Genetic diversity for drought tolerance in the native forage grass and possible morpho-physiological mechanisms involved.

Introduction: The use of drought tolerant genotypes is one of the main strategies proposed for coping with the negative effects of global warming in dry lands. is a native forage grass occupying extensive arid and semi-arid regions in the American continent, and used for range grazing and revegetation of degraded lands.

Methods: To identify drought-tolerant genotypes and possible underlying physiological mechanisms, this study investigated drought tolerance in 21 genetically diverse genotypes under natural field conditions.