Mycorrhizal Donor - Plant (MD-P): in vitro culture system

This system, developed by Voets et al. (2009), consists of a HAM-P sytem (Petri plate where the roots and AM fungi develop in a synthetic medium under in vitro conditions, while the shoot extend outside of it under open-air condition).

In the proximal compartment, the synthetic medium is solid and support the growth of the roots and AM fungus. Plantlets are place on the mycelium network that develop in the distal compartment, for a fast and homogenous colonisation.

Important Remarks: The medium used does not contain any source of carbon (i.e. sucrose) or vitamins. The plant is thus autotrophic. Mono-, bi- or multi-compartmented Petri plates can be used. One or several plants and AM fungi can be cultured within the same experimental system.

Reference:

Voets, L., De La Providencia, I.E., Fernandez, K., Ijdo, M., Cranenbrouck, S., Declerck, S. (2009). Extraradical mycelium network of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi allows fast colonization of seedlings under in vitro conditions. Mycorrhiza 19(5), 347-356.