Colonisation of leaves and twigs of Rubus parviflorus and R-spectabilis byendophytic fungi in a reforestation site in British Columbia

A study was designed to isolate and identify the endophytic mycobiota in le aves and twigs of Rubus spectabilis and R. parviflorus, the long-term goal being biological control of these plants with endophytes. Endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy-looking leaves and twigs collected from each spe cies on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. More than 90% of the le aves of both species were colonised by endophytes. In addition, one third o f the twig samples of each species were also colonised. Most isolates belon ged to Phomopsis, and five species were identified and characterised accord ing to morphology of the cultures and fructification structures. All Phomop sis species occurred on both Rubus species, but, one primarily colonised R. parviflorus, whereas another preferentially colonised R. spectabilis. The suitability of the isolated endophytes to inhibit growth of R. spectabilis and R. parviflorus, which compete with conifers in reforestation sites, is discussed.