Studies on Mycorrhizal Associations in an Orchid

Background: Known for their myriad of shapes, size and colors, orchids embody an order of aristocracy among flowering plants and are amongst top ten floriculturally important flowering plants in international market. Worth to note that for growth and development, the Mycorrhizal association plays an important part in orchids; therefore, we want to trace the structure, pattern of infestation, growth pattern and genus involved in mycorrhiza. Aim: The present work is based on mycorrhizal association in Cymbidium pendulum (Roxb.), an orchid plant, with a stress on an extent of infusion, fate, isolation and identification of fungi partner. Materials and Methods: Cymbidium pendulum, an epiphytic, is an important Medicinal orchid. It had been collected from their natural habitat, Kanchenjunga hills and was maintained in the orchid house, Botanical Garden, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India for further use. After section cutting, observations recorded. Chemically defined MOM and MS and undefined PDA, DPA PCACMA and MEAB media were used as source of nutrition in vitro. Fungal cultures were raised using standard methods and stored at 4°C until use. Results: After sectioning, it was observed that the fungal partner was established to enter in the cortex. Entry of Fungal partner in the course of roots is mediated through the thin walled ‘passage cells. Further, the fungal symbiont was observed to anamorphs of Rhizoctonia species, when processed with cotton blue, after characterization based on their morphological and growth characteristics on different media. PDA and MS followed by Mitra media were studied to be more fruitful for fungal growth. Conclusion: The fungal endophytes have been isolated from the different isolated medium and their pure cultures were obtained on PDA medium. The fungal partner was established to enter in the cortex. The access of fungal symbiont through roots was mediated via the thin walled ‘passage cells. The fungal entophyte was identified on the basis of morphological and its growth characteristics, it was found to belong the genus Rhizoctonia.