Advances in Epichloë endophyte plant secondary metabolites in grasslands

In this chapter, the authors describe the biology of the Epichloë-grass association, the secondary metabolites that are linked to the bioactivity, control of invertebrate pests, occurrence of mammalian toxicity globally, toxic responses in terms of animal productivity, health and welfare, utilisation of Epichloë strain variation in commerce, along with flow-on effects to animal product quality and food safety. There is a particular focus on the most well-studied, mutualistic tall fescue and perennial ryegrass endophyte associations due to their significant economic impacts and prospects to advance future sustainable grassland farming.