In vitro culture of liverworts

Fragments of gametophytes of ten liverwort species were cultured: Apometzgeria pubescens, Cephalozia biscupidata, Conocephalum conicum, Kurzia pauciflora, Moerckia hibernica, Pellia epiphylla, Plagiochila porelloides, Porella cordeana, Ptilidium ciliare and Sauteria alpina. The plant material was sterilized with commercial bleach (Ace) diluted with distilled water 1:1 (solution A) and 1:3 (solution B). The optimal time of sterilization was 0.5-2.0 min. The fragments of a thallus sterilized should not be larger than 3 x 3 mm. The most suitable parts for culture are the terminal fragments of a thallus or leafless shoots of gametophytes. The condition of the plant that provides an explant, its turgor and general vitality also have a significant influence on the outcome of the culture. Callus and gametophyte regeneration in Cephalozia biscupidata, and callus rinduction in Ptilidium cilliare, were achieved for the first time.