Native Orchids Research Articles

Microhabitat Influencers in Native Orchids of the Western Ghats: Insights from Wayanad, India

Our findings underscore that the intricate interplay of microhabitat elements within Wayanad’s forests is central to the survival and adaptability of native orchids. These environmental factors shape not only the distribution and abundance of orchids but also their physiological and reproductive adaptations. Preservation of these microhabitats is thus critical, as changes in soil, climate, or forest structure could severely impact orchid populations. This research provides a foundational understanding of the environmental requirements of orchids in the Western Ghats and offers valuable insights for conservation strategies aimed at maintaining biodiversity in these fragile ecosystems. The study advocates for habitat-specific conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to maintain microhabitat conditions as part of larger ecological preservation initiatives across the Western Ghats.

Effects of urbanization on orchid bee diversity and orchid pollination: From neotropical cloud forests to urban cores

Urbanization is a significant driver of land use change, profoundly impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide. However, its effects in the tropics, which host some of the planet's highest biodiversity, remain inadequately understood. Orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) are key pollinators in Neotropical ecosystems, playing crucial roles in maintaining floral diversity and reproductive success of orchids and other plant families. Yet, little is known about how urbanization influences their diversity and pollination. In this study, we analyzed the diversity and composition or orchid bee communities along an urbanization gradient which extends from the city center to the surrounding cloud forests, which bear high orchid endemism while being highly threatened. Along the same gradient, we further evaluated pollination of a model native orchid, Gongora galeata, which is exclusively pollinated by the bee Euglossa obrima. As expected, increasing urbanization led to a decrease in orchid bee diversity, as well as a clear separation in species composition between urban and non-urban sites and a reduction in G. galeata pollination (i.e. fruit production). However, contrary to our expectations, orchid pollination also decreased with environmental heterogeneity and the abundance of its specific pollinator. Despite urban areas still hosting orchid bee species, our results reveal clear negative effects of urbanization not only on diversity, but also on the ecosystem function of a highly threatened group of bees. This study highlights the importance of considering local factors of urban landscapes for preserving not only biodiversity, but also fundamental ecological processes in cities.

Time to flowering of ornamental orchids

Objective: To analyze features of time to flowering of orchids and some strategies for its control in cultivation for ornamental purposes. Design/methodology/approach: Information from various authors and our own data is shown, in relation to the management of flowering time of ornamental orchids, based on treatments of environmental effects, plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nutrition. Findings/conclusions: It is possible to reduce the flowering time of orchids by environmental modifications, mainly temperature and photoperiod. This can also be achieved by nutritional management, mainly macro-nutritional, and through organic nutrition and PGRs. However, much more information is needed, especially for native orchid species with ornamental potential.

Design of an orchid conservation trail in Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To raise awareness about the ecological importance of orchids and to promote the species commercialized by a company focused on their production through the design of a trail. Design/Methodology/Approach: A diagnosis of the plot was carried out to identify its characteristics and points of interest. A trail was designed to connect the most outstanding points. Native trees, which are the habitat of orchids, were subsequently planted to establish the outdoor collections. Results: The appeal of the place and the established phorophytes were taken into consideration to design the trail. Likewise, recommendations were made on what species of orchids should be planted in each station along the trail. Study Limitations/Implications: Evaluating visitor experience is pending. The trail lacks infrastructure for people with disabilities. The trail is located in an area subjected to anthropization and it will take several years before orchids can be established on the trees planted in July 2023. Findings/Conclusions: Trails are a useful tool to promote the conservation of native orchids; however, under anthropization conditions, it should be subjected to a systematized implementation to provide the climate and phorophyte conditions necessary for the survival of orchids.

1099. Neottia ovata (L.) Hartm.: Orchidaceae

SummaryNeottia ovata (twayblade) is illustrated here (t. 1099). It is a widespread, temperate Eurasian species. A detailed description is provided, with notes on cytology and habitat. Given its wide distribution and the diverse range of habitats where it occurs, its conservation status is Least Concern in Europe. Probably as a reflection of its dependence on mycorrhizal fungi for its whole life history, it is not a plant known from cultivation; it should be enjoyed as an intriguing member of our native orchid flora.

