Abstract. The effects of variations in nitrogen source upon spore germination and gametophyte growth of the eusporangiate fern Botrychium dissectum forma obliquum were investigated. Spore germination and early gametophyte growth were directly related to the oxidation level of the supplied nitrogen source. Nitrate and nitrite inhibited spore germination and at concentrations above 0.035 mol m-3 prevented it entirely. Ammonium promoted germination well above the levels attained on media without nitrogen. Concentrations of ammonium greater than 0.035 mol m-3 often resulted in germination above 90%. The growth of young gametophytes from spores was reduced on media without nitrogen or on media with high concentrations of nitrate. Ammonium stimulated the growth of both young and older gametophytes. However, older gametophytes were able to grow on media containing nitrate as the sole nitrogen source. We conclude that a reduced nitrogen source is necessary for spore germination and early growth of Botrychium gametophytes. This requirement has several ecological implications which may be related to the distribution of these ferns and the establishment of mycorrhizal associations.
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