Optimization of Symbiotic Seed Germination of an orchid Calanthe sylvatica, Using Mycorrhizal Fungi

The present study aimed to find a suitable method for seed germination of Calanthe sylvatica orchid using fungi obtained from the roots and rhizosphere of the same plant.We collected mature seeds and isolated fungi from the soil collected from the roots and rhizosphere of C. sylvatica.Filter paper, Seed baiting, and oatmeal agar methods were used to find the symbiotic relationship between orchid seeds and isolated fungi.We noted 42% viability of C. sylvatica seeds.We monitored the growth of viable seeds for 60 days at an interval of 7 days.Among the three methods used for symbiotic orchid seed germination, oatmeal agar exhibited distinct patterns in their efficiency.Only 10% of seeds could not be germinated using this method.57% of seeds attained stage 3, when they turned green, and protocorm development was started.Our study confirms that the OMA method of symbiotic seed germination can be useful in the conservation and/or production practices of Calanthe sylvatica and other terrestrial orchid species.