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Reversal by Light of Ethylene-induced Inhibition of Spore Germination in the Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis

An Action Spectrum ¹

W. Shropshire, Jr.^b

^a Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 Park Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23284, ^b Smithsonian Radiation Biology Laboratory, 12441 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852

Spores of the fern Onoclea sensibilis L. normally germinate to produce two cells of unequal size. The larger cell divides to produce the familiar heart-shaped prothallus. The smaller cell elongates and differentiates into the rhizoid but normally does not divide again. Onoclea spores germinate in complete darkness. Dark germination can be completely inhibited by ethylene gas (10 microliters per liter is saturating). This inhibition can be reversed by light. Broad band colored light studies were designed to determine which area of the spectrum was most effective in overcoming ethylene inhibition. White light treatment resulted in 17% germination. Blue light treatment resulted in 1% germination. Red light treatment resulted in 15% germination. Red light, therefore, was most effective and accounted for most of the effects of white light. A detailed action spectrum was constructed using narrow band interference filters in the wavelength range from 350 to 764 nanometers. The action spectrum has only one major peak at 711 nanometers.