Effect of Auxin and Cytokinin on Orchid Subculture Resulting from Coelogyne Crosses

<p>The black orchid or Coelogyne is one of the native orchids of Kalimantan, widely cultivated in Indonesia. Several species of Coelogyne orchids have been crossed to obtain new superior-quality plants. Modifying the media, such as giving PGR, is necessary for good plant multiplication results. This research was conducted by changing MS growing media with ZPT BA and NAA. This experiment aimed to determine the effect of ZPT BA and NAA on the growth of orchid subcultures from a cross between<em> Coelogyne pandhurata </em>and<em> Coelogyne rumphii</em>. The study used a completely randomized design (RAL) with 2 factors, namely ZPT BA and NAA, each having a concentration of 0 ppm, 0.2 ppm; 0.4 ppm, and 0.6 ppm with 16 treatment combinations and 4 replications. They were implemented at the Laboratory Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, UNS Surakarta, from November 2020 to March 2021. The variables observed included the number of shoots, plant length, plant weight, number of leaves, number of roots, root length, when roots appeared, and when shoots appeared. The results showed that BA 0.6 ppm gives the best output on the growth of the number of shoots, and NAA concentration of 0,2 ppm gives the best results on the variable number of roots. The combination of BA 0.6 ppm and NAA 0.2 ppm gave the best results on plant weight growth.</p>

Diversity induction with gamma-ray irradiation on Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common natural orchid generation M1V0

Phalaenopsis is a popular genus in the Orchidaceae family. Phalaenopsis amboinensis orchid is an endangered natural orchid, so it needs to be preserved. Conservation of natural orchid Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common way is by increasing genetic diversity. This research aims to determine the characteristics and morphological diversity of Phalaenopsis amboinensis natural orchid irradiated gamma-ray results and without gamma-ray irradiation; this research was conducted in two places: the implementation of gamma-ray irradiation at the PAIR-BATAN Laboratory and in Matesih, Karanganyar with an average height of 450 m above sea level. The research was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023. The study used a simple design of one factor, the doses of gamma-ray irradiation with 5 levels: 0 Gy (R0), 7.5 Gy (R1), 15 Gy (R2), 22.5 Gy (R3), 30 Gy (R4). Each treatment contained five accessions. So, there are 25 experimental units. Observational data were analyzed descriptively by comparing observational data from Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common Generation M1V0 orchids irradiated with control plants. The results showed diversity in the morphology of the Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common orchid Generation M1V0 results from gamma-ray irradiation based on qualitative morphology with phenotypic observations, showing two orchid leaf shapes: oblanceolate and elliptic. There are accessions with fasciated root conditions.

Ceratobasidium sp isolates from native orchid species of Western Ghats, India support enhanced growth of Phalaenopsis hybrid seedlings

Mycorrhiza-assisted cultivation of orchid seedlings has immense potential for enhanced growth and adaptability of orchids to facilitate conservation and cultivation with minimum application of nutrients and plant protection chemicals. Phalaenopsis hybrids are highly attractive and cultivated mostly as potted orchid plants and are prone to several fungal pathogens. The present study evaluates the effect of 4 orchid symbionts in combination with NPK fertilizer on the seedling growth of symbiotic seedlings of Phalaenopsis white and day-star hybrids under ex-vitro conditions. Four fungal isolates viz., Ceratobasidium_Wyd2 (MW595786; MTCC13384), Ceratobasidium_Idk (MW595787: MTCC13383), Ceratobasidium_Vs1 (OL374050; MTCC13377) and Ceratobasidium _Vs2 (OL374052: MTCC13378) grown on sterilized coir pith medium for 10 days and were transferred onto earthen pots for planting of seedlings. One-year-old seedlings used for the study possessed an average 2.70 g fresh weight. On conclusion of the experiment, after 6 months, the seedlings of day-star hybrid grown in the presence of both fungus and NPK fertilizer exhibited enhanced growth compared to either of them applied individually. The highest weight gain was supported by VS1 (12.4±1.8 g) followed by VS2 (10.7± 4.6 g) and Wyd2 (9.8±1.7 g). Those fungi also supported appreciable growth individually, giving 6.5±3.1, 6.9±2.2, and 6.5±0.8 g weight gain respectively. If the nutrient alone was applied, the weight gain was very low (2.8±0.9 g) nearly equal to control (1.8±1.8 g) without having fungi or nutrients. The mycorrhizae re-isolated from the roots of seedlings exhibiting enhanced growth were confirmed as Vs1 and Vs2 through sequencing of the ITS region. Formulation of a potting medium including Ceratobasidium species isolates VS1 and VS2 is thus possible to grow Phalaenopsis seedlings to get enhanced growth.

