Ecotype‐specific effects of fungal endophytes on germination responses of seeds of the South American wild forage grass Bromus auleticus

Bromus auleticus is a winter wild species with promissory characteristics for domestication as forage that inhabits temperate-warm grasslands from wide region South America. Populations regions different environmental conditions are considered ecotypes and associated seedborne Epichloë fungal endophytes. Association provides B. increased growth capacity resistance against pathogens. The seeds mature at the end of spring germinate in autumn, remaining dormant during wet warm summer. As persistence endophytes seed highly sensitive to temperature humidity, we studied how modulate germination response these factors two named La Pampa (LP) El Palmar (EP). We also affect endophyte survival. In LP ecotype, adapted coldest temperatures improved final under alternating temperatures, but had no effects on inhibition imposed by low water availability. EP humid summer promoted constant 25°C 15/25°C prevented potentials. At 30°C, was inhibited whereas remained viable, survival significantly lowered. effect ecotype-specific: promoting ecotype or high while inhibiting it availabilities, could be an endophyte-mediated ecotypic strategy minimising mortality increasing seedling establishment.