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OLD SERA008: Fescue Endophyte Research and Extension (IEG-37)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [12/15/2000] [01/03/2002] [01/23/2003] [08/25/2005] [03/29/2006] [01/04/2007]

Date of Annual Report: 12/15/2000

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/16/00 to 10/17/00
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2000 to 12/2000

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Institution reports were presented by participants representing; Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Oregon, New Zealand, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. A special report was presented on a review of the proceedings of the 4th International Neotyphodium/Grass Symposium by representatives from the group. Discussions were held on all the reports presented at the meeting. Committees were appointed to address:(1) Standards for Terminology Used in Fescue Toxicosis and (2) Investigate Analytical Techniques for Alkaloids and Endophytes. In addition, the group plans to have a web page developed before the next meeting so information can be presented to a broader audience including stakeholders with access to the web.

    Accomplishments:
    The following were submitted by members of the group and are presented in alphabetical order by state rather than ranked by importance:

    1. We produced novel combinations of >HiMag= tall fescue with non-toxic endophytes that do not produce fescue toxicosis in steers, but that do enhance fescue drought tolerance. This variety will provide another tool for farmers to reduce their economic losses due to fescue toxicosis while sustaining stable pastures under conditions of drought. West and Piper - Arkansas

    2. Found strategy of re-infecting tall fescue cultivars with a naturally occurring, non-toxic endophyte was successful in reducing fescue toxicity symptoms in cattle and sheep, but with no loss of plant persistence and performance. Bouton - Georgia

    3. The non-toxic endophyte from this study is being marketed under the name MaxQ in elite tall fescue cultivars for use by livestock producers. Bouton - Georgia

    4. In response to a request by Pennington Seed Inc., three meetings were conducted for extension county agents in March 2000, to explain MaxQ technology for tall fescue. These meetings involved classroom presentations on the technology as well as field demonstrations on the grass. Field plots were hosted by Dr. Ivy at the Prairie Station and Dr. Lang, MSU Station. A third group toured a plot in Hinds County on the Ted Kendall farm. Excellent response was received from the 50 attendees, indicating they were glad to have this information before company advertisement got underway and were glad to know MSU had research underway. This fall 5-6 field plantings will be established across the state with county agents and producers to further evaluate this forage, especially if it is adapted to more southern locations. Broome - Mississippi

    4. A drug (domperidone) has been developed that is effective for prevention and treatment of fescue toxicosis in pregnant mares. Cross -South Carolina

    5. Stop the crisis of export of straw to Japan , Korea, and Taiwan. Manage solution to fescue toxicosis and perennial ryegrass staggers for 50,000 to of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass straw fed in the Northwest. Craig - Oregon


    6. Tall fescue pastures with mixtures of Neotyphodium coenophialum infected plants (E+) and E- plants increase in E+ infestation by 14% per year when grazed at moderate to heavy pressures, becoming highly infested within 4 years. The presence of clover (25-40%) in a tall fescue pasture counteracts about half of the negative effects on animal performance caused by N. coenophialum. Fribourg and Waller - Tennessee

    7. Resistance Mechanisms in Mice Divergently Selected for Fescue Toxicosis Response. Lines of laboratory mice were divergently selected for response to toxins in endophyte-infected fescue. In subsequent evaluations, Resistant line mice suffered less depression in reproduction and growth on a toxin-containing diet than did Susceptible line mice. They also were more resistant to sporidesmin, a mycotoxin that had not been fed during the selection process. Resistant mice had higher activities than Susceptible mice of two hepatic toxin-metabolizing enzymes. It may be possible to reduce the economic impact of nutritional toxicoses in ruminants by selection for enhanced resistance. Hohenboken and Blodgett -Virginia Tech

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 01/03/2002

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 11/05/01 to 11/06/01
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2001 to 12/2001

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Institution reports were presented by participants representing Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, USDA-ARS, and Virginia. Discussions were held on all the reports presented at the meeting. The Committee on Standards for Terminology Used in Fescue Toxicosis and the Committee to Investigate Analytical Techniques for Alkaloids and Endophytes presented reports. These were discussed. Approved continuing both committees for next year. In addition, the group continued discussion on its plans to have a web page developed so information can be presented to a broader audience including stakeholders with access to the web.

    Accomplishments:
    The following were submitted by members of the group and are presented in alphabetical order by state rather than ranked by importance:

    1. Arkansas - Progress is being made on producing a nontoxic, persistent, endophyte-infected tall fescue cultivar based on HiMag. Limited quantities of seed will be commercially available in September, 2002. Seed was produced of tall fescue populations that had undergone three cycles of selection for summer survival under grazing.

