Potential analysis of wild barley endophytic fungal symbiont as an ecological grass

Grassland is an important part of terrestrial ecosystems, and its ecological environment is closely related to national ecological security. However, the grassland degradation in China is becoming more serious, with grassland area and yield decreasing yearly, which not only affects the economic development, but also triggers various environmental problems, such as soil erosion and desertification. Thus, there is an urgent need for good ecological grass species with strong resistance and wide adaptability, while adhering to the principle of natural restoration, to improve the current situation of grassland degradation and actively respond to environmental changes. Wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) is widely distributed in salinized meadows in China. It has high yield, good quality, well-developed root system, drought and cold tolerance, barren tolerance, salt-alkali tolerance, and an improved resistance and adaptability to endophytic fungal infection. In addition to grazing, mowing, silage, grass meal processing, or hay modulation, there is a promising future in establishing cultivated grasslands in low wetlands and in improving saline soil. This study summarized the excellent characteristics of wild barley, its utilization value, and the influence of endophytic fungi on its growth, resistance, and competitiveness. This study also analyzed its potential as an ecological grass species. An in-depth study and rational use of wild barley-endophytic fungus symbionts provide a reference.