Drought Stress Mechanisms in Turfgrass Genotypes
Summary
Turfgrass species exhibit considerable genotypic variation in their response to water deficit, underpinned by morphological, physiological and molecular adaptations. At the morphological level, drought‐tolerant genotypes typically develop deeper or more extensive rooting systems, which enhance water foraging and retention in the soil profile. Physiologically, key responses include stomatal regulation to minimise transpirational water loss and osmotic adjustment through the accumulation of compatible solutes such as proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugars. These osmolytes maintain cell turgor and protect membrane integrity under dehydration. At the cellular level, drought stress induces the production of reactive oxygen species, which are countered by upregulated antioxidant enzymes—including superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidases—that detoxify free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Hormonal signalling, particularly via abscisic acid, orchestrates stomatal closure and activates stress‐responsive gene networks. Molecular investigations in several turfgrass genotypes have identified drought‐inducible genes encoding dehydrins, late embryogenesis abundant proteins and key transcription factors that regulate osmoprotective pathways. Together, these coordinated mechanisms determine the resilience of turfgrass under water‐limited conditions. Understanding the interplay between root architecture, gas‐exchange regulation, osmotic homeostasis and antioxidant defence provides a foundation for breeding programmes aimed at developing cultivars with superior drought tolerance and stable turf quality under variable climates.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Drought Stress Mechanisms in Turfgrass Genotypes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in drought stress mechanisms in turfgrass genotypes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Genotype: A distinct genetic makeup of a turfgrass variety that determines its physiological and morphological traits.
Stomatal conductance: The rate at which CO₂ enters and water vapour exits through leaf stomata, reflecting gas‐exchange efficiency.
Osmotic adjustment: The accumulation of solutes such as proline and sugars to maintain cell turgor and water uptake under drought.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules produced under stress that can damage cellular components unless scavenged.
Antioxidant enzymes: Proteins such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase that detoxify ROS and protect cell structures.
Abscisic acid (ABA): A plant hormone that mediates stomatal closure and activates stress‐responsive gene expression.
References
- Genetic variation and response to selection of photosynthetic and forage characteristics in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) ecotypes under drought conditions. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
- Assessment of the changes in growth, photosynthetic traits and gene expression in Cynodon dactylon against drought stress. BMC Plant Biology (2024).
- Effects of Nitrogen Supply on Water Stress and Recovery Mechanisms in Kentucky Bluegrass Plants. Frontiers in Plant Science (2017).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.