The reproductive biology of the invasive ferns Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum (Schizaeaceae): implications for invasive potential

The effect of culture system and population source on sexual expression and sporophyte production was examined for two invasive fern species in Florida, USA, Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum (Schizaeaceae). Both species are currently spreading through Florida. Long-distance dispersal of ferns...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of botany 2003-08, Vol.90 (8), p.1144-1152
Main Authors: Lott, Michael S., Volin, John C., Pemberton, Robert W., Austin, Daniel F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological taxonomies
Biology
Ecological invasion
Ferns
Florida
Gametophytes
Invasive species
Lygodium
Mating systems
Nonnative species
Plant reproduction
Plants
Reproductive Biology
Schizaeaceae
selfing
Sexual expression
Spores
Sporophytes
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Summary:The effect of culture system and population source on sexual expression and sporophyte production was examined for two invasive fern species in Florida, USA, Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum (Schizaeaceae). Both species are currently spreading through Florida. Long-distance dispersal of ferns is thought to rely on successful intragametophytic selfing. Given the rate of spread observed in both Lygodium species, we hypothesized that both species are capable of intragametophytic selfing. To test this hypothesis, gametophytes of both species were grown in vitro as isolates, pairs, and groups. Both species were capable of intragametophytic selfing; 78% of L. microphyllum isolates produced sporophytes and over 90% of the L. japonicum isolates produced sporophytes. Lygodium microphyllum also displayed the ability to reproduce via intergametophytic crossing, facilitated by an antheridiogen pheromone. Sporophyte production was rapid across mating systems for both species, an advantage in Florida's wet and dry seasonal cycles. The high intragametophytic selfing rate achieved by both species has likely facilitated their ability to colonize and spread through Florida. The mixed mating system observed in L. microphyllum appears to give this species the ability to invade distant habitats and then adapt to local conditions.
ISSN:0002-9122
1537-2197
DOI:10.3732/ajb.90.8.1144