Endophyte Summary
What is endophyte?
Ryegrass endophyte is a fungus (called Neotyphodium lolii ) that greatly affects animal health and performance. It is found only in perennial, long rotation and a few hybrid ryegrasses. It lives completely within the plant and is only visible under a microscope. Endophyte occurs naturally, and is found in many old pastures.
Why have endophyte?
Endophyte protects plants from a range of insects. In dry summer situations ryegrass containing endophyte consistently out-yields and persists better than ryegrass Without endophyte.
Why do you need to know about endophyte?
You need to know which is the best endophyte for the situation. Choosing the right option will improve stock health and performance, as well as the persistence of your pastures.
The traditional Standard endophyte depresses animal performance and can cause summer staggers. New endophytes Plus AR1, Plus NEA2, Endo5 and AR6 stop staggers and improve animal performance. AR37 endophyte has improved insect resistance with a slight chance of staggers.
Endophyte lifecycle
Where ryegrass with Plus AR1, Plus NEA2or another endophyte is sown, the resultant plants will always contain that particular endophyte.
If seed Without endophyte is sown, the resultant plants will never have endophyte. It does not transfer from plant to plant, or from the soil.