A framework for understanding the ecosystem consequences of endophyte grass symbioses.

OMACINI, M., E.J. CHANETON, C.M. GHERSA

Neotyphodium in Cool-Season Grasses Current Research & Applications

Blackwell publishing

Año: 2005; p. 141 - 162

Neotyphodium endophytes are integral components of terrestrial ecosystems that fundamentally affect transfers of energy and matter through food webs. Here we propose a three-level hierarchical framework to synthesize current evidence on Neotyphodium effects on ecosystem functioning at various spatio-temporal scales. We focus on the individual host plant, local plant neighborhood, and whole-community levels to discuss how and to what extent grass endophytes influence key ecological processes. This framework allows one to identify gaps in existing knowledge of grass-endophyte interactions in natural and human-made ecosystems.