CROSS INOCULATION OF TWO TALL FESCUE GENOTYPES WITH NEOTYPHODIUM ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI AND ITS DETECTION USING AFLP MARKER

Mutual relationship between pasture grasses and Neotyphodium fungal endophytes is of great importance in grass improvement. Two endophyte containing tall fescue genotypes (75 and 83) and their endophyte free ramets were used in this study. Endophytes were isolated from tall fescue genotypes 75 and 83 and used in three methods of inoculation including Latch and Christensen approach, insertion of mycelium into the seeds, and Johonson-Cicales approach. Endophytes were detected in new host using microscopic examination of stained tissues, AFLP marker and Koch’s postulates. Results showed that Latch and Christensen approach was the only successful technique by which cross inoculation in the two tall fescue genotypes was feasible. Success in inoculation seems to be highly dependent on splitting procedure and seedlings age. Detection methods used to confirm the presence of inoculated endophyte in plants indicated that microscopic examination is highly accurate in detecting endophytes in new host.