Allelopathic Effects of Foliar Epichloë Endophytes on Belowground Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Meta-Analysis

Many grasses are simultaneously symbiotic with Epichloë fungal endophytes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). a group of filamentous that colonize grow within aerial plant tissues, such as leaves stems. Infection hyphal growth confer fitness advantages to the host plants. In addition producing alkaloids altering metabolic/genetic profiles, it is proven symbiosis plants root/foliar affects plant–soil relationship. We propose presence/infection results in variations soil root AMF through allelopathic effects. performed meta-analysis integrated effects on grass–AMF development. pre-symbiotic phase symbiosis, exudation from Epichloë-infected positively affected growth, whereas shoot exudates inhibited growth. infection was found reduce colonization No pattern response presence found. This study should improve our understanding impact belowground microbial symbionts same plant. Grass–Epichloë–AMF may become an important model for studying above–belowground interactions.