Influence ofAcremonium loliiinfection in perennial ryegrass on germination, emergence, survival, and growth of white clover

Abstract

Abstract Four glasshouse experiments and two field trials were conducted to determine the effects of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) infected with Acremonium lolii Latch, Christensen & Samuels on white clover (Trifolium repens L.) germination, emergence, growth, and survival. Under controlled laboratory experiments, ryegrass leachates temporarily inhibited the rate of white clover germination, but did not affect white clover emergence or yield. In glasshouse experiments, the presence of A. lolii did not influence white clover emergence or growth. Emergence of indicator plant species grown in pumice sand substrate which previously grew ‘Ellett’ or ‘Grasslands Nui’ perennial ryegrass was not affected (‘Ellett’) or was enhanced (‘Grasslands Nui’) by the presence of A. lolii. In field trials, A. lolii infection did not significantly affect white clover survival, vigour, or leaves and stolons per plant, when ryegrass tiller densities were similar. Later, when tiller density of A. lolii-free plants decre...