Discovery and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes from spp. in Northwest China.

fungal endophytes hold promise in sustainable agriculture by fortifying cool-season grasses such as spp. against various stresses. spp. are widely distributed in Northwest China with a high incidence of endophyte infections. In this study, we identified 20 endophytic fungal strains carried by five spp. from five areas of Northwest China and systematically characterized their morphology, molecular phylogeny, mating type, and alkaloid diversity for the first time. The morphological characterization underscores strain diversity, with variable colony textures and growth rates. A phylogenetic analysis confirms all strains are , emphasizing their taxonomic status. Alkaloid-encoding gene profiling delineates distinct alkaloid synthesis capabilities among the strains, which are crucial for host adaptability and resistance. A mating-type analysis reveals uniformity () across the strains, simplifying breeding strategies. Notably, the strains exhibit diverse alkaloid synthesis gene profiles, impacting host interactions. This research emphasizes the ecological significance of endophytes in spp. ecosystems, offering insights into their genetic diversity and potential applications in sustainable agriculture.