Widespread Distribution of Endophytes in the Poaceae

Abstract

Herbarium collections representing about 100 genera of grasses were assessed for the presence of fungal endophytes. Twenty-two species in nine grass genrea were found to contain typical endophytic mycelium. Two of these species, Melica decumbens and Stipa robusta, are reported as being toxic to cattle. Field studies suggest that both choke-inducing and non-choke-inducing forms are common in grasses. Most isolates are referable to Acremonium section albo-lanosa; however, sterility of the S. robusta isolate prevents definite classification.