Description
Associations of Epichloe endophytes with tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb). Darbush.] and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) form the basis for the known science and ecology of mutualistic, fungal endophytes, and especially their impact on livestock. In the USA, millions of acres are endophyte infected today due mainly to planting ‘Kentucky 31’ to reduce soil erosion. Health problems emerged later among animals grazing the grass. These toxicity symptoms were listed under the general term ‘Fescue Toxicosis’. Research demonstrated that ergot alkaloids produced by the mutualism were mainly responsible. Developing endophyte-free versions of major varieties reduced host grass persistence and performance. Farmers seemed stuck with a classic dilemma: animal health or pasture persistence? However, research found that naturally occurring, nontoxic endophyte strains (e.g., “novel”) could be isolated and reinfected into elite grass varieties. Novel varieties restored persistence with none of the toxic alkaloids. The development and commercialization of the first novel endophyte tall fescue variety, Jesup MaxQ, is reported here. Other varieties were developed, and the seed trade now recognizes 3 variety types: toxic, endophyte-free, or novel. However, seed sales of novels are still comparatively low, and The Alliance for Grassland Renewal was formed to advance their use.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
History of Endophytic Toxicosis and Novel Variety Solutions
Associations of Epichloe endophytes with tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb). Darbush.] and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) form the basis for the known science and ecology of mutualistic, fungal endophytes, and especially their impact on livestock. In the USA, millions of acres are endophyte infected today due mainly to planting ‘Kentucky 31’ to reduce soil erosion. Health problems emerged later among animals grazing the grass. These toxicity symptoms were listed under the general term ‘Fescue Toxicosis’. Research demonstrated that ergot alkaloids produced by the mutualism were mainly responsible. Developing endophyte-free versions of major varieties reduced host grass persistence and performance. Farmers seemed stuck with a classic dilemma: animal health or pasture persistence? However, research found that naturally occurring, nontoxic endophyte strains (e.g., “novel”) could be isolated and reinfected into elite grass varieties. Novel varieties restored persistence with none of the toxic alkaloids. The development and commercialization of the first novel endophyte tall fescue variety, Jesup MaxQ, is reported here. Other varieties were developed, and the seed trade now recognizes 3 variety types: toxic, endophyte-free, or novel. However, seed sales of novels are still comparatively low, and The Alliance for Grassland Renewal was formed to advance their use.
