Endophyte-containing seed provides what benefit?

• A. It has no effect on pests.
• B. It reduces damage by some insects.
• C. It increases seed production.
• D. It improves drought tolerance.

Answer: (B)

Endophyte-containing seed provides a plant–fungus partnership where the seed carries a fungal endophyte that produces alkaloids. These compounds make the grass less palatable or more toxic to some insect pests, so feeding and damage from those insects are reduced. This protective effect is specific to certain pests and is not universal, and it’s the most consistent pest-management benefit observed in turfgrass. It isn’t primarily about increasing seed production, and while some endophyte strains can influence drought tolerance, that is not the main focus of endophyte benefits in this context.