What is one of the symptoms caused by abiotic agents on turfgrasses?

Wilting is a symptom that can result from abiotic stressors impacting turfgrasses. This condition arises when the water availability is insufficient for plant needs due to various factors such as drought conditions, high temperatures, or soil compaction. When the plant experiences stress from these environmental conditions, it can lose turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the plant’s structure and function. As a result, the leaf blades may become limp, folded, or curled, indicating that the grass is not receiving adequate moisture.

This symptom, unlike the others, directly reflects the impact of abiotic factors. Dark green leaf blades typically indicate healthy, actively growing grass rather than an issue. Rapid growth could be a response to favorable conditions, and increased disease resistance generally does not relate to abiotic stress but more to biotic factors or healthy growing conditions. Therefore, wilting is a clear indication of abiotic stress affecting turfgrasses.