Aposporic development of gametophyte in Sematophyllum subpinnatum (Brid.) E. Britton (Sematophyllaceae) from capsule wall

In the present study, an axenic culture of Sematophyllum subpinnatum (Brid.) E. Britton was attempted from spores. However, spores failed to germinate, but protonemata were seen arising from the diploid capsule wall cells by apospory. Few cells of the capsule wall turned green, and the protoplast divided, resulting in the extension of the protoplast as a germ tube, which developed into protonemata. Protonemata were less spreading, and adult gametophytes developed from these protonemata. The aposporic plants so developed were transferred to soil, and they showed normal growth but with decreased branching. No sex organs and sporophytes were seen. This is the first report of aposporic development of S. subpinnatum from the capsule wall.