Propagation by partial tissue culture of Austral Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) for revegetation

Abstract

Austral Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) is a native fern common in many Australian ecosystems and is needed in large numbers for revegetation projects. The main limiting factor for the propagation of locally sourced material is spore availability. A mass propagation system was developed by combining tissue culture and nursery-based systems. Spores collected over the summer months from wild populations were germinated in vitro on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.15% w/v activated charcoal. Gametophytes were rapidly multiplied on the same medium. In vitro sporophyte development was unreliable although sometimes prolific. However, gametophytes transferred to a pine bark potting medium with added coir,..