Early Contributions Leading to Understanding the Significance of Epichloë Endophyte in Temperate Grasses

The role and use of Epichloë fungal endophytes in grazed temperate grass pastures and turf grasses are now well understood with regard to balancing pasture persistence while minimising animal health and welfare concerns. However, this understanding has only emerged since the early 1980s. Prior to this, although links between Epichloë endophytes, animal health and welfare issues and even human health conditions had been proposed, definitive evidence was lacking. This review examines the historical progression of discoveries relating to Epichloë endophytes in temperate grasses, including early observations, hypothesised associations and the gradual elucidation of their biological and ecological impacts. The contributions of pioneering researchers are highlighted, and, where possible, biographical context is provided to give better understanding to the scientific advances that ultimately led to the development and commercialisation of Epichloë endophyte technologies in pastoral agriculture.