Clavicipitaceous Endophytes in Grass Species ; Guardians Against Herbivores Evolved from Plant Pathogen

摘要

Endophytic fungi belong to the clavicipitaceae family (clavicipitaceous endophytes), are very common among grass species and known to have variouls influences for host plants (Rodriguez et al., 2009 ; Clay and Schardl, 2002). Their effects are not limited within the hosts, but can be extended to the entire ecosystem, trough the modification of food chain and flow of elements in which the plants are involved (Omacini et al., 2001, 2004). Among the endophytes, Neotypkodium endophytes, asexual fungi derived (/evolved) from pathogen causes disease on plant inflorescences (Epichloe species), are famous for their ability to form permanent association with their hosts through seed transmission, and provide protection to insect herbivory by producing anti-insect compounds (Clay and Schardl, 2002).