Effects of Light, pH, Temperature, and Crowding on Megaspore Germination and Sporophyte Formation inMarsilea

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Abstract
Megaspore germination and sporophyte formation of Marsilea vestita H. and G. was studied under different light, pH, temperature, and crowding conditions during a 6 d experimental period. Maximum germination and sporophyte development occurs under relatively low light intensity. Darkness and high light intensity inhibit sporophyte development. Selected wavelengths of light (red, far-red, green, blue) and darkness reduce both megaspore germination and sporophyte development as compared to white light. Megaspores and sporophytes show maximum development at 25 °C in light, whereas their development is reduced at all temperatures in darkness. The optimum pH range for megaspore germination is pH 7–8 and that for sporophyte development is pH 7. Sporocarp contents alter the pH of unbuffered acidic and basic media toward a more optimal growth condition (pH 6–8) for megaspore germination. Megaspore germination and sporophyte development vary inversely with conditions of crowding. Root and leaf growth on developed sporophytes is very similar in most treatments.

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