Symbiotic germination of three semi-aquatic rein orchids ( Habenaria repens, H. quinquiseta, H. macroceratitis) from Florida

The destruction of wetlands in populated areas (e.g. Florida) has prompted interest in habitat restoration. We describe a symbiotic technique to germinate seeds of three semi-aquatic rein orchid species from Florida ( Habenaria repens, H. quinquiseta, H. macroceratitis) and to cultivate H. repens se...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aquatic botany 2002-02, Vol.72 (1), p.25-35
Main Authors: Stewart, Scott L, Zettler, Lawrence W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Epidendrum conopseum
Epulorhiza
Freshwater
Habenaria
Habenaria macroceratitis
Habenaria quinquiseta
Habenaria repens
Mycorrhizal fungi
Orchidaceae
Seed germination
Spiranthes brevilabris
USA, Florida
Wetland restoration
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The destruction of wetlands in populated areas (e.g. Florida) has prompted interest in habitat restoration. We describe a symbiotic technique to germinate seeds of three semi-aquatic rein orchid species from Florida ( Habenaria repens, H. quinquiseta, H. macroceratitis) and to cultivate H. repens seedlings on soil ex vitro. Seeds of all three Habenaria spp. germinated within 21 days of inoculation. Leaf-bearing seedlings of H. repens were obtained using two fungal isolates ( Epulorhiza spp.) recovered from Florida orchids Spiranthes brevilabris and Epidendrum conopseum. Seedlings infected with the S. brevilabris fungus that were transferred to peat in a greenhouse had the highest (88.9%) survival (>159 days ex vitro). One H. repens seedling initiated anthesis 18 months after seed sowing. The methods outlined by this study have the potential to be adopted by wetland restoration projects seeking to include an orchid ( H. repens) and mycorrhizal fungi as biotic agents.
ISSN:0304-3770
1879-1522
DOI:10.1016/S0304-3770(01)00214-5