Zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica) is an important native grass species in China, while the slow regeneration speed limits its use. Two Z. japonica materials FM1 (fast regeneration rate) and SM232 (slow regeneration rate) were chosen from 10 different Zoysia grass by phenotypic index in this study. The genetic differences associated with zoysia regeneration and metabolism pathway are elucidated based on the transcriptome analysis, determination of hormone, and molecular biological section. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that both FM1 and SM232 had the maximum number of DEGs at 2 h and 12 h after mowing, indicating it may be the key stage of Zoysia grass response to mowing. After mowing treatment, FM1 was accompanied by up-regulation of regeneration-related genes, such as the LOB protein family and amide synthesis family. However, SM232 showed a continuous down-regulation of protein-related genes of the LOB family. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of IAA-related genes in both groups showed a downward trend, which was consistent with the results of IAA content determination. The IAA content in FM1 was significantly higher than that in SM232. Changes in CTK-related genes were only detected in FM1. Mowing induces plant defense systems, and plant tissue regeneration is closely related to the plant defense system, which may be the focus of further research. These results provide a basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of grass regeneration.

Lawns play a vital role in urban development, but the impact of sod production on soil properties has always been controversial. In this study, we examined the physical, chemical, and biological properties of sod production bases across different regions and years [including northern China (2.5, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 years), referred to as N-2.5, N-3, etc., and southern China (3, 10, 11, 14, 17 years), referred to as S-3, S-10, etc.], with tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass planted in the north and bermudagrass or creeping bentgrass planted in the south. Sod production was found to increase soil bulk density while reducing porosity and field capacity, but these effects did not consistently intensify with longer production periods. Except for available phosphorus and available potassium, other soil nutrients (total carbon, total nitrogen, organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, etc.) were either unaffected or increased at certain time points (S-11, S-14). Prolonged sod production (S-10, S-17) also boosted microbial content. In northern regions, organic matter and total nitrogen were the key factors influencing microbial community structure, whereas in southern regions, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, electrical conductivity, available potassium, and organic matter were most influential. We also found that crop rotation, sand mulching, and deep plowing could enhance soil nutrient content and microbial activity in sod production.

Soil salinization poses a major threat to plant growth and ecosystem sustainability. Zoysia japonica, a salt-tolerant turfgrass, shows promise for saline–alkali soil remediation, yet its metabolic adaptation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we applied non-targeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) metabolomics to compare the responses of salt-tolerant (accession 68) and salt-sensitive (accession 9) genotypes of Z. japonica under salt stress. The sensitive genotype exhibited stronger metabolic disruption, with 843 differentially accumulated metabolites (largely down-regulated), compared with 595 in the tolerant genotype (predominantly up-regulated). We identified a coordinated tolerance mechanism primarily centered on lipid remodeling and energy maintenance. The tolerant genotype enhanced membrane stability through the accumulation of saturated glycerophospholipids and an increased phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine (PC/PE) ratio, while maintaining phosphatidic acid (PA) homeostasis which may facilitate SOS-dependent Na⁺ efflux. It also mitigated oxidative damage by stabilizing diacylglycerol (DAG), thereby potentially limiting protein kinase C (PKC) overactivation. Furthermore, sustained cardiolipin and riboflavin metabolism supported mitochondrial energy production in the tolerant genotype. Together, these findings provide new insights into the early metabolic basis of salt tolerance in Z. japonica, suggesting a potential crucial role for PA-mediated regulation of SOS-dependent sodium sequestration during the initial phase of stress, and implying potential targets for breeding stress-resilient turfgrasses.

Lolium multiflorum is widely used to remediate pollutant residues in the environment. The tolerance of plants to pollutants is a key factor affecting the phytoremediation effect and limiting plant application. In this study, 13 herbicides including alachlor, butachlor, metolachlor, imazamox, atrazine, prometryn, fomesafen, quinclorac, flumetsulam, clomazone, isoxaflutole, pendimethalin, and 2,4-D with long residual time and serious environmental toxicity were used for evaluation of the tolerance ability of L. multiflorum. The seed germination and plant growth, as well as physiological characteristics of L. multiflorum after exposure to different herbicides concentrations were explored. The membership function value method was used to analyze the tolerance of L. multiflorum to different herbicides. Results revealed that low-concentration herbicides promoted the seed germination and plant growth of L. multiflorum, while high-concentration herbicides performed an inhibitory effect. The antioxidant enzyme activities in plants were increased under herbicide treatment. L. multiflorum had strong tolerance to quinclorac and weak tolerance to imazamox, atrazine, clomazone, and isoxaflutole.