ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the problems associated with endophyte-infected Festuca L. and Lolium L. pasture grass species; the desired beneficial characteristics of infected grasses; and the selection, methods of introduction of desirable endophytes into grasses, and characterization of the new associations. It also discusses the progress and problems associated with manipulation of nonpathogenic endophytes with reference to cultivar improvement. Desirable properties of endophyte-infected forage grasses are the same as for endophyte-free herbage. Livestock toxicosis may be alleviated by appropriate pasture and animal management practices that reduce the intake of toxic substances, by reduction or elimination of the toxic compounds in the herbage and total diet, and by reduced susceptibility of the grazing livestock. Genetic manipulation is especially designed for well-characterized gene functions synthesis of toxic alkaloids and the introduction of known foreign genes. The identification of toxic alkaloids and their biosynthetic pathways is information that has facilitated the development of lolitrem and ergot minus symbiota.
