Genetic variation and response to selection of photosynthetic and forage characteristics in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) ecotypes under drought conditions

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the effects of water-limited conditions on the photosynthetic characteristics and forage yield is important for enhancing the forage productivity and drought tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). METHODS: In the present study, 100 P. pratensis ecotypes collected from different geographical areas in Iran were assessed under well-watered and drought stress conditions. Genetic variation and response to selection for the photosynthetic characteristics [i.e., net photosynthesis rate (A), stomatal conductance (g(s) ), transpiration rate (T(r)), chlorophyll content (Chl), and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm)] and forage yield [fresh forage yield (FY) and dry forage yield (Dy)] traits were analyzed during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Drought stress had negative effects on evaluated photosynthesis parameters and significantly reduced dry and fresh forage yields. On average, FY with a 45% decrease and g(s) with a 326% decrease under drought stress conditions showed the highest reduction rate among forage yield and photosynthesis traits, respectively. Genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for FY were lower under drought stress. The estimates of heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as percentage of mean showed the predominance of additive gene action for the traits. Overall, the results showed that “Ciakhor”, “Damavand”, “Karvandan”, “Basmenj”, “Abr2”, “Abrumand”, “Borhan”, “Hezarkanian”, “LasemCheshmeh”, “Torshab”, and “DoSar” have higher forage yield production with little change between two irrigation regimes, which makes them promising candidates for developing high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties through breeding programs.