Ryegrass is an important pasture plant in Australia and is often found with a fungal symbiont called Neotyphodium. The fungus produces a toxin that accumulates in the leaves of ryegrass that can deter insect pests and herbivory without affecting the plant. The fungus can also increase seedling vigour and plant productivity, while the fungus is protected by the plant as it grows inside the leaves, stem and seeds of the host. This relationship would be described as

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This relationship is mutualistic because both the ryegrass and the fungus benefit from their association. The fungus provides the plant with increased resistance to pests and possibly enhanced growth, while the plant offers the fungus a habitat and nutrients.

Ryegrass Is an Important Pasture Plant in Australia and Is