Endophyte in grass play an important role in resisting insect attack in pasture but there is a price to pay in ryegrass staggers and reduced animal performance.

Seed breeders develop “novel endophytes” that protect the grass against a greater range of insect pests, with no negative impacts on ruminant health or performance.

Grass plants may contain an internally growing fungus called endophyte.

Different strains of endophyte are available in many of the grass cultivars.

Standard Endophyte

An option where price is crucial and high animal production is not a major issue. Stock grazing these pastures can often suffer from ryegrass staggers and experience reduced weight gains throughout the warmer months. The Standard strain (SE) implies that the cultivar contains a wild type endophyte which will help resist insect attack (eg Argentine stem weevil, Black Beetle), and help to prevent over-grazing but may, particularly in dry summer conditions, cause ryegrass staggers and reduce animal growth rates.

Nil Endophyte

In some areas, ryegrasss without endophyte can be used. Such pastures are animal safe and deliver excellent animal performance. However, you can expect less persistence in areas where pasture pests are present. Low endophyte (LE) implies low or nil endophyte infection levels in the seed and its use is best suited to areas of low insect predation generally associated with high summer moisture.

AR37 Enophyte

AR37 endophyte provides significant agronomic advantages over all ryegrass endophytes currently available in Australia where there is insect pressure. Improved pest resistance has resulted in improved ryegrass persistence and an overall increase in ryegrass production.

AR1 Endophyte

High animal performance novel endophyte option. Delivers excellent animal performance & provides a moderate range of insect protection. Has demonstrated poor persistence in areas with major insect pest pressure from Black Beetle and Root Aphid.

GrubOUT U2 Endophyte

The GrubOUT® U2 endophyte is a strain of Neotyphodium uncinatum. It contains a unique set of alkaloids called lolines, which insects don’t like. Use GrubOUT® U2 and enjoy the benefits of better pasture protection against insect pests, improved pasture persistence and superior livestock performance potential. 

Endo5 Endophyte

Contains no Lolitrem B, the main cause of ryegrass staggers. Provides good control of Black Beetle, Argentine Stem Weevil, Root Aphid and Pasture Mealy Bug. Produces less ergovaline than many ryegrass cultivars containing standard endophyte. This said, it may produce lower animal performance levels over summer/autumn compared with AR1 and nil endophyte options.

MAXP®

Ideal for grazing stock and excellent protection against Black Beetle. Aids persistence of tall fescue. MaxP® endophyte in continental tall fescues has been used and trialed against a number of animal species with no known adverse animal health effects.