Effects of loline-producing endophyte-infected meadow fescue ecotypes on New Zealand grass grub (Costelytra zealandica)

Loline alkaloids produced by endophyte-infected meadow fescue were high (>1000 µg/g) in roots. The larvae of New Zealand grass grub are major subterranean pasture pests. In laboratory and field studies, grass grub larvae feeding on roots of endophyte-infected meadow fescue containing lolines at concentrations >450 µg/g either lost weight or gained less weight than the corresponding controls feeding on endophyte-free or low-loline meadow fescue. These results demonstrate that loline alkaloids in roots of meadow fescue have the potential to deter grass grub larvae from feeding and could contribute to control of this pest in a sustainable manner.

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