“The research has clearly shown that crickets won’t eat grass containing lolines.
“There is a very strong feeding deterrence effect. This is a valuable trait for a pasture to have, given the fact that crickets can be a significant pasture pest in many parts of the country.”
Black field crickets are found throughout the North Island and milder parts of the South Island but are generally of serious economic importance only in northern areas – Northland especially.
Damage to pastures can be significant, affecting establishing seedlings and established pastures, resulting in reduced pasture production and even plant death.
The GrubOUT U2 endophyte, which is the only endophyte to operate above and below ground, protects host grasses from grass grub, black beetle adults and larvae, porina caterpillar and Argentine stem weevil.
“Results in the field have been spectacular. In trials we have seen all other ryegrass/endophyte combinations wiped out by heavy infestations of grass grub and black beetle, whereas grasses containing the GrubOUT U2 have been unaffected,” Jarvis says.
“The other exciting aspect is that the endophyte is safe to sheep, cattle and deer and does not cause grass staggers or heat stress.
“While some of NZ’s most serious insect pests don’t like eating Barrier Combo because of the GrubOUT U2 endophyte it contains, livestock do.
“Experience throughout the country has shown that stock find it extremely palatable and will graze it preferentially over other ryegrass/endophyte combinations” Jarvis says.
Barrier Combo seed is available through Ravensdown, Farmlands and other seed retailers nationwide.
