Anatomical characterisation of mycorrhizal fungi in neotropical orchids.

Abstract

The mycorrhizas are fungi associations considered to be a requirement for the survival of orchids that live naturally in ecosystems, since this group of plants depends on the fungi to germinate, as well as for their establishment. The knowledge of mycorrhizical fungi biodiversity of Brazilian orchids and characteristics of this interaction are of great importance for further reintroduction programs, conservation and handling of these vegetal species. Thus, in this work, we present the anatomical characterisation of mycorrhizas in Neotropical orchids by using a simple staining method. Moreover, unusual hyphae colonisation was also observed.