Biotechnology Of Endophytic Fungi Of Grasses

This book considered the biological, ecological, toxicology, and chemical aspects of research topics as they relate to endophytes of grasses. Several chapters reflect the very pragmatic applications of endophytes and endophyte-infected grasses. Other chapters offer future applications for endophytes and are therefore discussed from theoretical viewpoints. This book contains the collective writings of an international group of experts on fungal endophytes of grasses, all of whom are directed toward, understanding, creating, and exploiting the positive aspects of endophytes. With this book, we are attempting to stimulate and facilitate future explorations of the grass endophytes.

This book focuses on the importance and roles of seed microbiomes in sustainable agriculture by exploring the diversity of microbes vectored on and within seeds of both cultivated and non-cultivated plants. It provides essential insights into how seeds can be adapted to enhance microbiome vectoring, how damaged seed microbiomes can be assembled again and how seed microbiomes can be conserved. Plant seeds carry not only embryos and nutrients to fuel early seedling growth, but also microbes that modulate development, soil nutrient acquisition, and defense against pathogens and other stressors. Many of these microbes (bacteria and fungi) become endophytic, entering into the tissues of plants, and typically exist within plants without inducing negative effects. Although they have been reported in all plants examined to date, the extent to which plants rely on seed vectored microbiomes to enhance seedling competitiveness and survival is largely unappreciated. How microbes function to increase the fitness of seedlings is also little understood. The book is a unique and important resource for researchers and students in microbial ecology and biotechnology. Further, it appeals to applied academic and industrial agriculturists interested in increasing crop health and yield.

Dynamics.

Most plants are colonized by endophytes: bacterial and fungal microorganisms, without visible disease symptoms. With state-of-the-art knowledge on their discovery, qualities and roles, this book describes endophyte diversity, their value, exploitation and future challenges. It explains how beneficial endophytes colonize plants, and how they might help mitigate climate change effects, assist pest control and interact with mycorrhizal fungi to boost yield. Endophytes can facilitate the access to nutrients, produce particular metabolites, and change the plant's chemistry, physiology and (defense) responses. Endophyte biosynthetic pathways can, alone or in combination with the plant's, yield novel chemicals, with yet-to-be-discovered pharmacological characteristics as well. The book describes how functional metagenomics can explore and boost yields of useful endophyte products.

This book discusses the latest developments in our understanding of microbial endophytes, their ecology, diversity and potential biotechnological applications. It covers all the latest advances concerning the endophytic interaction of microorganisms in a wide array of plants, reported on by experts from the entire globe. The diverse microbial community, which consists of archaeal, bacterial, fungal and protistic taxa, can be found in all plants. The endophytic lifecycle reveals how microorganisms play essential roles in plant growth, fitness and diversification. Diversity is an integral component of ecology. In soil ecology, below-ground interactions of plant and microorganisms are accomplished by endophytes, which reside in the plant’s internal tissues. The microbial world in general and endophytes in particular reflect a unique degree of genetic and functional (metabolic) diversity. Currently, significant attention is being paid to endophytic microorganisms, as their repertoire of cells and metabolites hold immense potential with regard to biotechnological applications for sustainable development. The diversity of bacterial endophytes guarantees that there are endophytes capable of forming compatible associations with all agronomically important plants, including monocots and dicots. The study of endophytes’ diverse nature in connection with biodiesel, medicinal and agriculturally important crop can lead to a better understanding of applicable facets. The topics in this dynamic field of study are so diverse and vast. This volume will benefit all botanists, microbiologists, ecologists, plant pathologists, physiologists, agronomists, molecular biologists, environmentalists, policymakers, conservationists and NGOs working to protect species and prevent the loss of biologically significant genetic material.

First published in 1997. Natural toxicants are the subject of research throughout the world, and they are used for many purposes. The Handbook of Plant and Fungal Toxicants presents a wide range of compounds and considers how they relate to food safety, therapeutic purposes in medicine, and uses in breeding plants for enhanced resistance to insects and disease. Alkaloids, both from plant and fungal sources, are emphasized. Also covered are a variety of toxicants and phytochemicals including: bracken fern poisons polyphenolics gossypol flavones isoflavones pyrimidine glycosides fruit and vegetable allergens linear furanocoumarins photosensitizing agents nitrates oxalates Pinus ponderosa toxicants The text stresses the positive aspects of plant secondary compounds and presents examples of beneficial attributes in the context of environmental protection and human health. An international authorship addresses the global diversity and ecological distribution of plant and fungal toxicants. This handbook is ideal for senior-level college students and post-graduate students studying animal science, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Acremonium/Grass Interactions held in Athens, Georgia, May 28-31, 1997

Examining intercellular infections in certain plant species that lead to a symbiotic relationship between the host and its endophytic microbes, this volume demonstrates the ability of many types of endosymbionts, acting as a unit with hosts to better survive, compete and reproduce. Practical applications of such endophytes are also discussed, for example, pharmaceutical developments and agricultural management.