Novel Endophytes

The most exciting development in perennial pastures in a generation are novel endophytes H&T Direct uses this up-to-the-minute technology in all medium and long-term mixes.

The two main novel endophyte strains are:

AR37

AR37 is the latest endophyte release from Agresearch and provides a break-through in pasture persistence, insect resistance and long-term yield.

It has been shown to produce significantly higher levels of drymatter production than standard endophyte or AR1 cultivars - a benefit which becomes increasingly pronounced in the second and third years of trials.

AR37 does not cause heat stress or other animal effects associated with Ergovaline. Trials have shown a reduced risk of ryegrass staggers in comparison to standard endophyte.

H&T Direct recommends AR37 cultivars should be used where ever possible in dairy mixes. It has an excellent pay back in sheep and beef systems where farmers are looking for high yield and increased persistence.

AR1

AR1 has been available in selected ryegrass cultivars for several years and provides protection from agrentine stem weevil and pasture mealy bug.

It has no detrimental animal health effects on stock and has been shown to give five to ten percent greater milk production in dairy cows as well as vastly improved summer liveweight gains in lambs compared to standard endophytes.

AR1 should be used in preference to standard endophyte for dairy cows and in sheep and beef, deer and horse mixes if no risk of staggers can be tolerated.