Mechanisms of drought resistance in introgression forms of Lolium multiflorum/Festuca arundinacea

Abstract

Drought resistance in plants can be associated with four different strategies to cope with water stress. These strategies are classified as drought escape, avoidance, tolerance, and recovery. The expression of each strategy depends on plant species and its genetic potential, but also on the environmental conditions, including the stress intensity and duration. Often, prolonged drought conditions are associated with drought escape or avoidance, whereas short but severe drought periods induce drought tolerance. To analyze the components of drought resistance in forage grasses, we applied two Lolium multiflorum/Festuca arundinacea introgression forms into a comprehensive research. Obtained results clearly show that the response of plants to severe short term drought conditions with limited rhizosphere did not reflect their response to long progressive drought conditions, which did not limit root growth. The BC4-INT-40 introgression form with extensive and deep roots was characterized by a more efficient drought avoidance and regeneration mechanisms under long-term drought, whereas the BC4-INT-66 form with shorter roots revealed a lower productivity and re-growth capacity under the prolonged drought. On the other hand, this form had also a better photosynthetic performance under short and intensive drought conditions with a limited space for root development.