Researchers at The James Hutton Institute have found that a naturally occurring fungus in common grasses may offer solutions to key challenges facing UK farmers. Known as Epichloë, this endophytic fungus lives within plant tissues, and some species have been shown to enhance drought tolerance and provide natural resistance to pests.
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Scientists at The James Hutton Institute have discovered that a fungus living inside common grasses could help UK farmers address some of their most pressing challenges.
Called Epichloë, this endophytic fungus resides within plant tissues, and certain species provide unexpected advantages — including natural pest resistance and improved drought tolerance.
“Once inside the plant, Epichloë acts like a built-in shield, helping the plant tolerate stress, resist disease, and even deter pests, all without repeated spraying,” plant pathologist Lorena Rangel explains. “That means fewer chemicals, lower costs, and potentially healthier soils and ecosystems.”
Certain strains of Epichloë are already being used in pastures in New Zealand and the United States, where they’ve helped grasslands thrive by producing natural compounds that repel insect pests. Today’s commercial strains are non-toxic and safe for livestock. In the UK, however, Epichloë has yet to be adopted in mainstream farming, even though it occurs naturally in some wild grasses.
The main reason is that UK agriculture hasn’t historically faced the same level of insect pressure or livestock-related diseases seen elsewhere. But with climate change driving more erratic weather and the gradual loss of chemical pesticide options, UK farmers are beginning to seek out new tools for integrated pest management. Epichloë could be one of them.
So far, the fungus has not been deliberately introduced into UK pastures or cereal crops. That may change as farmers look for natural ways to protect yields while reducing chemical inputs. Epichloë could be particularly valuable in cereal crops like wheat, barley, and oats — staples of UK agriculture that collectively contribute £4 billion to the national economy.
However, its use comes with caveats. If not carefully managed, some Epichloë strains can produce toxins harmful to beneficial insects or animals. There are also concerns about potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Experts emphasize that only well-characterized, safe strains should be considered, and any commercial use must be guided by strict regulation and rigorous testing.
At present, the UK lacks a clear regulatory framework for fungal products like Epichloë. Other countries, such as New Zealand, offer potential models, including dedicated oversight groups that evaluate and approve specific strains for agricultural use.
As climate-related risks continue to mount, farmers will need more sustainable tools to maintain healthy crops and productive land. Epichloë is not a cure-all, but as a natural, low-input option, it could play a meaningful role in the UK’s future farm systems — provided it’s introduced with care and scientific oversight.
Further information is available here. https://doi.org/10.1079/planthealthcases.2025.0002
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