Acclimatization with endophytic fungi and reintroduction of Guarianthe skinneri (Bateman) Dressler & W.E. Higgins, a threatened, native orchid of cultural value in southern Mexico

The acclimatization of vitroplants into natural conditions represents one of the greatest challenges for the conservation of wild orchids. For more than a century, a wide range of orchid species have been propagated in the laboratory (in vitro), with, when attempted, a low percentage of plants surviving the acclimatization process. We designed a rustic protocol for acclimatization using fungal endophytes of vitroplants for the reintroduction of Guarianthe skinneri into semi-natural habitat. In Phase I (21 days), a total of 640 vitroplants measuring 1–2.8 cm were transplanted onto substrates made from pieces of each of: clay tiles; Cedrela odorata bark, Agave fourcroydes string, and the exocarp of Theobroma bicolor fruits, and then placed into trays with transparent lids. These transplanted vitroplants were inoculated with three selected strains of endophytic fungi previously isolated from mature G. skinneri plants (Nigrospora sp., Coprinellus sp., and Fusarium sp.). In Phase II the growing vitroplants were transplanted onto larger, individual pieces of the same substrates and were hung from the metal frames of galleries open to natural climatic conditions, for 120 days. In Phase III, surviving, acclimatized seedlings were reintroduced onto the branches of cocoa and coffee bushes as phorophytes, in two sites and evaluated at seven months. We observed 59.1 % (378/640 plants) survival at the end of Phase I, decreasing to 15 % (96/640 plants) at the end of Phase II. The survival percentages were higher when the vitroplants came from a previous subculture using Dalla Rosa and Laneri (DRL) culture medium and were then established on pieces of clay tiles or Cedrela odorata bark and inoculated with endophytic fungi. For Phase III, survival at seven months in the site at 80 m was 21.9 % (21 plants), with no surviving plants in the site at 1,100 m. Only 3.3 % of the original 640 vitroplants survived to one year. This is the first rustic acclimatization protocol of G. skinneri vitroplants, using fungal endophytes, aiming towards achieving reintroduction under natural conditions. The protocol requires improvement, specifically to be initiated with larger, more developed vitroplants, and continued study to improve the selection and management of symbiotic endophytic fungi, and will be applied in reintroduction and restoration programs for G. skinneri and other endangered wild epiphytic orchids. We report for the first time the genera Nigrospora sp. and Coprinellus sp. as endophytic fungi of G. skinneri.

Effect of Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) on the Leaf Growth of Vanda limbata Blume Orchid In Vivo

<p><em>Vanda limbata</em> is a natural orchid with slow growth and is often taken directly from the forest in large quantities, threatening its sustainability. Ex-situ preservation efforts are needed for this orchid, one of which is through cultivation with the addition of Benzyl Amino Purin (BAP), known to increase shoot growth. This research aims to analyze the effect of BAP and determine its optimal concentration on the growth of <em>V. limbata</em> orchids. This research used a single-factor completely randomized design in BAP concentrations of 0, 25 and 50 mg l<sup>-1</sup> with 5 replications. The method used was spraying BAP solution once a week on all parts of adult <em>V. limbata</em> orchids aged ±2 years. The research was conducted for 3 months in the experimental garden with parameters observed in the form of the number of new leaves, elongation of old leaves, the length of new leaves, increase in the width of old leaves, the width of new leaves, stomatal density and the number of roots. The results showed that the most effective BAP concentration was 50 mg l<sup>-1</sup> for the number of new leaves which increased by 200%, the length of old leaves which increased by 168.66% and the length of new leaves which increased by 800%, but resulted in less stomatal density than the control. BAP can increase the growth of <em>V. limbata</em> orchid leaves. This research can be a recommendation for ex-situ conservation efforts that have the potential to be developed as a means of orchid cultivation.</p>

Mycorrhizal communities of Vanilla planifolia in an introduction area (La Réunion) under varying cultivation practices

