Compatible fungi, suitable medium, and appropriate developmental stage essential for stable association of Dendrobium chrysanthum

Establishment of symbiotic association at the appropriate developmental stage helped maintain continued growth which is vital for the long‐term ex vitro survival of the orchid. In the present study, symbiotic association was carried out using different developmental stages of Dendrobium chrysanthum and pathogenic Rhizoctonia isolates (obtained from orchids and non‐orchid hosts) in different culture media. Isolate 2162 supported highest symbiotic germination on OMA‐S (oat meal agar medium without nutrients + sucrose), whereas, stable symbiotic association with plantlets was obtained with isolate 4634 on OMA‐NC (oat meal agar medium + cellulose). Isolate Dc‐2S2 obtained from the host plant did not promote seed germination nor did it form association with protocorms or plantlets. This study, for the first time identifies a combination of compatible fungal isolate, suitable culture medium, and appropriate developmental stage at which symbiotic association in vitro can be deemed successful for the medicinally important orchid, D. chrysanthum .