Endophytes in the genus Neotyphodium are not found in Australian native grasses

Abstract

Thirteen native grass genera, and twenty species of native grass seed or proprietary native grass seed, were tested for the presence of endophytic Neotyphodium spp. A fungus, similar in appearance to Neotyphodium was isolated from seed of Danthonia racemosa, but as it did not sporulate it remained unidentified. No confirmed infections caused by Neotyphodium spp. were found in the tested seeds, suggesting that there are no naturally occurring endophytes in the native grass genera under investigation in Victoria, or that they are rare. The possibility of Neotyphodium spp. in Australia’s native grass population offering insect and nematode resistance, improved growth, nutrient utilisation, and drought tolerance, requires further research.