Proteome analysis of the gametophytes of western Himalayan fern Diplazium maximum reveals sucrose inducible proteins of stress tolerance: Insights into the adaptive competence of the fern

The proteome of the gametophytes of Diplazium maximum, a temperate Himalayan Polypoidale fern was studied in response to micro-environmental changes. The study was expected to reveal the key proteins associated with a gametophyte’s response to sucrose mediated changes in osmotic potential. A major aim of the study was to identify proteins that would express differentially under micro-environmental stress and also to gain an understanding of the adaptive responses/competence of D. maximum gametophytes. The genes/proteins identified in the study have potential utility in various crop improvement programs.