GAMETOPHYTE DEVELOPMENT OF Arthromeris mairei (BRAUSE) CHING OF SOUTH SIKKIM, INDIA

Gametophyte development in Arthromeris mairei (Brause) Ching was studied and found to be of ‘Drynaria type’. Germination occurred 10-12 days after sowing of spores. Many prothalli showed an initial archegonial phase, which persisted throughout gametophyte development and the antheridial phase developed on separate thalli after a gap of 5-7 days and persisted throughout the lifespan of the gametophytes. This type of development of sex organs is resembled to some extent, except few variations with the sex organ development of Arthromeris himalayansis (Ganguly et al. 2009), probably due to the similar type of ecological and climatic conditions where they grow. This type of gametangial development on separate prothalli is an indication of adaptation for cross-fertilization.