    2. Georgia - As in 2000, the brood cows on MaxQ tall fescue put on more weight and were in better condition than the cows grazing toxic fescue. Results in 2001 indicated that there were additional reductions in cow-calf performance when cows had grazed toxic pasture in the previous year. This suggests some long-term or carry-over effects associated with grazing toxic fescue. Stocker cattle on toxic fescue did not compensate in the feedlot for the lower gains in the grazing phase and remained lighter in weight than cattle grazing endophyte-free or MaxQ at harvest.

    3. Kentucky - Reported on an epidemic of early term abortion of horse fetuses. The syndrome was denoted as Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) and the early term abortions referred to as Early Fetal Loss (EFL). Preliminary results indicated this epidemic not related to tall fescue toxicity but to moderate to high populations of eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum) in mare pastures

    4. Mississippi - Tall fescue pastures containing the novel non-toxic endophyte (MaxQ) appeared to have persisted as well as those containing the toxic endophyte. There also appeared to be an interesting trend in animal preference among endophyte types that warrants further investigation.

    5. Missouri - Reduced whole blood GSH may be a useful biomarker of oxidative stress in cattle consuming endophyte-infected fescue seed, since decreases in whole blood GSH has been associated with development of several chronic diseases. Supplemental Tasco was found to improve In situ fiber disappearance from Dacron bags in the rumen of cows fed 10 ug ergovaline / kg of body weight. The rat bioassay can distinguish tall fescue cultivars infected with beneficial endophytes from those with toxic endophytes. It requires less than 3 weeks, and can therefore provide early screening of cultivars being considered for large scale grazing experiments. The lack of decline in winter yield, slow loss in forage quality and rapidly falling ergovaline levels in K31 E+, suggests that livestock producers could minimize winter toxicosis by delaying the use of stockpiled K31 E+ until mid or late winter.

    6. Oregon - One-hundred-forty-one suspected clinical cases of tall fescue toxicosis came through the OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) or hospital; four were confirmed. In addition, there were 65 suspected clinical cases of staggers from perennial ryegrass brought to the OSU VDL or hospital with 23 confirmed as ryegrass staggers.

    7. Tennessee (UT) - Supplementing the diet in some fashion with arginine may alleviate some of
    the clinical signs of fescue toxicosis. Once confirmed 30 to 45 days pregnant, no differences were observed in fetal losses from heifers grazing either endophyte infested or endophyte free tall fescue pastures. Therefore, fetal losses associated with endophyte infested tall fescue pastures occur prior to 30 to 45 days.

    8. Tennessee (TSU) - Senepol steers are more resilient under a chronic, tall fescue endophyte challenge compared to their Hereford contemporaries. These data support the hypothesis that heat tolerance cattle genetics could be used to overcome problems of poor performance in herds grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

    9. USDA (Watkinsville, GA) - Mares and ewes excrete alkaloids via urine similar to beef cattle. Suggests urinary alkaloids could be used to test whether any animal type have been grazing toxic tall fescue.

    10. Virginia - Haircoat scores and rectal temperatures were generally higher for cattle grazing high-endophyte fescue. Including alfalfa in the pasture did not alleviate these conditions.

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 01/23/2003

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/27/02 to 10/29/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2002 to 12/2002

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Institution reports were presented by participants representing Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Discussions were held on all the reports presented at the meeting.

    As occurred the previous year, the Committee on Standards for Terminology Used in Fescue Toxicosis, chaired by Chuck West, presented their updated reports. The committee to Investigate Analytical Techniques for Alkaloids and Endophytes did not present a report. A new committee was formed to explore standards for endophyte quality control. The group approved continuing all three committees for next year.

    The group reviewed a website prepared by John Waller and his colleagues at the University of Tennessee. The group voted to use the website as proposed. John Waller planned to have the website running within a few months of the meeting.

    Accomplishments:
    The following report summaries were submitted by members of the group and are presented in alphabetical order by state.

    Arkansas-- The University of Arkansas licensed a population of HiMag tall fescue infected with an endophyte selected for lack of ability to produce ergot-like alkaloids. The licensee is FFR Cooperative and the seed is marketed under the brand name ArkPlus. The selected endophyte improved stand persistence in southwest Arkansas over endophyte-free HiMag (20% vs. 2% ground cover, respectively) and similar to >Kentucky-31‘ with its endemic, toxic endophyte. ArkPlus is expected to be well adapted to the Ozark region of the south-central U.S. and similar climatic zones to the east across the mid- to upper South. HiMag with nontoxic strains of endophyte supported steer weight gains grazing during the winter on fall-stockpiled tall fescue as high as steers on endophyte-free HiMag (average of 1.7 lb/d), which was only slightly greater than gains on toxic KY-31 (1.4 lb/d). Cow-calf trials on pastures in north-central Arkansas (Batesville) dominated by E+ KY-31 tall fescue (~70%) showed that rotation frequency (2x monthly vs. 2x weekly) had no effect on calf weaning weights or species composition; however, this is only the first 2 years of a 5-year study. Early weaned calves (6 months) tended to have lower immune function than later weaned calves (8 months). In a cow-calf trial, orchardgrass, E- KY-31 tall fescue and E+ fescue were compared at the same two rotation frequencies. Calf weaning weights were highest with orchardgrass rotated 2x weekly (600 lbs.), followed by orchardgrass 2x monthly (546 lbs.), while the other treatments were similarly low (mean 501 lbs.).

