Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes of Perennial Ryegrass Under Drought Stress

Numerous molecular responses of plants to drought stress have been observed in different plant species. A large number of genes with diverse functions in drought tolerance have been identified in model plants. The products of these droughtinducible genes are classified into two groups: functional proteins or regulatory proteins. Genes involved in plant drought tolerance can be identified through several techniques including suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). The SSH has been proved to be a powerful technique for identifying differentially expressed genes associated with drought tolerance in crop plants. Although a comprehensive understanding of gene regulation and functions under drought condition has not been achieved, identifying genes that play important roles in drought tolerance is essential for elucidating molecular adaptations of plants to stress conditions. To date, molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance have not extensively studied in turfgrass species.