The role of symbiotic fungi in the life cycle of Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae): a comprehensive review

Abstract

Gastrodia elata Blume, a fully mycoheterotrophic perennial plant of the family Orchidaceae, is a traditional Chinese herb with medicinal and edible value. Interestingly, G. elata requires symbiotic relationships with Mycena and Armillaria strains for seed germination and plant growth, respectively. However, there is no comprehensive summary of the symbiotic mechanism between fungi and G. elata. Here, the colonization and digestion of hyphae, the bidirectional exchange of nutrients, the adaptation of fungi and G. elata to symbiosis, and the role of microorganisms and secondary metabolites in the symbiotic relationship between fungi and G. elata are summarized. We comprehensively and deeply analyzed the mechanism of symbiosis between G. elata and fungi from three perspectives: morphology, nutrition, and molecules. The aim of this review was to enrich the understanding of the mutualistic symbiosis mechanisms between plants and fungi and lay a theoretical foundation for the ecological cultivation of G. elata.

Features of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of Gastrodia elata cultivated in greenhouse for early harvest

“…Gastrodia elata is mainly produced in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea ( Yuan et al, 2020 ). The growth of G. elata primarily rely on symbiosis with fungi under natural conditions ( Liu et al, 2023 ). The seeds of G. elata do not contain an endosperm, so their germination and development into protocorms only occur when they are provided with adequate nutrients through the digestion of fungal strains of Mycena spp.…”

Revealing Brownish Mycena Diversity in China: New Discoveries and Taxonomic Insights

“…Mycena species are widely distributed all over the world, and play a crucial role in the decomposition of dead branches, fallen leaves, and rotting wood, which facilitates the material circulation of forest ecosystems [3][4][5][6][7]. Moreover, some species have demonstrated a propensity for enhancing Orchidaceae seed germination, which contributes to the resilience and diversity of ecosystems [8][9][10]. The diverse morphology and color of Mycena contribute a high species diversity, while they also present significant taxonomic challenges due to subtle morphological variations and complex microstructures among species [11][12][13][14][15][16].…”