Aislamiento de hongos endófitos asociados a las raíces de la Vainilla (Spp.): Potencial Germinativo Simbiótico

Abstract

The genus Vanilla encompasses hemiepiphytic plant species of high economic value due to the production of pods with a distinctive aroma generated by vanillin. However, indiscriminate extraction and habitat degradation threaten its conservation. In Ecuador, the production of Vanilla odorata has been implemented in several provinces, including Morona Santiago; however, its cultivation faces limitations due to the scarcity of propagation material. This research evaluated the potential of endophytic fungi as symbiotic agents in the in vitro germination of V. odorata using microbiological and biotechnological techniques. A total of 997 fungal strains were isolated, of which 10.53% showed bacterial contamination. From the remaining strains, 213 exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with endophytic fungi. Additionally, other fungal species were identified, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., and Penicillium spp., which were excluded from the study. Although no germination was observed in all the trials, two strains induced morphological changes in the seeds sown in vitro; however, the limited experimental time prevented the acquisition of conclusive results. Future research is recommended to optimize experimental conditions and expand the characterization of the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with V. odorata, in order to contribute to its conservation and sustainable propagation. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, fungal biodiversity, symbiotic germination, orchids, in vitro propagation