Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are central to plant responses under abiotic stress, acting as both damaging agents and signaling molecules. This study explores the balance between ROS production, oxidative damage, and the antioxidant defense mechanisms in plants. Key antioxidant systems include enzymatic defenses (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (e.g., ascorbate and glutathione). These components play critical roles in mitigating oxidative stress. Understanding these mechanisms and their regulation is crucial for enhancing plant stress tolerance. Additionally, investigating the role of ROS in signaling pathways that regulate stress responses can provide deeper insights into plant resilience. Future research should focus on the intricate interplay between ROS and other signaling molecules, utilizing advanced omics technologies to elucidate these complex interactions. By leveraging these insights, strategies such as genetic engineering, marker‐assisted breeding, and metabolic engineering can be employed to develop stress‐resilient crops, equipping them to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. These approaches will ultimately contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

To assess seed germination parameters and identifying tolerant varieties, seeds of nine tall fescue varieties (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were germinated under various salinity levels for 14 days. Tall fescue is considered ‘moderately tolerant’ to salinity stress, but our study revealed a remarkable diversity among the tested varieties. Armani, Essential, Fatcat, and Starlett were found to reach the same final germination (>90%), irrespective of NaCl concentration up to 15 ds m⁻¹ NaCl; Asterix and Meandre expressed lower germination under the highest salinity level (>75%); and final germination decreased in Eyecandy, Rhizing star, and Thomahawk gradually with increasing salinity (>55%). The main effect of increasing salinity was a delay in germination, and our study suggests that the recording of final germination, which is performed on day-14 in a standard germination test, should be postponed in order to understand the full effect of salinity on germination potential. Nonetheless, a delay in germination will affect turf quality negatively and hence there is good reason to test for salinity tolerance when choosing a variety for sowing on saline soil. Further, our findings indicate a future perspective for breeding for improved salinity tolerance in tall fescue by the identification of salinity-tolerant breeding lines or varieties.