The role of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal

The literature on the importance of Epichloë grass endophytes during pasture renewal is reviewed. Perennial ryegrass endophyte strains such as AR1, NEA2, and Standard Endophyte (SE) well tall fescue meadow endophytes, significantly increase seedling survival at establishment under insect pressure, for example from adult Argentine stem weevil, grub, African black beetle. However, in endophyte-infected ryegrass, insect-derived plant damage increases 10–43 days after sowing despite presence endophyte. Insecticidal seed treatments can mitigate vulnerability to predation this time.