Reproduction in selected New Zealand native ferns and their suitability for revegetation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Plant Biology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

dc.contributor.authorDenton-Giles, Matthew
dc.date.accessioned2018-08-31T03:17:06Z
dc.date.available2018-08-31T03:17:06Z
dc.date.issued2006
dc.description.abstractThe potential to use New Zealand native ferns for revegetation was assessed in laboratory , nursery and field experiments. Laboratory experiments indicated that the three native fern species. Blechnum novae-zelandiae. Cyathea medullaris and Dicksonia squarossa, had different maximum levels of spore germination. These differences also varied in response to seasonal changes in the environment. The effect of three soil conditioners on the germination of the same three species was minimal Gametophytes appeared to be tolerant of low levels of maceration, as they were able to continue to grow and develop normally. Additional laboratory experiments indicated that B. novae-zelandiae employs a mixed mating system, which utilizes an "antheridiogen" signal. The development of fern spores, laboratory propagated gametophytes and segmented rhizomes, was assessed in the nursery. Each experiment was applied with a hvdroseeding mix of paper fibre, tackifier. fertilizer and water Spore of B. novae-zelandiae. C. medullaris and D. squarossa failed to produce any long-lived gametophytes The survival of laboratory propagated gametophytes of B. novae-zelandiae. B. discolor and B. colensoi was low. However, a large proportion of surviving B. novae-zelandiae gametophytes produced sporophytes. B. novae-zelandiae rhizome segments produced healthy young ferns within 3 months of application. Field experiments were conducted on a sandstone/loess bank. 5 km east of Palmerston North. Aspects of the substrate were analysed including. pH. N, P and organic matter. The results indicated that the bank had a high soil pH, was deficient in several macronutrients and had no organic matter. Hydroseeding was applied using spore of the species B novae-zelandiae, C. medullaris and D. squarossa Hydroseeded spore failed to produce any visible gametophytes Rhizome experiments using B. novae-zelandiae and Microsorum pustulatum were also established. Low water availability resulted in poor rhizome establishment. The results suggest that there is great potential for utilizing native ferns in revegetation. Blechnum novae-zelandiae is the best species for revegetation in accordance to the results. Propagation via rhizome segmentation and gametophyte hydroseeding appear to be the most successful methods for establishing native ferns. This TIF project was carried out in conjunction with Rural Supply Technologies. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Massey University and FoRST New Zealand.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/13701
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectNew Zealanden_US
dc.subjectFernsen_US
dc.subjectGrowthen_US
dc.subjectRevegetationen_US
dc.subjectReproductionen_US
dc.subjectLife cyclesen_US
dc.titleReproduction in selected New Zealand native ferns and their suitability for revegetation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Plant Biology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealanden_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorDenton-Giles, Matthew
thesis.degree.disciplinePlant Biologyen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M. Sc.)en_US
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