Endophytic fungi associated with Australian orchids

Abstract

Australia is rich in orchid flora with over 1000 native species currently recorded. A significant proportion of Australia’s terrestrial orchids are critically endangered, endangered or threatened. Threats to many orchid species include habitat destruction, degradation and fragmentation from increased urbanisation, overgrazing, altered fire regimes and unfortunately, excessive collecting by orchid fanciers. Conservation efforts for Australian orchids include both ex situ and in situ approaches. Ex situ efforts involve the growth of orchid species under horticultural conditions and long term storage of plant and associated fungal material in laboratories and herbaria. In situ approaches include re-establishing plants in the wild and protection of current populations through management initiatives.