Mutualistic mycorrhiza in orchids: evidence from plant–fungus carbon and nitrogen transfers in the green‐leaved terrestrial orchid Goodyera repens

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01767.x
• Publication Date: 2006-05-24T08:34:46Z
• Authors: Duncan D. Cameron; Jonathan R. Leake; David J. Read
• Keywords: Repens; Ectomycorrhiza

• The roles of mycorrhiza in facilitating the acquisition and transfer carbon (C) nitrogen (N) to adult orchids are poorly understood. Here, we employed isotopically labelled sources C N investigate these processes green forest orchid, Goodyera repens. Fungus-to-orchid transfers were measured using mass spectrometry after supplying extraradical mycelial systems with double-labelled [13C-15N]glycine. Orchid-to-fungus was revealed quantified by radioisotope imaging liquid scintillation counting mycelium following 14CO2 fixation shoots. Both 13C 15N assimilated fungus transferred roots shoots orchid. Contrary previous reports, considerable quantities (2.6% over 72 h) fixed shown be allocated fungus. This study demonstrates, for first time, mutualism orchid mycorrhiza, bidirectional between a its fungal symbiont, fungus-dependent pathway organic an