    Georgia-- Extensive testing during the past 5 years was concluded for the Jesup cultivar with the MaxQ endophyte. Jesup (MaxQ) averaged % stand survival nearly twice that of Jesup (E-), and about 85% of Jesup (E+). In animal trails, cows grazing MaxQ pastures were significantly better in liveweight and condition at weaning than cows grazing the toxic pasture while their calves grazing the MaxQ pasture showed a significant advantage in weaning weight over calves raised on toxic pasture, reflecting better average daily gain (e.g. 66lbs in steer calves and 44lbs in heifer calves). Stocker growth on MaxQ tall fescue pastures was similar to cattle growth on E- and exceeded cattle growth on E+ tall fescue. Indicators of toxicosis, depressed serum prolactin levels and elevated rectal temperatures, were observed only in animals grazing E+ pastures. These results indicate that the general concept of non-ergot alkaloid-producing endophyte technology, and specifically the MaxQ endophtye in the Jesup cultivar, is a promising option for alleviating tall fescue toxicosis in livestock while retaining the agronomic advantage of the wild type endophytes.

    Kentucky -- Small plot studies were used to determine tolerance to overgrazing by cattle of commercial and experimental tall fescue varieties. Some endophyte-free (E-) tall fescues were able to persist as well as endophyte infected (E+) KY 31, but E- varieties were not always consistent among trials. Novel endophyte insertions into Georgia tall fescue lines persisted well and were equivalent to E+ KY 31 in most instances. These data indicate that both E- and novel endophytes inserted into adapted tall fescue varieties are valid alternatives to E+ KY 31 and would offer some of the same tolerance to overgrazing. The potential role of endophyte-infected tall fescue in Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome was investigated by monitoring alkaloid content of forage on 13 horse farms in spring 2002. Treatments (forage type) for farms containing cherry trees on or near the perimeter of the farm were: 1) pure tall fescue, 2) composite weed/forage mixture, 3) inside the cherry tree drip line, 4) and outside the cherry tree drip line. Tall fescue samples had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of both ergovaline and total lolines than composite and inside and outside of the drip line. Concentrations of ergovaline in tall fescue samples, averaged across all farms, was highest during the month of May with peak levels at 0.6 ?g?g-1 and only 0.2 ?g?g-1 for those in the composite group. Ergovaline concentrations in tall fescue samples were higher than 0.3 ?g?g-1 for 8 of 13 farms in the monitoring program. However, COMP samples for all farms were below the 0.3 ?g?g-1 ergovaline level suggested by literature to be a potential toxicological problem for pregnant mares grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. Although alkaloid concentrations reached levels that should not be dismissed by horse producers, they do not appear to play a role in MRLS.

    Mississippi -- Preliminary results with the non ergot-alkaloid producing endophyte tall fescue indicate that animal performance is similar to animals grazing ryegrass or endophyte free tall fescue. Beneficial results have been demonstrated with stocker steers , heifers , lactating dairy cows and horses Persistence of non-toxic (non alkaloid producing) endophyte infected tall fescue has been shown to be equal to toxic endophyte tall fescue.

    Missouri -- Plant studies revealed that making hay then treating it with ammonia drastically reduced ergot alkaoids in tall fescue, while ensiling tall fescue preserved the alkaloids. Other plant studies showed that treating the growing pasture with low rates of Select herbicide reduced ergot alkaloid concentration by two-thirds. Finally, the plant work at Missouri showed that ergot alkaloids could be measured by near-infrared spectroscopy when the spectrophotometer was calibrated with immunochemistry data. Animal studies conducted with both rat and cattle showed that exogenous nitric oxide supplementation (NO) reduced the impact of fescue toxicosis. In both studies, NO overrode the vasoconstrictive effects of fescue toxicosis and reduced the associated hyperthermia. There were no effects of NO on the heat stress response alone. A pair-fed study using rats determined that the reduction in feed intake associated with fescue toxicosis was not responsible for the reduction in body temperature that occurs under non-heat stress conditions. Cattle were implanted with telemetric temperature transmitters for real-time monitoring of core body temperature while on endophyte-infected or uninfected fescue pastures. Initial analyses show that cattle on endophyte-infected pastures exhibit a higher temperature during days when air temperature is increasing.

