Effect of drought on microbiome community and metabolite profiles in kikuyu.
Above: PhD Student Jia Ling Vivien Tan
Lead Author: Jia Ling Viven Tan
Project P1b: Antinutritional factors (toxicity)
Kikuyu poisoning occasionally causes toxicity in grazing livestock, particularly cattle, often observed when rapid growth follows a period of drought. This study investigated changes in the fungal community and metabolite profiles in kikuyu under conditions designed to replicate those that lead to kikuyu poisoning.
Fusarium torulosum, an endophyte, has been suggested as a potential cause. The study involved subjecting three kikuyu cultivars (drought-resistant, drought-susceptible, and Whittet) to a drought period followed by re-watering to stimulate rapid growth.
The analysis identified numerous fungal genera; while Fusarium was abundant, other notable genera included Sarocladium, Cladosporium, Sporothrix, Poaceascoma, Myrmecridium, Phialophora, and Podospora.
The results are expected to provide a better understanding of the changes in kikuyu under different conditions, potentially aiding in identifying the causes of kikuyu poisoning.
About Dairy UP
Dairy UP is a collaborative research, development and extension program for the NSW dairy industry. It aims to unlock the potential of pastures, cows, water and milk to increase productivity and profitability, and de-risk the industry and develop new markets.