Abstract
Orchids coexist with a diversity of endophytic fungi within their roots and other parts of the plant. These are presumed to contribute to nutrition, and may protect the plants against pathogens and herbivores; however, some may be latent pathogens and/or bring no benefit to the plant. Guarianthe skinneri is an epiphytic Central American threatened orchid used as an ornamental plant and in the rituals and celebrations of many communities. However, in the Soconusco region (Chiapas, Mexico), the pseudobulbs of mature plants are affected by the Lasiodiplodia theobromae fungus, causing the disease “black blotch”. We evaluated and compared the diversity of the endophytic fungal community within the leaves, pseudobulbs and roots of mature plants in two conditions, asymptomatic and symptomatic. Thirty samples from each condition and tissue were amplified with ITS and sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Sequences were obtained and analyzed to determine taxonomic assignment and functionality with FUNGuild, obtaining 1857 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Alpha diversity was similar between plant conditions. In symptomatic plants, significant differences were found between the three types of tissue. According to the FUNGuild functionality analysis, 368 ASVs were determined to be endophytic fungi. The tissues of G. skinneri plants are reservoirs of fungal endophytes that should be considered for further exploration for research and conservation purposes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.