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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Applications in Plant Sciences

Rapid assessment of fern spore quality using microscale electrical conductivity testing

  • Yao‐Moan Huang1
  • Chia‐Wen Ko1
  • Chin‐Tzer Duh2
  • Chu‐Mei Huang2
  • Wen‐Liang Chiou3
  • Tzu‐Tong Kao4
4 affiliations
  1. 1Forest Ecology Division Taiwan Forestry Research Institute No. 53, Nanhai Road Taipei City 100060 Zhongzheng District Taiwan
  2. 2Silviculture Division Taiwan Forestry Research Institute No. 53, Nanhai Road Taipei 100060 Zhongzheng District Taiwan
  3. 3Herbarium Taiwan Forestry Research Institute No. 53, Nanhai Road Taipei 100060 Zhongzheng District Taiwan
  4. 4Department of Biological Sciences National Sun Yat‐sen University 70 Lienhai Road Kaohsiung 804201 Gushan District Taiwan
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Abstract

Premise: Ex situ spore banks are essential for fern conservation and research, yet traditional germination tests for assessing spore quality are time consuming and labor intensive. We explored whether electrical conductivity (EC), a rapid proxy for seed vigor, could offer an efficient alternative for evaluating fern spore quality.

Methods: Using chlorophyllous spores of Plenasium banksiifolium, we developed a microscale EC protocol (0.01‐g spores, 1‐h immersion) to track EC and germination over eight weeks of storage. Spore longevity (p 50) was estimated via probit analysis, and correlations among EC, viability, and longevity were assessed.

Results: Fresh spores from different individual plants showed varied initial EC (EC0) values, with lower EC0 values associated with longer longevity (p 50). During storage, EC values increased over time, while germination percentage declined. The relative EC ratio (ECi/EC0) showed significant negative correlations with germination percentage, with a ratio of ~2 indicating 50% viability loss and ~3 signaling complete viability loss.

Discussion: The EC test presents a promising approach for rapidly assessing spore viability and longevity. Lower initial EC (EC0) values predicted greater initial spore viability and longer longevity, likely reflecting differences in spore maturity. The relative ECi/EC0 ratio effectively tracked viability loss, supporting its use in improving spore bank management.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{huang2026rapid,
  title = {{Rapid assessment of fern spore quality using microscale electrical conductivity testing}},
  author = {Yao‐Moan Huang and Chia‐Wen Ko and Chin‐Tzer Duh and Chu‐Mei Huang and Wen‐Liang Chiou and Tzu‐Tong Kao},
  journal = {Applications in Plant Sciences},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1002/aps3.70078},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.70078},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Rapid assessment of fern spore quality using microscale electrical conductivity testing
AU  - Yao‐Moan Huang
AU  - Chia‐Wen Ko
AU  - Chin‐Tzer Duh
AU  - Chu‐Mei Huang
AU  - Wen‐Liang Chiou
AU  - Tzu‐Tong Kao
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/09
JO  - Applications in Plant Sciences
DO  - 10.1002/aps3.70078
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.70078
AB  - Premise: Ex situ spore banks are essential for fern conservation and research, yet traditional germination tests for assessing spore quality are time consuming and labor intensive. We explored whether electrical conductivity (EC), a rapid proxy for seed vigor, could offer an efficient alternative for evaluating fern spore quality.  Methods: Using chlorophyllous spores of Plenasium banksiifolium, we developed a microscale EC protocol (0.01‐g spores, 1‐h immersion) to track EC and germination over eight weeks of storage. Spore longevity (p 50) was estimated via probit analysis, and correlations among EC, viability, and longevity were assessed.  Results: Fresh spores from different individual plants showed varied initial EC (EC0) values, with lower EC0 values associated with longer longevity (p 50). During storage, EC values increased over time, while germination percentage declined. The relative EC ratio (ECi/EC0) showed significant negative correlations with germination percentage, with a ratio of ~2 indicating 50% viability loss and ~3 signaling complete viability loss.  Discussion: The EC test presents a promising approach for rapidly assessing spore viability and longevity. Lower initial EC (EC0) values predicted greater initial spore viability and longer longevity, likely reflecting differences in spore maturity. The relative ECi/EC0 ratio effectively tracked viability loss, supporting its use in improving spore bank management.
SN  - 2168-0450
ER  -