Propagation of Azolla through Sporocarps

Abstract

Azolla microphylla sporocarps were collected using three methods, fresh sporophytes, dry sporophytes and fermented sporophytes. Their germination and fertilization were performed on three media; water, modiied IRRI and modified IRRI+N. Poor germination and fertilization were obtained from sporocarps collected from fresh and dry Azolla sporophytes. Germination and fertilization percentages of 92 and 85 respectively were obtained from sporocarps collected from fermented sporophytes. The media for propagating spores did not differ in their effect on germination. It was recommended that water agar was adeguate for propagation of Azolla sporocarps, and that fermentation of sporocarps as least 2 months was to be used in order to promote germination.