MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGALENDOPHYTES FROM ROOTS OF DENDROBIUM SPECIOSUM

摘要

We have isolated fungal endophytes from roots of Dendrobium speciosum, a common epiphytic orchid in southern Queensland rainforests and used morphological criteria and molecular techniques to identify these fungi. Morphological analysis of the cultures obtained demonstrated a variety of non-mycorrhizal deuteromycetes present in plant roots as well as a putative mycorrhizal Tulasnella-like fungus. Molecular techniques were useful in identifying four non-sporulating deuteromycete fungi. The wide variety of endophytes isolated further highlights the importance of rainforest plants as reservoirs of fungal biodiversity. o Dendrobium speciosum, Deuteromycetes, fungal endophytes, rainforest plants, Tulasnella.