Effect of fungal endophytes on plant growth and nutrient uptake in Trifolium subterraneum and Poa pratensis as affected by plant host specificity

Abstract The introduction of well-adapted species, such as Trifolium subterraneum (subclover) and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), might enhance the forage yield quality dehesa pastures for feeding livestock. However, climatic hardness poor soils in these agrosystems may limit plant establishment development. Since fungal endophytes have been found to alleviate environmental stresses their host, aim this study was assess effect five isolates on yield, nutritive value, mineral uptake after inoculation two abovementioned species. Two experiments were established (under greenhouse field conditions) using plants inoculated with 2012/2013 ( Epicoccum nigrum , Sporormiella intermedia ) three 2013/2014 Mucor hiemalis Fusarium equiseti Byssochlamys spectabilis ). (E346) increased herbage T. under conditions, B. improved by reducing fiber content P. increasing crude protein. S. Ca, Cu, Mn, Pb, Tl, Zn subclover, M. K Sr Kentucky bluegrass. These results evidence potential studied nutritional value forage, although further studies should include all target species certain host specificity observed.