Evaluating a novel endophytic grass purported to reduce invertebrate populations and associated bird strike risk at airports

Bird strike hazard at airports is typically reduced by managing habitat to make takeoff

 and landing areas less attractive to birds and other wildlife. A commercial tall fescue containing

 a high alkaloid-producing fungal endophyte is purported to reduce insect populations enough to

 reduce airport bird strike risk. It may also deter geese, suggesting possible value for use on golf

 courses, parks, and sport fields. We are evaluating those hypotheses in the lab and field trials. If

 supported, our study may help support the aforementioned novel applications for high-alkaloid

 endophytic turfgrasses.