Variation in persistency, postdrought recovery and root characteristics in a tall fescue germplasm under interactive effects of exogenously applied salicylic acid and water stress

This study was performed for a better understanding of genotypic responses of a germplasm of tall fescue to different prolonged drought stresses and exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA) in terms of drought tolerance, postdrought recovery, persistence and root-related traits. Twenty-one diverse tall fescue genotypes were evaluated under three irrigation treatments (IT) (normal, mild and intense drought stress) and the presence of two SA concentrations (0 and 1 mM) during 2015-2017. In the fourth year (2018), irrigation was withheld in all treatments for two months in summer (severe drought) and then plants were rewatered to investigate the effect of previous treatments on the mentioned traits. Results indicated that recovery after severe drought and persistence in tall fescue depends on previous environmental conditions with clear differences in genotypic responses. Foliar application of SA improved forage production, drought tolerance, postdrought recovery and most of the root traits, while it had a negative effect on persistence and root length. Associations amongst traits under different treatments and selection of superior genotypes will be discussed.

Automated summary

The study found that recovery and persistence in tall fescue after severe drought depended on previous environmental conditions. Foliar application of SA improved drought tolerance and root traits but may have negative effects on persistence and root length.