Identification, ecological evaluation and phylogenetic analysis of non‐symbiotic endophytic fungi colonizing timothy grass and perennial ryegrass grown in adjacent plots

Abstract

Non‐systemic endophytes coexist with grasses and produce positive or negative effects for the host. In agricultural grasses, endophytes such as Epichloë spp. (formerly: Neotyphodium spp.) enhance the biometric parameters and agricultural value of grass biomass and seeds. Some endophytic fungi produce active substances that exert a negative influence on grass‐fed livestock. There is a general scarcity of studies investigating other endophytic fungi, the species composition of fungal communities, fungal species capable of colonizing different grasses and endophyte transfer between grass taxa. This study aims to fill in the existing knowledge gap by describing the relationships between fungal species and grass species. Timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.) is more readily colonized by endophytic fungi than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and the ratio of fungi isolated from the above species was determined at 3:1. Ecological indicators, especially diversity, were also higher in the fungal community colonizing timothy grass. The vast majority of the isolated fungi were ascomycetes. In addition, two Basidiomycota isolates and three Oomycota isolates (Phythium acanthicum) were also obtained from timothy grass. The most prevalent fungal species were Alternaria alternata, Microdochium bolleyi and Epicoccum nigrum. An analysis of minisatellite DNA regions revealed high levels of genetic polymorphism in A. alternata, whereas the remaining isolates were characterized by low levels of genetic variation or genetic homogeneity. The transfer of endophytic fungi between grass species was determined, which was one of the most important observations made in the study. The Sørensen–Dice coefficient reached 50%, which indicates that all fungal species isolated from perennial ryegrass are capable of colonizing timothy grass.

Fermentation Characteristics of Lactobacillus Plantarum and Pediococcus Species Isolated from Sweet Sorghum Silage and Their Application as Silage Inoculants

“…According to a microbiological point of view, fungi colonizing plants at various stages of development and produce mycotoxins (i.e., deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenon, fumonisine, vomitoxin, T2, patulin, aflatoxin, ochratoxin) dangerous for humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. In addition, moulds can colonize plants as endophytes, which makes it very difficult to limit these microorganisms from silage [9][10][11].…”

Probiotic Characteristics and Antifungal Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum and Its Impact on Fermentation of Italian Ryegrass at Low Moisture

“…It affects nutrients composition, dry matter, palatability reduction and reduction in consumption of silage. The main fungi isolated from contaminated silages were Aspergillus, Perncillum and Fusarium genera followed by mucor, and others [6][7][8]. Homofermentative Lactobacilli includes Lactobacilli casei and L. plantarum that directly enhance the silage/haylage quality by preventing undesirable microbial growth via lowering surrounding pH.…”

Bacteria Isolated from the Aeration Chamber of Wastewater Treatment Plants Used in the Biocontrol and Promotion of Wheat Growth

“…Fusarium fungi produce mycotoxins (i.e., deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, vomitoxin, T2) which are dangerous for humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms [17][18][19]. Moreover, Fusarium fungi may exist as endophytic fungi and cause asymptomatic infection or live as a saprobiont, which is probably the defense mechanism which facilitates their spread and allows them to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions [20].…”