Influence of nitrogen fertilization on growth and loline alkaloid production of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) associated with the fungal symbiont Neotyphodium uncinatum.

Abstract

In a field study during two growing seasons in northern Sweden, we assessed meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) with and without Neotyphodium uncinatum to determine whether the endophyte affects plant performance regarding tiller and biomass production. In addition, we measured loline alkaloids produced in infected grasses. Approximately 1000 plants grew at two different levels of nitrogen fertilization: the normal amount applied in this region and one-half that amount. Increasing the amount of nitrogen increased the total number of tillers on the plants. Endophyte-infected plants produced more tillers per plant than plants without the endophyte; there was, however, no significant difference in proportion of reproductive tillers, winter survival, or total biomass production between endophyte-infected and noninfected plants. Infected plants produced loline alkaloids in different quantities without indication of being influenced by different nitrogen fertilization levels.

Keywords

endophyte; forage; nitrogen fertilization

Published in

Botany
2014, volume: 92, number: 5, pages: 370-376

SLU Authors

• Bylin, Anja

  • Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Huss-Danell, Kerstin

  • Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Botany
Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjb-2013-0253

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/62840