Mycorrhizal fungi in epiphytic and terrestrial Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae), December 2007

Alternative Title

Los hongos Micorrizas en las epífitas y en Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae)

Creator

Nicole M. Williams

Files

Publication Date

December 2007

Abstract

All orchids have a relationship with mycorrhizae during germination. Nutrient availability in soils often determines whether these relationships are maintained into adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of mycorrhizae infection in epiphytic and terrestrial Oerstedella exasperata. Since orchids that are rooted in the ground may have greater access to, or more consistent supplies of, nutrients I predicted that mycorrhizae would be found less often in terrestrial individuals. Furthermore, since plant fitness may be affected by the presence or absence of mycorrhizae or the availability of nutrients, fitness of epiphytic and terrestrial plants, with and without mycorrhizae were compared. I found a difference in the frequency of infection between the two substrate types with terrestrial individuals showing a higher frequency than expected by chance and in frequencies that exceeded those for the epiphytic individuals. Significant differences were not found in fitness parameters for orchids between the two substrates but trends were found that showed individuals occurring on both substrate types did better with the presence of mycorrhizae.

Resumen

Todas las orquídeas tienen una relación con las micorrizas durante su germinación. La disponibilidad de nutrientes en los suelos a veces determina si estas relaciones se mantienen hasta la edad adulta. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la frecuencia de la infección por micorrizas en las epífitas y en Oerstedella exasperata.

Keywords

Mycorrhizal fungi, Orchids, Epiphytes, CIEE Fall 2007

Palabras claves

Hongos micorrizas, Orquídeas, Epifitas, CIEE Otoño 2007

Extent

8 pages

Geographic Location

Monteverde (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00420

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Williams, Nicole M., "Mycorrhizal fungi in epiphytic and terrestrial Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae), December 2007" (2007). Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]. 299.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/299