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Karen Kirkby

PhD Student
School School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Location Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
Phone 02 6933 2749
Fax 02 6933 2812
Email kkirkby@csu.edu.au

Project

The role of the grass endophyte Neotyphodium occultans in annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Summary

The focus of my PhD research is to examine the relationship and biological significance of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium occultans found in Lolium rigidum in Australia . I have commenced a survey of annual ryegrass seed collected from southern Australia . The incidence and frequency of infection within these samples has to be determined. Initial results indicate high selection for endophyte with 100% of seed populations surveyed to date contains infection. The frequency of infection varies greatly from within and between postcodes sampled.

The viability of the endophyte is an important aspect of this research. Experiments have been conducted investigating the effect of storing seed for long periods of time, along with effect of seed burial over time on viability of endophyte in natural field conditions.

Endophytes have been shown to affect the physiological and morphological aspects of host (Latch, G. C. M. 1994; Moon, C. D., Scott, B. D., Schardl, C. L. and Christensen, M. J. 2000). An area of much interest is determining if N. occultans has a positive or negative effect on annual ryegrass growth and performance.

A deeper understanding of how this endophyte expresses itself within its host is being gained from glasshouse pot trials and the use of scanning electron microscopy for detailed undisturbed view in the seedling and in dry seeds. Other areas of study include genetic variation and possible links between herbicide resistance and endophyte infection.

Supervisors

Prof Jim Pratley, Dr David Hume, Dr Hanwen Wu and Dr Min An

Funding source