In August 2006 we updated the lists for tall fescue and perennial ryegrass varieties noting their level of endophyte infection. These data were acquired through a telephone survey of companies listed as the contractors of each variety in the Oregon Seed Certification Service database. No actual endophyte testing was preformed by Oregon State University. We advise consumers to test for an accurate determination of toxins if feeding straw or forage of a said variety is a concern. This testing can be done through the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences . Information concerning the test for endophyte toxin analysis can be acquired from Dr. Morrie Craig’s laboratory as noted below.
Endophyte Service Laboratory
Attn: Karen Walker
139 Oak Creek Building
College of Agricultural Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-2872
It should be recognized that the Oregon Seed Certification Service does not require seed companies to state the endophyte level when a variety acceptance request is completed. Once a variety is accepted into the OSCS it can be multiplied in a generation seed stock program (from Breeder to Foundation, Registered, and Certified), which has the objective of maintaining genetic purity of the cultivar. It is because the presence or absence of endophyte (or any level in between) has no morphological significance that can assist a field inspector that the "endophyte level" is not requested. Furthermore, it is the endophyte level of Certified seed marketed to the consumer that is of interest, which can vary depending on the time and condition that seed has been stored. Again, the objective of a seed certifying agency is insuring a variety is true to type; they are not "guaranteeing" a specific endophyte level.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, however, does have an endophyte labeling program for tall fescue. Samples for the Oregon Forage Grass Seed Endophyte Test tag must be drawn as an official sample by the ODA. If the lot is eligible for certification under the Oregon Seed Certification Service program, a portion of the sample that was drawn by a seed certification sampler may be forwarded to the ODA for examination. If a seed lot is not eligible for Oregon certification, or the sample to be taken is for endophyte tests only, the ODA must be contacted for sampling. Fifty seeds are selected, stained, and examined under the microscope for the presence of endophyte mycelium. A test report is issued stating the percentage of endophyte in the lot. Seed lots with 5% or less quality for the Oregon Forage Grass Seed Endophyte Test tag.
The Endophyte Service Laboratory provides information on Sampling Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass for Endophyte Toxin Analysis
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