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Somebody asked why anyone would plant
endophyte
infested fescue.
My understanding is that endophyte infested
fescue
was specifically bred FOR. The fungus emits a
toxin
in the spring that discourages other plants, like
weeds,
from invading its
territory, giving it a survival advantage.
It is this same toxin that causes the adverse
effects
in pregnant mares.
So, if you're planting a lawn, you want
endophyte
infested fescue. And that's where the
problem comes
from: so much "weed resistant" fescue was
planted
and is still being planted that formerly safe
pastures
are now contaminated.
Linda B. Merims
Massachusetts, USA
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