Root loline concentration in endophyteinfected meadow fescue (<i>Festuca pratensis</i>) is increased by grass grub (<i>Costelytra zealandica</i>) attack

Abstract

The larvae of New Zealand grass grub are economically important subterranean pests of pastures Some endophyteinfected 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