Phenological and metabolic differences between two contrasting drought tolerance groups in an interspecific bentgrass breeding population

Abstract Creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera ) and colonial bentgrass ( A. capillaris ) naturally occupy wetter and drier environments, respectively. Hybridization between these species offers valuable insights into drought tolerance and could enhance breeding strategies for developing water‐deficit–tolerant bentgrasses. A greenhouse dry‐down study was conducted using 52 interspecific bentgrass lines, including two parent cultivars, BCD (colonial bentgrass; drought‐tolerant) and Providence (creeping bentgrass; drought‐susceptible). The study revealed that the drought‐tolerant hybrid plants exhibited more efficient mechanisms for drought stress management, including optimized carbon allocation, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced water conservation. These plants were able to thrive under stress with lower levels of certain metabolites such as citric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, α‐ketoglutaric acid, indicating a more efficient drought response compared to the susceptible group.