Epichloae, Endophytes of Cool Season Grasses: Implications, Utilization and Biology

It is important to develop best management practices for novel tall fescue systems in the southern Great Plains of North America, especially since cool-season perennials are not well known or commonly utilized in this region. This review paper summarizes the research activities in this region of the southern Great Plains for developing new perennial tall fescue systems (establishment, legume-grass systems, and production and economics). Establishment of tall fescue can be achieved after controlling annual grassy weeds (in both spring to prevent seed production and autumn after weed germination) and drilling seed in late September. Alfalfa and annual medics may be suited to this region that receives rainfall between 600 to 900 mm yr-1. However under certain conditions, alfalfa can outcompete tall fescue in mixed species pastures. Utilizing alternating and perpendicular row orientations may allow for successful establishment, improved utilization of tall fescue, and greater persistence of alfalfa and tall fescue. The perennial tall fescue system can be profitable after the first year if stand life is amortized over 5 years, and may have similar net returns to the annual rye/ ryegrass system, although the annual system consistently provided greater number of grazing days and total steer gain. Future research will continue to develop and refine strategies for optimal beef production from perennial tall fescue systems.