Effects of Neotyphodium endophyte infection on seed viability and germination vigour in Lolium multiflorum under accelerated ageing conditions

Abstract

Neotyphodium endophytes are obligate vertically-transmitted endo-symbionts of Lolium multiflorum grass. Thus, the success of endophyte is tied with the success of the seed. Here we present results from experiments aiming to test the effect of endophyte infection on seed viability and germination vigour. Endophyteinfected and non-infected seeds of three L. multiflorum accessions were compared under accelerated ageing conditions (40ºC and ≈15% moisture content). Endophyte negatively affected seed viability and seed germination vigour in only one of the evaluated accessions. The effect of endophyte presence on seed quality in pasture grasses could depend on the population genetic background, and be related to direct or indirect effects of fungal infection on seed morphological or physiological characteristics. Keywords: Lolium multiflorum, Neotyphodium endophyte, seed quality, accelerated ageing