Insights Into Mycorrhizal Fungal Community Composition in Two Anacamptis Species From Türkiye

Abstract

T & uuml;rkiye is a biodiversity hotspot for terrestrial orchids, yet the diversity of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) associated with native Anacamptis species remains poorly understood. We used ITS metabarcoding with OMFspecific primers to characterize and compare root fungal communities in Anacamptis sancta (Southwest T & uuml;rkiye) and A. coriophora (North T & uuml;rkiye). These species differ in distribution and conservation status, with A. sancta listed as Near Threatened. We detected 28 OMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs), primarily from Tulasnellaceae and Ceratobasidiaceae. While seven OTUs were shared, A. sancta and A. coriophora harbored 13 and 8 unique OTUs, respectively, indicating species-specific and habitat-linked fungal assemblages. Notably, rare fungal taxa from Atractiellales and Sebacinaceae were exclusive to A. sancta, suggesting potential niche specialization. This is the first study to document OMF diversity in Turkish Anacamptis species, offering new insights into orchid-fungus symbioses and informing future conservation strategies based on belowground microbial associations.