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Re: Tall Fescue/Endophyte Sod



Response from Chuck West, University of Arkansas

> Our horticulture department mistakenly laid a dwarf cultivar of tall fescue
> (Festuca arundinacea) sod covering an entire animal exhibit which will
> ultimately house kangaroos.  I have recommended that the sod, due to the
> problems associated with the endophyte fungus and the fact that kangaroos are
> extensice grazers, be removed.

Are you sure that the fescue is indeed endophyte infested, and at what
percentage infestation rate?  If it's a low infestation rate, I'd leave 
it.  If you don't know, we can test it for you for $20.  Phone or e-mail
my research technician, Melody Marlatt, for instructions on how to sample
and ship.  501-575-4565; marlatt@comp.uark.edu

> Our horticulture department has agreed, but has proposed the following 
> alternative...covering the fescue sod which is in place, with a more
> suitable sod type.  We have identified the type of sod which is
> preferred (a bermuda/rye blend). 

I presume you mean ryegrass (Lolium spp.), not rye (Secale cereale).  If
ryegrass, is it annual or perennial?  If perennial, it too can contain an
endophyte very similar to that of tall fescue, and can also cause animal
problems.
 
> My questions to this group are:
> 
> 1) Will the placement of the second layer of sod effectively kill the fescue?

I'll guess that it depends on how much soil you pile on top of the fescue. 
If no additional soil is spread, a lot of the fescue could grow through
the bermuda sod.  You could spray the fescue with Roundup first, wait for
it to die, add a couple inches of soil, then sod with bermudagrass. 

> 2) Is there any potential for the effects of endophyte fungus which
would remain if the fescue is effectively killed? 

No.

> 3) Is this method as equally effective as removing the initial layer and
> replacing the sod?

See my answer to no. 1.
Others may have better suggestions.

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