Abstract

PETIGROSSO, L.R. et al. Hongos endófitos en festuca alta: del problema a las soluciones. RIA. Rev. investig. agropecu. [online]. 2019, vol.45, n.2, pp.292-303. ISSN 1669-2314.

Tall fescue, Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort, is one of the most sown perennial temperate grasses in Argentina, both in pure and mix pastures. The main agronomic qualities of this species are its high productivity, rusticity, plasticity and perennity. Tall fescue plants are usually infected by an asexual endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, which is asymptomatic and only the fungus propagates via infected seeds (vertical transmission). Although the fungus confers adaptive advantages to host plants, it can also synthesize toxic metabolites for grazing cattle. These metabolites cause severe health problems and significant losses in livestock production. In this review, it is described the grass species, the endophyte fungus, the interaction between them, and the harmful effects on domestic herbivores by consuming infected tall fescue plants of infected tall fescue in endophyte-free pastures are analyzed and some of the management strategies used to mitigate the negative effects of the endophyte on livestock production systems are indicated. Local and international information is shown, and knowledge gaps necessary to improve the productive management of this association are identified.

Keywords : Schedonorus arundinaceus; Epichloë coenophiala; fungus-grass association; festucosis; endophytic infection spread.