Research Keyword: orchid cultivation

Fungal symbiont Mycena complements impaired nitrogen utilization in Gastrodia elata and supplies indole-3-acetic acid to facilitate its seed germination

A special type of orchid called Gastrodia elata cannot survive on its own because it has lost the ability to produce its own food and certain plant growth hormones. Instead, it relies completely on a fungal partner called Mycena to provide nitrogen nutrients and auxin (a growth hormone). This study reveals exactly how Mycena does this by analyzing their genes and how they communicate, showing that the fungus acts as a nutritional life-support system for the orchid seed’s germination.

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Soil microorganism colonization influenced the growth and secondary metabolite accumulation of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb. F.

Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) is a medicinal plant whose growth and medicinal compound production depend heavily on soil microorganisms. Researchers found that different soil types harbor different beneficial microbes: sandy loam soils boost plant growth, while sandy clay soils increase medicinal compound concentration. Specific microbes colonize different plant parts, with some promoting growth in roots and tubers, while others enhance the production of militarine, a compound with potential anti-aging and cognitive benefits.

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Omics approaches to investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea

This study examines how a fungus called Tulasnella responds to the presence of orchid plants before they physically touch each other. Using advanced techniques to measure gene activity and chemical composition, researchers found that the fungus activates growth and preparation genes when it senses the orchid nearby, suggesting the two organisms communicate through chemical signals even before making contact.

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