RESPONSE OF SOME TURFGRASSES TO SALINITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF SAUDI ARABIA.

Abstract

Growth and performance of 2 Zoysiagrass cultivars ('Miyako', 'Nagissa'), 2 Bermudagrass hybrid cultivars ('Tifway', 'Tifgreen') and 1 St. Augustinegrass cultivar ('Floratam') were evaluated with two salinity levels (4.6 and 10.27dSm-1) of irrigation water in greenhouse and field conditions of Saudi Arabia. The goal of the study was to select the most suitable cultivars for each condition. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. In order to evaluate the effect of salinity and different type of environmental conditions on turfgrass growth parameters such as coverage, color and quality of the turf, fresh and dry biomass were determined at monthly intervals. In addition, variations of the chlorophyll contentbetween cultivars at different salinity levels were also studied. Turfgrass cultivars exhibited different growth behavior in response to the various treatments. Bermudagrass cultivars, especially 'Tifway', appeared to tolerate saline irrigation water and the increased salt concentration in the soil. 'Tifway' produced a significantly higher amount of biomass with high salinity irrigation under greenhouse conditions. Leaflength of 'Miyako' and 'Nagissa' was not affected by the salinity irrigation but therewas a significant difference concerning the influence of shading. The St. Augustinegrass cultivar 'Floratam' produced a significantly lower amount of chlorophyll with high salinity irrigation under shading but it produced a considerable amount of chlorophyll when the salinity level was lowered under the greenhouseconditions. Bermudagrass demonstrated the best color throughout the year, whileZoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass developed yellowish colors under shade.