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Endophytic Fungus Negatively Affects Salt Tolerance of Tall Fescue. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010014. [PMID: 36675835 PMCID: PMC9864572 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertically transmitted endophytic fungi can mitigate the negative effects of salinity encountered by their host grass and alter the competitive interactions between plant individuals. To experimentally study the interactive effects of the fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala on salt tolerance and intraspecific competition of its host plant, tall fescue Festuca arundinacea, we subjected 15 maternal lines of each Epichloë associated (E+) and Epichloë free (E-) tall fescue to salt treatment and competition in the greenhouse and common garden. Then, to explore variation in endophyte incidence in natural populations of tall fescue, we surveyed 23 natural populations occurring on or near the Baltic Sea coast in Aland islands in southwestern Finland for endophyte incidence, distance to shore, and competitive environment. Under salinity in the greenhouse, E- plants grew larger than E+ plants, but there was no size difference in the control treatment. E- plants grew taller and were more likely to flower than E+ plants when grown in benign conditions in the common garden but not with salinity or competition. The frequency of Epichloë incidence was high (90%) in natural populations, and it decreased towards the shore and risk of salt exposure. These results demonstrate a negative effect of Epichloë endophyte on the salt tolerance of its host. The high incidence of Epichloë in natural populations of tall fescue in the northern part of the species distribution range is likely due to factors other than salinity.
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Bubica Bustos LM, Ueno AC, Biganzoli F, Card SD, Mace WJ, Martínez-Ghersa MA, Gundel PE. Can Aphid Herbivory Induce Intergenerational Effects of Endophyte-conferred Resistance in Grasses? J Chem Ecol 2022; 48:867-881. [PMID: 36372818 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-022-01390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Plants have evolved mechanisms to survive herbivory. One such mechanism is the induction of defences upon attack that can operate intergenerationally. Cool-season grasses (sub-family Pooideae) obtain defences via symbiosis with vertically transmitted fungal endophytes (genus Epichloë) and can also show inducible responses. However, it is unknown whether these herbivore-induced responses can have intergenerational effects. We hypothesized that herbivory by aphids on maternal plants induces the intergenerational accumulation of endophyte-derived defensive alkaloids and resistance intensification in the progeny. We subjected mother plants symbiotic or not with Epichloë occultans, a species known for its production of anti-insect alkaloids known as lolines, to the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Then, we evaluated the progeny of these plants in terms of loline alkaloid concentration, resistance level (through herbivore performance), and shoot biomass. Herbivory on mother plants did not increase the concentration of lolines in seeds but it tended to affect loline concentration in progeny plants. There was an overall herbivore-induced intergenerational effect increasing the endophyte-conferred defence and resistance. Symbiotic plants were more resistant to aphids and had higher shoot biomass than their non-symbiotic counterparts. Since maternal herbivory did not affect the loline concentrations in seeds, the greater resistance of the progeny could have resulted from an inherited mechanism of epigenetic regulation. It would be interesting to elucidate the origin of this regulation since it could come from the host or the fungal symbiont. Thus, endophyte-driven differential fitness between symbiotic and non-symbiotic plants might be higher as generations pass on in presence of herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea C Ueno
- IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Campus Lircay, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Biganzoli
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Stuart D Card
- Resilient Agriculture, Grasslands Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Wade J Mace
- Resilient Agriculture, Grasslands Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Pedro E Gundel
- IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Campus Lircay, Talca, Chile.
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Behl T, Gupta A, Albratty M, Najmi A, Meraya AM, Alhazmi HA, Anwer MK, Bhatia S, Bungau SG. Alkaloidal Phytoconstituents for Diabetes Management: Exploring the Unrevealed Potential. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185851. [PMID: 36144587 PMCID: PMC9501853 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main characteristic feature of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, which results in insulin insufficiency and can also lead to insulin resistance. Both the acute and chronic diabetic cases are increasing at an exponential rate, which is also flagged by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Treatment of diabetes mellitus with synthetic drugs often fails to provide desired results and limits its use to symptomatic treatment only. This has resulted in the exploration of alternative medicine, of which herbal treatment is gaining popularity these days. Owing to their safety benefits, treatment compliance, and ability to exhibit effects without disturbing internal homeostasis, research in the field of herbal and ayurvedic treatments has gained importance. Medicinal phytoconstituents include micronutrients, amino acids, proteins, mucilage, critical oils, triterpenoids, saponins, carotenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and coumarins, which play a dynamic function in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Alkaloids found in medicinal plants represent an intriguing potential for the inception of novel approaches to diabetes mellitus therapies. Thus, this review article highlights detailed information on alkaloidal phytoconstituents, which includes sources and structures of alkaloids along with the associated mechanism involved in the management of diabetes mellitus. From the available literature and data presented, it can be concluded that these compounds hold tremendous potential for use as monotherapies or in combination with current treatments, which can result in the development of better efficacy and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Amit Gupta
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarim M. Meraya
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45124, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A. Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Stattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 16278, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.G.B.)