    Oregon - The overall objective of Oregon State University?s (OSU) research thrust is the degradation of the ergopeptides in tall fescue by ruminal microbes. This degradation will render the toxins non-toxic to the host animal. The objectives involve the investigation and elucidation of ruminal degradation, endophyte analyses of plant material (straw/hay/seed) samples, and toxicology diagnostics. This year OSU searched for additional sources of anaerobic degraders for the ergopeptides. A species that has obligate anaerobic bacteria in their intestinal tract is the earthworm. We found that earthworms on high-endophyte compost could be induced to degrade ergopeptides. Therefore, earthworms may be a potential source of alkaloid degrading microbes.
    The number of endophyte analyses at OSU has steadily increased during the year. 1300 samples were analyzed between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. These analyses assisted many local producers as well as national and international colleagues with critical information for determining the appropriate use of pasture grasses and grass seed residues. Quality control for endophyte analyses is checked with Dr. Rottinghaus?s laboratory at Missouri State University; moreover, we are working with Japan?s Ministry of Agriculture in establishing a check laboratory to insure quality control for straw exports to the Pacific Rim. Additionally, OSU is involved with the diagnostic toxicology of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue toxicosis. During the winter of 2002, fescue toxicosis was a major factor in devastating cattle losses in both eastern and western Oregon. The combination of cold weather and high-endophyte-infected feed affected over 2,500 animals; 600 were lost. These events cost the Oregon livestock industry an estimated $1.5 million. The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine provided analyses to help determine the causes of the morbidity. It prompted the Oregon grass seed producers to change their protocols and procedures to lessen the chance of a repeat occurrence. Moreover, it reemphasized the importance of endophyte analysis for the pasture grasses and grass seed residues fed to livestock.

    Tennessee (UT) - Pastures of tall fescue containing AR542 (MaxQ) that were seeded in fall 1997 at Ames Plantation in southwest Tennessee remain productive in 2002. During the past five years these pastures have been grazed at a moderate stocking density and have survived two consecutive years of drought. Based on this study the endophyte appears promising for Tennessee livestock producers.

    South Carolina -- A dose-titration study was completed to determine the minimum effective dose of a D-2 dopamine receptor antagonist (domperidone) for treatment and prevention of fescue toxicosis in late gestation mares. Domperidone was a highly effective for prevention/treatment of fescue toxicosis and a minimum effective dose was established. The mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) that occurred in Kentucky and surrounding areas was studied. Level of fescue in the pasture was not related (P<.05) to MRLS but presence of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) in and around the pastures was related (P<.01). Early term pregnant mares were dosed with poison hemlock and only one abortion occurred at the highest dose level. It is unlikely that poison hemlock was a primary cause of MRLS.

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 08/25/2005

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/17/04 to 10/19/04
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2003 to 10/2004

    • Participants:

    URL: Copy of participant list
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    SERAIEG-8 Tall Fescue Toxicosis/Endophyte Workshop

    Minutes of the 17-19 October, 2004 Meeting at Wildersville, TN

    Participants attending the 2004 meeting included: Chris Agee, David Barker, Ken Coffey, Dan Colling, Randy Dinkins, Neil Fannin, Henry Fribourg, Jimmy Henning, Chengiun Huo, Karen Jones, James Klotz, Isabelle Kagan, Robert Kallenbach, Clyde Lane, David Lang, Bisoondat Macoon, John Dee Perkins, Tim Phillips, Tina Richards, Craig Roberts, Charles Rosenkrans, Anna Sevold, Lori Smith, Tony Stratton, James Strickland, John Waller, and Chuck West

    A pre-meeting mixer/social was held on the evening of 17 October, 2004 at the Pin Oak Lodge in Wildersville, TN.

    Chair Charles Rosenkrans called the meeting to order at 8:15 am on 18 October 2004. Dr. Jimmy Henning was present and provided an administrative update. Following introductions state reports were presented in oral and written form from Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Written reports were submitted from Georgia, New Zealand, Noble Foundation, North Dakota, and Oregon.

    A business meeting and discussion was led by Charles Rosenkrans on the morning of 19 October, 2004. John Andrae of Georgia was nominated by a committee consisting of Craig Roberts (Chair), John Waller and David Lang to be the incoming Secretary/Chair elect for the 2005 meeting and elected by acclimation. The time and place committee consisting of David Barker (Chair), Karen Jones, Bisoondat Macoon and Ken Coffey recommend that the 2005 meeting be held at the same location (Pin Oak Lodge within the Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville, TN) 9-11 October, 2005. Approved unanimously.

