A review of the Neotyphodium lolii / Lolium perenne symbiosis and its associated effects on animal and plant health,
M E di Menna1, S C Finch, A J Popay
1AgResearch Limited, Ruakura Research Centre, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand. margaret.dimenna@agresearch.co.nz
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Ryegrass staggers, a livestock mycotoxicosis, is caused by the endophyte Neotyphodium lolii in perennial ryegrass. Selecting endophyte strains that produce beneficial toxins can control disease while resisting insect predation.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Ryegrass staggers is a mycotoxicosis affecting livestock grazing on endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).
- Symptoms include tremors, incoordination, and staggering gait, with deaths resulting from accidents or starvation.
- Outbreaks occur seasonally on pastures with high proportions of infected ryegrass, particularly under intensive grazing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Neotyphodium lolii / L. perenne symbiosis.
- To summarize toxins produced by N. lolii and their effects on animals and plants.
- To outline strategies for controlling ryegrass staggers while leveraging beneficial endophyte metabolites.
Main Methods:
- Historical recognition of ryegrass staggers.
- Discovery of the causal agent, Neotyphodium lolii, through grazing trials.
- Analysis of secondary metabolites produced by the endophyte, including lolitrem B and ergopeptides.
Main Results:
- Lolitrem B causes ryegrass staggers symptoms; ergopeptides induce heat stress and reduce productivity.
- N. lolii also produces insect feeding deterrents like peramine, protecting the plant.
- Endophyte strains vary in metabolite production, enabling selection for desirable traits.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating endophyte-infected ryegrass is not always feasible due to insect predation.
- Developing new ryegrass cultivars by inoculating selected N. lolii strains can prevent staggers while maintaining insect resistance.
- Balancing the control of toxic effects with the maximization of beneficial properties is key.
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