Abstract

Background

Orchids maintain a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi in the lifecycle. Previous reports indicated that diverse mycobionts may have different roles during orchid growth and development. Although various mycorrhizal fungi have been isolated from Dendrobium roots and protocorms, little is known about their specific effects on seed germination and seedling growth. To understand the specific role of isolated fungal strains (i.e., Tulasnella and Sebacina), we used symbiotic culture to compare the effect of 6 fungal strains on seed germination and seedling growth of Dendrobium officinale, an important Chinese medicinal orchid.

Results

In symbiotic germination tests, 6 fungal strains (4 Tulasnella strains and 2 Sebacina strains) promoted seed germination with different efficiencies. Seeds inoculated with Tulasnella strains S6 and S7 conferred higher germination percentage and faster protocorm development than other fungal strains. In symbiotic cultures, seedlings inoculated with Sebacina strain S3 had optimal fresh and dry matter yield. Also, Tulasnella strains S6 and S7 promoted seedling growth with good fresh and dry matter yield. Sebacina strain S2 inoculation greatly enhanced root and tiller production and the content of total crude polysaccharides, although seedlings were smaller with less fresh and dry matter yield than other seedlings.

Conclusions

Tulasnella and Sebacina strains could promote seed germination and seedling growth of D. officinale with different efficiencies. Our results suggest a non-specific mycorrhizal association and development-dependent preference. Our data provide the basic knowledge for use of different fungal strains in conservation and/or production practices of D. officinale.

Details

Title
Effect of different mycobionts on symbiotic germination and seedling growth of Dendrobium officinale, an important medicinal orchid
Author
Zhang, Ying 1 ; Yuan-Yuan, Li 1 ; Xiao-Mei, Chen 1 ; Shun-Xing, Guo 1 ; Yung-I, Lee 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

1  Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing, People’s Republic of China (GRID:grid.12527.33) (ISNI:0000 0001 0662 3178) 
2  National Museum of Natural Science, Biology Department, Taichung, Taiwan (GRID:grid.452662.1) (ISNI:0000 0004 0596 4458); National Chung Hsing University, Department of Life Sciences, Taichung, Taiwan (GRID:grid.260542.7) (ISNI:0000 0004 0532 3749) 
Publication year
2020
Publication date
Jan 2020
Publisher
Springer Nature B.V.
e-ISSN
19993110
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40529-019-0278-6
ProQuest document ID
2346355276
Copyright
Botanical Studies is a copyright of Springer, (2020). All Rights Reserved. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.