Showing papers on "Epichloë published in 1993"
TL;DR: Clavicipitaceous endophytes (Ascomycetes) are distributed worldwide in many grasses and sedges forming a perennial and often mutualistic association with their hosts, and specific isozyme genotypes found on several host species suggest that host-specific physiological races may occur.
Abstract: Clavicipitaceous endophytes (Ascomycetes) are distributed worldwide in many grasses and sedges forming a perennial and often mutualistic association with their hosts. Most endophytes appear to produce alkaloid toxins in infected plants. The high frequency of infection in many grasses and in certain grassland communities may indicate a selective advantage of infected over non-infected host plants due to their toxic effects on grazing animals and insects. Field observations and artificial inoculations of seedlings have demonstrated a high degree of specificity of most endophytes to their host plant, particularly in asexual, seed-borne endophytes. Specific isozyme genotypes found on several host species suggest that host-specific physiological races may occur. Knowledge of host range and host specificity is vital for potential applications of endophytes in pest control.
222 citations
TL;DR: Endophytes referable to the deuteromycete genus Acremonium section Albo-lanosa have been found to be widespread in the subfamily Pooideae of the Poaceae and are proposed to be determined by the capacity of endophyte strains to grow rapidly on sugars available in plants during culm elongation when stromata form on grasses.
108 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary results indicate that both infection and herbivory can affect competitive interactions among plants, and will focus on quantifying genetic variation for important traits such as alkaloid production, stroma formation, and host compatability.
95 citations
TL;DR: Three species of Epichloe are described and two, E. baconii and E. clarkii, are proposed as new, being distinguishable from the type by disarticulation of ascospores to form uniquely shaped part-spores.
Abstract: Systematic studies were conducted on populations of Epichloe species on host grasses Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, and Holcus lanatus. Three species of Epichloe are described and two, E. baconii and E. clarkii, are proposed as new, being distinguishable from the type by disarticulation of ascospores to form uniquely shaped part-spores. The type species E. typhina does not form part-spores. Reproductive compatibility between fungi was examined. Intraspecies crosses were found to yield a dense layer of perithecia that differentiated asci and ascospores internally. Interspecies crosses gave one of three results, including no reaction, necrotic browning, or perithecia that did not mature. Cultural features of these fungi are compared. Isolates are seen to exhibit differences in growth rates on sugars and hydrolysis of milk protein and corn starch. Generic limits of Epichloe are discussed and several species are excluded. It is proposed that a biological species concept be adopted to aid definition of species within this genus.
86 citations
TL;DR: Present information strongly suggests that most grass-endophyte symbioses must be maintained for optimum survival of the host grasses, and specific research goals include continuation of studies on the biology, ecology, and physiology of symbiosis in cultivated and wild species of grasses.
37 citations