Choke - Epichloe typhina

Epichloe typhina galls the stems of various grasses, the gall often having a rather tubular appearance. It is white in the early stages, yellowing when mature. On various grasses including many of our most common species including Sweet Vernal-grass, False Oat-grass, Cock's-foot, Perennial Rye-grass, Wood Millet, Timothy and Rough Meadow-grass.

There are several other Epichloe species that affect different species of grass and have different spore-sizes and characteristics

Please provide photograph of the area affected by 'choke' and an image of the host grass.  Please state the host grass species in the comments section. Microscopic examination may be necessary.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.