Insect pests from several different orders feed on different parts of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] plants, reducing their productivity and persistence in both agricultural and turf situations. These pests include several genera and species of insects, each discussed in some detail, that belong to the Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera orders. Infection of tall fescue by Neotyphodium fungal endophytes provides a natural control of some of these insects. In plants, alkaloids produced by the endophyte are acutely toxic to some sap sucker species and reduce damage by stem miners, but have little or no effect on leaf grazers and root feeders.
Keywords: Lolium arundinaceum, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Neotyphodium, endophyte.
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See Related Information: Chapter 2: Subgenus Schedonorus |
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