ISHS Acta Horticulturae 783: II International Conference on Turfgrass Science and Management for Sports Fields
METABOLIC DEFENSE RESPONSES OF BERMUDAGRASS DURING ACCLIMATION TO FREEZING STRESS |
| Authors: | Xunzhong Zhang , E.H. Ervin |
| Keywords: | antioxidant, carbohydrates, enzymes, freezing, lipid, metabolism, turfgrass, winterkill |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.783.18 |
| Abstract:
Bermudagrass is a primary species for athletic fields and golf courses in warm-temperate and tropical regions of the world. Bermudagrasses grown in transition zone climates are subject to freeze damage and periodic winterkill. Some dynamic changes of compounds that are associated with metabolic defense during acclimation have been positively correlated to freezing tolerance in bermudagrass. Recent research in our lab has shown that both carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich defenses are important to bermudagrass winter survival. Rapid accumulation of soluble sugars, osmoprotectants such as proline, and an increase in cellular free radical scavenging capacity during cold acclimation have been significantly correlated with freezing tolerance in cold-tolerant cultivars. Exogenous hormones, osmoprotectants, and mineral nutrition may regulate metabolic defenses and thus improve freezing tolerance. This paper will present recent advances in the physiology of cold acclimation and freezing tolerance of bermudagrass and discuss innovative approaches to improve winter survival. | |
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