Abstract
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a very common grass species with a wide distribution, including in Mediterranean areas. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of non-clavicipitaceous fungal endophytes on forage production by P. pratensis, and on the nutritive value and mineral status of its herbage. Plants were inoculated with each of eight endophytic species and grown under greenhouse conditions. After 3 months, the plants were harvested and dried before evaluating the following parameters: dry mass of herbage and roots, crude protein content, neutral detergent fibre content, and mineral contents in herbage. The results showed that endophytes affected the biomass yield (herbage and roots), fibre content, and mineral contents in the forage. Compared with controls, plants inoculated with Stemphylium globuliferum showed the highest herbage and root biomass values, whilst those inoculated with Embellisia leptinellae and S. globuliferum showed reduced fibre contents in herbage. Plants infected with Epicoccum nigrum and S. globuliferum showed increased herbage concentrations of calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, and titanium. These results demonstrate that inoculation of Poa pratensis with endophytes can increase its biomass yield and the nutritive value of its herbage. Therefore, endophyte inoculation may be a useful strategy to reduce nutrient deficiencies in P. pratensis forage.
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