Root Cause: Mycorrhizal Fungi of Vanilla and Prospects for Biological Control of Root Rots

This chapter summarizes what is known about mycorrhizal fungi of Vanilla, from two perspectives: phylogenetic diversity and function. It reviews potential applications of mycorrhizal fungi for biocontrol of root rots in Vanilla, based on studies on other crops and diseases. One of the reasons for studying mycorrhizal fungi in Vanilla is the possibility that mycorrhizs can protect plants from the pathogens. Collaboration among universities and commercial agriculture are necessary to advance research in Vanilla fungal symbionts with potential to be used for biological control in the field. The fungi identified in roots of adult Vanilla plants are not necessarily the same as those that stimulate seed germination, as has been shown in other orchids. Orchid seed germination and seedling growth are slow and in tropical environments it is hard to avoid contamination when petri plates are incubated for long periods; fungus mites often invade cultures, carrying undesirable bacteria and fungi.