Study of the Orchidea-Micorriza symbiotic relationship in the province of Azuay, Ecuador.

This project aims to isolate and identify some genres of mycorrízic fungi present in the roots of six species of orchids of the province of Azuay. The collection of plant samples will be carried out in three altitudinal floors, to assess whether the gradient and habitat influence the diversity of mycorrhizae. The isolation of the Fungal strains will be carried out in the Laboratory of the Orchideary of the University of Cuenca, to have a stock of purified and stored fungi for subsequent tests. One of the most significant contributions of this study is that it is intended to carry out taxonomic identification, to gender level, of isolated mycorrízic fungi. For this purpose, DNA extraction and cloning techniques will be used DNA and DNA sequencing. With precise identification, isolated mycorrhizae will be incubated together with seeds of the orchids with which it will work, in order to determine if there is a symbiotic relationship and if it favors the germination of the seeds in laboratory conditions. These techniques together will allow us to know more about the relations of the orchids with their natural environment and outside of it. The information generated with this proposal will serve as a basis for local and regional level, excess conservation strategies can be raised, in response to the accelerated loss of forest coverage in our country. The University has the obligation and privilege of building lines of research that allow the care of our biodiversity.

14th RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION