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Abstract
Two Neotyphodium fungal endophyte strains (AR601 and AR604) that produce high levels of ergovaline and loline alkaloids were inoculated into turf tall fescue for the purpose of producing symbioses that deter birds. The endophyte–grass associations were shown to be stably transmitted and, in preliminary experiments, reduced insect and bird numbers at an airport and reduced faecal contamination of a sports field by birds. Cultivar ‘Jackal’ infected with endophyte strain AR601 has been released commercially.
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) and Grasslanz Technology Ltd. Shaun Monk of Grasslanz Lincoln managed the Nucleus and Breeders seed multiplications. Della Bennett of CIAL made the bird observations. Chikako van Koten and David Baird, AgResearch statisticians, analysed the data. Alkaloid analysis was undertaken by Wade Mace and staff of AgResearch, Palmerston North.