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Laihonen M, Saikkonen K, Helander M, Vázquez de Aldana BR, Zabalgogeazcoa I, Fuchs B. Epichloë Endophyte-Promoted Seed Pathogen Increases Host Grass Resistance Against Insect Herbivory. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:786619. [PMID: 35087489 PMCID: PMC8787217 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.786619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants host taxonomically and functionally complex communities of microbes. However, ecological studies on plant-microbe interactions rarely address the role of multiple co-occurring plant-associated microbes. Here, we contend that plant-associated microbes interact with each other and can have joint consequences for higher trophic levels. In this study we recorded the occurrence of the plant seed pathogenic fungus Claviceps purpurea and aphids (Sitobion sp.) on an established field experiment with red fescue (Festuca rubra) plants symbiotic to a seed transmitted endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae (E+) or non-symbiotic (E-). Both fungi are known to produce animal-toxic alkaloids. The study was conducted in a semi-natural setting, where E+ and E- plants from different origins (Spain and Northern Finland) were planted in a randomized design in a fenced common garden at Kevo Subarctic Research Station in Northern Finland. The results reveal that 45% of E+ plants were infected with Claviceps compared to 31% of E- plants. Uninfected plants had 4.5 times more aphids than Claviceps infected plants. By contrast, aphid infestation was unaffected by Epichloë symbiosis. Claviceps alkaloid concentrations correlated with a decrease in aphid numbers, which indicates their insect deterring features. These results show that plant mutualistic fungi can increase the infection probability of a pathogenic fungus, which then becomes beneficial to the plant by controlling herbivorous insects. Our study highlights the complexity and context dependency of species-species and multi-trophic interactions, thus challenging the labeling of species as plant mutualists or pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marjo Helander
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Iñigo Zabalgogeazcoa
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
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Lee K, Missaoui A, Mahmud K, Presley H, Lonnee M. Interaction between Grasses and Epichloë Endophytes and Its Significance to Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance and the Rhizosphere. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2186. [PMID: 34835312 PMCID: PMC8623577 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cool-season grasses are the most common forage types in livestock operations and amenities. Several of the cool-season grasses establish mutualistic associations with an endophytic fungus of the Epichloë genus. The grasses and endophytic fungi have evolved over a long period of time to form host-fungus specific relationships that confer protection for the grass against various stressors in exchange for housing and nutrients to the fungus. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which Epichloë endophytes and grasses interact, including molecular pathways for secondary metabolite production. It also outlines specific mechanisms by which the endophyte helps protect the plant from various abiotic and biotic stressors. Finally, the review provides information on how Epichloë infection of grass and stressors affect the rhizosphere environment of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Lee
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (K.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Ali Missaoui
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (K.L.); (H.P.)
