Abstract:In their evolution, grasses have developed symbiotic associations with fungi including mycorrhizal fungi that grow in or on the roots, and endophytes that live their entire life cycle within the aerial portion of the host grass, forming nonpathogenic, systemic and usually intercellular associations. Currently, seven genera have been identified, namely, Atkinsonella, Balansia, Balansiopsis, Echinodothis, Epichlo e ¨, Myriogenospora and Parepichlo e ¨, among which the anamorphic (imperfect) stage of...