ITS-rDNA Sequence Analysis of Mycorrhizal Endophytes from Native Tropical Orchids in Indonesia

Abstract

Tricodherma sp. mycorrhiza is an important role as a biocontrol agent. Its association with Phalaenopsis amabilis was molecularly identified through ITS- rDNA sequence analysis. The aims of the study were to identify isolated molecular of orchids mycorrhiza from native tropical orchids in Indonesia, conducted as one of native orchid conservation efforts in Indonesia. One isolate of Tricodherma sp. were isolated from the root of orchid plant in Yogyakarta based on morphological and microscopical analysis. Verification analysis molecular of these isolates resulted in 600-750 bp DNA products located on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 region. The sequenced products showed insertion and substitution occurances, which may result in strain diversity and possible variation in severity. Reconstruction of phylogenetic trees using Maximum Parsimony and Bootstrap-1000 approach showed that Indonesian isolates have undergone speciation and have been positioned in the cluster, which are already far apart from the other isolates. Isolate Tricodherma sp. from Yogyakarta, Indonesia successfully isolated based on identification of ITS- rDNA sequences. Results of this study were expected to become the basic information in an effort of native orchid cultivation and protection against infectious diseases in Indonesia. The study was the first to report regarding Tricodherma sp. isolated from native tropical orchids in Indonesia.