Spore germination and gametophyte development of Cyathea contaminans (Hook.) Copel (Cyatheaceae) under different culture media

Cyathea contaminans (Hook.) Copel, which is also known as Sphaeropteris glauca (Blume) R.M.Tryon is an important commercial tree fern in Southeast Asia. This species is a target of intense exploitation. There are over 30 records of international trade for this species, with sawn wood, timber pieces, dried plants, and wood chips exported from wild sources for commercial use. Habitat degradation, deforestation, and land-use change will cause a bad impact on conserving the tree ferns. In vitro culture is a crucial method for plant multiplication that could help prevent overharvesting of native populations. This study evaluated the influence of different culture media on the spore germination and gametophyte development of C. contaminans. The sterilized spores were germinated in half and quarter Murashige & Skoog (1/2MS and 1/4MS) media with or without 20 g/l sugar. The 1/4MS with the addition of sugar is better for germinating spores and supporting gametophyte development. The spore germination corresponds to Cyathea type and the gametophyte development to the Adiantum-type. The present study contributes to new information for the cultivation, management, and conservation of the Cyathea species.