ABSTRACT Epichloë fungal endophytes that systemically colonise cool-season grasses have become an internationally well-researched symbiosis. While sexual species of Epichloë can cause choke disease of grass seed heads, asexual forms are symptomless endophytes that colonise embryos to become seed transmitted. In mutualistic associations, the grass benefits through greater tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses. In New Zealand, at least 12 species of naturalised and native grasses have been documented as infected with a range of asexual or sexual Epichloë. The impact of endophyte-infected ryegrass and tall fescue has been significant for pastoral farmers, with Epichloë enhancing pasture performance. Production of bioactive secondary metabolites reduces herbivory by invertebrate pests but some are also toxic to grazing animals. Selected strains of Epichloë have been utilised to reduce livestock problems while retaining improved pasture performance. Documented Epichloë-infected native grasses are rare, justifying greater efforts of discovery, description and conservation as taonga (a treasure) for Māori and all New Zealanders. Given their ecological success in New Zealand ecosystems, along with economic and environmental benefits, there are good prospects to further develop both endemic and naturalised Epichloë-grass associations that may benefit other cool-season grasses and potentially deliver new beneficial properties.

中文翻译：

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Epichloë 真菌内生菌在新西兰草原中发挥着重要作用

摘要 Epichloë 真菌内生菌系统地定植于冷季型草本植物已成为国际上经过充分研究的共生体。虽然 Epichloë 的有性物种会导致草种子头窒息病，但无性形式是无症状的内生菌，它们定植于胚胎中成为种子传播。在互惠关系中，草通过对非生物和生物胁迫的更大耐受性而受益。在新西兰，至少有 12 种归化和本地草被记录为感染了一系列无性或有性 Epichloë。内生菌感染的黑麦草和高羊茅对牧民的影响非常显着，Epichloë 提高了牧场的表现。生物活性次生代谢物的产生减少了无脊椎动物害虫的食草性，但有些对放牧动物也有毒。选择的 Epichloë 菌株已被用于减少牲畜问题，同时保持改善的牧场性能。记录在案的被 Epichloë 感染的原生草是罕见的，这证明了为毛利人和所有新西兰人作为 taonga（宝藏）进行更大的发现、描述和保护工作是合理的。鉴于它们在新西兰生态系统中的生态成功以及经济和环境效益，进一步发展地方性和归化的 Epichloë-grass 组合具有良好的前景，这些组合可能使其他凉爽季节的草受益，并可能带来新的有益特性。作为毛利人和所有新西兰人的 taonga（宝藏）的描述和保护。鉴于它们在新西兰生态系统中的生态成功以及经济和环境效益，进一步发展地方性和归化的 Epichloë-grass 组合具有良好的前景，这些组合可能使其他凉爽季节的草受益，并可能带来新的有益特性。作为毛利人和所有新西兰人的 taonga（宝藏）的描述和保护。鉴于它们在新西兰生态系统中的生态成功以及经济和环境效益，进一步发展地方性和归化的 Epichloë-grass 组合具有良好的前景，这些组合可能使其他凉爽季节的草受益，并可能带来新的有益特性。