Root loline concentration in endophyte-infected meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is increased by grass grub (Costelytra zealandica) attack

Abstract

The larvae of New Zealand grass grub are economically important subterranean pests of pastures. Some endophyte-infected meadow fescues contain loline alkaloids in the roots, which can protect the plant from insect attack. Loline concentrations in the roots of meadow fescue ecotypes in autumn were similar to concentrations in shoots of the same line. Loline concentrations in the roots of the meadow fescue ecotypes exposed to grass grub were significantly higher (P<0.001) while concentrations in the crown were lower (P<0.05) than plants of the same ecotypes that were not exposed to grass grub. These results demonstrated that loline alkaloids produced by endophyte-infected meadow fescue can occur in roots at high concentrations (up to 1725 μg/g), an increase of up to 40% in some lines due to grass grub attack.