Unveiling Groundbreaking Advancements: AgResearch's Endophyte Science Breakthroughs in Agriculture
In a significant development for the agricultural sector, Dr Linda Johnson and Dr David Hume, the 2024 Prime Minister's Science Prize winners, will be delivering a free talk in Canterbury on 23rd July 2025. The event, hosted by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, its Canterbury Branch, and the Prime Minister's Science Prizes, is set to take place at the Lincoln University Waimarie Building, Springs Road, Canterbury, from 4:30-6:00 pm.
The talk by Dr Johnson and Dr Hume, both researchers from AgResearch, will focus on their decades-long work in the field of endophyte science, particularly their groundbreaking discovery of an endophyte known as AR37. This endophyte has been found to enhance the growth of perennial ryegrass, the most widely sown pasture grass in Aotearoa New Zealand, without causing significant health issues or decreased productivity in grazing animals.
Perennial ryegrass, known for its ease of management and ability to grow well in most conditions, is a staple grass species in New Zealand's farming landscape. It provides high-quality feed, making it crucial for the country's pasture quality and farming industry. The discovery of AR37 offers major advantages to the farming sector, as it not only promotes ryegrass growth but also protects it from pests and diseases.
The talk will celebrate AgResearch’s advances in endophyte science, with a focus on the innovation around ryegrass and its importance for pasture quality and farming in New Zealand. If you're interested in attending, you can book a place at [www.royalsociety.org.nz/events/grassroots-innovation-celebrating-agresearchs-advances-in-endophyte-science-canterbury](http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/events/grassroots-innovation-celebrating-agresearchs-advances-in-endophyte-science-canterbury).
For those seeking further information about different pasture grasses, related content can be found in this article and this interactive. It's worth noting that while annual and Italian ryegrass species are less persistent than perennial ryegrass, they are quick to establish and provide winter and early spring feed.
Endophytes are microorganisms that live symbiotically within plants, providing mutual benefits. The discovery of AR37 is a testament to the potential of endophyte research in enhancing the resilience and productivity of crops, with far-reaching implications for the agricultural sector.
[1] Source: Royal Society Te Apārangi press release, 1st June 2025.
The groundbreaking work by Dr Johnson and Dr Hume, science prize winners, on endophyte AR37 has potential ramifications for both the agricultural sector and health-and-wellness of grazing animals, as this endophyte enhances perennial ryegrass growth without causing health issues. With the talk at Lincoln University Waimarie Building on 23rd July 2025, along with fitness-and-exercise information about various pasture grasses available in articles and interactive content, attendees can expand their knowledge on this exciting field.
