Functional and genetic diversity of mycorrhizal fungi from single plants of Caladenia formosa (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Mycorrhizal associations are essential to the plant kingdom. The largest flowering plant family, the Orchidaceae, relies on mycorrhizal fungi for germination, growth and survival. Evidence suggests varying degrees of fungal-host specificity based on a single fungal isolate from a single plant. This paper shows for the first time the diversity of endophytes colonizing in a single plant over consecutive years and the functional significance of this diversity.

Methods

Stem-collars of Caladenia formosa were collected in different seasons and years. Mycorrhizal fungi isolated were tested for their efficacy to induce leafing and genetically determined using ITS-RFLP and sequencing.

Results

Multiple mycorrhizal fungi were repeatedly isolated from a single

SUBMITTER: Huynh TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2729648 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature