Title | Symbiotic fungi that influence vigor, biomass and reproductive potential of native bunch grasses for remediation of degraded semiarid rangelands |
Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
Year of Publication | 2006 |
Authors | Barrow J.R., Lucero M.E., Reyes-Vera I. |
Conference Name | Wildland Shrub Symposium Proceedings |
Date Published | June 6-8, 2006 |
Conference Location | Cedar City, UT |
ARIS Log Number | 203207 |
Keywords | fungi, Symbiotic |
Abstract | A steady decline of perennial bunch grasses in arid rangelands has resulted in losses of productivity and germplasm. Remediation is costly and rarely successful. Cryptic symbiotic fungi, structurally integrated with cells and organs of native plants cannot be separated from host plant tissue. However, they were successfully transferred from cell cultures of native plants to other native grasses and tomato. Fungi in recipient plants were heritable and substantially enhanced vigor, biomass and reproductive potential. The transfer of novel fungal symbionts to other native or crop plants may offer an alternative method of improving plant performance without modifying native plant germplasm. |