Societal Impact StatementVanilla is one of the most valuable spices in the world. In Madagascar and La Réunion, the world's leading producers, vanilla is of great economic and cultural importance. Like all orchids, vanilla plants associate with mycorrhizal fungi in their roots forming mutualistic associations that allow them to grow and thrive. Understanding the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi adapted to vanilla cultivation, particularly in the Indian Ocean islands where they have never previously been studied, is becoming a necessity for maintaining vanilla crops in these regions in the face of climate change and the emergence of new pathogens.Summary The vanilla orchid (Vanilla spp.) is one of the most valuable cultivated plants worldwide. As with all orchids, vanillas form mycorrhizal associations with fungi in their roots, but their fungal partners have not been investigated outside their native geographic range in Central America. We investigated the whole fungal and mycorrhizal associations in cultivated vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) by sequencing the fungal ITS‐2 marker in the terrestrial and aerial roots using a metabarcoding approach. We selected plants cultivated in three conditions (i.e., cultivation under shade house, in openfield, or in the understory) in one locality of La Réunion island (Indian Ocean) and tested for a possible effect of cultivation practices on fungal communities. Cultivated vanillas in La Réunion mainly associate with Tulasnellaceae (75 OTUs) and Ceratobasidiaceae (8 OTUs). Among the seven most abundant Tulasnellaceae, six are similar to fungi detected in the roots of cultivated vanillas in Central America or in the roots of native orchids in La Réunion. Cultivation practices impacted both total fungal and mycorrhizal community compositions with no clear effect on fungal richness. Notably, Tulasnellaceae and Ceratobasidiaceae were scarce in aerial roots, except in the traditional cultivation in the forest understory. These results shed light on the geographical origins of mycorrhizal fungi of cultivated vanillas in La Réunion and show that they form a pool of both locally and globally distributed fungal partners. These mycorrhizal communities vary according to cultivation practices, and their potential roles in plant nutrition and resistance against pathogens await further attention.

Design of an interpretive trail and conservation of native orchids (Orchidaceae) in an anthropized landscape

Objective: to design an interpretive trail of native orchids in the gardens of Campus Cordoba, Colegio de Postgraduados.Design/Methodology/Approach: this study is descriptive and field based. First, the feasibility of the trail wasvalidated through an online survey. Afterwards, several field trips were conducted; the script was created, andfinally the interpretive script of the trail was validated.Results: of the respondents, 95% considered the orchid interpretive trail as feasible. The inventory of thetrail area allowed to verify that the orchids are accessible at all stations along the route. The design of theinterpretive trail has nine thematic stations: 0. Introduction, 1. The Catasetum trail, 2. In vitro germination, 3.Acclimatization of orchids, 4. Miniature orchids, 5. Establishing orchids in phorophytes, 6. The Laelias trail,7. The “May Flowers” trail, and 8. The “Donkey ears” (Thricocentrum luridum). The interpretive trail allowsanyone to know and appreciate the diversity of wild orchids, 28 species and their phorophytes, along 700 m ofwalking trails for a 2.5-hours route.Limitations of the study/Implications: it is a guided interpretive trail.Findings/Conclusions: The interpretive trail allows us to appreciate the importance of the Orchidaceaefamily; which is one of the largest families in Mexico and the world through environmental and ornamentalimportance.

A orquídea nativa brasileira Brassavola tuberculata Hook.: potencial ornamental e reintrodução

Abstract The use of native species in landscaping has gained prominence due to their adaptability and sustainability compared to exotic species. To introduce a new plant into landscaping, it is necessary to define desirable ornamental characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the ornamental potential and the feasibility of reintroducing the brazilian native orchid Brassavola tuberculata Hook. in natural environments, aiming for its use in sustainable landscaping with and without fertilization. The research was conducted in two main stages. In the first stage, the morphological characteristics of three individuals with floral buds were analyzed, focusing on quantitative aspects. The results showed that the species presents elegant inflorescences and fragrant flowers, with slightly yellowish white petals and a labellum articulated at the base. In the second stage, 20 plants originating from asymbiotic seeding, approximately 10 cm in height, were reintroduced into phorophytes of Hymenaea courbaril. A mixture of buriti palm fiber and coconut chips was used as the substrate. The plants were divided into two groups: one received 12 g of controlled-release fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15 + micronutrients) and the other received no fertilization. Evaluations were carried out on the day of reintroduction (day zero) and at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 360 days after reintroduction. The results indicate that the morphological aspects of B. tuberculata attribute ornamental potential to the species, and it can be successfully reintroduced into natural environments, even without fertilization. The plant demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and survive, reorganizing its metabolism to cope with initial stress.

Identification of early flowering mutant gene in Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume for sgRNA construction in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system.

Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume commonly called Moth Orchid (Orchidaceae) is a natural orchid species designated as the National Flower of Indonesia for its beautiful flower shape and long-lasting flowering period. Basically, P. amabilis has a long vegetative phase that cause late flowering, about 2 to 3 years for flowering, hence a method to shorten vegetative period is desired. The latest technological approach that can be used to accelerate flowering of P. amabilis is the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method to inactivate the GAI (Gibberellic Acid Insensitive) gene as a mutant gene that can accelerate the regulation of FLOWERING TIME (FT) genes flowering biosynthesis pathway. The approach that needs to be taken is to silence the GAI gene with a knockout system which begins with identifying and characterizing the GAI target gene in the P. amabilis which will be used as a single guide RNA. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout efficiency is highly dependent on the properties of the sgRNA used. SgRNA consists of a target sequence, determining its specificity performance. We executed phylogenetic clustering for the PaGAI protein with closely related orchid species such as Dendrobium capra, Dendrobium cultivars and Cymbidium sinensis. SWISS-Model as tool webserver for protein structure homology modeling. Results show that P. amabilis has a specific domain with the occurrence of point mutations in the two conservative domains. Therefore, a single guide RNA reconstruction needs to be implemented.

Biogeography of orchids and their pollination syndromes in small Mediterranean islands

AbstractAimsDespite the research on orchid in insular conditions, few studies are focused on the spatial distribution of their reproductive syndromes across complex insular systems. By using island species–area relationships (ISAR), we explore orchid biogeography in the Central Western‐Mediterranean islands. In this study, we aim to investigate variation in ISARs using orchid pollination mechanisms as proxies to establish permanent populations explaining how the c and z parameters of ISARs vary among island types and pollination strategies and defining the most influential factors in shaping orchids' distribution.LocationMediterranean Basin.TaxonOrchidaceae.MethodsChecklist of native orchids was obtained for 112 islands of Central‐Western Mediterranean Basin. The Arrhenius power function () was used to fit ISARs for the total number of orchids as well as for functional groups defined by the pollination strategies, across different island types. We used GLM to investigate the relation between pollination syndromes with area and isolation as well as elevation, island origin, taxa richness of the source area and habitat diversity.ResultsWe found that ISARs differ between continental and volcanic islands depending on isolation. The z‐value was found to be higher for more specialized strategies while the c‐value increases from autogamy to allogamy, supporting the role of these two parameters in understanding distributional dynamics. Distance from the mainland is a negative predictor for all the strategies except when deception is decoupled; island area is a positive predictor only for allogamic, deceptive and food deceptive strategies, while habitat diversity is a positive predictor for allogamic, rewarding and deceptive strategies.Main ConclusionsPollination syndromes contribute in explaining the distribution of orchids in insular conditions. Furthermore, we identified differences in ISARs across pollination syndromes in which the intercept increases when the pollination shifts from a generalist to a more specialized one.

TAMAN ANGGREK DI BANJARBARU

Orchids are one of the most popular plants among the public because most of the orchids grow in tropical countries like Indonesia. In Indonesia, there are around 5,000 species of orchids spread across several provinces and 38 percent of them are in Kalimantan. There are several types of natural orchids that are becoming rare due to the rampant exploitation of these flowers, so that several types of orchids are starting to become endangered. Therefore, the conservation of orchid plants has recently begun to be increased, the government of South Kalimantan is one of those who are intensively conserving orchids with the aim that existing orchid species do not become extinct. However, the challenge is how to get the whole community involved in this conservation, not just a group of related people. On the other hand, orchids have a special attraction in the eyes of the public, with their attractiveness, the Orchid Recreation Park has the potential to be used as a recreation area that provides open education to all people so that they can help preserve the orchids themselves. The concept of metaphorical architecture was also chosen as the design concept for this Recreation Park with the design principle that it is hoped that the design of this Recreation Park will attract more visitors.

Alternative First Exons Drive Enzymatic Activity Variation in Chalcone Synthase 3 of Dendrobium sinense

Dendrobium sinense, a native orchid species of Hainan Island, is cultivated for its ornamental flowers. Recently, this species has gained significant attention due to its medicinal value. This study focuses on the identification of type III polyketide synthase (PKS), which catalyzes the formation of crucial intermediates in secondary metabolites. Through analysis of previous transcriptome data, a total of ten type III DsPKS genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the type III PKS proteins into CHS, BBS, and PKS groups. Interestingly, the DsCHS3 gene exhibited alternative first exons, resulting in two splice variants, namely DsCHS3-1 and DsCHS3-2. Full-length cDNA sequencing revealed that DsCHS3-1 was the more prevalent splice variant. Prokaryotic expression and purification of DsCHS3-1 and DsCHS3-2 proteins were successfully achieved. Enzyme activity analysis demonstrated significantly higher catalytic activity in DsCHS3-2 compared to DsCHS3-1, particularly in the conversion of p-coumaryol-CoA and malonyl-CoA to naringin chalcone. Functional complementation assays in Arabidopsis mutants confirmed the higher catalytic activity of DsCHS3-2, as it restored flavonoid biosynthesis to a greater extent compared to DsCHS3-1. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the alternative splicing patterns and functional divergence of DsCHS3 genes in D. sinense.

