Symbiotic fungi that influence vigor, biomass and reproductive potential of native bunch grasses for remediation of degraded semiarid rangelands

TitleSymbiotic fungi that influence vigor, biomass and reproductive potential of native bunch grasses for remediation of degraded semiarid rangelands
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsBarrow J.R., Lucero M.E., Reyes-Vera I.
Conference NameWildland Shrub Symposium Proceedings
Date PublishedJune 6-8, 2006
Conference LocationCedar City, UT
ARIS Log Number203207
Keywordsfungi, Symbiotic
AbstractA 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.