Mycorrhizal fungi for growth and rehabilitation of orchids of a tropical mountain rain forest in southern Ecuador

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Ingrid Kottke
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 29937865

Orchids are the most species rich group of vascular plants in the megadiverse tropical mountain forest of southern Ecuador and also of high economic value. At same time, orchids are extremely endangered because of fast loss of habitats, and strategies for rehabilitation should be developed. Germination of orchids, and thus their occurrence, depends on symbiotic fungi. In the investigation area, only the mycobionts of four epiphytic orchids are so far known from previous studies by the applicant. The fungi belong to Tulasnellales and Sebacinales, but are distinct from species of other countries. In order to understand natural recruitment potential in the tropical mountain area and to raise orchids more successfully in the greenhouse, vertical and horizontal transfer potential of the mycorrhizal fungi among orchid species and habitats has to be known. A comprehensive inventory shall be carried out on the mycobionts of terrestrial, humus inhabiting, and stem epiphytic orchids on regenerating landslides and man managed forest sites, the forest borders, and inside the pristine forest. Fungi shall be identified by molecular sequencing, isolation, and sexual stages. Fungal support of micro-propagated orchids shall be tested. Other main ecological constraints for orchids like climate, pollinators, and pathogens shall be considered in cooperation with members of the research unit.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 816: Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of a Megadiverse Mountain Ecosystem in Southern Ecuador
• International Connection: Ecuador
• Participating Person: Hernan Lucero