Study on storage techniques and temperature conditions for sporocarp germination and development in azolla

Abstract

Azolla is a small freshwater fern reproduces sexually and asexually (by splitting). The spores’ formation through sexual reproduction in the azolla species is influenced by climatic condition. Keeping this fact in view, the present study was conducted with an aim to study the impact of temperature on the sporocarp formation and also developing storage techniques for sexual propagation in the azolla species. The study showed that the sporulation in Azolla pinnata was more sensitive to increase in the temperature than Azolla microphylla. Azolla pinnata did not sporulate on rising maximum temperature; however sporulation in Azolla microphylla was delayed by one month due to rise in the temperature during second year compared to the first year. Conversion of the freshly collected sporocarps into Azolla microphylla plants were decreased by 4.2–9.3% on increasing minimum and maximum temperatures by 5°C and 8°C, respectively and conversion of the one month old sporocarps into plants was decreased by 1.8–8.7% on rising minimum and maximum temperatures. On storing sporocarps in the refrigerator resulted in higher germination percentage than stored at room temperature. Conversion of freshly collected sporocarps into Azolla plants increased on storage of the sporocarps mixing with soil (1:15) in the refrigerator than at room temperature. Germination of one month old Azolla microphylla sporocarps on storage in refrigerator after mixing with soil decreased during second year compared to first year. Therefore, in a controlled environment, azolla may be encouraged to grow sporocarps for exploiting full potential of azolla for eco-friendly agricultural and livestock management.