Endophytic fungi are common and diverse in plants. Yet the nature of their interactions with host plants, and how these interactions cascade upward to communities and ecosystems, is largely unknown. In the first book of its kind, Gregory P. Cheplick and Stanley H. Faeth synthesize existing studies of endophyte-grass symbioses within the context of modern ecological and evolutionary concepts. The authors cover a broad range of topics including the effects of endophytes on herbivory, host growth, physiology, reproduction, and competitive ability in a variety of grasses and environments. Clearly and engagingly written, Ecology and Evolution of the Grass-Endophyte Symbiosis highlights the most essential aspects of symbiosis ecology and evolution while suggesting avenues for future research.

Features

Presents a new synthesis of grass-endophyte symbiosis and interactions with other species in the community.

Explores grass-endophyte symboses within the context of modern ecological and evolutionary concepts.

Reviews

"This synthesis does an excellent job of both pulling together the work already done and highlighting the gaps, to facilitate a next generation of such studies. For readers with a particular interest in grass-endophyte symbioses, or for budding scientists considering delving into these systems, the book will serve as an indispensable resource." -- Evolution

"An excellent textbook on the ecology and evolution of the widespread symbiosis between leaf endophytes, vertically transmitted sexual fungi, and grasses. This book succeeds in showing that the symbioses between grasses and endophytes can play important, but often overlooked, roles in terrestrial ecosystems, and that future research - mainly with wild grasses naturally infected with fungal endophytes - is necessary."--Quarterly Review of Biology