BENEFICIAL ENDOPHYTE TALL FESCUE Not All Endophytes Are Created Equal The most widely grown forage tall fescue in the United States is Kentucky 31, a cultivar released in 1942. The reason for its popularity is its stubborn persistence under extreme climatic conditions. The persistence of Kentucky 31 is attributed to the alkaloids produced by a fungal endophyte that grows within the plant. Unfortunately, some of these alkaloids are toxic to livestock and cause deleterious effects on animal performance such as elevated body temperature, decreased weight gains, lameness, lower pregnancy rates and reduced milk production. Such livestock disorders are commonly refered to as "fescue toxicosis". Kentucky 31 causes "fescue toxicosis". Barenbrug USA researchers examined alkaloid profiles of numerous fescues with endophytes that were collected from around the world. They isolated many endophytes from fescues which lacked alkaloids known to be toxic to livestock. These selected endophytes were i noculated into different soft-leaf tall fescue germplasm. The inoculated fescues were evaluated for their alkaloid profiles and endophyte stability. From this research, Barenbrug was able to pick a beneficial endophyte, coded "E34". Plants inoculated with E34 were hybridized with other elite germplasm and used to develop the experimental variety 'BAR FA 'BE9301A'. This variety has been tested in numerous cutting and grazing trials (Table 4). It has higher forage yields compared to Kentucky 31 and is just as stubbornly persistent. Research shows E34 makes 'BAR FA BE9301A' significantly more persistent under grazing than endophyte-free tall fescue. Forage Yield (Dry Matter tons/acre)n Maturity 3 yr. Total BarOptima PLUS E34 435 10.6 Scale: 37=Flag leaf emergence, 45=boot swollen, 50=Beginning of inflorescence emergence, 58=complete emergence of inflorescence, 62=beginning of pollen shed. “University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Ba rOptima cjplusE34BENEFICIAL ENDOPHYTE TALL FESCUE TM BarOptima PLUS E34 planting requires advance planning; an investment well worth your time. Below are two proven methods to transition to better pastures: >Tima jrlus\BENEFICIAL ENDOPHYTE TALL FESCUE. Endophyte Life Cycle (2 3 Endophyte is a fungus found in seed. As the seed germinates, the endophyte grows into the emerging shoot. 3 Endophyte is in the base of the plant. Little is found in the leaf, none in the roots. Endophyte infected plants can only be propagated through endophyte infected seed. The endophyte is not passed from plant to plant in a pasture. Method 1: Spray - Wait - Spray • Prevent seed head formation in the toxic tall fescue pasture in the spring. Swath and windrow or flail any heads that emerge. • Spray the toxic tall fescue with glyphosate-based herbicide (1.4 lbs. a.i./acre) at 4 to 6 weeks prior to sowing. • A second glyphosate application should be done just prior (one day) to sowing. The sowing operation should preferably be timed just prior to expected rainfall (if no irrigation is available). • Ideal sowing time is Sept 1st to Sept 15th, depending on moisture availability. • Drill BarOptima PLUS E34 seed at 25 lbs. per acre. The sowing depth should be about 14 inch. • No-till seeding is ideal, at a narrow row spacing (6 inches or less). • Apply 100 lbs. per acre of 20-20-20 starter fertilizer. Method 2: Spray - Smother - Spray • Spray the toxic tall fescue pasture with glyphosate-based herbicide (1.4 lbs. a.i./acre) in the spring. • Plant an aggressive summer annual forage crop adaptable to your region such as pearl millet or sorghum. • Graze the crop through the summer. • In late summer or early fall spray another application of glyphosate-based herbicide. • Drill BarOptima PLUS E34 seed at 25 lbs. per acre. The sowing depth should be about A inch. • No-till seeding is ideal, at a narrow row spacing (6 inches or less). • Apply 100 lbs. per acre of 20-20-20 starter fertilizer. Buy your BarOptima PLUS E34 here: Why choose BarOptima PLUS E34 over Kentucky 31 ? BarOptima PLUS E34 Kentucky 31 (Beneficial Endophyte) (Harmful Endophyte) Safe for Cattle Persistent Healthy reproduction Reduced vet costs Stress-free pasture management Increased intake High digestibility Late heading Increased average daily gain Profitable use of resources QUALITY SEED = INCREASED RETURN Fescue toxicosis Persistent Impaired reproduction Increased vet visits More labor/management Reduced Intake Low digestibility Early heading Reduced average daily gain Economic Loss INFERIOR SEED = HIGH COST BARENBRUG Great in Grass® www.barusa.com

SAFE, SUSTAINABLE, PROFITABLE BARENBRUG BENEFICIAL ENDOPHYTE TALL FESCUE BarOptimo What is BarOptima PLUS E34? BarOptima PLUS E34 is the next generation forage tall fescue. It is a high energy and high yielding variety, which is bred in association with the revolutionary beneficial endophyte E34. Traditionally, forage grasses have been defined by two traits: yield and persistence. Barenbrug also places a strong emphasis on a third trait, forage quality. After all, forage quality has a direct effect on animal performance and ultimately on your profits. Barenbrug has a long tradition of developing...