LOLIUM ENDOPHYTE LEVELS IN COMMERCIAL PERENNIAL RYEGRASS SEED LINES

Abstract

A survey of perennial ryegrass seed lines received for testing in 1982 revealed different Lolium endophyte infection level characteristics for different cultivars. Grasslands Ruanui had low infection levels, Ellett had high and Grasslands Nui and other perennial ryegrass samples had variable infection levels. Differences in infection levels are ascribed to the infection status of the original cultivar material and the storage period between harvest and sowing during the seed multiplication process. The problems associated with providing a seed testing service for Lolium endophyte are also discussed.