    Discussion followed led by Chair Charlie Rosenkrans. What are the active toxins: Lotrieum, loline, ergot alkaloids? Craig Roberts made the comment that NIR was providing the same standard error (SE) for total ergot alkaloids as HPLC. Other discussion concerned animal preference for tall fescue endophytes. Can they select a preference for non-toxic endophyte containing tall fescue compared with toxic endophyte containing tall fescue? Animals prefer endophyte free tall fescue.

    Some discussion also concerned paying for grazing schools and tall fescue toxicosis workshops for farmers and cattle producers. Missouri reports that a few prospective participants complained about the fee before the school, but no complaints came from actual participants. Tennessee has a Master Cattlemen Course that charges $ 100 with good participation and few complaints about the fee.

    Chuck West agreed to work on endophyte terminology and revise his J. Prod. Ag. Article for publication in the online Forage and Grazing Lands Journal.

    There was discussion with some disagreement about the use and nature of the proceedings and state reports. The website at http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/SERA-IEG8/default.htm contains the statement of purpose and project titles, personnel and accomplishments, but not the contents of the proceedings. Most of the group felt that the state reports in the proceedings were not citable as a reference although reports were being cited in other publications. It was moved by Craig Roberts and seconded by Karen Jones that the state reports are not to be called proceedings and that they include a disclaimer not for citation or publication and that if used in a manuscript that permission be sought from the authors to include it as a personal communication. This was passed by the majority with a few dissentions.

    Respectfully submitted by David Lang, Secretary


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    ARKANSAS

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Numerous ergot alkaloids are contained within tall fescue. Three of the more commonly occurring, commercially available ergot alkaloids were utilized in this study. Ergot alkaloids, at the various concentrations used in the current study should include the range of concentrations that occur in the rumen of cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. There was minimal, if any, affect on the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The nutritive content of the stockpiled fescue in the current study was 66% digestible and 12% crude protein, indicating that if dry matter intake is adequate, forage alone could meet the nutritional requirements of cows. Concentrations of ergovaline (mean = 344 ppb) were below the quantity of published values that may induce clinical fescue toxicosis in cattle (M. Craig). Although milk yield and percent milk fat was increased in cows supplemented with SH and grazing stockpiled fescue, adjusted 205-d weaning weights of calves from SH-supplemented cows were not increased. Furthermore, body weights and body condition of cows were not affected by supplementation.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Baseline information about the effects of calf gender and serum metabolites for grazing animals and their subsequent carcass composition has been established. We have demonstrated that ivermectin can help alleviate the toxicity of tall fescue and association with diminished steer gains.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Initial phases of the first year of a multiyear trial were completed in which timing of spring weaning dates of fall-borne calves were compared for animal stress and growth. As was noted in a previous 3-yr. study, weaning fall-born calves in mid-April appears to have negative impacts on their long-term growth and development compared with weaning later in the spring. Delaying weaning until at least mid-May may improve subsequent animal gains and thereby reduce discrimination against "fescue" cattle.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: We provided further evidences of a link between endophyte presence and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity and dehydrin expression as possible biochemical mechanisms of endophyte-enhanced tiller survival during drought.

    GEORGIA

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The presence of the endemic strain of Neotyphodium coenophialum confers resistance to some plant-parasitic nematodes, notably the lesion nematode Pratylenchus scribneri and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne marylandi in tall fescue. However, we recently found that the non-ergot-alkaloid producing strain (AR542) in MaxQ tall fescue does not confer resistance to the lesion nematode (resistance to the root-knot nematode was not tested). Because both low mammalian toxicity and nematode resistance are important traits in tall fescue, our objective was to determine whether other non-ergot producing strains of N. coenophialum confer resistance to the lesion nematode.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Initial viable endophyte content of the seed increased with seed maturity (ie. later harvest dates had higher endophyte infection) (Table 1). Similarly, germination of seed exposed to field conditions increased with seed maturity. Germination and initial endophtye infection levels were similar for MaxQ, Jesup-wild type endophyte, or Kentucky-31 (data not shown). Regardless of when the seed was harvested, seedling plants from all field-exposed seeds had 97% viable endophyte infection.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The traditionally recommended spray-smother-spray method for converting toxic tall fescue pastures to nontoxic cultivars is likely limiting adoption of novel endophyte-infected cultivars. A three year study is currently underway to determine the effectiveness of various fall application intervals of glyphosate (2,4 and 6 weeks) versus a single application or the traditional spray-smother-spray method. Year 1 data indicate that mowing to prevent seed production coupled with two fall glyphosate applications applied 6 weeks apart results in similar toxic tall fescue escapes as the spray-smother-spray method. However, excessive residue from pearl millet in the spray smother spray treatment resulted in significantly lower seedling row occupancy and forage yield during the spring following establishment. Ergot alkaloid concentrations of these plots will be monitored over the next several years to determine long-term stability of toxic and MaxQ mixtures. Year two herbicide applications and planting are complete.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Tall fescue-endophyte association seasonally affected cattle performance and stocking rate. During the first 2.5 years of exposure, heifer performance was greater with nonergot-alkaloid producing endophyte than with wild-type endophyte during all four season, but less dramatically in summer. Heifers grazing all three different tall fescue-endophyte associations performed relatively poorly in summer. Since our objective was to equalize forage availability among all treatments at any one point in time, stocking rate was allowed to fluctuate throughout the year. Stocking rate on wild-type endophyte was greater throughout the year compared with nonergot-alkaloid producing endophyte.

