Introduction and acceptance of novel endophyte tall fescue in the USA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33584/rps.13.2006.3070Abstract
Release of the cultivar 'Kentucky 31' in 1943 led to widespread planting of tall fescue in the USA. An endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) usually present in this grass produces compounds that enhance competitiveness and survival of tall fescue in many environments, but it also produces ergot alkaloids implicated in the cause of animal disorders. Screening of hundreds of fungus strains identified some that do not produce high levels of ergot alkaloids. A "novel" endophyte strain was inserted into University of Georgia-developed cultivars 'Georgia 5' and 'Jesup' and became commercially available under the name MaxQTM in 1999. It is estimated that at present there are some 121,000 hectares of novel endophyte tall fescue in at least 35 USA states. Persistence has been good and animal performance has been excellent. It is expected that novel endophyte tall fescue area will continue to increase in the USA in the future. Keywords: novel endophyte, tall fescue, Neotyphodium, MaxQTM
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