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.
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