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RTF
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More about Endophyte The endophyte fungus has a symbiotic relationship with the host plant. The fungus grows between the plant cells and is only visible through a microscope. The fungus does not cause any negative effects on the grass plants, on the contrary: while the fungus "feeds" on the host plant, it produces alkaloids that protect the host from environmental influences in return. These alkaloids are toxic to pests, thus giving the host plant a natural protection. A win - win situation for both species! Alkaloids are not harmful to humans, but certain alkaloids can, under certain conditions, be harmful to livestock feeding from the host plant. For turfgrass applications the type of alkaloid is not relevant and still we can benefit from the built in protection that endophytes provide. Many perennial ryegrass and tall fescue varieties contain endophyte. (There are specific endophytes that can be used for forage grasses, which produce alkaloids toxic to pests, and not to livestock). About 80% of the seeds of the RTF variety Labarinth contain the endophyte fungus, providing excellent protection against insects and diseases and enhancing drought tolerance. This is a very high percentage, seldom found in other fescues.
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