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Kishan Mahmud
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Holly Presley
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (K.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Marin Lonnee
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
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6
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Lee K, Missaoui A, Mahmud K, Presley H, Lonnee M. Interaction between Grasses and Epichloë Endophytes and Its Significance to Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance and the Rhizosphere. Microorganisms 2021. [PMID: 34835312 DOI: 10.1007/10.3390/microorganisms9112186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cool-season grasses are the most common forage types in livestock operations and amenities. Several of the cool-season grasses establish mutualistic associations with an endophytic fungus of the Epichloë genus. The grasses and endophytic fungi have evolved over a long period of time to form host-fungus specific relationships that confer protection for the grass against various stressors in exchange for housing and nutrients to the fungus. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which Epichloë endophytes and grasses interact, including molecular pathways for secondary metabolite production. It also outlines specific mechanisms by which the endophyte helps protect the plant from various abiotic and biotic stressors. Finally, the review provides information on how Epichloë infection of grass and stressors affect the rhizosphere environment of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Lee
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ali Missaoui
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kishan Mahmud
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Holly Presley
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Marin Lonnee
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Dung JKS, Duringer JM, Kaur N, Scott JC, Frost KE, Walenta DL, Alderman SC, Craig AM, Hamm PB. Molecular and Alkaloid Characterization of Claviceps purpurea Sensu Lato From Grass Seed Production Areas of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 111:831-841. [PMID: 33141647 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-07-20-0289-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ergot, caused by Claviceps purpurea sensu lato, is an economically important seed replacement disease of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed crops. C. purpurea sensu stricto is considered the primary Claviceps species responsible, but genetic diversity and cryptic species within C. purpurea sensu lato have previously been reported. Fifty-six C. purpurea sensu lato isolates collected from P. pratensis (n = 21) and L. perenne (n = 35) in Oregon and Washington between 2010 and 2014 were characterized via random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), partial internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin and elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) sequences, conidial size, and ergot alkaloid chemotype. Based on RAPD analysis, seven isolates from P. pratensis and 33 isolates from L. perenne collected in Oregon corresponded to C. purpurea sensu stricto, and 13 isolates collected from P. pratensis in Washington and Oregon were identified as C. humidiphila. Partial ITS, β-tubulin, and EF-1α sequences identified 10 isolates from P. pratensis as C. humidiphila, and seven isolates from P. pratensis and 33 isolates from L. perenne were identified as C. purpurea sensu stricto. Several isolates generated ambiguous RAPD bands or sequences that prevented identification. Ergot alkaloid chemotype profiling found that ergocornine and its epimer were predominant in sclerotia from P. pratensis, whereas ergotamine and its epimer were most abundant in sclerotia from L. perenne. This study confirms the presence of the C. purpurea sensu lato species complex in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and suggests that more research is needed to characterize and mitigate Claviceps spp. infection of grass seed crops in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah K S Dung
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Madras, OR 97741
| | - Jennifer M Duringer
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Navneet Kaur
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hermiston, OR 97838
| | - Jeness C Scott
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Madras, OR 97741
| | - Kenneth E Frost
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hermiston, OR 97838
| | - Darrin L Walenta
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University Extension Service, La Grande, OR 97850
| | - Stephen C Alderman
- USDA-ARS National Forage Seed Production Research Center, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - A Morrie Craig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Philip B Hamm
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hermiston, OR 97838
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Muola A, Fuchs B, Laihonen M, Rainio K, Heikkonen L, Ruuskanen S, Saikkonen K, Helander M. Risk in the circular food economy: Glyphosate-based herbicide residues in manure fertilizers decrease crop yield. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141422. [PMID: 32858290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most frequently used herbicides globally. They were launched as a safe solution for weed control, but recently, an increasing number of studies have shown the existence of GBH residues and highlighted the associated risks they pose throughout ecosystems. Conventional agricultural practices often include the use of GBHs, and the use of glyphosate-resistant genetically modified crops is largely based on the application of glyphosate, which increases the likelihood of its residues ending up in animal feed. These residues persist throughout the digestive process of production animals and accumulate in their excretion products. The poultry industry, in particular, is rapidly growing, and excreted products are used as plant fertilizers in line with circular food economy practices. We studied the potential effects of unintentional glyphosate contamination on an agronomically important forage grass, meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and a horticulturally important strawberry (Fragaria x vescana) using glyphosate residues containing poultry manure as a plant fertilizer in a common garden experiment. Glyphosate in the manure decreased plant growth in both species and vegetative reproduction in F. x vescana. Furthermore, our results indicate that glyphosate residues in organic fertilizers might have indirect effects on sexual reproduction in F. pratensis and herbivory in F. x vescana because they positively correlate with plant size. Our results highlight that glyphosate can be unintentionally spread via organic fertilizer, counteracting its ability to promote plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Muola
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Benjamin Fuchs
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Miika Laihonen
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Kalle Rainio
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Heikkonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Kari Saikkonen
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Marjo Helander
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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10
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Vikuk V, Fuchs B, Krischke M, Mueller MJ, Rueb S, Krauss J. Alkaloid Concentrations of Lolium perenne Infected with Epichloë festucae var. lolii with Different Detection Methods-A Re-Evaluation of Intoxication Risk in Germany? J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030177. [PMID: 32961967 PMCID: PMC7558822 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins in agriculturally used plants can cause intoxication in animals and can lead to severe financial losses for farmers. The endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae var. lolii living symbiotically within the cool season grass species Lolium perenne can produce vertebrate and invertebrate toxic alkaloids. Hence, an exact quantitation of alkaloid concentrations is essential to determine intoxication risk for animals. Many studies use different methods to detect alkaloid concentrations, which complicates the comparability. In this study, we showed that alkaloid concentrations of individual plants exceeded toxicity thresholds on real world grasslands in Germany, but not on the population level. Alkaloid concentrations on five German grasslands with high alkaloid levels peaked in summer but were also below toxicity thresholds on population level. Furthermore, we showed that alkaloid concentrations follow the same seasonal trend, regardless of whether plant fresh or dry weight was used, in the field and in a common garden study. However, alkaloid concentrations were around three times higher when detected with dry weight. Finally, we showed that alkaloid concentrations can additionally be biased to different alkaloid detection methods. We highlight that toxicity risks should be analyzed using plant dry weight, but concentration trends of fresh weight are reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vikuk
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (S.R.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Benjamin Fuchs
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland;
| | - Markus Krischke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Metabolomics Core Unit, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (M.K.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Martin J. Mueller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Metabolomics Core Unit, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (M.K.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Selina Rueb
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (S.R.); (J.K.)
