What is an endophyte and why do I need it?
Published on 18 September 2024
Endophytes are a type of natural fungus that is commonly found in grass, particularly ryegrass.
The grass offers the endophyte food and a place to live, and in return the endophyte produces chemicals called alkaloids.
The good alkaloids provide the grass protection from insects, so it persists and grows better with little or no impact on stock performance.
Some of these alkaloids are less helpful and significantly impact on animal performance, which is why pastures today come with specially bred novel endophytes that ensure only beneficial chemicals from the endophyte and little to no harmful ones.
Share this post by:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
you might also be interested in
Fodder beet, On-farm solutions
Key agronomic practices to maximise beet yields
To fully harness the benefits of fodder beet in farming operations, effective planning and adherence to best agronomic practices are essential.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions, Perennial grasses
Growing great lambs with RGT Hustle RGT18
Because our seed growers produce various varieties of ryegrass, they understand which cultivars perform best for their animals. For the past four years, RGT Hustle RGT18 has stood out in terms of forage quantity and quality, particularly for finishing lambs.
People
The newest face at RAGT
RAGT New Zealand is excited to announce that Shane Brownlie has joined their team as the Lower North Island Field Solutions Specialist and is thrilled to have secured such a highly skilled individual to manage this region.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions, Perennial grasses
Make Animal Safety A Top Priority
Animal trials, primarily conducted on sheep, are carried out in accordance with the Animal Ethics Code by providers like Lincoln University and AgResearch. The results of these trials are meticulously evaluated by the ETC, which also seeks external expertise when necessary.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions, Perennial grasses
ETC Insect Ratings : A Critical Component
The ETC also evaluates endophytes for their ability to increase the grasses tolerance against various pasture insect pests, including Argentine Stem Weevil, African Black Beetle, Pasture Mealy Bug, Root Aphid, Porina, and Grass Grub.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions, Perennial grasses
The Importance of Testing Endophytes through the ETC
New Zealand has pioneered endophyte technologies, giving farmers the ability to select ryegrasses that can control certain pasture pests while enhancing livestock performance.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions
How do RGT18 Alkaloids Compare to Other Endophytes?
RGT18 Endophyte contains alkaloids (chemicals) known as “Janthritrems,” which distinguishes it from some of the other endophyte options currently available for ryegrass, such as AR1.
Endophyte, On-farm solutions, Perennial grasses
What is an endophyte and why do I need it?
Endophytes are a type of natural fungus that is commonly found in grass, particularly ryegrass.
Companion species, Endophyte, Fodder beet, Forage brassicas, Forage cereals, Lucerne, Perennial grasses, Short-term grasses
Introducing RGT: New Prefix for RAGT Cultivars
Recently our New Zealand business underwent a significant transformation under the global RAGT brand. To strengthen this connection, our cultivar names will now feature the ‘RGT’ prefix. For example, ‘Hustle’ will now be known as ‘RGT Hustle’.
People
NEWS RELEASE – Agreement reached on the acquisition of Deleplanque Group by RAGT Semences
Agreement reached on the acquisition of Deleplanque, Strube and van Waveren by RAGT Semences
