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A researcher at the University of Kentucky has developed a new tall fescue variety that is nontoxic to mares and hardier than its predecessors.

The variety, known as Lacefield MaxQ II, is the result of selections made from endophyte-free Kentucky 31 and related lines. The new variety contains a novel endophyte that, when active, does not produce the ergot alkaloids that cause fescue toxicosis in pregnant mares. Fescue toxicosis is characterized by prolonged gestation, dystocia, and lack of milk production.

The new variety has increased vigor, drought tolerance, and insect resistance. “It has the persistence and performance of the endophyte found in Kentucky 31, but it does not have the bad qualities of that endophyte,” said Tim Phillips, Ph.D., the researcher responsible for developing Lacefield MaxQ II.

The variety has been tested for 12 years in on-farm trials at the university’s research farms, private Kentucky farms, and farms located from Michigan to Mississippi. Phillips said it has tested well in all locations for seeding vigor, high yield potential, grazing tolerance, and resistance to winter injury.

 

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