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Advances in Epichloë endophyte plant secondary metabolites in grasslands

Code: 9781835451663
Publication date: 21-01-2026
Extent: 68 pages

Contributions by: David E. Hume and Sarah C. Finch, AgResearch Limited, New Zealand; Alan V. Stewart, PGG Wrightson Seeds Limited, New Zealand; and John R. Caradus, Grasslanz Technology Limited, New Zealand

Chapter synopsis:

In this chapter, the authors describe the biology of the Epichloë-grass association, the secondary metabolites that are linked to the bioactivity, control of invertebrate pests, occurrence of mammalian toxicity globally, toxic responses in terms of animal productivity, health and welfare, utilisation of Epichloë strain variation in commerce, along with flow-on effects to animal product quality and food safety. There is a particular focus on the most well-studied, mutualistic tall fescue and perennial ryegrass endophyte associations due to their significant economic impacts and prospects to advance future sustainable grassland farming.



DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0154.25

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Table of contents
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Epichlo biology
  • 3 Benefts for the host grass
  • 4 Secondary metabolites produced by endophytegrass associations
  • 5 Toxicity to invertebrate pests
  • 6 Toxicity to livestock for major cultivated grasses
  • 7 Tall fescue endophyte toxicity across the globe
  • 8 Ryegrass endophyte toxicity across the globe
  • 9 Livestock toxicity for other Epichlo-infected grasses
  • 10 Reducing toxicity to livestock
  • 11 Mammalian safe Epichlo of annual ryegrasses andmeadow fescue
  • 12 Endophyte effects on food quality and safety
  • 13 Beyond pasture grasses
  • 14 Genetic manipulation
  • 15 Conclusion
  • 16 Future trends
  • 17 Where to look for further information
  • 18 References

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