Advancing Genetic and Physiological Understanding of Abiotic Stress in Grassland and Forage Species

Grasslands and forage plants are central to sustaining global livestock systems and maintaining ecosystem equilibrium. In recent years, the productivity and adaptability of these crops have come under severe threat from a multitude of abiotic stresses—such as drought, soil salinity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and heavy metal contamination—which are being exacerbated by the rapid progress of climate change. Research in model plant systems like Arabidopsis and rice has unraveled significant insights into stress biology and tolerance pathways. However, the translational application of this knowledge to forage species remains limited, mainly due to the complex polyploid genomes typical of major forages and the sheer diversity of grassland environments. This gap means breeding efforts and molecular understanding often lag behind urgent demand, particularly as climate variability increases the frequency and intensity of stress events. Innovative studies are urgently needed to dissect the unique physiological, biochemical, and genetic bases of abiotic stress resilience in forage crops, ultimately facilitating the development of cultivars that can thrive under challenging conditions.This Research Topic aims to bridge the divide between advances in model plant stress research and their practical application for genetic improvement in forage species. The primary objective is to clarify the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying stress perception, adaptation, and tolerance in grass and forage legumes—especially those with complex or polyploid genomes, such as ryegrass and alfalfa. Key research goals include identifying novel genes and regulatory networks associated with stress resilience, elucidating beneficial plant-microbe interactions, and leveraging multi-omics approaches to speed up and refine breeding practices. By connecting foundational discoveries to applied breeding techniques—including genomic selection and precision gene editing—this Research Topic seeks to inform effective strategies for producing robust forage cultivars, thereby reinforcing sustainable livestock agriculture amid ongoing climatic challenges.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research focused on abiotic stress responses, adaptation, and improvements in grass and forage crops, with a particular emphasis on translating basic discoveries into breeding outcomes. Submissions addressing either the basic or applied aspects of these processes are welcome but must remain relevant to forage or grassland species. To gather further insights in forage crop abiotic stress tolerance and genetic innovation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance in forage crops• Identification and functional analysis of stress-responsive genes and regulatory networks• Plant-microbe interactions contributing to enhanced forage resilience under abiotic stress• Multi-omics approaches for dissecting complex traits and accelerating breeding efforts• Development and evaluation of improved germplasm and breeding techniques for stress resistance Topic editors: Yuying Yuan, Udit Nandan Mishra, Abhishek Singh Chauhan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79144/advancing-genetic-and-physiological-understanding-of-abiotic-stress-in-grassland-and-forage-species