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Near‐infrared spectroscopy allows detection and species identification of Epichloë endophytes in Lolium perenne
Author(s) -
SotoBarajas Milton C,
Zabalgogeazcoa Iñigo,
GonzálezMartin Inmaculada,
VázquezdeAldana Beatriz R
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.9038
Subject(s) - lolium perenne , epichloë , biology , endophyte , perennial plant , neotyphodium , botany , plant use of endophytic fungi in defense , symbiosis , bacteria , genetics
BACKGROUND Perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) is systemically infected by seed‐transmitted fungal endophytes ( Epichloë sp.). The presence of Epichloë endophytes alters the nutritive quality of its hosts by modifying several plant traits. The aim of this research was to develop a fast method based on near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to discriminate between perennial ryegrass plants infected (E+) or not infected (E−) with two endophyte species, Epichloë festucae var. lolii , and Epichloë typhina , using a heterogonous set of perennial ryegrass samples collected from wild grasslands and cultivars. Epichloë festucae var. lolii cultures show two morphotypes, M1 and M3, and Epichloë typhina cultures have a different M2 morphotype. RESULTS Near‐infrared reflectance spectra from E+ and E− ryegrass plants were recorded. Applying the best NIRS model for the detection of Epichloë , 93.3% of E+ plants were classified correctly. The NIRS morphotype classification was correct for 92.9% of M1 morphotype and 100% of M2 morphotypes. The NIRS classification of M3 morphotypes was not as accurate, but it was in accordance with the fungal species classification, identifying some M3 as M1 morphotypes. CONCLUSION Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy can detect the presence of Epichloë fungal endophytes directly in samples of perennial ryegrass, and it is adequate for discriminating among fungal species. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry