A Review of Perennial Ryegrass Endophytes and Their Potential Use in the Management of African Black Beetle in Perennial Grazing Systems in Australia.
The major insect pest of Australian cool temperate pastures is the root-feeding insectHeteronychus arator(African black beetle, ABB). Significant pasture damage can occur even at low ABB densities (11 individuals per square meter), and often re-sowing of the whole paddock is required. Mitigation of the effects of pasture pests, and in particular subterranean species such as the larval form of ABB, can be challenging. Early detection is limited by the ability to visualize above-ground symptoms, and chemical control of insects in soil is often ineffective. This review takes a look at the historical events that molded the pastoral landscape in Australia. The importation route, changes in land management and pasture composition by European settlers may have aided the establishment of ABB in Australia. Perennial ryegrassLolium perenneis discussed as it is one of the most important perennial agricultural grasses and is widely-sown in moderate-to-high-rainfall temperate zones of the world. Endophytic fungi from the genusEpichloëform symbiotic relationships with cool season grasses such asLolium perenne(perennial ryegrass). They have been studied extensively and are well documented for enhancing persistence in pasture via a suite of bioactive secondary metabolites produced by the fungal symbionts. Several well-characterized secondary metabolites are discussed. Some can have negative effects on cattle (e.g., ergovaline and lolitrems) while others have been shown to benefit the host plant through deterrence of insect pests from feeding and by insecticidal activity (e.g., peramine, lolines, ergopeptines). Various control methods for ABB are also discussed, with a focus on the potential role of asexualEpichloëendophytes.
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Dairy Futures Co-operative Research CentreMelbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
Mijail
M
Karpyn Esqueda
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Dairy Futures Co-operative Research CentreMelbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
Alan L
AL
Yen
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Dairy Futures Co-operative Research CentreMelbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
Simone
S
Rochfort
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Dairy Futures Co-operative Research CentreMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
Kathryn M
KM
Guthridge
Agriculture Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Rutherglen, VIC, Australia.
Kevin S
KS
Powell
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
Jacqueline
J
Edwards
AgriBio, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Centre for AgriBioscience, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Dairy Futures Co-operative Research CentreMelbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia.
German C
GC
Spangenberg
Heteronychus arator; control methods; endophyte; pasture; pest management