Different endophyte options are available. Endophyte type needs to be specified when ordering seed. Note: the ryegrass cultivar itself determines at least 50% of plant growth and persistence, so this must also be considered.

 

NEA2

NEA2 endophyte is ideally suited to farming systems through all regions of NZ, providing persistent pasture for dairy cows, sheep and beef cattle with excellent animal performance and health. Ryegrass with NEA2 gives good control of black beetle and pasture mealy bug (provisional rating). It also provides good control for Argentine stem weevil (ASW). Note: NEA2 is a combination of several endophyte strains. Available in Barenbrug cultivars: Trojan and Rohan.

 

NEA4

NEA4 is a new endophyte release from Barenbrug, very similar in alkaloid production to NEA2. It is also a combination of several endophyte strains. Available in Viscount.

  

NEA

This endophyte is only available in Shogun. It gives good black beetle control. Overall, insect resistance is similar to Bealey with NEA2.

 

AR1

AR1 provides excellent animal performance and health for many intensive farming situations. However, AR1 should not be sown in the northern North Island on soils affected by black beetle, to which it is susceptible. It provides very good control of ASW and pasture mealybug. AR1 is staggers free with excellent lamb LWG and milksolids production. Available in Barenbrug cultivars: Governor and Tyson.

 

AR37

AR37 provides a wide spectrum of insect resistance, giving very good control of ASW, pasture mealybug and root aphid with good contol of black beetle. It is the only endophyte to provide a level of porina control. Lamb LWG on AR37 is generally good, although it may be reduced in periods of severe staggers. Ryegrass staggers on AR37 are less likely to occur than on SE. AR37 must not be used for horses or deer because of its animal health issues. Available in Barenbrug cultivar: Governor.

 

Standard endophyte (SE)

SE (also sometimes called 'High' or 'Wild' endophyte) is not recommended. SE can cause severe ryegrass staggers, reduces lamb LWG, causes ill thrift in lambs, increases dags and flystrike and has been shown to reduce milksolids production.

 

Low (LE)

Ryegrass with Low endophyte is an option for areas of very limited insect damage. However, many farmers in Southland are achieving better results from sowing ryegrasses containing NEA2 or AR1. LE has no animal health problems, but has no insect resistance. Available in Barenbrug cultivars: Governor, Trojan, Tyson, Rohan, and Viscount.

 

 

Grubout U2

A meadow fescue endophyte that produces lolines to help provide protection from pests above and below ground. At present no actual industry DM yield or persistence data is available on the performance of cultivars containing Grubout U2.