Varieties were grown in replicated plots at each location. These plots were handled so that the factors affecting yield and other characteristics are as nearly the same for all varieties at each location as is possible. Tall fescue, a bunchgrass, may be planted in mixtures with other grasses and legumes. It establishes rapidly, withstands trampling, tolerates summer drought and produces fall season pasture when other grasses become dormant. Tall fescue is subject to winter injury, but may remain productive in areas with reliable snow cover.
Animal performance is better when the variety grown is endophyte-free.
Endophytes are fungi that invade plant tissues, reducing forage palatability and animal performance. The wheatgrasses are valuable, native forage species. They are especially suitable for growing in the northern Great Plains area of the United States. Wheatgrasses can produce excellent forage yields and sustain productivity under hay and pasture management systems, either in monoculture or in mixtures with alfalfa or other suitable legumes. Recent releases of improved varieties have prompted interest in these species, especially in western areas of Minnesota.