    KENTUCKY

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: E+E in herbage samples from tall fescue plants and from multispecies pastures increased from near zero in late April, peaked in mid May followed by secondary peak in late June. In herbage from pastures with less than 20% tall fescue, the E+E exceeded 0.3 ppm, an accepted threshold for animal response. Environment (precipitation and temperature) and farm management practices play a role in E+E levels and tall fescue content of pastures

    MISSISSIPPI

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Stand persistence of novel non-toxic endophyte infected tall fescue was similar to toxic E+ tall fescue. Cattle preferred to graze E- tall fescue plots indicating that they could detect and avoid grazing tall fescue that was toxic E+ infected while their preference for NE+ tall fescue was generally intermediate.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The results from this 3-yr study suggest that animal performance on tall fescue pastures, though less than ryegrass, appear to be acceptable for sustainable animal production in an area south of the traditional tall fescue zone of adaptation. The success of tall fescue in pasture-based cattle production this region, however, will depend on its persistence in pastures.

    NOBLE FOUNDATION

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

    Sufficient seed of the eight tall fescue endophyte combinations was produced to allow additional grazing tolerance trials to be planted at three locations (Lubbock, Overton, and Iowa Park, Texas) in 2004. Enough seed is on hand so that grazing trials involving steers can be established in fall, 2005.

    Data for agronomic and animal performance were collected for a third year. All entries have persisted well at this site, which has a fertile soil with very good moisture holding capacity. Steers gains in spring were greatest for GA-5 MaxQ and Dovey, intermediate for GA-5 E- and GA-5 E+, and least for KY-31 E+. Weight gain did not differ in fall. Body temperatures followed similar patterns, with steers on KY-31 E+ having elevated temperatures in spring. Available forage differed only slightly in spring. Endophyte type and infection levels did not shift over time, with all entries having greater than 80% stands at the conclusion of the study. Thus, tall fescue can persist in the Southern Plains, under moderate grazing pressure, on soils with very good moisture holding capacity.

    OHIO

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: We found that observed endophyte levels for E- at Jackson were 77, 118, and 143% greater than expected in autumn 2001, spring 2002 and autumn 2002, respectively. Observed endophyte levels for E- at Belle Valley were 32, 70, and 39% greater than expected in autumn 2001, spring 2002 and autumn 2002, respectively. Observed endophyte levels in Nontoxic-E at all sites were consistent with the endophyte levels in the seed that was planted, and plants had a negligible concentration of toxic alkaloids. We concluded that, where mechanisms for contamination exist, E- tall fescue stands can be readily contaminated by wild tall fescue and its toxic endophyte. Also, Nontoxic-E tall fescue appears less susceptible to contamination by wild tall fescue.

    OREGON

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Several research projects further defined the digestive kinetics of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass endophyte alkaloids. Several feeding studies examined the ruminal digestion kinetics of ergovaline and lysergic acid in sheep and cattle. In two trials, sheep and beef steers were fed differing levels of E+ tall fescue. The possible effects of endophyte-infected fescue straw on rumen kinetics were studied as well as the potential role of rumen microbes in the metabolism of ergovaline, lysergic acid, and lolines. Animals on E+ diets showed depressed blood prolactin levels. The appearance of lysergic acid in the feces implies that ergot alkaloids in the feed were degraded to lysergic acid by rumen microbial digestion and degradation in the lower gastrointestinal tract. From this research an HPLC assay for lysergic acid was developed.

    Impact Statements:
    1. ARKANSAS IMPACTS: Factors such as ergot alkaloids (i.e., ergovaline), exposure to a combination of alkaloids, characteristics of the grazed forage, or management strategies that influence the incidence of fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue may help identify times when on-farm pathogen control would be the most effective and increase overall food safety.
    2. ARKANSAS IMPACTS: Extension of the grazing season with stockpiled forages can decrease dependence on stored or purchased feeds reducing feed costs. If availability of stockpiled fescue is adequate, supplementation of cows may not be nutritionally or economically necessary.
    3. ARKANSAS IMPACTS: Steer gains are critical for profitable stocker operations and tall fescue is a key forage in year round cattle operations. Ivermectin is one method of maintaining acceptable steer gains while grazing toxic tall fescue.
    4. ARKANSAS IMPACT: Calving and weaning can possibly be timed to minimize endophyte toxin effects on stress and growth of beef calves born on N. coenophialum-infested tall fescue pastures. Biochemical Responses to Endophyte Infection and Water Deficit in Tall Fescue
    5. ARKANSAS IMPACTS: The results may lead to a better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of stress signal transduction and subsequent plant responses associated with enhanced stress tolerance. The endophytes involvement in boosting host stress tolerance may be through signals that amplify the production of membrane-protecting dehydrins. These results form the basis for further work on identifying biochemical or molecular markers to aid in selecting endophytes that substantially enhance
    6. GEORGIA IMPACT: In summary, we have identified three non-ergot producing endophyte strains which confer a high level of resistance to the lesion nematode P. scribneri, and two non-ergot strains which confer moderate resistance. We are currently retesting these resistant strains of N. coenophialum to confirm their ergot alkaloid status and their ability to suppress reproduction of the lesion nematode.
    7. GEORGIA IMPACT: If multiple fall herbicide applications effectively eradicate toxic tall fescue, the adoption of novel endophyte-infected tall fescue should improve. The ability to graze spring and summer tall fescue production during the replacement year decreases costs and increases flexibility by allowing producers to defer replacement decisions until fall months when they can evaluate if weather and hay stores are favorable.
    8. GEORGIA IMPACT: Depending upon a producers management options available, this research shows (1) that the negative effect of wild-type endophyte on cattle performance can be avoided with establishment of nonergot-alkaloid producing endophyte and (2) that the negative effect of wild-type endophyte on cattle production can be partly overcome with higher stocking rate, especially during spring and summer seasons.
    9. ILLINOIS IMPACTS: Bull reproductive performance may be disrupted after ingesting toxic fescue. There are potential detrimental effects to bull reproduction after consuming wild-type fescue.
    10. MISSISSIPPI IMPACT: Novel, non ergot alkaloid producing endophyte infected tall fescue has persisted as well as toxic endophyte tall fescue. Animals prefer to consume endophyte free tall fescue compared with toxic endophyte infected tall fescue.
    11. MISSISSIPPI IMPACT: Based on the results from this study, a future study is currently being established to examine the potential of novel endophyte tall fescue in year-round pasture systems with bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] as the summer forage. Within that study, grazing management to evaluate various levels of grazing intensity will be done. Also, in another study planned for this winter will evaluate supplementation management vs. sole pasture of tall fescue. Further, advance
    12. OHIO IMPACTS: presentations to 8 industry meetings in north-east USA (OH, PA) in which results from endophyte studies were presented (total audience 520)
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 03/29/2006

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/10/05 to 10/12/05
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2004 to 10/2005

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    David Lang called the business meeting to order.

    John Waller moved to accept the minutes as written from last years meeting. Karen Jones seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

    Jim Strickland was nominated for incoming secretary. Joe Bouton moved that Jim be elected by acclimation and Jim was so elected. The location committee (Don Spiers and Jim Strickland) proposed that the 2006 meeting be held Oct 15-17 at Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville TN. It was noted that Columbus Day is a federal holiday and the meeting date should not conflict with that if possible. Craig Roberts moved to accept this recommendation. John Waller seconded the motion which carried unanimously. David Lang noted that we do not have a tax exempt number and that this poses a problem with USDA personnel and some other nonprofit entities. John Wallar asked if David Lang would be open to maintaining account at MS for multiple years. Jim Strickland asked if we should create a multi-year treasurer to maintain accounts. General discussion indicated that a three year term would be ideal. Jim Strickland moved that if the bylaws allow the creation of a treasurer position that one should be elected. John Wallar seconded the motion and which carried unanimously. David Lang was elected to be the long term treasurer for a three year term.

    John Andrae reminded the group to submit reports in the required format to make reporting easier. Strict adherence to title and heading formats allow reports to be cut and pasted into the reporting system. States were encouraged to resubmit reports which did not adhere to format.

    Craig Roberts reported that Crop Science released a research article because too much information was included in a previous report. He stated that SERAIEG reports should not be any more than one paragraph including means and general statements. David Lang indicated that this topic was discussed last year and parts of the discussion are included in the previous minutes. Last years discussion led to a footnote in the 2005 report which prohibits citations. Discussion followed involving the appropriate format for digital citations. It was agreed that personal communications citations are more appropriate than directly citing SERAIEG-8 reports.

    John Wallar reminded the group that the membership directory needed to be maintained. If email addresses or physical addresses have changed they need to be updated so that the list can function.

