LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to the question of selecting a fescue variety for fall planting, the decision depends heavily on forage management style, said John Jennings, professor-extension forages, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“There is a simple answer and a more complicated answer to that question,” he said.
For growers who use the Ky-31 fescue, the answer is simple: “if the goal is to thicken it up a pasture, then just add more Ky-31 fescue and maybe add some clover with it if the soil fertility is good enough for clover,” he said.
Endophyte or no endophyte
After that, decision-making becomes more complex. Some varieties of fescue, such as Ky-31, grow with a fungus, or endophyte, that helps the fescue survive extreme conditions and resist pests and drought. The downside is that the fungus produces a toxin that can slow the growth of cattle.
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There are fescues that come without the endophyte. The upside is “that cattle will preferentially graze nontoxic fescue,” Jennings said, “But research has shown that endophyte-free fescue varieties do not persist well under Arkansas conditions and are not recommended.”
A compromise may be in “novel-endophyte” fescue varieties. These varieties contain a fungus that does not produce the toxins like Ky-31, but still have the toughness to stand up to Arkansas’ weather extremes and pests.
There are five novel endophyte fescue varieties on the market: MaxQ, MaxQ-Texoma, BarOptima, Estancia and DuraMax. “The latter two contain novel endophytes from the University of Arkansas research program,” Jennings said. “Most agricultural suppliers can order these novel-endophyte varieties through regional seed distributors.”
The novel endophyte fescues will require closer management. Make sure all the old Ky-31 is killed before planting a novel-endophyte variety.
“Good management is important for maintaining stands of novel-endophyte fescue, particularly during summer heat and drought,” Jennings said. “Always maintain novel fescue at a height of least 4-6 inches during summer and do not overgraze it.”
For more information about forage management, contact a county extension office or visit www.uaex.edu.