Research Papers abstract
Nature Biotechnology 1, 189 - 191 (1983)
doi:10.1038/nbt0483-189
An Endophytic Fungus and Resistance to Sod Webworms: Association in Lolium Perenne L.
C. R. Funka, P. M. Haliskyb, M. C. Johnsonc, M. R. Siegeld, A. V. Stewarte, S. Ahmadf, R. H. Hurleyg & I. C. Harveyh
Abstract
Sod webworm (Crambus spp.) susceptible and resistant cultivars, selections, and single–plant progenies of perennial rye–grass (Lolium perenne L.) were analyzed for the presence of an endophytic fungus. This was done using both the ELISA technique and microscopic examination of remnant seed samples. All entries resistant to sod webworms in field trials contained high levels of fungal endophyte, whereas susceptible entries did not contain the endophyte. The significance of this endophyte–enhanced resistance to insects in the breeding and maintenance of turfgrass and forage cultivars is discussed.
- aDepartment of Soils and Crops, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903.
- bDepartment of Plant Pathology, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903.
- cUSDA, ARS, Research Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546.
- dUSDA, ARS, Professor of Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546.
- ePyne, Gould, Guinness, Ltd., P.O. Box 112, Christchurch, New Zealand.
- fDepartment of Entomology and Economic Zoology, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903.
- gLofts Seed Inc., P.O. Box 146, Bound Brook, New Jersey, 08805.
- hNew Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lincoln, N.Z.
