Symbiotic Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Epidendrum geminiflorum Knuth from Ecuador

A greater understanding of the relationship between native orchids and their mycorrhizal symbionts is needed to ensure more effective orchid conservation strategies. protocol for symbiotic seed germination seedling development was developed E. geminiflorum. Mature seeds were collected from a naturally occurring population in Ecuador. Putative fungi isolated other species used screen ability facilitate vitro either 0/24 h or 12/12 light/dark photoperiod at 20 °C. The fungus Tulasnella calospora (UAMH 9824) Spiranthes brevilabris Florida, USA, also included this study. Sterilization treatments using 0.3%, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite/ethanol 2% calcium hypochlorite tested effectiveness as sterilant subsequent effects on percentage. Effective surface sterilization achieved with NaClO/ethanol hypochlorite. However, significantly higher percentages germinated embryos into protocorms when NaOCl solutions compared treatments. Seed occurred both photoperiods tested; however, delayed observed under complete darkness. Seeds geminiflorum without fungal inoculation; co-culture strains improved significantly. Seedling only cultured asymbiotic medium co-cultured T. caloscopa 9824). Significantly longer seedlings obtained present culture medium. establishment associations confirmed by presence pelotons roots seedlings.