Nomenclatural realignment of Neotyphodium species with genus Epichloe

Abstract

Nomenclatural rule changes in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants, adopted at the 18th International Botanical Congress in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011, provide for a single name to be used for each fungal species. The anamorphs of Epichloë species have been classified in genus Neotyphodium, the form genus that also includes most asexual Epichloë descendants. A nomenclatural realignment of this monophyletic group into one genus would enhance a broader understanding of the relationships and common features of these grass endophytes. Based on the principle of priority of publication we propose to classify all members of this clade in the genus Epichloë. We have reexamined classification of several described Epichloë and Neotyphodium species and varieties and propose new combinations and states. In this treatment we have accepted 43 unique taxa in Epichloë, including distinct species, subspecies, and varieties. We exclude from Epichloë the two taxa Neotyphodium starrii, as nomen dubium, and Neotyphodium chilense, as an unrelated taxon.

Rhizosphere microbiome selection by Epichloë endophytes of Festuca arundinacea

“…Endophytic fungi of the genus Epichloë infect much of the tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) that grows throughout the United States (Leuchtmann et al 2014). This cool season grass and endophytic fungus have coevolved to benefit each other, with the fungus completing its life cycle within the tissues of the plant.…”

Heterologous Expression of Lysergic Acid and Novel Ergot Alkaloids in Aspergillus fumigatus

“…Agriculturally, ergot alkaloids in forage grasses colonized by endophytic Epichlë spp. (including many fungi recently realigned from the genus Neotyphodium [2]) reduce weight gain and fitness in grazing animals (3,4). Clinically, the structural similarities of ergot alkaloids to neurotransmitters allow ergot alkaloids to treat cognitive and neurological maladies, including dementia, migraines, and Parkinson's disease, in addition to endocrine disorders such as type 2 diabetes and hyperprolactinemia (5)(6)(7)(8).…”

The Effect of Endophytic Fungi on Nematode Populations in Summer-dormant and Summer-active Tall Fescue

“…Yet despite high forage quality, weight gain of steers grazing tall fescue has been reported as low Read and Camp, 1986;Crawford et al, 1989) as are cow Danielson et al, 1986;Tucker et al, 1989) and equine performance (Smith et al, 2009). The contradictory aspects of tall fescue, adaptability, good nutritive value, and poor animal performance are solely due to the infection of tall fescue by an endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala (Leuchtmann et al, 2014). Epichloë species form symbiotic relationships with many coolseason grasses such as tall fescue, and are capable of producing some or all of the bioactive alkaloids, peramine, lolines, ergot alkaloids, and indole-diterpenes that provide the host plant with insect and grazing animal resistance (Clay and Schardl, 2002).…”