SEVA NAYAK DHEERAVATHU, USHA T. N., SRAVANTHI G, KETHAVATH MADHUDEEPIKA, THULASI BAI VADITHE, AVINASH S., SRINIVS A., JYOTHI, SAIDA NAIK VADITHE, D. VENKATESHWARLU, M. ANIL NAYAK AND MUKUL KUMAR
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad-500 030 (Telangana) India
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Iruvakki, Sagara (Tq), Shivamogga-577 412 (Karnataka), India
Department of Microbiology, Visakha Government Degree College for Women (A), Visakhapatnam-530 020 (Andhra Pradesh), India
ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Jangameswarapuram, Palnadu-522 415 (Andhra Pradesh), India
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore (Karnataka), India
ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi-284 003 (U.P.), India
Department of Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar) India
*(e-mail: sevanayak2005@gmail.com)
(Received: 22 Februry 2026; Accepted: 26 March 2026)
SUMMARY
Cold stress tolerance in forage crops refers to the ability of grasses and legumes to survive and maintain productivity under low-temperature conditions, including chilling (0-15°C) and freezing (<0°C). This trait is critical in temperate and high-altitude regions where frost events are frequent. Cold-tolerant forage species exhibit adaptive mechanisms such as osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, membrane stability, and cold acclimation, which reduce cellular damage and sustain growth. These adaptations ensure stable biomass production and continuous feed supply during colder seasons, thereby supporting livestock productivity and farm income. This review summarizes physiological mechanisms, breeding strategies, and biotechnological approaches to enhance cold tolerance and forage yield.
Key words: Alfalfa, cold tolerant, forage crops, freezing stress, physiology