A study, published in Crop Science by Errickson et al. (2023), investigates how the the microbe Paraburkholderia aspalathi WSF23 promotes root and tiller growth in Creeping Bentgrass, particularly under drought conditions.
When managing turfgrass, especially during drought, the health of your turf’s root system is crucial. While irrigation and fertilizers are essential, recent research highlights the role of bacteria in helping turfgrass survive and thrive under drought stress. A study by Errickson et al. (2023) sheds light on how bacteria (specifically endophytic rhizobacteria) living in the roots can boost turfgrass resilience, improve drought tolerance, and accelerate recovery after water stress. These tiny, unseen allies may be the key to more sustainable and efficient turf management practices.
Endophytic rhizobacteria: Microbes (specifically bacteria) that live within a plant’s roots. Recent studies find that these tiny living things play a BIG part in stress response.
How Bacteria Enhance Turfgrass Growth During Drought
Endophytic bacteria, particularly rhizobacteria, interact with turfgrass roots to influence growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance (like drought). In the Errickson et al. (2023) study, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) inoculated with P. aspalathi WSF23 showed enhanced tiller and root growth, even during drought conditions.
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1. Microbes Promote Root and Tiller Growth
One of the standout findings was the significant increase in both root length and tiller production in the inoculated turfgrass. Healthier roots allow turfgrass to access deeper water reserves during drought, improving its ability to survive prolonged dry periods.
2. Microbial Regulation of Stress Hormones
During drought, turfgrass experiences an increase in stress hormones like abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene, which can slow growth and lead to damage. P. aspalathi WSF23 helps reduce these stress hormones, enabling the turf to continue growing and maintain its green, lush appearance despite drought stress.
Also, the study found that the microbe P. aspalathi WSF23 produces 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) deaminase or ACC deaminase. This ACC deaminase breaks down ACC, the precursor to ethylene, reducing stress-induced ethylene production
3. Boosting Recovery After Drought
Not only do microbes help turfgrass endure drought, but they also aid in quicker recovery. The inoculated turf showed faster post-drought recovery thanks to higher levels of growth hormones like cytokinins and jasmonates.
In addition, inoculated plants stored more soluble sugars in crown tissues during drought, supporting tiller and root growth and enhancing post-stress recovery.
Why Microbes Matter in Turfgrass Drought Management
For turf managers, using microbial inoculants can be a game-changer in managing turfgrass under drought conditions. Here’s why:
Reduced Water Dependency: Stronger root systems developed through microbial activity allow turfgrass to rely less on frequent irrigation.
Sustainable Turf Management: Leveraging natural microbial processes can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and excessive watering, supporting more sustainable turf practices.
Improved Drought Recovery: Faster recovery post-drought means your turf can maintain its health and aesthetics, even during dry spells.
Integrating Microbes Into Your Turfgrass Management Plan
While not all soil types will have the Paraburkholderia aspalathi WSF23 naturally occurring in them, it is essential to note that many other microorganisms live naturally in the soil. Microbial inoculants or other biologicals promoting microbial populations are now starting to be more commercially available.
You can check out how our microbes in En-Turf can help with growing resilient grass by reading this report.
Conclusion: The Future of Turfgrass in Drought Conditions
As drought conditions become more common, finding innovative solutions for turfgrass management is essential. Microbes, like those highlighted in the Errickson et al. (2023) study, offer a powerful tool for boosting turfgrass resilience, reducing water usage, and ensuring quicker recovery after dry periods. By integrating microbes into your turf management strategy, you can enhance the health and sustainability of your turfgrass, even in the face of challenging drought conditions.
Errickson, W., Zhang, N., & Huang, B. (2023). Promotive effects of endophytic rhizobacteria on tiller and root growth in creeping bentgrass during drought stress and post-stress recovery involving regulation of hormone and sugar metabolism. Crop Science, 63, 2583–2593. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.21017
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