Freezing resistance of gametophytes of the temperate fern, Polystichum retroso-paleaceum

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Abstract
To understand the adaptation of the life cycle of ferns to cold regions, the freezing resistance of gametophytes and sporophytes of the temperate fern, Polystichum retroso-paleaceum, was evaluated in Sapporo. The mature sporophytes were hardy to −15 °C, but not to −20 °C. However, marginal cells located in the wing part of the gametophytes remained alive after freezing to −70 °C, and even to −196 °C. It was also observed that these surviving cells, after freezing to very low temperatures, resumed growth and grew into new gametophytes. Present evidence provides a demonstration of the adaptability to cold climates of the gametophytic generation of ferns.

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