Identification of the fungal endophyte of Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) as Epichloë amarillans

The grass (American beachgrass) is known to host an endophyte of the genus . Based on morphological characteristics it was originally identified as var. and is currently designated as var. . However, the species has not previously been identified based on DNA sequence data. Based on phylogenetic placement of beta-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1-alpha DNA sequences the endophyte is identified as a member of rather than .