Analysis of data related to the characteristics of endogenous fungal communities in different habitats of Phaius petchii in Guizhou Province

Mycorrhizal fungi are essential for orchid seed germination and natural growth. This study isolated and analyzed endophytic fungal communities from the roots of Paphiopedilum barbigerum collected from two natural sites and one artificial cultivation site in Guizhou Province. The community features and differences of root endophytic fungi in P. barbigerum across sites were characterized to determine whether fungal communities exhibit preferential correlations with their habitats. In total, 49 species of endophytic fungi were identified. Community differences were distinct: (1) Maolan was dominated by seven Tulasnella sp.; (2) In Fuquan, the genus Fusarium had an absolute dominance with a total isolation frequency of 51.2%, additionally including Epulorhiza sp. and Tulasnella calospora; (3) The artificial greenhouse was solely dominated by Tulasnella. The community diversity and richness of the endophytic fungi did not differ significantly among natural provenances, while they were significantly reduced in artificial provenances. However, the community structure of endophytic fungi differed significantly among sampling sites, suggesting that the environmental characteristics of the growth sites affected the community composition of endophytic fungi colonizing the roots of P. barbigerum. The key strains identified lay a theoretical foundation for artificial propagation and population rejuvenation of rare Paphiopedilum in their native habitats, and offer practical guidance for symbiotic inoculant development.