Effect of Alternative Management Practices and the Fungal Endophyte (Epichloë festucae var. lolii) on Improving the Longevity of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in Minnesota

Abstract

One of the primary challenges facing the perennial ryegrass seed producers in Minnesota is a lack of perenniality in the species when grown for seed. The first research project explored alternative management options, including fall residue management strategies and plant growth regulator applications, for multi-year seed production of perennial ryegrass. Our findings suggest that fall residue management, including both field burning and mechanical residue removal, was critical to maintaining seed yield. A second research project studied the effect of the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii on the freezing tolerance of a wide array of perennial ryegrass germplasm. Our results showed no direct effect of endophyte on freezing tolerance of perennial ryegrass; however, there was consistent association between the endophyte and a freezing tolerant host.