Abstract
The continuum of symbiotic interactions includes those that cause disease (antagonism) and others that enhance the survival and fitness of the hosts (beneficial symbiosis and mutualism). In this chapter we explore this symbiotic continuum as it applies to interactions of grasses with members of the ascomycete family, Clavicipitaceae, which includes both pathogens and mutualists. Mutualistic endophytes benefit their hosts by protecting against herbivores and abiotic stresses, and are probably important for the long-term survival of certain grass species.
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Schardl, C.L., Clay, K. (1997). Evolution of Mutualistic Endophytes from Plant Pathogens. In: Carroll, G.C., Tudzynski, P. (eds) Plant Relationships Part B. The Mycota, vol 5B. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60647-2_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60647-2_14
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