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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(12)

Genotypic variation in salinity tolerance of Distichlis spicata turf ecotypes

Kenneth B. Marcum A C , Nicholas P. Yensen B and John E. Leake B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Arizona State University, 7001 East Williams Field Road, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA.

B NyPa International, 90 Carrington Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: kenneth.marcum@asu.edu

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(12) 1506-1511 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA07164
Submitted: 31 May 2007  Accepted: 13 September 2007   Published: 16 November 2007

Abstract

Water quantity and quality issues are accelerating the search for alternative xeriphytic and halophytic turf species. Growth and physiological responses to salinity of eight Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene genotypes were observed to elucidate salinity tolerance mechanisms operating in the species. Accession 1043 was superior in salinity tolerance to other genotypes, as indicated by percentage canopy green leaf area, relative (to control) shoot growth, relative root growth, and rooting depth, when exposed to increasing salinity up to 1.0 mol/L NaCl. Salinity tolerance was associated with complete, though minimal, shoot osmotic adjustment, maintenance of low shoot saline ion levels, and high shoot K+/Na+ ratios, all of which were facilitated by high leaf salt gland ion excretion rates.

Additional keywords: halophyte, native turf grass.


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