Abstract Detail

Ecology

Klimczak, Korena [1], Schafran, Peter [2], Jones, Marcus [3].

Use of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Commercial Medium when Germinating Cypripedium acaule (Orchidaceae).

Although the importance of mycorrhizal associations to orchid germination is established, it remains unclear what specific nutrients the fungi provide. Commercial agar media attempt to replicate these nutrient provisions, providing orchid seeds with an environment where asymbiotic in vitro germination is possible. However, we hypothesize that the addition of symbiotic fungi could result in even more growth than using agar alone. To test this, we isolate symbiotic fungi from wild Cypripedium acaule Aiton (Orchidaceae), and seed is then germinated in the presence or absence of this fungus on one of four media, either Knudson C, Phytotech BM-1, Phytotech P723, or Phytotech T839. After three months, protocorm diameter, number of leaves and roots, and fresh and dry biomass are measured. Comparisons between the treatment groups may suggest the utility of incorporating symbiotic fungi when performing in vitro germination. Results could assist in further development of germination methods, improving conservation efforts using orchid cultivation, especially for rare and difficult to grow orchids.

1 - Old Dominion University, Department of Psychology, 250 Mills Godwin Life Sciences Bldg, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
2 - Department Of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529-0266, USA
3 - Old Dominion University, Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

Keywords:
Commercial media
Cypripedium acaule
In vitro germination
mutualism
Mycorrhizal Fungi
Orchidaceae.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 25, Ecology Section: Seed Ecophysiology
Location: 104/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 25004
Abstract ID:787
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper,Ecological Section Best Undergraduate Presentation Award