Future role of Epichloë endophytes in temperate pasture environments
Epichloë fungal endophytes are important mutualists of ryegrasses and fescues in many temperate environments, protecting the host plant against insect pests and some pathogens, and providing improved tolerance in periods of water deficit. These advantages have been exploited in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, where Epichloë strains are commercially promoted. Future opportunities for their use can also be envisaged in Europe and South America as changing climate scenarios provide an environment with increased pest pressures and water limitations. In addition, some Epichloë strains can provide adaptive advantages to other environmental constraints such as salinity, heavy metals, aluminium toxicity, and improve nutrient uptake. Future opportunities could be achieved through gene editing of either secondary metabolite pathways to promote the expression of the most desirable compounds or enable the expression of novel bioactive compounds that provide benefits in pastoral agricultural systems. Extending Epichloë beyond ryegrass and fescue, through a better understanding of the genetics of compatibility in species already known to host Epichloë (and showing agronomic benefits) such as Elymus and Bromus needs to also be contemplated.
Funding
Endophyte Innovation (EI)
History
Publication date
2023-05-14Project number
- PRJ0664680
Language
- English
Does this contain Māori information or data?
- No