Poa Compressa Research Articles

Functional diversity of microbial communities in herbaceous vegetation patches in coal mine heaps

AbstractCoal mine heaps represent unique novel environments, suitable for studying plant succession and its influence on the activity of microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere. Our aim was to verify if the functional diversity and catabolic activity of soil microorganisms would increase along with the plant succession from non‐vegetated and forbs‐dominated to grass‐dominated communities. The study was conducted on coal mine heaps located in Upper Silesia (Southern Poland), focusing on non‐vegetated patches, patches dominated by forbs–Tussilago farfara and Daucus carota (in the early stages of succession), and by grasses–Poa compressa and Calamagrostis epigejos (in later stages of primary succession). The catabolic activity and functional diversity of soil microbial communities were analyzed based on community‐level physiological profiles using BIOLOG EcoPlatesTM and the activity of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and urease. Our results showed that spontaneous vegetation on coal mine heaps strongly affects the physicochemistry of the substrate and the functional diversity of soil microbial communities. Grasses' rhizosphere was hosting more active and functional diversified microbial communities, while non‐vegetated and T. farfara‐vegetated patches were accompanied by a reduced development of soil microbiota. Furthermore, grasses were mainly associated with a substantial delivery of plant litter to the substrate, providing a source of carbon for microorganisms.

Winner and losers: examining biotic interactions in forbs and grasses in response to changes in water and temperature in a semi-arid grassland.

Warming and changing water amount can alter the outcome of biotic interactions in native and exotic plants between facilitation and competition. Exotic plants may adapt better to changing environmental conditions, such that they may compete better than native plants. We conducted competition trials for four plant species, two exotic forbs (Centaurea stoebe and Linaria vulgaris) and two grasses (exotic Poa compressa and native Pseudoroegneria spicata), commonly found in Southern interior British Columbia. We compared the effects of warming and changing water on target plant shoot and root biomass, and on pair-wise competitive interactions among all four species. We quantified interactions using the Relative Interaction Intensity index, which has values from -1 (complete competition) to +1 (complete facilitation). C. stoebe biomass was highest under low water and no competition. Facilitation of C. stoebe was found under high water and low temperatures but shifted to competition under low water and/or warming. Competition in L. vulgaris decreased due to reduced water and increased due to warming. Grasses were less competitively suppressed by warming but more competitively suppressed by reduced water input. The response of exotic plants to climate change can differ by plant species, moving in opposite directions for both forbs, but grasses appear to respond similarly. This has consequences for grasses and exotic plants in semi-arid grasslands.

Nutrient Analysis and Species Diversity of Alpine Grasslands: A Comparative Analysis of Less Studied Biodiversity Hotspots

The alpine grasslands of Kashmir Himalaya act as a treasure house of floristic biodiversity. They have remained largely unstudied because of their remoteness and inaccessibility. It is imperative to have quantitative studies of these areas to allow the long-term monitoring of flora in these fragile ecosystems. During the present study, nutrient analysis and species diversity of some alpine grasslands were investigated. Electroconductivity (EC) of the soils ranged between 0.12 and 0.33 (dSm−1). With an increase in altitude and precipitation and a decrease in temperature, soil pH and available macro-nutrients (OC, N, P, K) show a considerable decrease. Sixty-six plant species belonging to twenty-nine families and fifty-one genera were reported with members predominantly from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae families. Seven species were common to all study areas and Renyi diversity profiles showed that Kongwattan was the most diverse followed by Poshpathri and Yousmarg. The results of the Sorensen β diversity index showed a relatively lower dissimilarity index among the three studied alpine sites. In the majority of the growth forms, growth initiation was recorded in April, whereas senescence occurred in September. The highest bloom was seen in June-July. The plant species exhibited a greater variability in their phenophases under different environmental conditions and altitudinal gradients. Plants were more vigorous at lower altitudes and showed rapid response to the prevailing conditions. Stoloniferous forbs and tussock forming graminoids such as Sibbaldia cuneata, Trifolium repens, Plantago major, Trifolium pratense, Poa compressa, Poa angustifolia, and Plantago lanceolata showed a greater importance value index (IVI). The sedentary system of livestock rearing at Yousmarg resulted in the decreased density of the palatable species. This study allowed us to conclude that direct knowledge of soil nutrient composition and species diversity in alpine ecosystems can enhance conservation and ensure better management practices over a period of time.

Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass)

Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass)

Spatial structure of Globularia bisnagarica L. (Plantaginaceae, Magnoliopsida) coenopopulations

The paper presents the results of the spatial distribution analysis of 18 Globularia bisnagarica L. coenopopulations in the Saratov, Samara, Ulyanovsk and Orenburg regions and the Republic of Tatarstan. The analysis was carried out with the Spatstat package of the R environment for statistical computing. The research reveals an aggregation tendency for the G. bisnagarica coenopopulations. It is suggested that this tendency may be attributed to the prevalence of seed reproduction and certain peculiarities of dissemination (barochory) in the studied coenopopulations as well as to the confinement of the species to eroded landforms (slopes of watersheds, gullies, runoff hollows, etc.) characterized by high heterogeneity of environmental conditions. It has been established that the majority of G. bisnagarica coenopopulations grow in heavily or moderately sodded habitats. Nevertheless, in the studied communities, G. bisnagarica occurs abundantly and dominates along with Stipa pennata, Bromus inermis, Salvia nutans, Elytrigia repens, Poa compressa, etc. Finally, the spatial structure of G. bisnagarica coenopopulations is impacted by the interspecific competition in calciphilous phytocenoses under the invasion of eurybiontic steppe grasses.

Is the Age of Novel Ecosystem the Factor Driving Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization in Poa compressa and Calamagrostis epigejos?

Some sites transformed or created by humans (novel ecosystem) are different both in vegetation and ecosystems establishment and development. The unknown habitat conditions and new species composition is resulting in new abiotic and biotic systems. To improve the understanding of the process governing the relationships between the environmental factors, plant species assemblages and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation were studied in chronosequence on post-coal mine heaps. We hypothesized that AMF root colonization will be dependent on the age of heap and not on the dominant plant species (vegetation type). The high frequency of mycorrhizal colonization of roots (F%) of Poa compressa- and Calamagrostis epigejos-dominated vegetation type was stated. All mycorrhizal parameters were lower in C. epigejos roots when compared to P. compressa (ranging from 60% to 90%). The highest relative mycorrhizal intensity, M%, and mean abundance of arbuscula, A%, in the roots of both examined plants were recorded in vegetation patches dominated by Daucus carota. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between F%, M%, and A%, and lack of correlation between the heaps’ age and mycorrhizal parameters, and statistically significant correlations between A% and potassium and magnesium content were revealed. The interspecific relations in the novel ecosystems become more complex along with the increase of diversity.

Флористическое разнообразие оврагов ущелья Хинна (бассейн р. Заямчай, Малый Кавказ)

In 2016–2021 the ravines floristic diversity of the Khinna gorge (Zayamchay river basin, Lesser Caucasus) was studied. Khinna gorge is located on the right bank of the Zayamchay river, at the foot of Gizilja Mount. In the ravines of the Khinna gorge, 18 species, 13 genera and 11 families of plants were found. Plants of relict origin were also found: Poa nemoralis L., Poa compressa L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Parietaria chersonensis (Lang & Szov.) Dörfl., Asparagus verticillatus L., Gladiolus atroviolaceus Boiss., Rubus buschii Grossh. ex Sinkova, Amoria tumens (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Roskov, Plantago major L.

The role of plants and soil properties in the enzyme activities of substrates on hard coal mine spoil heaps

Knowledge about biotic (plant species diversity, biomass) and/or abiotic (physicochemical substrate parameters) factors that determine enzyme activity and functional diversity of the substrate on hard coal spoil heaps is limited. Spontaneously developed vegetation patches dominated by herbaceous species commonly occurring on these spoil heaps: grasses (Poa compressa, Calamagrostis epigejos) and forbs (Daucus carota, Tussilago farfara), were examined. The activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was twice as high in plots dominated by grass species compared with those dominated by forbs. Significant positive correlations were found between the activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase with pH, available P, soil moisture, and water holding capacity and negative correlations between the activity of urease and soil organic carbon. Strong positive correlations were found between values for Shannon–Wiener diversity index, evenness, species richness and soil functional diversity in plots dominated by grasses. We found that the soil physicochemical parameters had a greater impact on enzyme activity of the substrate than plant biomass and species diversity. However, grasses, through their extensive root system, more effectively increased enzyme activity and health of the substrate than other herbaceous species, and as they stabilize the substrate and form dense plant cover, they can be recommended for reclamation purposes.

