THE EFFECT OF STERILIZATION AND STORAGE-CONDITIONS ON THE VIABILITY OF THE SPORES OF CYATHEA-DELGADII

Tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of various sterilization procedures on spores of Cyathea delgadii stored under different condit ions with the intent of developing a strategy of ex-situ spore conserv ation of this declining species. Although the percentage of germinatio n after two years of storage was relatively low for all storage and st erilization parameters, dry storage at -12 degrees C resulted in the b est survival rate. Elimination of bacterial and fungal contaminants wa s best when the spores were washed, treated with calcium hypochlorite, incubated, filtered, and washed again before sowing on medium contain ing Nystatin.