Objective: Setting up a symbiotic system for Anoectochilus roxburghii and endophytic fungi, so as to study the relationship between them and try to set up new cultural methods for A. roxburghii.
Method: A. roxburghii and its endophytic fungi were cultured together on five kinds of media in flasks. The growth of the plantlets and fungi were observed. Symbiotic conditions were selected according to symbiotic characteristics.
Results: A symbiotic system for A. roxburghii and endophytic fungi was set up. The optimum composition of the system induded NH4NO3 825 mg.L-1, KNO3 950 mg.L-1, MgSO4 185 mg.L-1, and inositol 100 mg.L-1, other organic components being 2/3 times those of MS medium, sugrose 15 g.L-1, and other components being the same as those of MS medium, agar 9 g.L-1, pH 5.8. The culture was effected at 24-25 degrees C under cool white fluorescent light (150 lx) for a photoperiod of 11 hours.
Conclusion: A. roxburghii and endophytic fungi can grow well together and form endomycorrhiza in the symbiotic system. Moreover, endophytic fungi help stimulate the growth and development of A. roxburghii.