Resynthesis of Ericoid Mycorrhizae in Formosan Rhododendron (Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl.) with an Endophytic Cryptosporiopsis Species

Abstract

Formosan rhododendron (Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl.) is an indigenous species of the Ericales in Taiwan. The Rf32 fungal strain was isolated from the roots of wild Formosan rhododendron and identified as an endophytic species of Cryptosporiopsis based on its morphological characteristics. This identification was further confirmed by an internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis. This species is a new addition to the fungal flora of Taiwan. In an ericoid-mycorrhizal resynthesis experiment, Rf32-inoculated Formosan rhododendron seedlings exhibited vigorous growth, and the root association showed hyphal complexes in cortical cells. The results demonstrated that Formosan rhododendron can form ericoid mycorrhizae in vitro with Cryptosporiopsis sp. Rf32.