Lana Dobrindt

Influence of grassland management intensity on plant pathogen and root herbivore diversity mediated by endophytic fungi (GrassMan)

Most grass species are colonized by a diversity of microorganisms, forming an important, however discrete complex of interactions. Among these microorganisms the most interesting group are endophytic fungi (Ascomycota; Clavicipitaceae), which have established symbiotic relationships with grass species. Systemic fungal endophytes (genus Neotyphodium) do not cause visible symptoms when colonizing the host plants and are vertically propagated via the seeds. However, these endophytes confer at least partial resistance to insect herbivores, plant pathogens or nematodes by producing specific mycotoxins. Although specific attributes of these interactions have been intensively studied we still lack a thorough understanding of the impact of grassland management regimes on plant-endophyte-herbivore interactions. Ecosystem processes mediated by these endophytes will be studied by varying plant diversity, nutrient and cutting regimes. Specifically, this sub-project aims at understanding the influence of endophytic fungal diversity and density on belowground and aboveground herbivore diversity and on plant pathogens.

The GrassMan Project is part of the 1B-CLUSTER OF EXCELLENCE “FUNCTIONAL BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH” University of Goettingen (Haeckel-Project)