The Importance of Testing Endophytes through the ETC
Published on 3 October 2024
New Zealand has pioneered endophyte technologies, giving farmers the ability to select ryegrasses that can control certain pasture pests while enhancing livestock performance.
Without these endophytes, many perennial ryegrass pastures in New Zealand would fail to persist.
To ensure that the novel endophytes offered to farmers have undergone rigorous testing and meet the claims made by breeders, the Endophyte Technical Committee (ETC) evaluates the trial information by the breeders to ensure the claims being made are correct. This sub-committee of the Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA) is made up of a group of competing proprietary seed companies plus research organisations such as AgResearch.
Given this, you can trust the data behind the specific insect and animal safety ratings for all endophytes approved by the PBRA.
Share this post by:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
you might also be interested in
On-farm solutions
Bringing Our Cultivars to You
The commercial team has been working to establish more demonstration paddocks across the country, providing the opportunity to showcase RAGT’s fantastic cultivars on a much larger scale than ever before, beyond the nationwide trial network.
Perennial grasses
Effective Early Management for Thriving Grass Pastures
Effective management of your new grass paddock during the first year is key to enhancing its performance and longevity. The establishment phase is particularly critical. Early management includes key tasks such as timing your first grazing, controlling weeds, and providing necessary nutrients.
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.
