Nematode Reproduction on Endophyte-Infected and Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue

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Abstract
Infection of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) with the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum has been shown to reduce nematode populations in field soils. We evaluated reproduction of three plant-parasitic nematodes on endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) tall fescue in greenhouse tests. E+ plants had lower numbers of Pratylenchus scribneri, a migratory endoparasite, than E- plants, and roots of E+ plants had fewer egg masses and eggs of Meloidogyne marylandi, a sedentary endoparasite. However, levels of Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, an ectoparasitic nematode, were not significantly different in pots of E+ and E- tall fescue. Reproduction of an undescribed Meloidogyne sp. on white clover [Trifolium repens] was not affected by the presence of E+ or E- fescue.