Role of Epichloë Endophytes in Defense Responses of Cool-Season Grasses to Pathogens: A Review

Plant Dis. 2018 Nov;102(11):2061-2073. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-05-18-0762-FE. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Abstract

Various cool-season grasses are infected by Epichloë endophyte, and this symbiotic relationship is always of benefit to the host grass due to an increased resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Fungal diseases adversely affect the yield, quality, and economic benefits of rangelands, which affects the production of animal husbandry. Therefore, it is imperative to breed resistant cultivars and to better understand the role of fungal endophytes in order to protect grasses against pathogens. The present review introduces research regarding how these endophytes affect the growth of pathogens in vitro and how they change the resistance of host plants to plant diseases. From the perspective of physical defense, changes in physiological indexes, and secretion of chemical compounds, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which endophytes are able to enhance the disease resistance of a host grass. Through these, we aim to establish a solid theoretical foundation for plant disease control and disease resistance breeding by application of fungal endophytes. A broader understanding of fungal endophyte effects on hosts could create a new opportunity for managing or introducing fungal symbioses in both agronomic or non-agronomic ecosystems.

Publication types

  • Portrait
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cyclopentanes / metabolism
  • Disease Resistance*
  • Endophytes*
  • Epichloe / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Oxylipins / metabolism
  • Plant Breeding
  • Plant Diseases / immunology
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Plant Growth Regulators / metabolism*
  • Plant Leaves / immunology
  • Plant Leaves / microbiology
  • Poaceae / immunology
  • Poaceae / microbiology*
  • Salicylates / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Symbiosis

Substances

  • Cyclopentanes
  • Oxylipins
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Salicylates
  • jasmonic acid