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The symbiotic Epichloë festucae var. lolii endophyte produces alkaloids which can provide its host grass, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), with a selective advantage in both natural and agricultural managed ecosystems. This study focuses on understanding the alkaloid concentrations that occur in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass during the early establishment phase. In a glasshouse experiment fungal alkaloid concentrations (peramine, lolitrem B, ergovaline, and epoxy-janthitrems) were measured in perennial ryegrass seedlings infected with E. festucae var. lolii proprietary strains AR1, AR37, NEA2, and NZ common toxic for 69 days after sowing. The endophyte becomes metabolically active, starting alkaloid production, as early as 6 days after sowing. Alkaloid concentrations peaked in 8- to 10- day-old seedlings due to a seedling growth slowdown. This study provides data showing that the loss of insect protection in endophyte-infected seedlings is linked to a reduction in chemical defence after seed-stored, maternally synthesised alkaloids are diluted by seedling dry matter accumulation.

Definition: Asexual Epichloë are obligate fungal mutualists that form symbiosis with many temperate grass species, providing several advantages to the host. These advantages include protection against vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores (i.e., grazing livestock and invertebrate pests, respectively), improved resistance to phytopathogens, increased adaptation to drought stress, nutrient deficiency, and heavy metal-containing soils. Selected Epichloë strains are utilised in agriculture mainly for their pest resistance traits, which are moderated via the production of Epichloë-derived secondary metabolites. For pastoral agriculture, the use of these endophyte infected grasses requires the balancing of protection against insect pests with reduced impacts on animal health and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. There is a mistake in the affiliation section and Figure 6. The correct affiliation and Figure 6 are shown here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]