, reproductive biology, breeding system.