Phosphorus source and Epichloë coenophiala strain interact over time to modify tall fescue rhizosphere microbial community structure and function

Symbiosis between the fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala naturally found in cool season grass tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea (Schreb) Darbysh.) is thought to provide a competitive advantage over endophyte-free grasses when grown under nutrient-limited conditions. The mechanisms involved purported improvement phosphorus (P) uptake due infection are still not understood. present study tested influence of strain and soil P form on uptake. Plants were acid, low-P soils those same spiked with 30 mg kg?1 FePO4 or AlPO4. Soil transformations, acid phosphatase activity, microbial community composition measured rhizosphere infected novel (AR542E+ AR584E+) common toxic endophytes (CTE+) at 45, 90 135 days compared free (E?) fescue. We that (notably AR542E+) had distinct plant biomass production lesser availability increased specific effects biogeochemical properties time endophyte-dependent manner. Shoot greater effect general fungi limiting conditions (i.e. control Fe-Ps). As far as we know, this provides some best evidence date for shoot-specific roles nutrient development play modulating response.