Effects of <i>Epichloë</i> <i>sinensis</i> Endophyte and Host Ecotype on Physiology of <i>Festuca sinensis</i> under Different Soil Moisture Conditions

Abstract

This study explored the effects of the Epichloë sinensis endophyte on growth, photosynthesis, ionic content (K+ and Ca2+), phytohormones (abscisic acid—ABA, cytokinin—CTK, indolE−3-acetic acid—IAA, and gibberellin—GA), and elements—C, N, P (in the shoot and root) in two ecotypes of Festuca sinensis (ecotypes 111 and 141) under different soil water conditions (35% and 65% relative saturation moisture content (RSMC)). The results showed that 35% RSMC inhibited the plants’ growth, and compared with 65% RSMC, there was a significant (p 2+ concentration, and the contents of C, N, and P (in both the aboveground and underground parts) under 35% RSMC. E. sinensis had beneficial effects on host growth and stress tolerance. Under both 35% and 65% RSMC, the presence of E. sinensis significantly (p E. sinensis (E+) from the two ecotypes, under both conditions of RSMC, were significantly (p E. sinensis (E−). Under 35% RSMC, the contents of ABA, K+, Ca2+, and root P contents in E+ plants were significantly (p p p + and Ca2+, promoting nutrient absorption, and adjusting the metabolism of plant hormones.

Keywords

• <i>Festuca sinensis</i>
• <i>Epichloë</i> <i>sinensis</i>
• host ecotype
• water deficiency
• growth
• physiology