The Effects of Fire on Spore Viability of Lygodium microphyllum (Old World Climbing Fern)

Authors

Nicole Sebesta, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Jennifer H. Richards

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Suzanne Koptur

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Michael Ross

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

invasive plants, ferns, lygodium microphyllum, old world climbing fern, prescribed fire, infestation management, control, spores, spore viability, heat tolerance, spore age

Date of Defense

7-2-2015

Abstract

Lygodium microphyllum, native to the Old World tropics, has invaded central and southern Florida, destroying native habitats, reducing biodiversity and altering fire regimes. Prescribed fire, one of several methods used to manage L. microphyllum infestations, reduces fern biomass over large areas, but its effects on spore viability are unknown. To provide tools to evaluate whether fire-dispersed spores are viable, this research determined how heat affects spore viability. Spores were exposed to temperatures of 50°C to 300°C for durations of 5 seconds to 1 hour, then allowed to germinate on agar in petri plates. Percent germination was assayed after two weeks. Temperatures of 50°C had little effect; 300°C killed spores for all durations. Results indicate that while viability of unburnt spores decreases with increasing temperature and duration of heat exposure, spores are killed when exposed to relatively low temperatures compared to those in fires.

Identifier

FIDC000096

Recommended Citation

Sebesta, Nicole, "The Effects of Fire on Spore Viability of Lygodium microphyllum (Old World Climbing Fern)" (2015). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2203.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2203