In vitro DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES OF SELAGINELLA CILIARIS OF RAJASTHAN UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT QUALITIES

In the current study, megaspore germination and the emergence of sporelings in vitro under different light qualities were recorded in Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring. Megaspore germination in terms of exine bursting was observed after 17 days from the date of sowing in control whereas this process under red light treatment was observed two days earlier than control. Under yellow light, it was recorded after 11days of spore sowing, which is earlier by 6 days than control while in blue light exine bursting was observed after 17 days from the date of sowing as observed in control. The emergence of sporelings was observed only in blue light treatment after 23 days of sowing. These observations indicate that yellow and red light qualities promote megaspore germination and blue light behaves as control during germination but favors the development of sporelings in this species of Selaginella occurring in Rajasthan.