Application of gamma-aminobutyric acid and nitric oxide on turfgrass stress resistance: Current knowledge and perspectives

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonprotein amino acid that is well recognized as an endogenous plant signaling molecule. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that has diverse biological functions in plants. There has been increasing research evidence that elucidates the protective roles of GABA and NO in improving plant growth and abiotic stress resistance of turfgrass species through enhancing photosynthetic and antioxidant defense capacities, maintenance of membrane integrity, osmotic adjustment and ion hemostasis, and increasing gene and protein expressions and accumulation of certain metabolites. Furthermore, the crosstalk between GABA and NO for modulating stress response are of interests in recent years. This review summarizes the current research advances of the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in GABA- and NO- mitigated abiotic stress effects and discusses knowledge gaps in exploiting role of GABA an NO in turfgrass stress resistance. The review aims at promoting future research work towards a deeper understanding of GABA and NO applications in enhancing turfgrass management, production, and environmental adaptation.