Genetic Diversity of Endophytes Associated with and Host Grass Genera including Two New Species.

Fungi of genus (Ascomycota, Clavicipitaceae) are common endophytic symbionts of Poaceae, including wild and agronomically important cool-season grass species (subfam. Poöideae). Here, we examined the genetic diversity of from three European species of ( and ) and three species of (, and ), using DNA sequences of and genes. In addition, microsatellite markers were obtained from a larger set of isolates from sampled across Europe. Based on phylogenetic analyses the isolates from hosts were placed in three different subclades within the complex (ETC) but did not strictly group according to host grass species, suggesting that the host does not always select for particular endophyte genotypes. Analysis of microsatellite markers confirmed the presence of genetically distinct lineages of on , which appeared to be tied to different modes of reproduction (sexual or asexual). Among isolates from hosts, two subclades were detected which were placed outside ETC. These endophyte lineages are recognized as distinct species for which we propose the names Leuchtm. & Schardl, sp. nov. and Leuchtm. & A.D. Treindl, sp. nov. This study extends knowledge of the phylogeny and evolutionary diversification of endophytes that are symbionts of wild and host grasses.