Phylogenetic Relationship of Cymbidium Mosaic Virus from the Native Orchids of South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Information on viral genetics, including their phylogenetic relationship, is valuable in controlling viral infection and screening for the development of virus-resistant cultivars in the future. The objectives of this study were to detect and characterize the Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) from the native orchids of South Kalimantan, Indonesia, by the RT-PCR method. Also, to determine their phylogenetic relationship based on a partial genome of RdRp by the ML and PCA methods. Following RT-PCR analysis, one of 10 samples of native orchids used was positively infected by CymMV. In early detection, the RdRp region of CymMV has approximately 530 bp in size. After being sequenced and aligned with other isolates, this region has 121 polymorphic or mutation sites, a GC content of 45.21%, a transition/transversion bias value of 3.52, and nucleotide diversity (0.0415). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that CymMV from South Kalimantan, Indonesia, has closest related to similar isolates from Korea Type 2 (AF016914.1), Niigata, Japan (AB197937.1), Hawaii (EF125180.1), and Taiwan M2 (EU314803.1), with the coefficient divergence of 0.025. But, it has very distantly related to Hawaii 18-1 (EF125178.1) with a coefficient of 0.142. The results provide urgent information in supporting the native orchid's conservation and breeding efforts, locally and globally, including mitigating or controlling the viral infection and screening for the development of virus-free or resistant cultivars in the future.

Asymbiotic and symbiotic seed culture of Polystachya concreta (Jacq.) Garay & H.R. sweet from Ecuador

The Orchidaceae is the most numerous and diverse family in Ecuador with more than 4200 species. Information on the interaction between these neotropical orchids seed and mycorrhizal fungi during germination and seedling development in situ is very limited. Symbiotic seed germination culture allows screening for compatible mycobionts resulting in mycorrhizal associations to develop under sterile and controlled environmental conditions. A previously developed symbiotic seed culture protocol was used to screen seed germination and seedling development in the neotropical orchid Polystachya concreta. Mature seeds collected from native populations in the northwest Andes Mountains of Ecuador display high viability (92%) and germination percentage (96%). Light was not a limiting factor for gemination and seedling development in this orchid species. Tulasnella isolates from roots of different orchid species in situ facilitated seed germination only, whereas Tulasnella calospora (UAMH 9824), isolated from Spiranthes brevilabris in Florida, facilitated both seed germination and seedling development in P. concreta. Ceratobasidium strains, isolated from roots of different orchid species in Ecuador, neither promoted seed gemination or seedling development. Symbiotic seed culture did not significantly improve germination compared to that observed in the absence of fungi. Higher germination rates and percentages of more advanced seedling development were observed on asymbiotic PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium (P723). However, significantly larger seeds seedlings were observed when seeds were cocultured with certain fungal isolates. Information obtained from this study confirm that this symbiotic seed culture application will be both beneficial for screening potential mycobiont isolates and seedling production for conservation of native orchid species in Ecuador.

Inventory of Domesticated Orchid Species in Samaenre Village Mallawa District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The study aimed to determine the types of orchids from domestication in Samaenre Village, Mallawa District, Maros Regency which is included as one of the buffer areas of Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park. This type of research is a descriptive study with a purposive sampling method, which only records the types of orchids maintained by the community in Samaenre Village, Mallawa District, Maros Regency. The results showed that there were 26 types of orchids. 11 were identified to the species level and 15 were identified to the genus level. Orchids found are Acriopsis sp., Aerides inflexa, Aerides sp., Agrosthophyllum sp., Appendicula sp., Apporum uncatum, Coelogyne celebensis, Coelogyne sp., Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Dendrobium anosmum, Dendrobium crumenatum, Dendrobium striaenopsis, Dendrobium sp., Eria sp., Flickingeria sp., Liparis sp., Luisia sp., Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phalaenopsis amboinensis, Phalaenopsis sp., Pholidota sp., Phreatia sp., Robiqueta sp., Spathoglottis sp., Trichoglottis geminata, Vanda sp. The most widely kept type of orchid is Dendrobium striaenopsis. It shows that society is able to domesticate natural orchids of various types.