Symbiotic Fungal Associations with Danthonia Spicata.

Danthonia spicata is a native cool-season grass often found in managed turf environments throughout the east coast of the United States.  Commonly known as poverty oatgrass D. spicata is often associated with low pH high iron soils and has shown excellent tolerance of shade, drought, and low soil fertility. Genetic marker data as well as anther and pollen developmental abnormalities support parthenogenic seed devolopment in D. spicata.  One way this species may be able to tolerate stressful growth conditions is through symbiotic fungal associations.  Surface sterilized seeds were germinated on water agar and stained using an ink vinegar solution to visualize symbiotic fungal association.  Symbiotic fungi are being isolated and identified to determine if they may impact abiotic stress tolerance.