Fescue Toxicosis

Question 1

Where is fescue found?

Answer 1

South and Mid-West U.S.A. .

Question 2

What are the descriptors for fescue?

Answer 2

1. Durable.
2. Drought tolerant.
3. Easy to establish.
4. Rapid regrowth.
5. Grazing tolerant.

Question 3

What is most fescue infected by and what does it do?

Answer 3

a. A fungal endophyte.
b. It provides the fescue with favorable qualities.

Question 4

What does overgrazing of endophyte-infected fescue lead to?

Answer 4

1. Weight loss.
2. Rough and discolored hair coat.
3. Poor performance.
4. Decreased or halted milk production.
5. Cardiovascular toxicity.
6. Various physiological effects.

Question 5

What does the endophyte produce that leads to fescue toxicosis?

Answer 5

Alkaloids, such as ergovaline.

Question 6

How is the endophyte spread during asexual reproduction of the fescue? Sexual reproduction?

Answer 6

a. Vertically. It propagates in the tillers.
b. Horizontally. Fungal storm.

Question 7

What factors impact fescue toxicosis?

Answer 7

1. Temperature.
2. Drought.
3. Soil fertility.
4. Microbial community.
5. Grazing management.

Question 8

What is one of the identified genes that drives fescue toxicosis?

Answer 8

dmaw.

Question 9

What season is fescue toxicosis worse?

Answer 9

Summer.