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Perennial ryegrasses have a mutually beneficial arrangement with an endophyte fungus. "Endo" means inside, implying that the endophyte lives entirely within the plant (in fact it can only be detected by microscopic examination of leaf sheath tissue or seeds that have been specially stained). |
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The fungus obtains nutrients from the plant and the plant in return
gets protection from insect and animal feeding by the fungus
producing chemical deterrents or toxins.
- Novel endophytes are naturally occurring fungi selected for special features
- Choose the appropriate endophyte for the situation before selecting the ryegrass. Endophyte in ryegrass will be required in most situations.
- Most perennial ryegrass plants in New Zealand pastures contain a fungus called endophyte that grows inside the plant and is passed to the next generation via the seed.
- Endophyte protects the plant from insect attack but can also cause animal health problems. Sowing treated seed in insect-prone areas is essential to protect seedlings for a few weeks after germination when the endophyte is not active against insects.
- Novel (or selected) endophytes provide a way of avoiding animal health problems associated with ryegrass infected with the Standard (or Wild type) endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii), while maintaining positive effects on plant persistence.
- For farmers to capitalise on the potential advantages of novel endophytes, contamination with the wild endophyte must be prevented.
Summary of available endophytes:
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