A method for facilitating the seed germination of a mycoheterotrophic orchid, Gastrodia pubilabiata, using decomposed leaf litter harboring a basidiomycete fungus, Mycena sp.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mycoheterotrophic plants are one of the most difficult plant groups to conserve because they are entirely dependent on symbiotic fungi. Establishment of viable culture systems would greatly aid their conservation. We describe a simple culture system for the mycoheterotrophic orchid, Gastrodia pubilabiata, that does not require laboratory facilities. The orchid is symbiotic with leaf-litter-decomposing fungi.

Results

Gastrodia pubilabiata seeds were incubated in plastic boxes or glass bottles filled with leaf litter collected from the natural habitat of the species. Seed germination was observed after 35 days and seedling development followed. Fungal isolates from seedlings were identified as Mycenaceae (Basidiomycota), a leaf-litter-decomposing mycorrhizal fungus

SUBMITTER: Higaki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5722783 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature