Agronomic Performance of Stockpiled Tall Fescue Varies with Endophyte Infection Status

Abstract

New associations of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh] with non-toxic endophytes [Neotyphodium coenophialum(Morgan-Jones and Gams) Glenn, Bacon and Hanlin] that do not produce toxic ergot alkaloids have been developed and are commercially available. Tall fescue is often stockpiled in autumn for grazing during the winter; however, there are few data on the fall growth or nutritive value of fescue with the novel endophyte. Therefore, agronomic performance of autumn stockpiled endophyte-infected (E+), endophyte-free (E-), and novel endophyte-infected (EN) Jesup tall fescue was evaluated during five winters and the ergot alkaloid concentration of the stockpiled forage was measured during two winters. Addition of the novel endophyte improved fall growth compared with E-. After five winters, sward composition of E+ and EN did not differ, but both had more fescue than E-. Differences in nutritive value of the total sward due to endophyte status were small and were mainly caused by invasion of other plant species. Ergot alkaloid concentration of E+ decreased 81% from December (2349 ppb) to January (443 ppb). Agronomic characteristics of EN and E+ appear to be similar and both are suitable for stockpiling.