Identifying Root-Associated Endophytic Fungi and Bacteria in and Grasses from a Site in Lithuania.

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of root endophyte fungi and bacteria across and grasses, including open-grassland and forest species. The species examined include perennials such as , . , . , , and . × . hybrids and the annuals . and . . A total of 21 fungal species (60 isolates) and 26 bacterial taxa (59 isolates) were recovered in the culture (PDA medium for fungi and LB for bacteria) from the root cuttings of these grasses. fungi and sp. bacteria were the most prevalent endophytes, with each being identified in five of the seven plant species examined. The annuals . and . exhibited a higher abundance of endophytes than that in their perennial relatives, suggesting the benefits of microbial associations in supporting their short life cycles. The woodland . demonstrated the highest fungal endophyte diversity, with six species identified. In contrast, the open-grassland perennials . , . , and . hosted only one to two species. Two Basidiomycota, and , were exclusively obtained from the roots of the forest grass . . Notably, the open-grassland perennial . exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, with nine species present. However, it showed the lowest fungal diversity, with only one species detected. Overall, our study reveals distinct patterns of fungal and bacterial endophyte diversity in the roots of and grasses, with variations linked to host species, growth type traits, and ecological adaptations. Among the root-derived endophytes isolated, several fungi and bacteria are potential candidates for plant growth promotion and biocontrol. Therefore, the findings of this study provide potential implications for improved grassland management and crop breeding strategies aimed at specific climate and/or soil conditions.