The Interaction between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Grass Endophyte (<i>Epichloë</i>) on Host Plants: A Review

Abstract

In nature, plants frequently experience concurrent colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and grass endophytes (Epichloë). These two fungi assist in mineral uptake and stress tolerance by the host. Despite the abundance of recent studies exploring the individual functions of these fungi in diverse ecosystems, research on the effects of the interaction between these two symbiotic fungi on the host, particularly in agricultural production and ecological conservation. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the interaction between AMF and grass endophytes and their synergistic effects on host plants in response to abiotic and biotic stress, while also outlining prospects for future research in this field. This knowledge not only enhances our comprehension of complex interaction effects between the two fungi, but also facilitates the optimal utilization of fungal resources, contributing to ecological construction and higher agricultural production.

Keywords

• arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
• grass endophyte
• symbiosis
• co-colonization
• interaction
• stress tolerance