Recent Advancements in Breeding and Genomics of Bluegrass

Cool-season turfgrass known as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is often found in parks, urban green areas, and athletic fields around the globe. It is a significant temperate perennial grass species that is facultatively apomictic and utilized for both farmed turf and fodder. However, it is vulnerable to adverse abiotic stress which reduces turf quality in bluegrass by affecting the texture, shoot density, uniformity, colour, growth habit, and restoration capacity. In this regard, addressing the abiotic stress challenge involves sophisticated applications of molecular genetics and genomic techniques. Moreover, research with the availability of reference genome sequences and the development of new breeding techniques (genome editing) it possible to study the genes involved in stress tolerance and yield components, which has created new opportunities for bluegrass improvement. Gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas can assist in the production of transgene-free bluegrass varieties. Its versatility has made it the most popular crop enhancement tool. It will expedite turfgrass breeding with precise gene editing. CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing has been used to elucidate gene function, establish stress-resistant cultivars, and aid in the advancement of resilient bluegrass varieties.