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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #134312
Title: QUIESCENT AND ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI IN GRASS FAMILY HOSTS: MUTUALISTS, PATHOGENS, SAPROPHYTES AND HITCHHIKERS

Author
item Dugan, Frank
item Lupien, Shari

Submitted to: Grass Breeders Work Planning Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/19/2002
Publication Date: 5/14/2004
Citation: Dugan, F.M., Lupien, S.L. 2004. Quiescent and endophytic fungi in grass family hosts: mutualists, pathogens, saprophytes and hitchhikers. Grass Breeders Work Planning Conference Proceedings. p. 11-15.

Interpretive Summary: This contribution to the Grass Breeders Planning Conference Proceedings summarizes recent research performed by the pathology laboratory of the USDA-ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS) in Pullman, Washington. This research concentrates on identification, taxonomy and biology of fungi associated with grass seed stored at WRPIS. Fungal associates of seeds of grass-family plants are an important component of germplasm science and management. Beneficial fungi must be characterized and conserved, pathogens & toxin-producing fungi identified and controlled, and the growth of "storage fungi" curtailed within the seed collections.

Technical Abstract: Species of saprophytic, pathogenic and endophytic fungi were recovered from healthy-appearing, surface-disinfested seeds and/or vegetative tissues of grasses or small grains. Relative dominance, incidence and/or patterns of internal and external colonization were described for selected taxa. Results include: i) revision of conventional wisdom on endophytic Neotyphodium colonization of grass family hosts, ii) reassessment of previous identifications of Alternaria species associated with grasses, and iii) production of a new key to graminicolous Alternaria, the genus most prevalent on grass family hosts.