What are endophytes?

Endophytes are fungi which have evolved to live in harmony with ryegrass. They live inside the seed and plant, and produce natural compounds which protect plants from pests.

 

Why use endophyte?

Endophyte enhances the yield and persistence of ryegrass by helping protect plants from a range of insects and other pests. In summer dry situations ryegrass with endophyte out-yields and persists much better than ryegrass Without endophyte.

 

Why do you need to know about endophyte?

Different strains of endophyte are available so it's important to know which is best for any given situation. Choosing the right endophyte will improve pasture yield and stock health.

The original endophyte, called Standard endophyte (SE), depresses animal performance and causes summer ryegrass staggers. Several novel endophytes much less toxic to stock have been discovered. AR1, NEA, NEA2 and NEA4 greatly reduce the risk of staggers and improve animal performance. NEA12 and AR37 endophytes have improved insect resistance but can cause staggers, although with less frequency or severity than Standard endophyte.

 

Endophyte life cycle

Where ryegrass with an endophyte (e.g. NEA) is sown, the resultant plants will always contain that particular endophyte. The endophyte lives inside the plant for the life of that plant. If seed Without endophyte is sown, the resultant plants will never have endophyte. It does not transfer from plant to plant, or from soil to plant, it only transfers naturally from plant to seed.