Pteris adscensionis (Pteridaceae) Cryopreservation
Photo: Ryan Cripps
Young sporophyte of the critically endangered endemic fern, Pteris adscensionis in micropropagation
Pteris adscensionis (Pteridaceae) is a critically endangered fern endemic to Ascension, a small volcanic island situated in the central equatorial Atlantic Ocean. This species is restricted to a few small patches on the island and is extremely susceptible to extinction in the near future. The primary cause of this is thought to be invasive alien species. Gametophytic tissue provides an ideal ‘tool’ for the stable preservation and regeneration of many ferns. Techniques have been developed for the in vitro culture and cryopreservation for many pteridophytes and 40 are currently held in cryostorage at Kew.
Spores collected on Ascension from Pteris adscensionis were brought to Kew and germinated in vitro. Gametophytic material is now being bulked up and used to develop a protocol for the intended cryopreservation of this rare fern. Sporophytes have also been produced in vitro and these are being hardened-off.
Project Team
Project Leader: Cripps, Ryan
HPE
Margaret Ramsey