Stability and viability of novel perennial ryegrass host-Neotyphodium endophyte associations

Abstract

The temperate pasture grass Lolium perenne L. is commonly found in association with the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii. Viability of both seed and endophyte was evaluated by inoculation of individual genotypes from the host cultivar Bronsyn with six distinct endophyte strains. The resulting populations were subjected to either long-term storage under various temperature conditions, or accelerated ageing (AA) treatments. High temperature storage was detrimental to endophyte viability. The AA variables (relative humidity [RH] and time) and subsequent temperature and duration of storage significantly (P<0.05) affected both seed germination and endophyte viability. Significant interaction e..