Fungal Diversity of Selected Habitat Specific Cynorkis Species (Orchidaceae) in the Central Highlands of Madagascar

About 90% of Cynorkis species are endemic to the biodiversity hotspot Madagascar. This terrestrial habitat-specific genus received little study for fungal diversity support conservation. We evaluated culturable fungi 11 and soil characteristics from six sites spanning a >40 km radius in along region’s inselbergs. Peloton-forming were grown vitro root/protocorm slices positively identified using DNA sequencing. The was then correlated with pH, NO3-N, P, K. All harbored either putative mycorrhizal associates Rhizoctonia complex or Hypocreales fungi. Tulasnella Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) most prevalent all types while Serendipita OTUs found inhabiting granite/rock outcrops moist (seepage areas). Most present low NO3-N P levels inversely levels. Of different orchid life stages sampled, only one (Cynorkis fastigiata) yielded juvenile stages. As spp. negatively majority studied taxa soils contents, reintroduction studies must include analysis N detail. For first time, we showed that assemblage roots (Orchidaceae) intimately tied specific characteristics.