VIMP approach to fern’s sporophyte/gametophyte stages: taxonomic and phylogenetic electrochemical correlations

The application of the voltammetry of immobilized particles methodology (VIMP) to microparticulate films prepared from the ethanolic extracts of different fern species in contact with aqueous acetate buffer is studied. The observed voltammetric responses can be mainly attributed to the oxidation of polyphenolic components of fern tissues. These responses provide a basis for linking the gametophyte stage to the fern sporophyte, facilitating taxonomic identification during the early developmental phase when distinguishing morphological characters are not clearly discernible. Data collected for 10 species from the Davalliaceae, Aspleniaceae, Athyriaceae, Polypodiaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Pteridaceae, and Osmundaceae families permit an electrochemical grouping consistent with taxonomic and phylogenetic data derived from available molecular genetic analysis.