Review on physiological and molecular mechanisms for enhancing salt tolerance in turfgrass

Salt stress is a significant abiotic stress factor that hampers the growth and turf quality of turfgrass. This review examines the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which turfgrass responds to salt stress and explores strategies to enhance its salt tolerance. In high-salinity environments, turfgrass exhibits reduced quality, color, coverage, seed germination rate, root growth, and overall yield. Key physiological and molecular responses, including seed germination, morphological changes, ion balance, osmotic regulation, antioxidant systems, and gene expression are systematically discussed. Turfgrass adapts to salt stress by regulating ion transporter genes (e.g., NHX1 and HKT), synthesizing osmotic regulators (e.g., proline), and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. The review highlights significant variations in salt tolerance across turfgrass species and varieties, reflecting their diverse genetic backgrounds. To enhance salt tolerance, three primary strategies are discussed: genetic engineering, conventional breeding, and scientific cultivation management. Genetic engineering focuses on modifying specific genes (e.g., NHX1, HKT, antioxidant enzymes), while conventional breeding emphasizes selection, hybridization, and marker-assisted approaches. Scientific cultivation management optimizes growth conditions through proper fertilization, irrigation, soil improvement, and cultivation techniques. Advancements in molecular biology and breeding technologies, particularly gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9, are expected to yield more salt-tolerant turfgrass varieties. The integration of genetic engineering, conventional breeding, and cultivation management will provide a strong foundation for the sustainable application of turfgrass in ecological restoration and landscaping.