<i>Epichloë</i> − a lifeline for temperate grasses under combined drought and insect pressure
Katrin G. Hewitt, Alison J. Popay, Rainer Hofmann, J. R. Caradus
Abstract
Fungal <i>Epichloë</i> endophytes form symbiotic associations with many temperate grasses, such as <i>Lolium</i> and <i>Festuca</i>, giving their host grasses an ecological advantage. The importance of specific <i>Epichloë</i> endophytes in providing varying levels of protection against invertebrate pests has been well documented. Similarly, but with fewer studies, the benefits of <i>Epichloë</i> to host grasses in drought events has been shown. Endophyte-infected grasses show an improved persistence against herbivore insect attack as well as resilience under drought. However, there are relatively few studies that investigate the interaction between drought and insect pressure, and yet it is these combined pressures that can prove detrimental for a ryegrass or fescue crop. This review examines the current state of knowledge on the effects of <i>Epichloë</i> on the interactions of insects and drought in temperate grasses.