New records and key to Poa (Pooideae, Poaceae) from the Flora of Southern Africa region and notes on taxa including a diclinous breeding system in Poa binata.

Four species of Poa L. are newly reported for sub-Saharan Africa and southern Africa, Poa compressa L., P. iconia Azn., P. infirma Kunth and P. nemoralis L. This is the first report of P. iconia from Africa. Vouchers at PRE of P. bulbosa L. all belong to var. vivipara Koeler, those of P. iconia belong to var. iconia and the one of P. trivialis L. belongs to var. trivialis. Two subspecies are recognised in P. pratensis L.: subsp. irrigata (Lindm.) H.Lindb. and subsp. pratensis. We also designate a lectotype for P. iconia and second-step lectotype for P. leptoclada Hochst. ex A.Rich. and report the first recording of a diclinous breeding system in P. binata Nees. Our account updates the treatment in Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses (Fish et al. 2015) including a key to the taxa and notes on infrageneric taxonomy, DNA subtypes, ecology, chromosome numbers and breeding systems.

Performance of multiple turfgrass species during prolonged heat stress and recovery in a controlled environment

AbstractIncreasing temperatures associated with climate change will be the next challenge for crop improvement, especially for turfgrass species that are often grown in urban green spaces. Previous research on turfgrass heat stress tolerance has been limited to a small number of species and cultivars with different heat stress conditions between studies; therefore, we assessed heat stress tolerance of 34 turfgrasses representing 14 species. Four replicates of each entry were established for at least 12 wk and then subjected to 49 d of heat stress (35/25 °C day/night) followed by a 4 wk recovery period (25/15 °C day/night). Turfgrass entries were assessed using the normalized difference vegetative index, the percentage of green obtained with digital image analysis, and membrane stability estimated by electrolyte leakage. Buffalograss [Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) J.T. Columbus], Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort], and slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. littoralis) were more tolerant of heat stress than the other species. The Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa L.), blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth.) Lag. ex Griffiths], and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) cultivars were all tolerant of heat stress; however, only one cultivar for these three species was tested, making species‐wide generalizations difficult. In some cases, the cultivars and/or selections within a given species differed in heat stress response. Almost all entries were able to recover from the heat stress by the end of the recovery period. Altogether, we were able to identify turfgrasses that should perform adequately in high‐temperature urban environments.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus intraradices and other microbial groups affect plant species in a copper-contaminated post-mining soil

Background and aimArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have an important role in plant-microbe interactions. But, there are few studies in which the combined effect of AMF with a stress factor, such as the presence of a metal, on plant species were assessed. This study investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus intraradices and other soil microbial groups in the presence of copper on three plant species in a microcosm experiment. MethodsTwo grass species Poa compressa and Festuca rubra and one herb species Centaurea jacea were selected as model plants in a pot-design test in which soils were artificially contaminated with copper. Treatments were bacteria (control), saprophytic fungi, protists, and a combined treatment of saprophytic fungi and protists, all in the presence or absence of the AM fungal species. After sixty days, plants were harvested and the biomass of grass and herb species and microbial respiration were measured. ResultsThe results showed almost equal above- and belowground plant biomass and microbial respiration in the treatments in the presence or absence of R. intraradices. The herb species C. jecea responded significantly to the soil inoculation with AM fungus, while grass species showed inconsistent patterns. Significant effect of AMF and copper and their interactions was observed on plant biomass when comparing contaminated vs. non-contaminated soils. ConclusionStrong effect of AMF on the biomass of herb species and slight changes in plant growth with the presence of this fungal species in copper-spiked test soils indicates the importance of mycorrhizal fungi compared to other soil microorganisms in our experimental microcosms.

Do the dominant plant species impact the substrate and vegetation composition of post-coal mining spoil heaps?

