Endophytes are Really Some Fungi(s)
And Helpful Too!

Researchers are finding that endophyte-containing plants can out-compete weeds better, survive stresses better, and even acquire scarce nutrients better than their non-endophytic counterparts. This is in addition to their primary benefit of reducing damaging insect populations. All these benefits can even be derived by overseeding endophyte-enhanced varieties into existing turf stands. The more one learns about endophytes, the more fascinating these little fungi become!

Researchers are learning that cultural practices have a direct impact on the levels of endophytes.

Two key cultural practices are mowing and fertility levels.

One study, at Ohio State University, found that decreasing mowing frequency – from once a week to once every two weeks increases endophyte levels as much as FIVE times. Increasing mowing height also significantly increased endophyte levels.

The second cultural finding, from the University of Georgia, shows that levels of phosphorus and both levels and sources of nitrogen affect the amount of endophyte-produced alkaloids.

Seems like there is an angle in all of this that a savvy marketer or turf specialist could use to promote the use of improved seeds, correct fertilizer, and management practices that MIGHT just be a valuable enough tool to do more than sell on price!