Spatial and temporal variation in fungal endophyte communities isolated from cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

ABSTRACT: Studies of fungi in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivated in the United States have largely focused on monitoring and controlling plant pathogens. Given increasing interest in asymptomatic fungal endophytes as potential biological control agents, surveys are needed to better characterize their diversity, distribution patterns and possible applications in integrated pest management. We sampled multiple varieties of cotton in Texas, USA and tested for temporal and spatial variation in fungal endophyte diversity and community composition, as well as for differences associated with organic and conventional farming practices. Fungal isolates were identified by morphological and DNA identification methods. We found members of the genera Alternaria, Colletotrichum and Phomopsis, previousl

SUBMITTER: Ek-Ramos MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3679028 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature