Effects of inoculated mycorrhizal fungi and non‐mycorrhizal beneficial micro‐organisms on plant traits, nutrient uptake and root‐associated fungal community composition of the Cymbidium hybridum in greenhouse

Abstract

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the effects of beneficial micro‐organisms on the growth, nutrient accumulation and root‐associated fungal species composition of pot orchids grown in the greenhouse. Methods and Results A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of a mycorrhizal fungus, Epulorhiza repens isolate ML01, an endophytic fungus, Umbelopsis nana isolate ZH3A‐3 and a mixed commercial inoculum Rem, alone or in combination. Nested PCR assays showed that both isolates ML01 and ZH3A‐3 can successfully establish in inoculated soil. All the inoculants significantly increased the plant total dry weight of Cymbidium hybridum ‘Golden Boy’, whereas only co‐inoculation with the endophytic fungus ZH3A‐3 and the Rem enhanced the fresh weight and height of host plants. The mycorrhizal fungus positively affected P, K, Ca, Mg content in shoots and Zn content in roots, while the endophytic fungus improved N, P, Ca accumulation in shoots and roots. Co‐inoculation with the Rem and ML01 improved root to shoot translocation of Fe and Zn. In addition, inoculation with ZH3A‐3, ML01+Rem and ZH3A‐3+Rem decreased the relative frequency of Fusarium sp. on orchid roots. Trichoderma sp. were isolated from the roots treated with ML01, ML01+Rem and ZH3A‐3+Rem. Conclusions Both mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi had the potential to create favourable microflora in the orchid roots and stimulate the growth of transplanted plantlets under greenhouse condition. Significance and Impact of the Study The newly isolated endophytic strain ZH3A‐3 showed significant application value in orchid production.

Isolation and identification of beneficial orchid mycorrhizal fungi in Paphiopedilum barbigerum (Orchidaceae)

“… 16 Epulorhiza repens ML01 can successfully establish and survive in pot orchids under greenhouse conditions, and reduce the occurrence of diseases in the Cymbidium hybridum roots. 59 This study demonstrated the promoting effect of Epulorhiza sp. FQXY019 on seed germination and seedling development.…”

An exploration of mechanism of high quality and yield of Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca by the isolation, identification and evaluation of Armillaria

“…Mycorrhizal fungi can directly provide varieties of nutrients and minerals required for the growth of orchid plants [50]. Mycorrhizal fungi such as Cymbidiumhybridum [51] and D.nobile [52] can not only markedly increase leaf and stem dry weights but also promote the absorption of N, P, K and other chemical elements by plants. Compared with commercial strains, JMG, promoted the absorption of various nutrition elements by G. elata Bl.…”

Dual inoculation of dark septate endophytes and Trichoderma viride drives plant performance and rhizosphere microbiome adaptations of Astragalus mongholicus to drought

“…Liu et al . ( 2020 ) reported that the co‐inoculation with Epulorhiza repens and Umbelopsis nana increased the total dry weight of Cymbidium hybridum . Co‐inoculation with AM fungi and Trichoderma harzianum did not result in an additive effect on melon crop growth and nutritional status, but their combinations could control Fusarium wilt more effectively than each AM fungi applied alone (Martínez‐Medina et al ., 2011 ).…”

“…For example, Metwally and Al-Amri (2020) found that dual inoculation with AM fungi and Trichoderma viride (TV) could improve the biochemical parameters and mineral nutrient of onion plants. Liu et al (2020) reported that the coinoculation with Epulorhiza repens and Umbelopsis nana increased the total dry weight of Cymbidium hybridum. Co-inoculation with AM fungi and Trichoderma harzianum did not result in an additive effect on melon crop growth and nutritional status, but their combinations could control Fusarium wilt more effectively than each AM fungi applied alone (Martínez-Medina et al, 2011).…”