Investigation of methods to establish aseptic primary culture from field-collected copper moss, Scopelophila cataractae

Abstract

Bryophytes are plants that can grow in various environments on earth. Some bryophytes live in dry areas, while others live in areas with high concentrations of heavy metals. Bryophytes which are resistant to these environmental stresses should be studied in more detail, but detailed studies have not progressed. In order to study bryophytes in detail, sterile experimental materials are needed． This is because their growing environment can be artificially controlled. However, bryophytes living outdoors are contaminated with many microorganisms because they share the same growing environmental conditions. Therefore, we investigated how to obtain aseptic protonemata from field-grown bryophytes. Primary cultures of the copper-tolerant moss Scopelophila cataractae were attempted using a bactericides method and a filtration method. The important points in primary cultures are to eliminate contaminants such as microorganisms and obtain healthy protonemata. In this study, we found the suitable conditions for obtaining sterile protonemata from field-collected bryophytes.