The Occurrence of Balansioid Endophytes in Georgia, Florida, and Southern Grasses

Authors: Bacon, Charles; Hinton, Dorothy

Submitted to: University of Florida Handout
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/26/2016
Publication Date: 4/26/2016
Citation: Bacon, C.W., Hinton, D.M. 2016. The Occurrence of Balansioid Endophytes in Georgia, Florida, and Southern Grasses. University of Florida Handout. Quincy, Florida. April 26, 2016.

Interpretive Summary: A collection of toxic fungal endophytes of grasses were detailed in terms of their morphology and taxonomy in detailed slides useful for identification of the little know species of Balansia or clavicipitalean fungi that are found on southern pasture and weed grass species. We have established as being toxic to grazing animals. Our early work established several of these as being producers of classes of toxic ergot alkaloids that can cause problems to livestock. This collection consisted of the known species of Balansia and Myriogenospora that are endophytes and epiphytes of southern grasses. An invitation was received from the forage workers at the University of Florida who are now experiencing this as a sporadic but serious problem, especially from Myriogenospora fungus on forage species. This type presentation was desired due to the shortage of travel funds/restrictions. The presentations contained the salient features necessary for the field identity of each was described and facilitated due to very descriptive slides presented to this group of forage and animal scientist. There were 16 species along with 12 grass host were identified and usually found infected by these endophytic Balansia fungi.

Technical Abstract: A collection of toxic fungal endophytes of grasses were detailed in terms of their morphology and taxonomy in detailed slides useful for identification of the little know species of Balansia or clavicipitalean fungi that are found on southern pasture and weed grass species. We have established as being toxic to grazing animals. Our early work established several of these as being producers of classes of toxic ergot alkaloids that can cause problems to livestock. This collection consisted of the known species of Balansia and Myriogenospora that are endophytes and epiphytes of southern grasses. An invitation was received from the forage workers at the University of Florida who are now experiencing this as a sporadic but serious problem, especially from Myriogenospora fungus on forage species. This type presentation was desired due to the shortage of travel funds/restrictions. The presentations contained the salient features necessary for the field identity of each was described and facilitated due to very descriptive slides presented to this group of forage and animal scientist. There were 16 species along with 12 grass host were identified and usually found infected by these endophytic Balansia fungi.