In vivo phytochrome difference spectrum from dark grown gametophytes of anemia phyllitidis L. Sw. Treated with norflurazon.

An in vivo phytochrome difference spectrum of dark grown Anemia phyllitidis L. Sw. gametophytes has been measured. The spectral characteristics estimated from the difference spectrum were as follows: red maximum at 662 nanometers, far red maximum at 737 nanometers, isosbestic point at 695 nanometers, and a shoulder from 620 to 630 nanometers. To diminish the influence of chlorophyll on phytochrome measurements in dark grown gametophytes, total chlorophyll content could be reduced by about 65% by treatment with 1 micromolar Norflurazon. In gametophytes grown in red light, the inhibition caused by 1 micromolar Norflurazon was 97.5%, based on g spores. Total carotenoid content of dark grown gametophytes was not appreciably different from that already present in dry spores. Herbicide treatment reduced this level to about 60%. Gametophytes grown in red light showed a nearly 7-fold increase in total carotenoids compared with that of the dark control. In treated light grown protonemata, no carotenoid accumulation took place, and the level remaining corresponded with that found in treated dark grown protonemata.