Identification of fungal associates of the swamp helmet orchid (<i>Corybas Carsei</i>), a threatened (nationally critical) species

Corybas carsei is one of New Zealand’s most endangered orchids, with a single remaining population in the Whangamarino Wetland (North Island). Although orchid mycorrhizae have proved critical aspect conservation globally, until now mycorrhizal fungi C. not been identified or utilised for conservation. This study investigated fungal associates using three culture-based approaches: grown directly from fragments root tissue, pelotons isolated root-collars, and macerated protocorm tissue. Fungi were cultured as diverse array through Sanger sequencing internal transcribed spacer region. included fungus Pleurotus purpureo-olivaceus (Basidiomycota; Agaricales), which belongs to genus containing putative fungi, ericoid Oidiodendron eucalypti (Ascomycota; Leotiomycetes incertae sedis). No Rhizoctonia-like typical mycorrhizae, found any approach present likely represent endophytes, rather than fungi. The potential having unculturable associations, challenge this presents efforts, discussed.