A Rapid Staining Method for Detection of Endophytic Fungi in Turf and Forage Grasses

Abstract

Because of the increased interest in endophyte-infected grasses, an effcient detection method was deemed necessary. To facilitate screening a large number of indiviudal seeds and plants, a rapid, safe staining procedure was developed using rose bengal. Previous methods were time-consuming and often required careful boiling of the plant tissues. The rose bengal staining procedure is simple and effective and gave excellent visual result. Minimal staining times of 30-60 ec gave good fungal differentiation even in thick tissues, and no additional fixing was necessary. Seeds and dried tissue also were stained effectively.