Fern spore propagation Neil Barry

Objectives Students will be able to: Describe how to collect fern spores; Give examples of how to sterilise growing media; State how to sow the spores; Identify the aftercare requirements to ensure successful germination; State how to pot on & acclimatise to outdoor conditions. Neil Barry

Growing ferns from spores (9 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tYTz7ONMXU Neil Barry

The spores can be yellow, green, brown, or black. Ferns are reproduced from spores that are gathered in clusters called sori, which are usually on the underside of the fronds The sori are sometimes covered with a membrane called an indusium, which will lift up when the spores are ripe The spores can be yellow, green, brown, or black. Neil Barry

To gather the spores, pick a frond or portion of a frond and place it between two sheets of white paper. If ripe, the spores should drop within 24 hours and will leave a pattern on the paper. Frequently, chaff will drop as well, and this must be removed before sowing. To get rid of the chaff, tilt the paper slightly and tap gently. The chaff will fall away while the spores remain behind. Neil Barry

This can be bought or sterilised before sowing the fern spores by It is important to use sterilised growing media. This kills the spores of fungi and other plants that may germinate and crowd out the developing fern prothalli This can be bought or sterilised before sowing the fern spores by a)pouring boiling water over it. b) putting a biscuit tin with the compost in the oven for about 15 mins at 210 deg c) putting the compost in a large plastic jug with a cover then microwave on full power for 10 minutes Neil Barry

Spores should be sparsely sprinkled on a medium such as finely chopped tree fern fibre, peat moss or sphagnum moss. Equal parts of loam, peat moss and finely crushed terracotta spread to a depth of 2cm over a base of vermiculite also forms an excellent germination base. Once sown the containers should be covered with plastic or glass (allowing some airspace) and kept at around 20 degrees C in indirect light. Spores take from 2 to 6 weeks to germinate. Neil Barry

It is essential to ensure that the compost remains moist at all times The fern spore needs a fine film of moisture over which to swim in order to complete the process of reproduction. Neil Barry

Blotting paper can also be used for germinating fern spores. This is placed in a saucer or tray and kept moist at all times. A transparent cover is inverted over the saucer and the whole lot placed in a well lit but not sunny position. Neil Barry

When you can see small plantlettes appearing the blotting paper should be lifted and placed on the surface of compost and watered well. It should then be covered with a transparent cover which can remain there until the plants are ready to be potted on. Neil Barry

After several weeks a thin, green haze will form on the surface. This will grow into a carpet of prothallia, which are small, green, heart-shaped structures and contain the sperm and the egg. When the prothallia are approximately ¼ inch, they should be lightly misted to hasten fertilization. If no little sporelings appear in several weeks, mist again. Neil Barry

When the prothalli are developed they may be pricked off into trays or pots containing a finely sifted soil mixture. The container should be covered with glass or plastic until the fronds appear. The developing ferns should not be exposed to direct light. They are then transplanted into pots, and finally moved out of doors when they are four to six inches tall depending on the season. Neil Barry

Prothalli with the first true frond coming up on the right. Neil Barry

Objectives Students will be able to: Describe how to collect fern spores; Give examples of how to sterilise growing media; State how to sow the spores; Identify the aftercare requirements to ensure successful germination; State how to pot on & acclimatise to outdoor conditions. Neil Barry

Oes cwestinau gyda chi? Neil Barry