Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Ornamental Plants Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mahallat, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Native turfgrasses are highly important and valuable due to their higher tolerance to environmental stresses and the need for low maintenance, and after establishment, they need less irrigation and fertilization than imported species. Turf grass species with low maintenance ability and at the same time maintaining acceptable quality by reducing management costs, especially mowing and adverse environmental effects, have been receiving more attention from lawn managers today. The primary aim of this study is to assess eight native turfgrass genotypes based on seed germination, visual quality, morpho-physiological traits, and tolerance to wear. Furthermore, the final goal is to identify top-performing genotypes that match breeding objectives, facilitating the development of advanced turfgrass cultivars that can replace foreign varieties. These innovative cultivars are meant to be showcased to urban green space managers and suburban planners as acclimated alternatives.
Materials and Methods
Eight native turfgrass species including (Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinaceae, F. ovina, F. rubra, Agropyron cristatum, A. intermedium, Poa pratensis and P. trivialis) are collected from from different areas of Iran. The seed germination indices, establishment speed, visual quality, growth characteristics and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Seed germination percentage
For germination, Petri dishes were used for 15 days in the germinator at a temperature of 25 ± 2 OC, 513 µmol m-2, a photoperiod of 12 h light/12 h darkness, and a relative humidity of 60%. Germination percentage and seed germination rate was done according to the method (Maguire, 1968). For measuring the height, samples were taken from each experimental unit and the height of the grass was measured with a ruler during the experiment. In order to measure tillering, samples were taken from each experimental unit and the number of tillers created in each plant during the experiment was counted. Among the genotypes in question, the appearance quality was measured by the observation method with scoring from 1 to 9 based on color, density, and uniformity, where the number 1 represents the worst and the number 9 represents the best quality (Morris and Sheerman, 2000). Artificial footing is done periodically on half of each main plot by a footing tension device. The amount of stress applied by the simulator is equivalent to the injuries caused by playing three football matches on grass per week (Canaway, 1976). Then, the wet and dry weight of the grass was measured using a digital scale. The amount of chlorophyll (mg of chlorophyll per gram of plant tissue) was calculated by the method of (Maxwell and Johnson, 2000). Comparison of data values was also done using Duncan's multi-range test and as a result 5% and 1% probability using SAS9.2 software.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that L. perenne turfgrass genotype showed the highest rates in terms of seed indices such as germination percentage and seed germination rate compared to other genotypes. In addition, in terms of visual quality, height, tillering, shoot fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll content, compared to other genotypes, it showed higher scores and values. Although there was no significant difference with the native genotype of F. arundinacea in most of the measured characteristics. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis showed that there is a strong and positive correlation between seed germination rate and all measured characteristics (r≥0.94). This indicates that, in addition to the quantitative traits, the qualitative traits of the seed are also important in the establishment rate, visual quality, amount of chlorophyll and other growth characteristics in turfgrasses.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the native turfgrasses of L. perenne and F. arundinaceae can replace foreign turfgrasses and be used in urban green spaces. Also, other studied turfgrasses such as Agropyron spp. are recommended in suburban spaces and low-maintenance environments. Overall, the findings indicate that Iran has the capacity to enhance turfgrass germplasm resources, develop breeding programs, and cultivate compatible varieties by leveraging promising local turfgrass genotypes.
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