Regeneration of drought-stressed gametophytes of the epiphytic fern, Pyrrosia pilosellodes (L.) Price

Abstract

The epiphytic habitat represents a highly dynamic environment, and water deficit is one of the common factors that affects growth and development of epiphytes. Gametophytes of the epiphytic fern, Pyrrosia piloselloides (L.) Price, were able to tolerate up to 50 days of drought. Upon rehydration, cells that recovered from water stress were capable of forming new gametophytes. The ability of gametophytes to recover from desiccation plays an important role in the survival and growth of the fern species under natural conditions.