Foliar Fungicide Application Alters the Culturable Foliar Fungal Endophyte Community in Corn

Abstract

on spatial effects. Additionally, alpha diversity metrics that accounted for the relative abundance of fungal taxa were most affected by fungicide treatment. By contrast, FFE isolation frequency from leaf fragments was not dependent on fungicide treatment, suggesting no net culturable fungal biomass changes. Ultimately, this work will serve as a resource for agronomists and pathologists seeking to understand the role of traditional crop management practices on the corn phytobiome.