CM142: The novel endophyte delivering performance and persistence

CM142 is a novel endophyte discovered and researched by scientists from Cropmark Seeds. After screening thousands of ryegrass samples from around the world, they discovered this exciting new endophyte from a dry, infertile semi-alpine region of Greece.

It was during early research that their team quickly recognised that CM142 provided excellent protection from insect pests. Importantly, CM142 also reduces the risk of ryegrass staggers and improves animal performance when compared with standard endophyte.

Once discovered, the team of scientists embarked on years of research and on-farm trials to test the efficacy of this new novel endophyte – named by Cropmark as CM142.

CM142 showed the ability to be successfully transmitted into seed, allowing vigorous testing to continue. It was included in the Cropmark breeding programme to check its long-term compatibility and stability in ryegrass.

Grasses with CM142 have been tested by independent entomologists in New Zealand and Australia, with results confirming it provides strong insect tolerance for ryegrass plants.

Animal safety and performance are paramount when it comes to novel endophytes. Five years of rigorous animal safety testing have confirmed that CM142 offers enhanced animal safety compared with standard endophytes. It has received the Plant Breeding and Research Association’s highest animal safety rating – 2024 PBRA provisional for sheep and lambs (++++), full for cattle and dairy cows ++++.

With a different genetic background to other endophytes and optimal levels of epoxy-janthitrem alkaloids, CM142 delivers performance and persistence for Australian farmers.

Rigorous entomology experiments have shown that CM142 provides tolerance against a range of destructive pasture pests, including Argentine stem weevil, black beetle adults, porina caterpillar, and root aphid.

We are excited to have CM142 available in our high-performance ryegrass varieties. An effective endophyte improves the persistence of ryegrass pastures in many regions of Australia. We have selected varieties to have very good grazing tolerance and ability to recover from wet winters and dry summers.

The new CM142 endophyte, matched with the latest ryegrass genetics, offers producers a unique combination of ryegrass productivity and improved animal health.

Clinical and sub-clinical animal toxicosis can come with a hefty price tag for farmers, therefore finding a balance between animal safety and alkaloid production for insect deterrence is key. With CM142, there’s an optimal concentration of the epoxy-janthitrem alkaloid, shown in trials to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of ryegrass staggers from animals consuming grass with CM142 compared with standard endophyte.

All trials with CM142 in AlfaGen Seeds ryegrass varieties have found there is no reduction in the growth of sheep when compared with nil endophyte. As with all endophytes, under poor grazing management of stressed plants, especially during summer and autumn, ryegrass staggers could potentially occur. Not
recommended for horses or deer.

CM142 is incorporated into AlfaGen’s high-performance ryegrass varieties to deliver improved pasture persistence, pest tolerance, and livestock safety. Farmers looking for a reliable, long-term grazing solution should consider CM142-protected varieties such as:

• Greenmount CM142 – Late-heading, tetraploid hybrid ryegrass
• Almonta CM142 – Late-heading, diploid perennial ryegrass
• Middini CM142 – Early-heading, diploid perennial ryegrass
• Coorong CM142 – Late-heading, tetraploid perennial ryegrass

Find the right CM142 ryegrass for your farm. Explore our ryegrass varieties to learn more.