Publications by authors named "Ignacio Matamala"
Exploitation of the symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and ryegrass is a crucial technique for reducing the incidence of insect pests. This is primarily due to the production of alkaloids, such as peramine, by the fungi. This alkaloid has been reported as both a deterrent and toxic to a variety of insects.
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- Extensive agriculture relies on pasture, which can be damaged by insects such as the Argentine stem weevil; a common control method involves using endophyte fungi in ryegrass.
- A study evaluated the effects of endophytes and their alkaloid production on the weights of weevil adults fed on various ryegrass lines and cultivars, revealing significant weight losses associated with specific strains.
- The antifeedant alkaloid peramine was found in some experimental lines, indicating that weevils were less likely to feed on ryegrass infected with certain endophytes, impacting their feeding behavior.