Genomes of Balansia species

The objectives of this work were to characterize molecularly the morphologically described endophyte Balansia epichloe symbiotic on three grass species. These grasses are weed species that are very invasive in southeastern pastures such as tall fescue and Bahiagrass. Close relatives of B. epichloe are known to produce ergot alkaloids and/or indole]diterpenes, and for this reason they can be acutely toxic to livestock. Whether B. obtecta poses a similar risk needs to be assessed. Fungi fitting the description of B. epichloe are symbiotic with smut grass (Sporobolus poiretii), love grass (Eragrostis hirsuta), and lace grass (Eragrostis capillaries). All appear similar particularly in producing a fruiting structure on the upper surface of the leaf blade. However, mating tests and some preliminary DNA sequencing results suggest that these are actually distinct biological species with different host specificities. More rigorous distinction of this (these) species in order to correctly describe and predict their toxicological effects on cattle and other livestock grazing in such pastures where they are present. This project will involve whole genome sequencing of an isolate from each of the three host plants.