The Nova Trawa project established a novel perennial ryegrass variety by introducing symbiotic Epichloë endophytic fungi under laboratory conditions and propagating the plants for field trials and seed registration with COBORU.
Researchers first developed grasses colonised with these symbionts to enhance durability and drought resistance, then devised a production technology for scaling up symbiotically improved seed stocks.
A targeted marketing strategy was implemented to promote cultivation and commercialisation of the new variety. Ultimately, the team succeeded in registering the grass and securing patent protection for the production technology.
Farmers gained access to a high-value, high-yield ryegrass that retains its endophyte symbiont across generations—eliminating the need for repeat treatments—and exhibits superior tolerance to drought and other stressors.
Environmentally, the innovation reduced reliance on plant protection products, improved water management and offered a naturally modified (SMO) alternative to genetic engineering.