Dominant species influence both species and functional composition of the vegetation as well as soil properties of the substrate. However, knowledge about the role played by dominant species in the process of shaping their habitat within post-industrial ecosystems is still limited. We aimed to assess the impact of four dominant species (Calamagrostis epigejos, Daucus carota, Poa compressa and Tussilago farfara) on soil abiotic and biotic properties, and to detect differences in species and functional composition of the vegetation types studied. We hypothesized that (1) dominant species of higher mean biomass cause lower aboveground biodiversity and (2) dominant species of higher mean biomass have a higher impact than the others on soil properties. We measured soil chemistry (TOC, N, P, K, Na, Mg content, EC, pH and enzyme activities) as well as biomass, species diversity and functional diversity of vegetation on 15 study plots (28.3 m2) for each species studied.The DCA analysis revealed a clear distinction between the patches dominated by studied species. Vegetation patches dominated by Calamagrostis epigejos were correlated with amount of biomass, canopy height CWM and specific leaf CWM. Patches dominated by Daucus carota were related to the light requirements (EIV-L), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and K content. The vegetation patches dominated by Poa compressa were related to dehydrogenase activity, higher Mg content and species richness of the vegetation patches. The highest TOC content was recorded for T. farfara substrates, and the lowest for C. epigejos substrates. The content of potassium does not differ statistically significantly in the substrates from sites dominated by D. carota and P. compressa. The highest values of Mg content were recorded for D. carota and were statistically different from Poa compressa sites, while the higher phosphorus content (statistically significantly different) was recorded for patches dominated by T. farfara and P. compressa.Despite our assumptions, the species with the highest mean biomass (Calamagrostis epigejos) did not cause lower species or functional diversity. In contrast, Tussilago farfara has the highest impact on postindustrial site habitats on coal mine heaps, as extreme values of four soil substratum parameters were recorded on these plots. This species also decreased both species and functional diversity of vegetation. The knowledge about relationship existing between plants (aboveground vegetation) and soil organisms seems important in order to undertake suitable reclamation measures and to restore variety of functions as well as to create diverse vegetation based on native species.

Vegetation associations of the endangered Opuntia cespitosa (Prickly Pear, Cactaceae) and microsite variation in Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT Many Opuntia engage in nurse associations. Opuntia cespitosa is an endangered cactus species in Canada that is infrequent to rare in many parts of its US range. This study quantifies Opuntia cespitosa associations with other native and non-native plant species in its only substantial extant population in Canada, at Point Pelee National Park. Species cover was estimated along 100 transects across 50 Opuntia plants and in matched non-Opuntia transects. To determine Opuntia influence on its microsite, paired soil samples from under the cacti and near the cacti compared soil nutrients. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon Rank Signed tests and ANOVA tests compared microsites with and without cactus cover and compared groupings such as native/non-native status, growth form and life cycle. Soil moisture is low in the open, but higher yet variable under Opuntia. Opuntia soils have higher magnesium levels. Opuntia do not strongly favor any one species, but may be more beneficial to non-native species than to native ones. Poa compressa and other non-native graminoids were associated with Opuntia. Opuntia cespitosa, despite being at their northern range limit, do not appear to engage in facilitative associations with native species either as nurse or as protégé, but may be nursing non-native species.

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Rhizophagus intraradices and soil microbial community on a model plant community in a post-mining soil

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Rhizophagus intraradices and soil microbial groups and their interactions on a simple plant community in a microcosm experiment. The experiment was performed with two grass species (Poa compressa, Festuca rubra) and two herb species (Centaurea jacea, Lotus corniculatus) which are characteristic of intermediate succession stages in post-mining sites. Three months before the start of the experiment, bacteria, saprophytic fungi, protists, and their combined treatments were inoculated into the soil. At the start of the experiment, half of the pots were inoculated with mycorrhiza. After 60 days, plants were harvested and shoot and root biomass and microbial respiration and biomass were assessed. Above- and belowground plant biomass was significantly lower in the treatments with mycorrhiza. The effect was significant for aboveground biomass of grasses, especially that of Poa compressa, and for grass/herb ratio but not for herbs. Microbial respiration was also lower with mycorrhiza. Among microbial community treatments, saprophytic fungi showed significant effects on plant growth. The results showed the importance of mycorrhizal fungi on plant biomass and its interaction with different plant species and microbial groups which would be useful when extrapolating these results to a natural environment.

