11 December 2025
The New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association, and its members, adopt the position that for grade endophytic ryegrass and fescue seed to be sold, that there is a current seed test to confirm that at least 70% of seed will be infected with live endophyte at the time of sale to the retailer.
For freshly harvested seed, a seed-borne endophyte test to indicate endophyte viability is acceptable until31 May of the harvest year. After this date an endophyte viability test must be used to confirm the level of endophyte infection. Endophyte viability tests are considered valid for 6 months.
The endophyte testing used by members adhere to accepted industry protocols for live endophyte testing. This provides the end user with assurance as to the robustness of testing and confidence in the product being purchased.
NZPBRA Executive members hereby agree to the above document