PROTEK®
Protek® is a novel endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) and represents a pivotal advancement in sustainable agriculture, offering farmers a safer forage alternative without compromising animal performance and health. Forage tall fescue is broadly adapted and an excellent forage resource. However, in some regions, the endophyte found in Kentucky 31 plants can have a negative impact on animals. Extensive research highlights the economic benefits of transitioning from toxic endophyte found in Kentucky 31 pastures to novel endophyte tall fescues, including improved calf weight gains, increased milk production, and higher conception rates. The endophyte has a symbiotic relationship with the mother plant, which is critical in harsher environments. In some parts of the transition zone, endophyte free tall fescues fail to survive, especially under low management and low input systems. The persistence of Protek®-inoculated tall fescue matches that of Kentucky 31, offering farmers enhanced longevity and tolerance to environmental stressors. Protek® marks a transformative shift in forage management, bolstering productivity, resilience, animal health, and sustainability in modern agriculture.
ENDOPHYTIC RESEARCH
DLF is partnered globally with a team of scientists that study the beneficial, symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and grasses. Endophytes have been widely used to help improve insect resistance, stress tolerance and persistency in turfgrasses, but researchers were previously hesitant to utilize them for forages out of concern for animal health. However, with molecular marker technology, our researchers can now identify endophytes safe for animals, commonly known as novel endophytes. They also field test the inoculated host genotypes and confirm the absence of ergo-alkaloids through lab analysis and animal feeding studies. DLF is also a charter member of the Alliance for Grasslands Renewal, which consists of University and Extension staff, industry reps, government agencies and producers. Activities include education and advocating for conversion from toxic pastures, and Quality Control of Novel Endophyte seed.
DLF TALL FESCUES WITH NOVEL ENDOPHYTES
Tower
A warm-season turf-type grass, Tower is ranked as one of the latest heading tall fescues with +3 or +4 days compared to the standards. After an early start in spring the moderate-to-dark green, medium-textured grass continues to grow all season. Also, it has a +8% yield capacity compared to the standard, showing a true genetic progress!
Martin 2
Martin 2 is a new novel endophyte tall fescue, combining the proven genetics of Martin 2 forage tall fescue with the enhancement of the Protek® endophyte. Martin 2 is an early-medium forage tall fescue selected for the transition zone. Its pedigree includes several USA varieties including Mozark, the original Martin, Cajun, and three KY31 synthetics. Despite its southern breeding, it is adapted to the entire US tall fescue market.
Triumphant
Triumphant is a new variety of forage tall fescue. It was developed from multiple cycles of recurrent selection. All cycles of were made for early maturity, vigor, fall and winter growth, forage yield potential, and post-harvest re-growth. The germplasm used to develop ‘Triumphant’ traces to the varieties ‘AU Triumph’ and ‘Duramax’. Triumphant is free of endophytes.