Technology transfer of novel ryegrass endophytes in New Zealand

Abstract

The adoption of novel endophyte ryegrass in New Zealand has been successful and rapid, with AR1 novel endophyte seed representing 80% of the total ryegrass seed infected with endophyte within 3 years of release. Success was underpinned by a large amount of research into endophytes and the animal production benefits of novel endophytes. Awareness amongst farmers and seed retailers was created by scientists and seed company staff, often with an organised and collaborative campaign. The domination of the market with novel endophytes is likely to increase further with the on-farm success of AR1, and the recent introduction of third-generation endophytes. Keywords: endophyte, ryegrass, technology, transfer, adoption, knowledge, awareness, benefits, validation, research