Ghost orchid symbiotic seed germination

Successful orchid germination, embryo development and seedling establishment require the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. However, little is known about the orchid seed germination niche requirements in situ, especially regarding the role and host specificity of mycorrhizal fungi during germination and subsequent seedling development.

Hoang et al. describe the array of effects of the co-culture of mycorrhizal fungal strains, isolated from the roots of the endangered leafless Ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii), on in vitro seed germination, seedling anatomy and developmental morphology. The fungal strain Dlin-394 was confirmed as a possible Ghost orchid germination mycobiont, which significantly promoted seed germination and seedling development. The study highlights the implications of these results for developing efficient procedures for Ghost orchid production and outplanting.