| | - Jochen Krauss
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (S.R.); (J.K.)
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Laihonen M, Saikkonen K, Helander M, Tammaru T. Insect oviposition preference between Epichloë-symbiotic and Epichloë-free grasses does not necessarily reflect larval performance. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7242-7249. [PMID: 32760525 PMCID: PMC7391556 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in plant communities is likely to modulate the feeding and oviposition behavior of herbivorous insects, and plant-associated microbes are largely ignored in this context. Here, we take into account that insects feeding on grasses commonly encounter systemic and vertically transmitted (via seeds) fungal Epichloë endophytes, which are regarded as defensive grass mutualists. Defensive mutualism is primarily attributable to alkaloids of fungal origin. To study the effects of Epichloë on insect behavior and performance, we selected wild tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and red fescue (Festuca rubra) as grass-endophyte models. The plants used either harbored the systemic endophyte (E+) or were endophyte-free (E-). As a model herbivore, we selected the Coenonympha hero butterfly feeding on grasses as larvae. We examined both oviposition and feeding preferences of the herbivore as well as larval performance in relation to the presence of Epichloë endophytes in the plants. Our findings did not clearly support the female's oviposition preference to reflect the performance of her offspring. First, the preference responses depended greatly on the grass-endophyte symbiotum. In F. arundinacea, C. hero females preferred E+ individuals in oviposition-choice tests, whereas in F. rubra, the endophytes may decrease exploitation, as both C. hero adults and larvae preferred E- grasses. Second, the endophytes had no effect on larval performance. Overall, F. arundinacea was an inferior host for C. hero larvae. However, the attraction of C. hero females to E+ may not be maladaptive if these plants constitute a favorable oviposition substrate for reasons other than the plants' nutritional quality. For example, rougher surface of E+ plant may physically facilitate the attachment of eggs, or the plants offer greater protection from natural enemies. Our results highlight the importance of considering the preference of herbivorous insects in studies involving the endophyte-symbiotic grasses as host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Toomas Tammaru
- Institute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
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Wang J, Hou W, Christensen MJ, Li X, Xia C, Li C, Nan Z. Role of Epichloë Endophytes in Improving Host Grass Resistance Ability and Soil Properties. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:6944-6955. [PMID: 32551564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c01396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed significant advances in understanding the interaction between grasses and systemic fungal endophytes of the genus Epichloë, with evidence that plants have evolved multiple strategies to cope with abiotic stresses by reprogramming physiological responses. Soil nutrients directly affect plant growth, while soil microbes are also closely connected to plant growth and health. Epichloë endophytes could affect soil fertility by modifying soil nutrient contents and soil microbial diversity. Therefore, we analyze recent advances in our understanding of the role of Epichloë endophytes under the various abiotic stresses and the role of grass-Epichloë symbiosis on soil fertility. Various cool-season grasses are infected by Epichloë species, which contribute to health, growth, persistence, and seed survival of host grasses by regulating key systems, including photosynthesis, osmotic regulation, and antioxidants and activity of key enzymes of host physiology processes under abiotic stresses. The Epichloë endophyte offers significant prospects to magnify the crop yield, plant resistance, and food safety in ecological systems by modulating soil physiochemical properties and soil microbes. The enhancing resistance of host grasses to abiotic stresses by an Epichloë endophyte is a complex manifestation of different physiological and biochemical events through regulating soil properties and soil microbes by the fungal endophyte. The Epichloë-mediated mechanisms underlying regulation of abiotic stress responses are involved in osmotic adjustment, antioxidant machinery, photosynthetic system, and activity of key enzymes critical in developing plant adaptation strategies to abiotic stress. Therefore, the Epichloë endophytes are an attractive choice in increasing resistance of plants to abiotic stresses and are also a good candidate for improving soil fertility and regulating microbial diversity to improve plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael J Christensen
- Grasslands Research Centre, AgResearch, Private Bag 11-008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Xiuzhang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibiao Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu 730000, People's Republic of China
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13
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Bharadwaj R, Jagadeesan H, Kumar SR, Ramalingam S. Molecular mechanisms in grass-Epichloë interactions: towards endophyte driven farming to improve plant fitness and immunity. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:92. [PMID: 32562008 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02868-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
