Morphological and molecular identification of fungal endophytes from roots of dendrobium speciosum

Abstract

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