Новые и редкие виды растений с хребта Хамар-Дабан (юг Восточной Сибири)

We present an information about new findings of 11 vascular plant species on the Khamar-Daban Range (south of Eastern Siberia). Among them, three species (Festuca arundinacea, Neottia nidus-avis, Ranunculus grandifolius) are registered in Baikal Siberia for the first time. One species (Poa compressa) is recorded on the ridge for the first time. For other seven species (Botrychium anthemoides, Daphne mezereum, Fragaria × ananassa, Galium triflorum, Poa remota, P. × intricata, P. trivialis) new findings within the range are presented.

NEW DATA ON THE FLORA OF THE KIZHSKY FEDERAL ZOOLOGICAL RESERVE

Information on 45 vascular plant species new for the Kizhsky Federal Zoological Reserve is provided. Regionally red-listed Gymnocarpium robertianum and Moehringia lateriflora, as well as native Lathyrus maritimus and alien Primula veris were discovered for the first time in Zaonezhye at large. Among the new species, 27 are adventitious, and most of them are widespread in Karelia and inhabit various secondary habitats (Alchemilla micans, Juncus compressus, Lamium dissectum, Poa compressa, Senecio vulgaris, Spergularia rubra). At the same time, introduced species that are very rare and known from very few localities (Alchemilla conglobata, Armoracia rusticana, Papaver pseudoorientale, etc.) have also been recorded. Most of the alien species grow on Kizhi Island, whose ecosystems are affected by significant anthropogenic pressure, which is responsible for their accidental introductions, or escape from places of cultivation. Several aggressive adventitious species (Epilobium pseudorubescens, Impatiens glandulifera, Lupinus polyphyllus), which have been actively invading the natural and seminatural communities in the republic over the past decades, have been recorded here, too. Some popular and widely cultivated garden and ornamental plants (Dianthus barbatus, Lycopersicon esculentum, Malus domestica, Papaver somniferum, Saponaria officinalis, etc.) were noted. For five species (Cypripedium calceolus, Isoetes echinospora, Hypopity monotropa, Lobelia dortmanna, Neottia nidus-avis) that are red-listed in Karelia and/or in the Russian Federation, new locations are stated.

Požarište bukove šume na lokalitetu Visoka stena prve godine posle požara na planini Vidlič

In the summer of 2007. the wildfire occurred on the Vidlic Mountain, in which burned vegetation of beech forests. Phytocenological study of vegetation of beech forest at locality Visoka stena the first year after fire was carried out in accordance with the method of Braun-Blanquet. The results of field research are presented in the form of phytocoenological table. It was noticed that the species with the highest degree of presence are: Rubus idaeus, Sorbus aria, Acer campestre, Spiraea chamaedryfolia, Doronicum columnae, Poa compressa, Galium mollugo, Epilobium angustifolium, Lamium maculatum. The first post-fire year was characterized by annual species domination (Geranium dissectum, Geranium robertianum). It was noticed a significant presence of busy grass (Poa nemoralis, Poa angustifolia, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium pinnatum). Recovering of vegetation of beech forest on the locality Visoka stena depends on the degree to which the number of beech trees has been destroyed, or whether it was burnd partially or completely.

Earthworms increase plant biomass more in soil with no earthworm legacy than in earthworm‐mediated soil, and favour late successional species in competition

