symbiotic germination

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Mycorrhizal fungus BJ1, a new species of Tulasnella sp.: its biological characteristics and promoting effect on seed germination of Bletilla striata

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered a new type of fungus called Tulasnella sp. BJ1 that forms beneficial partnerships with Bletilla striata, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. When this fungus was used with the plant’s seeds, germination rates and seedling growth improved significantly compared to seeds grown alone. The fungus helps by producing growth-promoting substances like plant hormones and breaking down nutrients that the developing plants can absorb. This finding offers a practical method to grow more B. striata plants efficiently for medicinal use.

Research Keyword: symbiotic germination

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

Mycorrhizal fungus BJ1, a new species of Tulasnella sp.: its biological characteristics and promoting effect on seed germination of Bletilla striata