Effects and Benefits of Orchid Mycorrhizal Symbionts on Dendrobium officinale

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, a highly valued Chinese herbal medicine, is on the verge of extinction in wild, and not cultivated efficiently. In this study, we explored possibility that orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) might improve growth cultivation D. officinale. Serendipita sp., Tulasnella calospora asymmetrica isolated from three different orchids were co-cultured with sterile seedlings The found to stably coexist after 60 days co-culture. co-culture T. plants upregulated activity antioxidant enzymes, stimulated production osmoregulatory substances reduced electrical conductivity. Plants had longer roots (141.2%), thicker leaves (58.3%), increased root number (71.4%) leaf (11.1%), weight (155.2%) photosynthetic pigment content (99.6%), relative controls. total medicinal polysaccharides by 42.69 % due addition calospora. was less effective, followed sp. When established symbiotic relationship officinale, resistance indicators increased. functional components significantly This study contributes protection commercial reproduction endangered technology.