Species composition and molecular analysis of symbiotic fungi in roots of Changnienia amoena (Orchidaceae)

The diversity and population structure of symbiotic fungi in Changnienia amoena (Orchidaceae) were carried out. A total of 67 isolates were recovered from root samples, all isolates were identified based on morphological criteria and rDNA ITS phylogeny. Overall, 18 taxa were detected. Ascomycetes were the major fungal group, the remaining three isolates were genetically close to Mortierella (Zygomycetes) and Tulasnella (Basidiomycetes), respectively. However, taxa composition of four regions showed only little overlap. These findings provided additional evidence that the non-mycorrhizal endophytes constituted an important component of fungal community in orchids. The potential roles of some species to host were discussed.