Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Our objectives were to determine (1) the feeding and oviposition behaviour of Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis Kuschel feeding on ryegrass infected with Acremonium endophyte, and (2) to survey pastures to relate ryegrass content, Argentine stem weevil populations and larval damage to the incidence of Acremonium endophyte in pastures of known age. In preference tests, adult stem weevil fed more extensively and deposited more eggs on endophyte-free ryegrasses. Ryegrass content in surveyed pastures in the central North Island of New Zealand averaged only 35% of the sward after 2-3 years. The majority of rye grass plants were infected with Acremonium endophyte after 2-3 years. Argentine stem weevil populations and damage were negatively correlated with the proportion of Acremonium-infected ryegrasses. It is concluded that to increase perennial ryegrass persistence farmers must use seed with a high viable endophyte infection.
Citation
Prestidge, R A.; Barker, G M.; Pottinger, R P.; and Steele, K W., "Endophyte Fungus Increases Persistence Through Improved Pest Control" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 9.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses7/9)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Endophyte Fungus Increases Persistence Through Improved Pest Control
Kyoto Japan
Our objectives were to determine (1) the feeding and oviposition behaviour of Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis Kuschel feeding on ryegrass infected with Acremonium endophyte, and (2) to survey pastures to relate ryegrass content, Argentine stem weevil populations and larval damage to the incidence of Acremonium endophyte in pastures of known age. In preference tests, adult stem weevil fed more extensively and deposited more eggs on endophyte-free ryegrasses. Ryegrass content in surveyed pastures in the central North Island of New Zealand averaged only 35% of the sward after 2-3 years. The majority of rye grass plants were infected with Acremonium endophyte after 2-3 years. Argentine stem weevil populations and damage were negatively correlated with the proportion of Acremonium-infected ryegrasses. It is concluded that to increase perennial ryegrass persistence farmers must use seed with a high viable endophyte infection.
