Abstract
Much of the work to date on the relationships between cool season grasses and Neotyphodium fungal endophytes has focused on the physiological, biochemical, and genetic ramifications of the host-fungus relationship and the subsequent influence these effects have on ruminant nutrition, plant adaptation to environmental stresses, and aboveground ecological processes. Relatively little attention has been paid to effects on belowground parameters. In this paper, we review the research evaluating the impact of one endophyte-grass association, the Neotyphodium – tall fescue symbiosis, on underground ecological and biogeochemical processes. We also present some preliminary data showing that the quantity and nature of tall fescue root exudates are influenced by the plant cultivar and fungal genotype. This body of work clearly indicates that effects of the Neotyphodium-tall fescue symbiosis extend to belowground processes; however, additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving many of the observed root and soil endophyte effects.
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2012
Repository Citation
McNear, D. H. Jr. and McCulley, Rebecca L., "Influence of the Neotyphodium--Tall Fescue Symbiosis on Belowground Processes" (2012). Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications. 44.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pss_facpub/44
Notes/Citation Information
Published in Epichloae, Endophytes of Cool Season Grasses: Implications, Utilization, and Biology. Carolyn A. Young, Glen E. Aiken, Rebecca L. McCulley, James R. Strickland, and Christopher L. Schardl, (Eds.). p. 94-99.
2012 Copyright of The Noble Foundation
The copyright holder has granted the permission for posting the book chapter here.