The role of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal

Authors

  • Kati Hewitt AgResearch Ltd, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1331-4597
  • Cory Matthew Massey University
  • Catherine McKenzie Plant & Food Research
  • Wade Mace AgResearch
  • Alison Popay AgResearch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/rps.17.2021.3446

Keywords:

African black beetle, Argentine stem weevil, fungal alkaloids, grass grub, seedling establishment

Abstract

The literature on the importance of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal is reviewed. Perennial ryegrass endophyte strains such as AR1, NEA2, and Standard Endophyte (SE) as well as tall fescue and meadow fescue endophytes, significantly increase seedling survival at establishment under insect pressure, for example from adult Argentine stem weevil, grass grub, and African black beetle. However, in endophyte-infected ryegrass, insect-derived plant damage increases 10–43 days after sowing despite the presence of endophyte. Insecticidal seed treatments can mitigate the vulnerability to insect predation during this time.

Author Biography

Kati Hewitt, AgResearch Ltd,

PhD Student at Lincoln University and based at AgResearch Ruakura, Plant Invertebrate Interactions

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Published

2021-05-07

How to Cite

Hewitt, K., Matthew, C., McKenzie, C., Mace, W., & Popay, A. (2021). The role of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal. NZGA: Research and Practice Series, 17, 339–346. https://doi.org/10.33584/rps.17.2021.3446

Issue

Section

Resilient Pastures Symposium 2021

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