Effect of selected Neotyphodium lolii isolates on root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne marylandi) numbers in perennial ryegrass

Abstract

M. marylandi numbers were assessed in roots of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants containing different strains of N. lolii. The selected endophytes produced mycotoxin profiles differing from those found in most natural associations. Roots of endophyte-free plants contained the highest numbers of nematodes, significantly more than a perennial ryegrass/N. lolii association not producing the mammalian toxin, ergovaline. There was also a significant host plant genotype effect on nematode numbers. The results are relevant to the development of grass/endophyte associations non-toxic to livestock but resistant to nematodes.