Barenbrug is halfway through a four year research programme with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany – NIAB – to look at the performance of grasses containing endophytes in UK conditions. This programme is partly funded by the government’s Technology Strategy Board, looking at improving protein production in the UK.
These grasses containing novel endophytes have been brought over from Barenbrug’s research programme in New Zealand where they have been shown to have many benefits but without any unwanted side effects.
Endophytes are naturally occurring fungi, which live in a symbiotic relationship with the grass, being fed by the grass and giving the grass better pest and disease resistance. Native grasses in the UK contain naturally occurring endophyte, and many other plant species are also associated with a range of endophytic organisms.
In New Zealand grasses containing novel endophyte have better resistance to drought and heat stress as well as better resistance to disease and pest attack. The endophyte creates a "barrier effect", where the local endophytes outcompete and prevent pathogenic organisms from taking hold. Endophytes may also produce chemicals which inhibit the growth of competitors, including pathogenic organisms. Some bacterial endophytes have proven to increase plant growth.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with NIAB on these trials,” said David Long, Barenbrug’s Research & Development Manager.
“Historically endophytes have been associated livestock problems, but research in New Zealand shows that with Barenbrug’s novel endophytes, this is no longer a factor. So there could appear to be major benefits to farmers looking to grow fodder for their animals in using endophytes.
“While the trials involve a significant financial commitment from Barenbrug we see it as a very worthwhile exercise. We hope it will eventually mean increased profitability for British livestock farmers who will be spending less on inputs and getting a high yielding crop of grass. Initial results are very encouraging.”
Commentating on the trials, Jane Thomas from NIAB said, “We are very pleased to be involved in this research on grass endophytes. Early tests carried out at NIAB in the 1990s clearly illustrated yield and persistence benefits from the presence of endophyte in a perennial ryegrass variety – but this endophyte was a “wild type”, and was associated with toxicity to grazing animals. Now that safe endophyte strains have been selected and developed, it is a timely opportunity to look at the benefits they could bring to grassland productivity”
