Title:The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Orchids
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Saranjeet Kaur*Akash Deb
Affiliation:
- Department of Biosciences, University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Distt. Mohali,
Punjab, India
Keywords:
Mycorrhiza, orchids, symbiosis, carbohydrates, endomycorrhiza, myco-heterotroph.
Abstract:
Background: In nature, orchid plants are obligate myco-heterotrophs, and rely
on mycorrhizal nutrient resources to grow and sustain in the wild, until they become
physiologically active photosynthetic plants. Their seeds lack nutrient reserves and receive
the necessary carbon from symbiotic fungi during germination. A mycorrhizal fungus
provides nutrients, especially sugars, as well as water to the corresponding host plant.
The range and distribution of orchid mycorrhizal fungi influence the survivability of orchid
populations in their natural habitats. Mycorrhizae form symbiotic connections with
the parenchymatous tissues of the roots of orchid plants. That the symbiotic orchid
mycorrhiza can invade through roots of orchid seedling, raised in vitro, has been patented.
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the presence of mycorrhiza in the
roots of Aerides multiflora during the vegetative phase.
Methods: Fresh roots were hand-sectioned, and thin sections were observed under the
microscope to locate the presence of mycorrhiza. Simultaneously, to observe the expansion
of mycorrhiza in the cortical region.
Results: During the vegetative phase of plant growth, a peloton-like structure forms within
the cortical region of the orchid roots. Mycorrhizae was observed to be distributed
throughout the cortical layer of the root.
Conclusion: This communication reviews the role of mycorrhiza in orchid plants.
