Lisa Baxter, Ph.D.
Most tall fescue stands found in Georgia have a fungus that lives in the plant and can be transmitted in the seed. This endophyte has some benefits including pest resistance, drought tolerance, and persistence under grazing. However, the wild- or native-type endophyte (E+) produces toxins called ergot-alkaloids that can cause cattle to suffer from Fescue Toxicosis. In this article, Dr. Baxter will discuss important aspects related to renovating pastures to a novel endophyte tall fescue.
