Preconditioning: Moisture Stress

Prior to summer high temperature stress, plants undergoing moisture stress are more heat tolerant than those not exposed to moisture stress. Drought pre-conditioned plants tend to accumulate ion solutes, specifically potassium, at higher levels during periods of high temperature stress compared to non-drought stress plants (Jang & Huang, 2002). The higher ion concentration allows for a relative higher osmotic adjustment potential during summer stress.

In addition, a deeper more extensive root system develops prior to the period of high temperature stress. When irrigation is needed, deep infrequent irrigation is the most desirable for hardening turfgrass plants off for the summer.

* By allowing creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris and/or wintergrass (annual bluegrass) greens to undergo some degree of moisture stress prior to summer high temperatures a more heat tolerant green will develop.