Latent infection vs. endophytic colonization by fungi; Isolation and analysis of endophytic fungal communities from woody plants; Fungal endophytes of living branch bases in several european tree species; Ecological and physiological aspects of host specificity in endophytic fungi; Coastal redwood leaf endophytes: their occurrence, interactions and response to host volatile terpenoids; Fungal endophytes of palms; Morphological and physiological adaptation of balansieae and trends in the evolution of grass endophytes.

This volume examines the interactions between plants and microorganisms located on plant surfaces, exploring their possible biotechnological applications. Interactions of microbial communities with plants are illustrated by experimental studies of typical symbiosis. Topics include signaling within a symbiosis, molecular differences between symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms, and the role of microorganisms in the development of plants.

The leaf surface or phyllosphere is a major habitat for microorganisms. Microbes on or within leaves play important roles in plant ecology, and these microbes can be manipulated to enhance plant growth or reduce plant disease. This book presents a number of critical reviews by internationally recognized experts on the microbial ecology of leaves. Topics include methods of assessment of microbial populations on leaf surfaces, leaves as reservoirs of ice nucleation phenomenon, and leaves as microbial habitats in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The book will be of interest to students and scientists in numerous disciplines, including botany, aerobiology, meteorology, ecology, agriculture, and microbiology.

This book considered the biological, ecological, toxicology, and chemical aspects of research topics as they relate to endophytes of grasses. Several chapters reflect the very pragmatic applications of endophytes and endophyte-infected grasses. Other chapters offer future applications for endophytes and are therefore discussed from theoretical viewpoints. This book contains the collective writings of an international group of experts on fungal endophytes of grasses, all of whom are directed toward, understanding, creating, and exploiting the positive aspects of endophytes. With this book, we are attempting to stimulate and facilitate future explorations of the grass endophytes.

Interactions between fungi and woody roots may be critical factors that influence diverse forest ecosystems processes, such as wood decay (nutrient recycling); root diseases and their biological control; and endophytic, epiphytic, and mycorrhizal symbioses. However, few studies have characterized the diversity and the spatial and temporal distribution of woody root-associated fungi in forest ecosystems. Molecular genetic techniques that facilitate fungal identification are now available to help investigate complex and dynamic interactions of these fungi.