Authors：Xia  Chao, Li Nana, Zhang Xingxu(通讯作者), Feng Yao, Christensen Michael J, Nan Zhibiao.

Journal: Fungal Ecology

Impact Factor: 2.929

Title: An Epichlo? endophyte improves photosynthesis ability and dry matter production of its host Achnatherum inebrians infected by Blumeria graminis under various soil water conditions.

Abstract: The interaction between an Epichlo? endophyte, the Blumeria graminis and Achnatherum inebrians, was studied at four soil water contents. The data of lesion length and disease index were recorded dynamically, and the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters and final dry matter accumulation were measured after a four-week period of disease. The infection of B. graminis significantly (P<0.05) decreased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration and dry matter at some soil water contents. The presence of the endophyte lowered the disease index while significantly (P<0.05) increasing the chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate. The endophyte also positively affected the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration. In addition, it increased the dry matter accumulation per host plant under pathogen stress. The results of the present study demonstrated that while powdery mildew depresses the photosynthetic parameters of A. inebrians, the presence of the epichloae endophyte can reduce the damage caused by pathogen.