Applications of biotechnology in turfgrass genetic improvement

During the past two decades, substantial progress has been made in applying modern biotechnology in turfgrass genetic improvement. Applications of biotechnology have assisted turfgrass breeding programs in several different ways. This review article addresses the advances made in turfgrass biotechnology, which are categorized in the following areas: (i) applications of molecular markers to assist breeding practice, (ii) in vitro manipulations for regenerable tissue culture, (iii) genetic engineering by DNA transfer techniques, and (iv) the use of fungal endophytes to improve turfgrass performance. Further achievements in turfgrass biotechnology hold promise for solving problems that challenge the turfgrass industry.