Characterisation of novel perennial ryegrass host–Neotyphodium endophyte associations

The temperate pasture grass Lolium perenne L. is commonly found in symbiotic association with the asexual fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii. Levels of endophyte colonisation and alkaloid content were evaluated in associations formed by plant genotypes from cv. Bronsyn with the standard endophyte (SE) and five distinct commercial endophyte strains. Bronsyn–SE produced all of the measured alkaloids (lolitrem B, peramine, and ergovaline). Bronsyn–AR1 produced only peramine, while Bronsyn–AR37 produced none of the tested alkaloids. Bronsyn–NEA2, Bronsyn–NEA3, and Bronsyn–NEA6 produced both ergovaline and peramine. Both endophyte strain and host genotype exerted significant effects on alkaloid production. Analysis of endophyte colonisation using qPCR revealed differences between each association. With the exception of Bronsyn–AR1 and Bronsyn–NEA3, host genotype also significantly affected colonisation levels. Phenotypic performance of each association was also assessed, based on measurement of morphological traits under glasshouse conditions in hydroponic culture. Significant variation due to different endophyte and host genotypes was observed. Collectively, these studies confirm that differences in both endophyte and host genotypes contribute to host–endophyte performance in a complex interactive manner.

Performance of Coopworth ewe lambs exposed to low levels of ryegrass endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) alkaloids and allowed access to a mycotoxin deactivator

During February–April, Coopworth ewe lambs grazing a pasture dominated by naturalised perennial ryegrass (PRG) exhibited slight signs of ill-thrift and heat stress. PRG represented 85% of the herbage; 90% of the PRG population was infected with Neotyphodium endophyte. Concentrations of ergovaline and lolitrem B in perennial ryegrass were each within the range 0.5–1.0 mg/kg DM during this period. Two groups of 30 lambs rotated weekly between two paddocks that offered 6 t DM/ha of mature, low-quality pasture. They received an allowance of crushed barley and peas (80 : 20) at 100 g/head per day. One group was treated with a mycotoxin deactivator, Mycofix® Plus, mixed into their mash during processing (5 g/100 g). No sign of ‘staggers’ was observed in the lambs at any time. Lambs with access to Mycofix Plus made great use of shade; their occupancy of shade increased steeply with ambient temperature over the range 18−38°C (P < 0.001). For the control group, occupancy of shade was low (P < 0.001) and independent of temperature (P < 0.001). Instead of using shade on hot days, the control lambs whose respiration rate was higher than treated ewes (P < 0.001) commonly stood by the wire fence, huddled in the open. Over the first 56 days of treatment, while pasture remained dry, weight change in control and treated lambs was –13 and +16 g/day, respectively (P < 0.010). The need for greater investigation of the effects of endophyte alkaloids on livestock is discussed.