Endophyte-Host Associations in Forage Grasses. XII. A Fungal Endophyte of Trichachne Insularis Belonging To Pseudocercosporella

ABSTRACT

A fungal endophyte frequently encountered in the grass Trichachne insularis (L.) Nees and isolated in pure culture has been determined to belong to the genus Pseudocercosporella and to represent a hitherto unknown species, for which the name P. trichachnicola is proposed. The fungus, which occurs in symptomless grass, is not known to sporulate in vivo. Its morphological characteristics are described in vitro. A mutualistic association may have evolved, probably from a previously pathogenic condition, between the fungus and its host. The endophyte has been found to be widespread in distribution and to occur with high frequency in temperate to subtropical climates. It occupies a predominantly intercellular position within host tissue although some intracellular hyphae are occasionally found. The fungus occurs in leaf sheaths, culms and seeds and is seed-transmitted.

Key Words:

• Trichachne insularis
• endophyte
• mutualism