Neotyphodium - Taxonomic Considerations

Taxonomic Considerations

Neotyphodium species (with the likely exception of N. chilense) are closely related to teleomorphic species of the genus Epichloë, from which many have evolved by processes involving interspecific hybridization. Molecular phylogenetic evidence demonstrates that asexual Neotyphodium species are derived either from individual Epichloë species, or more commonly, from hybrids with at least two ancestral Epichloë species. Hence, the form genus Neotyphodium is very closely associated with the teleomorphic genus Epichloë. In keeping with the code of botanical nomenclature, the form genus refers to the asexual spore or vegetative state, and the teleomorphic genus refers to the sexual state. Because of their close relationships and shared biological properties, members of these two genera are collectively called 'epichloae' (singular = 'epichloë').