Nematotoxicity of alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue

Authors: Bacetty, Ada; Snook, Maurice; Bacon, Charles

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2006
Publication Date: 7/29/2006
Citation: Bacetty, A.A., Snook, M.E., Bacon, C.W. 2006. Nematotoxicity of alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue [abstract]. Phytopathology 96:S7.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract of Amer. Phytopathol. Soc. presentation - no summary required.

Technical Abstract: It is well known that the Neotyphodium-tall fescue grass association is provided with enhanced protection from grazing vertebrate herbivores and insects due to the production of toxic secondary metabolites. However, considerable controversy exists concerning the involvement of toxins produced by the fungus and the number of nematode species affected. In an attempt to analyze this problem, we developed a sterile nematode in vitro system to access the interactive nature of toxins specific to this mutualistic association. The in vitro assay system developed used Pratylenchus scribneri as the target organism to determine the interactive nature of an ergot alkaloid, ergonovine, and loline, a pyrollizidine alkaloid. The in vitro assay is described along with methods for testing toxicity. The results indicate that while the ergot alkaloid is toxic this species of nematode, there are possible potentiating effects observed when the two alkaloids are mixed, suggestive of prior observations of toxicity on specific insects.