AbstractAs ecosystem engineers, earthworms greatly affect plant communities. They create persistent soil structures enriched by nutrients that improve the conditions for plant growth and modify competition between plant species. We therefore hypothesized that earthworm activity would be more important in early stages of the primary succession, when the soil is not modified by earthworms, than in the late stages of the succession, when the soil is already improved by earthworms. On the other hand, earthworms also affect plants via many other effects such as seed predation or excreting hormone‐like compounds, which could make earthworm presence important in late successional soil.To explore earthworm effects on plant community succession, we performed a laboratory microcosm experiment without and with earthworms (Lumbricus rubellusandAporrectodea caliginosa), with early successional plants (Poa compressa,Medicago lupulinaandDaucus carota) and late successional plants (Arrhenatherum elatius,Lotus corniculatusandPlantago lanceolata) and with soil previously unaffected by earthworms (young soil) and soil substantially affected by earthworms (developed soil). These soils were taken from the early and late successional post‐mining sites of the Sokolov coal mining district (northwest Czech Republic).When both early and late successional plants were grown separately, earthworms increased plant biomass proportionally more in the young soil than in the developed soil, indicating that earthworm activity is more important in undeveloped than in developed soil.When early and late successional plants were competing each other, the biomass of the early successional plants was reduced. In the young soil, the reduction was independent of earthworm presence. In the developed soil, the reduction was promoted by the earthworms. Late successional plants profited from the reduction of early successional plants and increased their biomass. This increase was promoted by the earthworm presence.Our results indicate that the direct effects of earthworm presence on plants decrease during succession because of the cumulative effects of earthworm activity on soil conditions. Such ecosystem engineering effects favour late successional competitors and therefore promote the replacement of species during succession.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.

An updated checklist and key to the open-panicled species of Poa L. (Poaceae) in Peru including three new species, Poa ramoniana, Poa tayacajaensis, and Poa urubambensis.

We provide an updated checklist and key to the 30 Poa species with open panicles from Peru which includes previously circumscribed Dissanthelium and Aphanelytrum species, new taxon records, and three undescribed species. Poa compressa, Poa grisebachii, and Poa leioclada are recorded from Peru for the first time. A number of species are placed in synonymy: Poa carazensis, Poa ferreyrae and Poa tovarii are synonymized under the name Poa fibrifera; Poa adusta (tentatively) and Poa pilgeri are synonymized under Poa candamoana; Poa superata is synonymized under Poa grisebachii; and Poa paramoensis is synonymized under Poa huancavelicae. Included within this treatment are three new species, Poa ramoniana, Poa tayacajaensis and Poa urubambensis, which are described and illustrated. Poa ramoniana, found growing near lakes in high elevation Puna grasslands of Junín, is similar to a small form of Poa glaberrima, but differs in having rhizomes and growing to only 5 cm tall. Poa tayacajaensis, found from shrublands on Andean slopes of Huancavelica and Huánuco, bears similarities to Poa aequatoriensis but differs in having shorter lemmas which are pubescent between the veins, densely scabrous sheaths with smooth, glabrous throats, and shorter ligules. Poa urubambensis, a common element of the undisturbed Polylepis forest understory of the Cordillera Urubamba, Cusco, is distinct from all other members of open-panicled Poa’s by having glabrous lemmas with a smooth and glabrous callus, and notably small anthers. The type material for the name Poa adusta is discussed and a lectotype is selected.

CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS, A NEW HOST OF WHEAT DWARF VIRUS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV, genus Mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae) has a wide host range among Poaceae (Vacke, 1961). Grass species such as Briza media, Poa pratensis, Poa compressa, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Brachypodium pinnatum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaries, Phleum pretense, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Trisetum flavescens, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus pratensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Poa trivialis, Apera spica-venti, Elymus caninus, Festuca arundinacea, Bromus inermis, Elytrigia repens and Echinochloa crus-galli were tested for the evaluation of the host range of two WDV strains: WDV-W and WDV-B. Three seedlings of each grass species were exposed to adults of viruliferous leafhopper vector Psammotetix alienus which were removed from the plants after three weeks. Subsequently, non- viruliferous P. alienus were left for acquisition feeding on the infected grass species for seven days, and were then transferred to healthy wheat and barley plants. The leafhoppers from the grasses inoculated by the WDV-W and WDV-B were transferred to wheat and barley plants, respectively. Samples from grasses and cereals (wheat and barley) were collected 30 and 70 days post inoculation, respectively, for WDV detection by DAS-ELISA (Sediag, France). WDV was detected in two A. spica-venti and C. cristatus plants inoculated by each of the WDV strains and in one L. perenne plant inoculated by WDV-W, as well as in wheat and barley plants. The rest of the grass species remained virus-free. Hence, our results confirm two earlier reported WDV hosts, i.e L. perenne (Vacke, 1971) and A. spica-venti (Vacke and Cibulka, 1999) and identify C. cristenus as a new WDV host. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of C. cristanus as a host and potential reservoir of WDV in agroecosystems.