    Henry Fribourg presented two special reports regarding a SERAIEG 8 reference database project and the online tall fescue monograph. An 82 page version of the reference database was presented to the group for review. Publication dates ranged from late 1940s to present. It was unknown if all publications from retired persons were included in the report. Henry suggested that this report be made available to USDA administrators and to all research administrators in the country as it is obvious that the group is valuable and productive. Henry recommended the chair and secretary circulate the report widely to various administrators. Craig Roberts suggested breaking out publications into papers directly attributable to the SERAIEG 8 established in the early 1980s and the workgroups predecessors. Karen Jones suggested that the reference database be posted in a searchable format and the group strongly agreed with this suggestion. Nick Hill suggested that we use this report as leverage to establish a competitive grant program within the group similar to one established by a Fusarium head blight workgroup. Fribourg agreed with this suggestion. Hill suggested forming a subcommittee to discuss this in the near future. Fribourg moved that we distribute a cover letter (written by himself) which outlines the importance of this reference database regional workgroup to all experiment stations and forage researchers in the country. Macoon seconded the motion. Karen Jones recommended that we look beyond experiment stations and land grant universities to include all agriculture universities. The question was called for and the motion to distribute a cover letter containing a link to the database passed unanimously.

    Jim Strickland suggested creating a mind map diagram which logically connected interrelated research concepts in fescue toxicosis. This diagram may point out holes in research in this field. This could be used to demonstrate the complex interactions in the research to others involved in administration and funding.

    Craig Roberts asked the group to consider the ejournal Forage and Grazinglands for publications. This journal is indexed by Agricola, CABabstracts and other services.

    David Lang passed the gavel to John Andrae who took the podium as incoming chair. Craig Roberts moved to adjourn and motion passed unanimously.

    Respectfully submitted, John Andrae 2004-2005 Secretary


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    Please see attached Accomplishments and Impact Statements at the bottom of Summary of Minutes

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 01/04/2007

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/15/06 to 10/17/06
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2005 to 10/2006

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    John Andrae called the Business Meeting to order.

    John Andrae read the minutes. Henry Fribourg noted that acclamation was spelled incorrectly.

    Henry Fribourg moved to accept the minutes, Karen Jones seconded, minutes were approved by acclamation.

    David Lang (Treasurer) reported we know have a Tax Identification Number. Last years meeting balance was $637.61. This year we had $775.00 income. Current expenses for reception were $119.51. The hotel has yet to settle for this years charges.

    Jim Strickland moved to accept Treasurers report and Charlie Rosencrantz seconded the motion, which was approved by acclamation.

    John Andrae reported that the letter announcing the publications database to 59 agriculture schools was mailed out as well as electronically to Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors.

    Karen Jones asked if the subcommittee suggested by Nick Hill in 2005 had been appointed to write large grants for the effort. Don Spiers moved that this committee be made up of Nick Hill (Chair), Karen Jones, Morrie Craig, and John Waller and be charged to investigate competitive funding sources for Fescue Toxicosis Research. Morrie Craig seconded motion and passed by acclamation.

    Membership directory: Jim Strickland suggested that this needed to be updated. Henry Fribourg suggested that we have John Waller send out an email requesting updates and post to the website.

    Don Spiers was nominated for incoming secretary. John Andrae opened the floor to other nominations. No other nominations were provided. Charlie moved that Don be elected and Karen seconded. Don was elected unanimously by acclamation.

    Location committee proposed that the 2007 meeting be held at Natchez State Park, October 14-16th, 2007. Discussion called for by John Andrae. Charlie Rosencrantz moved that this proposal be accepted. Morrie Craig seconded the motion and it was accepted unanimously by acclamation.

    Jim Strickland suggested that this group be moved to a Regional Research Project. Discussion by the group indicated that several drawbacks existed, such as extra paper work, loss of state funds to current projects and the need to show clear research connections. Also, if it becomes a project then the group would become much more restrictive in membership. Consensus of the group was that it was not desirable to become a Regional Project. It was pointed out that it is extremely important that we have active participation of our Administrative Advisor. It was suggested that we contact USDA-CSREES about getting more participation by the Advisor. Henry Fribourg moved and Charlie Rosencrantz seconded that the Chair follow-up on how to get more participation by the Administrative Advisor at the meeting. This was passed by acclamation.

    Renewal of the SERA-IEG 8 group charter will be in 2008.

    David Lang suggested that we provide a $50.00 gift certificate for Kelli Greene for her extra effort on the report. This was approved by acclamation.

    It was suggested that Jim Strickland send his Mind Map out to the group and let it start circulating. It was also suggested that we meet Monday night of next years meeting to do an exercise in Mind Mapping.

    Correct name for tall fescue now: Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb) Darbysh = Festuca arundinacea (Schreb).

    Gavel was passed to Jim Strickland by John Andrae.

    Jim Strickland called for a motion to adjourn. John Andrae moved to adjourn, Morrie Craig seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: 04-Jan-2007
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