All plants harbor many microbial species including bacteria and fungi in their tissues. The interactions between the plant and these microbes could be symbiotic, mutualistic, parasitic or commensalistic. Mutualistic microorganisms are endophytic in nature and are known to play a role in plant growth, development and fitness. Endophytes display complex diversity depending upon the agro-climatic conditions and this diversity could be exploited for crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. Plant-endophyte partnerships are highly specific, several genetic and molecular cascades play a key role in colonization of endophytes in host plants leading to rapid changes in host and endophyte metabolism. This results in the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which play an important role in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Alkaloids are one of the important class of metabolites produced by Epichloë genus and other related classes of endophytes and confer protection against insect and mammalian herbivory. In this context, this review discusses the evolutionary aspects of the Epichloë genus along with key molecular mechanisms determining the lifestyle of Epichloë endophytes in host system. Novel hypothesis is proposed to outline the initial cellular signaling events during colonization of Epichloë in cool season grasses. Complex clustering of alkaloid biosynthetic genes and molecular mechanisms involved in the production of alkaloids have been elaborated in detail. The natural defense and advantages of the endophyte derived metabolites have also been extensively discussed. Finally, this review highlights the importance of endophyte-arbitrated plant immunity to develop novel approaches for eco-friendly agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bharadwaj
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India
| | - H Jagadeesan
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S R Kumar
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India
| | - S Ramalingam
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India.
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14
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Fuchs B, Kuhnert E, Krauss J. Contrasting Effects of Grass - Endophyte Chemotypes on a Tri-Trophic Cascade. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:422-429. [PMID: 32125581 PMCID: PMC7205845 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic grass-endophytes of the genus Epichloë symbiotically infect the above-ground plant parts of many grass species, where they produce alkaloids in a grass- and endophyte-specific manner that are toxic or deterrent to herbivores. An increasing number of studies show cascading negative effects of endophyte-derived alkaloids that extend to higher trophic levels, harming beneficial insects, including those that control aphid populations. Lacewings are one of the major biological aphid controls, and are especially resistant to insecticides and pollutants, but their susceptibility to endophyte infection in the food chain has never been studied. Our study found variability in aphid population growth depending on the endophyte-grass chemotype, where aphid population growth was lowest on chemotypes known for producing high amounts of loline alkaloids. We also showed that larval and pupal development and mortality of the Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) was, in a non-choice experiment, not affected by endophyte infection in the food chain. This is a first indication that lacewings might be resistant to endophyte-derived alkaloids and could be robust biocontrol agents when applied together with endophyte-infected grass, possibly replacing chemical pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Fuchs
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Eric Kuhnert
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Krauss
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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15
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Lin W, Kuang Y, Wang J, Duan D, Xu W, Tian P, Nzabanita C, Wang M, Li M, Ma B. Effects of Seasonal Variation on the Alkaloids of Different Ecotypes of Epichloë Endophyte- Festuca sinensis Associations. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1695. [PMID: 31402903 PMCID: PMC6671874 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epichloë endophyte-Festuca sinensis association produces alkaloids which can protect the host plant from biotic and abiotic stresses. Alkaloid concentrations depend on the genetic predisposition of grass and endophyte, and are affected by the environment. Endophyte infected F. sinensis of six ecotypes were grown in experimental field and greenhouse for 2 years. Their aboveground plant tissues were collected each season to test for peramine, lolitrem B, and ergot concentrations. The results showed that seasonal changes affected the peramine, lolitrem B and ergot concentrations of Epichloë endophyte-F. sinensis associations; and these three different alkaloids responded differently to seasonal variation. The peramine concentration of six ecotypes of F. sinensis decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from spring to autumn. The lolitrem B concentration of F. sinensis was higher in autumn than in other seasons. Ergot concentrations of five ecotypes (41, 57, 84, 99, and 141) of F. sinensis peaked in the summer, and lowered in spring and autumn. In addition, the ecotype has insignificant effect (p > 0.05) on the peramine and lolitrem B concentrations of F. sinensis, but it has a significant impact (p < 0.05) on the ergot concentrations. We concluded that the seasonal variation and ecotypes can influence the alkaloids produced by the F. sinensis-endophyte associations, but the effects of seasonal conditions on the alkaloid concentrations are more pronounced than ecotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Kuang
- Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Liling City, Liling, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongdong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Clement Nzabanita
