Insect resistance is a common desire among gardeners and landscapers looking to plant bluegrass sod anywhere on their property, and one important term to be aware of if you’re among this group is “endophytes.” What are bluegrass endophytes, and how do they help promote insect resistance in your bluegrass in natural ways?
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to offer the best selection of sod and grass products around Salt Lake City, including our BioBlue premium bluegrass that’s formulated specifically with high-endophyte levels to combat insect concerns. Here are some basics on what bluegrass endophytes are, plus how they assist with insect resistance and longevity – and even some tips on ideal usage for these kinds of bluegrass products.
What Are Endophytes?
For those just learning about bluegrass and other sod products, endophytes may be a new term to you. Essentially, they’re symbiotic fungi that live within the plant itself, generally in the tissues of the grass itself. They form a symbiotic relationship with the plant – they benefit from living within it, while also helping the plant grow and thrive.
Endophytes are found in many different types of plants, but are particularly prevalent in grasses like bluegrass. This is because endophytes often provide a defense mechanism for their host plant against various threats, such as insects or diseases.
How Bluegrass Endophytes Promote Insect Resistance
Within many bluegrass varieties, endophytes produce important alkaloids that are known to be toxic to a few key insects:
- Chinch bugs: These pests are known to cause significant damage to bluegrass lawns, as they feed on the plant sap. However, endophytes produce alkaloids that are specifically toxic to chinch bugs, making them less likely to infest and damage the grass.
- Billbugs: These pests feed on the stems and crowns of bluegrass, causing wilting and death. Endophytes produce alkaloids that are toxic to billbugs, helping to reduce their population and protect the grass.
- Sod webworms: These insects are known for their destructive feeding habits, causing patches of yellow or brown grass in lawns. However, endophyte-produced alkaloids can inhibit sod webworm growth and make them less harmful to bluegrass.
The ability to ward off these common pests is just one of the benefits of endophytes in grasses.
Longevity and Resilience
Endophytes in bluegrass are also known to improve the longevity and resilience of the turf. They can help grass withstand harsh conditions such as drought, extreme temperatures, and disease.
- Drought tolerance: Endophytes produce compounds that increase water use efficiency in grasses, allowing them to survive longer periods without water. This is especially beneficial for lawns in areas with limited or irregular rainfall.
- Temperature tolerance: The presence of endophytes has been shown to enhance heat and cold tolerance in bluegrass. This means that lawns with endophyte-infected grass can better withstand extreme temperatures and maintain their green color throughout the year.
- Wear tolerance: When we talk about wear tolerance, we’re referring to a lawn’s ability to withstand foot traffic and other types of physical stress. Endophytes have been found to improve wear tolerance in grasses, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas such as sports fields and playgrounds.
Important Considerations for Bluegrass Endophytes
While bluegrass varieties that utilize high levels of endophytes are great for insect resistance and longevity, there are a couple of important considerations for their use. The first is that they should not be used in any area where grazing animals, such as horses or cows, will be present. The endophytes can be toxic to these animals and cause negative health effects.
Additionally, when overseeding a lawn with a bluegrass variety containing endophytes, it is important to remove any existing turf before planting the new seed. This ensures that the endophyte levels are evenly distributed throughout the lawn and prevents any patchiness in growth.
Where are these bluegrass varieties best for? Some examples:
- Residential lawns: Endophyte-enhanced bluegrass varieties are a great choice for residential lawns as they can withstand heavy foot traffic and provide a lush, green lawn.
- Sports fields: For high-traffic sports fields, endophyte-enhanced bluegrass varieties are ideal as they can withstand constant wear and tear from athletes while still maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
- Parks: Bluegrass varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass are commonly used in parks due to their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and provide a dense, attractive lawn.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to offer BioBlue and several other sod varieties complete with bluegrass endophytes. Contact us today to learn more about these valuable products, or to begin your order!