ENHANCING ENDOPHYTE IN GRASS

摘要

The present invention relates to plants that are stably infected with an endophyte fungus. The purpose in providing to plants unique fungal endophytes is to import desired traits. These traits include insect resistance and drought tolerance and improved persistence to the plants. The plants specifically grass without inoculation with the endophyte would not evidence these traits as strongly. Endophyte inoculated grass can be used as turfgrass or foraging material depending on the grass type selected. In the present invention an endophyte that has a native host of meadow fescue was discovered. This endophyte did not provide animal toxicity's. This endophyte was transferred to a non-native host, Lolium perenne L. The transfer of Neotyphodium siegelii to Lolium perenne L. as a host was unique. The endophyte when in the non-native host evidenced stable inheritance and lacked the herbivore toxic effect. Inoculation of the endophyte into Lolium perenne produces a non-toxic grass product for mammals while deterring insects and improving drought tolerance. The grass product can be utilised for grazing animals.