AVANEX®
Unique Endophyte Technology
AVANEX® - A POTENTIAL TOOL FOR SPORTS FIELDS
AVANEX® Unique Endophyte Technology may assist in reducing the number of birds and insects on sports fields. The alkaloids produced by the endophyte not only reduces the number of insects but can also reduce the number of birds on sports fields.
In trials grasses with AVANEX® have been shown to reduce insect numbers and as a result the area is less attractive to insect feeding birds; in turn this may also reduce the reliance on pesticides for the control of turf damaging insects. Grasses with AVANEX® Unique Endophyte Technology also reduces bird populations through post digestion feedback (where birds that feed directly on the grass feel ill after feeding and learn to avoid the area).
WHAT IS ENDOPHYTE?
Endophyte is a natural fungus found in many ryegrass and tall fescue species. The fungal strands grow between the plant cells, and transmit themselves to the next grass generation by growing into the developing seed and into subsequent grass seedling.
HOW AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY WORKS?
- Grasses with AVANEX® Unique Endophyte Technology produce high levels of alkaloids including ergovaline, Ioline and peramine
- These alkaloids contribute to lower insect populations through insect deterring properties and are an environmental way to reduce the use of insecticides to control many turf insects
- Ergovaline contributes to post digestion feedback (PDF) malaise of Canada Geese
WHERE TO USE AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY
- Sports fields – for insect free playing surfaces and less excreted waste from grass feeding birds
- Amenity areas – for cleaner playing surfaces
- Waterways and reservoirs – to reduce bird numbers with potentially less fouling
- Areas where reduced reliance on pesticides for insect control is required
MAJOR FINDINGS
- Shown to reduce insect populations which can potentially lead to lower numbers of insect feeding birds
- Shown to reduce numbers of grass feeding birds (Canada Geese) through confirmed learning avoidance behaviour of post digestion feedback (PDF) malaise
- Anecdotal comments on reduced number of grass feeding animals (rabbits, mice etc), with ongoing trials to confirm this
- Improved plant persistence leading to longer surviving grass areas
TRIAL RESULTS ON AVANEX® UNIQUE ENDOPHYTE TECHNOLOGY
Success With AVANEX® at Forsyth Barr Stadium
Here at Forsyth Barr Stadium we are in a very unique grass growing situation. With the high demand of play along with low natural sunlight levels we require a grass species that suits our unique environment. We rely on a continuous over sowing programme particularly through the winter months. Avanex Colosseum’s fast germination means I can have grass germinating within days of it being sown, which is highly important with back to back events week after week.
Avanex Colosseum’s resistance to wear and recovery from any sort of play whether it be rugby, football or concerts gives me confidence that I can have close to 100% grass cover all year round. The added benefit of utilising Avanex unique endophyte technology means we no longer have to solely rely on the use of potentially harmful insecticides.
Brendan Eathorne, Stadium Manager
Forsyth Barr Stadium
AVANEX® Cultivars
AVANEX® Unique Endophyte Technology has been included in turf-type grasses, Lagertha - a turf tall fescue, and Colosseum - a turf perennial ryegrass. These endophytes can produce high quantities of alkaloids that can reduce a number of insect pests while also being a deterrent to wildlife grazing.
AVANEX® Colosseum
AVANEX® Colosseum is a medium-fine, mid-green, perennial ryegrass that is a cross between Mediterranean and American genetics. The Mediterranean genetics gives the turf active winter growth in cooler weather and rapid germination, especially in cold temperatures down to 5°C.
- Fast germination
- Winter active Mediterranean genetics
- Wear resistance and recovery
- Attractive glossy mid-green colour
- Contains AVANEX® AR95 Unique Endophyte Technology
AVANEX® Lagertha tall fescue
Lagertha, with AVANEX® Unique Endophyte Technology, is a high quality, dark and fine turf tall fescue. Lagertha retains a green colour and an attractive appearance for longer in summer due to its strong deep root system.
- Moderately fine, dense turf type tall fescue
- Dark green with excellent colour retention
- Excellent persistence without irrigation
- Contains AR601 Unique Endophyte Technology
- Reduced mowing frequency
- Mowing height between 50 - 150 mm
