Cropmark undertakes intensive research into plant breeding including bio-science and novel endophyte work to increase the rate of genetic improvement and overcome insect pest issues.

The company has developed unique loline containing ‘Uncinatum’ novel endophytes, and is working towards commercialization of these in the near future.

The lolines which are contained in these uncinatum endophytes provide the plant with resistance to a wider range of pasture insect pests, with no known health effects to grazing animals.

Unlike other commercialized novel endophytes, Cropmark’s uncinatum endophytes confer plant resistance to grass grub, porina, and cockchafer (Australia), as well as having tolerance to Black Beetle and Argentine stem weevil. Testing against a range of other insect pests continues.