Effects of Trinexapac-ethyl, Paclobutrazol and Abscisic Acid on Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr Growth, Morphological and Physiological Characteristics

In recent years growth regulators have been widely used in turfgrass management. The main purposes of application growth regulators are to reduce height¡ decreases number of cutting and increase tolerance to stresses. This research was carried out to determine effect of trinexapac-ethyl¡ paclobutrazol and abscisic acid on the growth¡ morphological and physiological characteristics of Zoysia matrella in completely randomized design with four replications. According to the results¡ trinexapac-ethyl and paclobutrazol recued zoysia matrella height and improved color. Unlike other growth regulators¡ application of trinexapac-ethyl improved tillering and chlorophyll content. Trinexapac-ethyl¡ paclobutrazol and abscisic acid increased peroxidases enzyme activity significantly¡ however did not affected catalase. Trinexapac-ethyl and abscisic acid improved ascorbate peroxidase activity. Activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme enhanced by application of trinexapac-ethyl and paclobutrazol. Growth regulators increased shoots soluble sugar content but not those root. Finally trinexapac-ethyl showed more suitable effect on growth reduction and increased resistance in Zoysia matrell compared to paclobutrazol and abscisic acid.