2.4  Sporangium collection and storage

Yuji Hiwatashi

 

Introduction

Spore preservation is the most stable method. A mature sporangium is harvested, dried and stored at 4˚C. A sporangium contains thousands of spores. We have confirmed that spores could be stored for at least 4 years under this condition, and should be stable longer.

 

Procedure

1. Cultivate gametophores at 15˚C under the short-day condition (8L16D) and induce sporophyte .

2. After development of a brown sporophyte at the apex of a gametophore, cut seta of a sporophyte with a scalpel and a forceps, and separate sporangium from a gametophore. Do not cut green sporangium that has not yet been matured. 

Cut here

 

 

3. Add sporangia into a micro tube and air-dry sporangia for a couple of days.

4. Store at 4˚C. 

 

[Materials]

Gametophores with sporophytes

Forceps

Scalpel

Microtube

 

[Key points]

Collect mature brown sporangia. Dot not collect immature green sporangia.