Molecular Analysis of Genes Associated with the Symbiotic Germination of Dendrobium phalaenopsis Seeds in Response to Selected Basidiomycetes

This study will evaluate the potential mycorrhizal association of the selected Basidiomycetes namely Volvariella volvacea, Lentinus tigrinus, and Pleurotus florida with Dendrobium phalaenopsis. Compatible orchidaceous mycorrhizal association will cause the germination of D. phalaenopsis seeds which will help in mass propagation and conservation of Dendrobium. The study is comprised of two sub-studies: Sub-study 1 deals with the symbiotic germination of the D. phalaenopsis seeds wherein co-culture technique with the selected Basidiomycetes for 50 days will be implemented. After which, the rate of seed germination and the morphological characters of the protocorm will be observed under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Then, the protocorm will be subjected to Sub-study 2 (Molecular analysis of genes associated with seed germination). Molecular analysis through qRT PCR analysis will be done to be able to determine and compare the expression level of the selected and identified genes involved in symbiotic seed germination such as genes involved in GA biosynthesis and metabolism, ABA biosynthesis and metabolism, IAA biosynthesis and metabolism, defense, signaling, symbiotic pathway and mycorrhizal common pathways.