Effect of Salicylic Acid on Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) Turfgrass Germination and Growth Under Salinity Stress

Festucarubra and Lolium perenne are major cool-season turfgrasses which are used as turf grass around the world. Festuca and Lolium seeds were soaked for 12 h in distilled (Control) water and 100 mg l-1 SA. The seeds were sown in salinized soil mixture with 0, 40, 80 and 120 mM NaCl. The results showed that the seed germination percentage and germination velocity decreases significantly by increasing of salinity levels. Lolium was more tolerant than Festuca against salinity in germination stage. Stem length of Lolium was significantly higher than Festuca in saline and non-saline treatments. Stem length in both species were reduced under salinity conditions. Dry weights of both species were increased by salicylic acid application under saline and non-saline conditions. In conclusion, negative effects of salinity on growth were reduced by SA application.