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meining Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bihua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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16
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Cagnano G, Roulund N, Jensen CS, Forte FP, Asp T, Leuchtmann A. Large Scale Screening of Epichloë Endophytes Infecting Schedonorus pratensis and Other Forage Grasses Reveals a Relation Between Microsatellite-Based Haplotypes and Loline Alkaloid Levels. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:765. [PMID: 31249582 PMCID: PMC6582706 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Species belonging to the Festuca-Lolium complex are often naturally infected with endophytic fungi of genus Epichloë. Recent studies on endophytes have shown the beneficial roles of host-endophyte associations as protection against insect herbivores in agriculturally important grasses. However, large-scale screenings are crucial to identify animal friendly strains suitable for agricultural use. In this study we analyzed collected populations of meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis) from 135 different locations across Europe, 255 accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture and 96 accessions from The Nordic Genetic Resource Centre. The analysis also included representatives of S. arundinaceus, S. giganteus, and Lolium perenne. All plants were screened for the presence of Epichloë endophytes, resulting in a nursery of about 2500 infected plants from 176 different locations. Genetic diversity was investigated on 250 isolates using a microsatellite-based PCR fingerprinting assay at 7 loci, 5 of which were uncharacterized for these species. Phylogenetic and principal components analysis showed a strong interspecific genetic differentiation among isolates, and, with E. uncinata isolates, a small but significant correlation between genetic diversity and geographical effect (r = 0.227) was detected. Concentrations of loline alkaloids were measured in 218 infected meadow fescue plants. Average amount of total loline and the proportions of the single loline alkaloids differed significantly among endophyte haplotypes (P < 0.005). This study provides insight into endophyte genetic diversity and geographic variation in Europe and a reference database of allele sizes for fast discrimination of isolates. We also discuss the possibility of multiple hybridization events as a source of genetic and alkaloid variation observed in E. uncinata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cagnano
- DLF Trifolium A/S, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
| | | | | | - Flavia Pilar Forte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Torben Asp
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Research Centre Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
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Nissinen R, Helander M, Kumar M, Saikkonen K. Heritable Epichloë symbiosis shapes fungal but not bacterial communities of plant leaves. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5253. [PMID: 30918316 PMCID: PMC6437304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Keystone microbial species have driven eco-evolutionary processes since the origin of life. However, due to our inability to detect the majority of microbiota, members of diverse microbial communities of fungi, bacteria and viruses have largely been ignored as keystone species in past literature. Here we tested whether heritable Epichloë species of pooidae grasses modulate microbiota of their shared host plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Nissinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, 40014 University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Marjo Helander
- Department of Biology, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, 40014 University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kari Saikkonen
- Biodiversity Unit, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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18
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Gundel PE, Seal CE, Biganzoli F, Molina-Montenegro MA, Vázquez-de-Aldana BR, Zabalgogeazcoa I, Bush LP, Martínez-Ghersa MA, Ghersa CM. Occurrence of Alkaloids in Grass Seeds Symbiotic With Vertically-Transmitted Epichloë Fungal Endophytes and Its Relationship With Antioxidants. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Hernández-Agramonte IM, Semmartin M, Omacini M, Durante M, Gundel PE, De Battista J. A fungal endophyte of a palatable grass affects preference of large herbivores. AUSTRAL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - María Semmartin
- IFEVA; Facultad de Agronomía; CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Av. San Martín 4453 C1417DSE Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Marina Omacini
- IFEVA; Facultad de Agronomía; CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Av. San Martín 4453 C1417DSE Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Martín Durante
- INTA Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, EEA Concepción del Uruguay Entre Ríos; Concepcion del Uruguay Argentina
| | - Pedro E. Gundel
- IFEVA; Facultad de Agronomía; CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Av. San Martín 4453 C1417DSE Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - José De Battista
- INTA Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, EEA Concepción del Uruguay Entre Ríos; Concepcion del Uruguay Argentina
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20
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Fuchs B, Krischke M, Mueller MJ, Krauss J. Plant age and seasonal timing determine endophyte growth and alkaloid biosynthesis. FUNGAL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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