INSECT RESISTANCE, ANIMAL TOXICITY AND ENDOPHYTE-INFECTED GRASS

Abstract

Endophyte infection is widespread in grasses and in many instances is associated with insecf resistance. This resistance appears to be due to chemical components produced in the infected grasses. Ryegrass, infected with Acremonium folioe endophyte contains peramine, a feeding deterrent to stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis. Other examples of endophyte-associated insect resistance are discussed and the mechanisms of this insect resistance are briefly compared with those mechanisms implicated in producing animal toxicity problems. Keywords: endophyte, insect resistance, ryegrass, tall fescue, insect feeding deterrents, animal toxins, alkaloids.