Characterising the grass endophyte Neotyphodium occultans in Australian annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

This thesis is a collection of papers resulting from the research undertaken for my PhD on the seed-borne grass endophyte Neotyphodium occultans found in annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in Australia and is composed of 3 sections. Section I provides a review of the literature to complement the detailed information outlined within the following papers. Section II comprises 8 papers, each of which describes a specific aspect of the research program and is presented as papers: prepared for submission, accepted or published. Section III consists of the conclusions reached throughout this study, complementing the information provided in Section II with additional references, and together provides the reader with sufficient information on the research carried out during my PhD canditure. The material in this thesis is unique and provides new information on the seed-borne grass endophyte N. occultans in annual ryegrass, whilst adding to the knowledge on grass/endophyte associations in general.