Identification and measurement of summer dormancy in temperate perennial grasses

Corresponding author : mark.norton@industry.nsw.gov.auInternational audienceThere is an apparent increase in frequency of prolonged droughts in regions with Mediterranean climates. This has rekindled interest in the summer dormancy trait for improving drought resistance of temperate perennial pasture grasses. In orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), identification of the three common drought resistance traits of vascular plants, dehydration avoidance (or delay), dehydration tolerance, and summer dormancy, is often confused. Summer dormancy, the least common of these traits, is found in cool-season grasses from semiarid and arid Mediterranean climates and provides an enhanced level of drought resistance. It is best measured in field-grown plants previously exposed to low winter temperatures and short photoperiods. Those perennial grasses not exhibiting summer dormancy survive drought by avoiding and/or tolerating dehydration and express this as a response to water deficit irrespective of the season. Here we review three summer water-supply environments, full irrigation, midsummer storm, and summer drought, for their precision and repeatability in measuring dormancy. Full irrigation and midsummer storm can be recommended, but measurement of dormancy under prolonged drought caused inconsistencie