Micropropagation and phase change in Blechnum spicant and Pteris ensiformis

Rhizomes of juvenile sporophytes of Blechnum spicant L. and Pteris ensiformis L. cultured on MS medium with N-6-benzyladenine alone (0.44-4.4 mu M) or in combination with naphthaleneacetic acid (0.053-0.53 mu M), respectively, gave rise to several proliferation centres located at the epidermal and inner parenchyma of this organ after one month in culture. Subculture of these rhizomes for one month in growth regulator-free medium allowed organization of internal proliferation centres, and regeneration of a large number of sporophytes. Subculture in the above-mentioned proliferation medium, induced phase change and development of aposporous gametophytes from surface-localized proliferation centres. Addition of naphthaleneacetic acid to the culture medium promoted proliferation of green globular bodies (GGB) in B. spicant and both rhizogenesis and callogenesis processes in P. ensiformis. GGB derived from rhizomes of B. spicant produced numerous sporophytes and from the point of view of micropropagation it is a good system to regenerate sporophytes in this species.