Affiliation:
1. State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Gansu Tech Innovation Centre of Western China Grassland Industry, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
2. Grassland Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Abstract
Epichloë fungal endophytes hold promise in sustainable agriculture by fortifying cool-season grasses such as Elymus spp. against various stresses. Elymus spp. are widely distributed in Northwest China with a high incidence of endophyte infections. In this study, we identified 20 Epichloë endophytic fungal strains carried by five Elymus spp. from five areas of Northwest China and systematically characterized their morphology, molecular phylogeny, mating type, and alkaloid diversity for the first time. The morphological characterization underscores strain diversity, with variable colony textures and growth rates. A phylogenetic analysis confirms all strains are E. bromicola, emphasizing their taxonomic status. Alkaloid-encoding gene profiling delineates distinct alkaloid synthesis capabilities among the strains, which are crucial for host adaptability and resistance. A mating-type analysis reveals uniformity (mtAC) across the Epichloë strains, simplifying breeding strategies. Notably, the Epichloë strains exhibit diverse alkaloid synthesis gene profiles, impacting host interactions. This research emphasizes the ecological significance of Epichloë endophytes in Elymus spp. ecosystems, offering insights into their genetic diversity and potential applications in sustainable agriculture.
Funder
National Science Foundation of China
Open Project of the State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University
Science and Technology Planning Project of Gansu Province, China
Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Major Projects
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