Endophyte-Host Associations in Grasses. XVII. Ecological and Physiological Features Characterizing Epichloë Typhina and Some Anamorphic Varieties in England

ABSTRACT

Field research was conducted in central England on grasses infected by Epichloë typhina. Both asymptomatic and stromata-producing infections were encountered and examined. Isolations of endophytes were made and comparative laboratory studies conducted on sugar utilization capacities, starch and protein hydrolysis capacities, and cultural morphologies. The presence of distinct varieties of Acremonium typhinum is proposed to account for variation in ecology, physiology, and morphology of isolates.

Key Words:

• Acremonium typhinum
• Balansieae
• endophyte
• Epichloë typhina
• grass