The role of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal

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.