ARS | Publication request: THE EFFECT OF WATER POTENTIAL UPON RADIAL GROWTH OF EPICHLOE AND CLAVICEPS PURPUREA ISOLATES IN CULTURE

Submitted to: Mycologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 10, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Studies were conducted on the effect of water availability on the growth, sporulation and antibiotic production of five fungi. These fungi are plant pathogens of different annual and perennial grasses. Four of them (Epichloe spp.) are associated with a disease called choke, the other (Claviceps purpurea) with ergot in grasses. We demonstrated that isolates of these fungi varied in their response to reduced water. Antibiotic production was observed in some Epichloe spp., but not in C. purpurea.

Technical Abstract: Claviceps purpurea and single isolates of Epichloe amaryllans and E. baconii grew well between -0.3 and -3.0 MPA osmotic water potential, below which growth declined with declining water potential. The isolates of E. clarkii and of E. typhina were less tolerant to reduced water potential. Antibiotic was weakly produced by some Epichloe isolates but not by C. purpurea.