Comparison of germination indices and alpha-amylase activity of four tropical turf grass species in response to drought and salinity stresses

The sustainability of landscapes, especially in arid and sub-tropical areas with limited water resources, requires the use of suitable plants and adapted to the climatic conditions of these areas. Therefore, the study of species tolerant to salinity and drought stress for the construction of landscapes with the approach of optimal use of water resources and increase its productivity, the study of plants tolerant to drought and salinity stress is important. This study was performed to investigate the effects of salinity and drought stress on germination of four turfgrass species. In order to investigate the effects of drought stress (0, -2, -4, -8 and -16 Bar) and salinity (0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 dS/m) on four species of warm-season turfgrass (Buchloe dactyloides, Cynodon dactylon, Zoysia japonica and Paspalum vaginatom) were two separate experiments designed and performed in a completely randomized design with four replications in the Horticulture Physiology Laboratory of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan in 2020. The results showed that in conditions without stress and moderate salinity and drought stress, there was no difference between the four studied tropical grass species in terms of the studied characteristics, while in severe salinity and drought stresses, P. vaginatom ratio It excelled in three other ways. P. vaginatom had the highest germination rate with an average of 3.8 and 4.6 per day in the most severe drought and salinity levels. Also, in severe salinity and drought stress, B. dactyloides had the lowest percentage and germination rate, the lowest root and stem growth. Analysis of alpha-amylase activity among different species and salinity and drought stress showed that the highest activity of this enzyme was observed in all species at the control level (without stress). Alpha-amylase activity was lower in B. dactyloides at all levels than in other species. Also in severe levels of species strain P. vaginatum showed higher activity of alpha-amylase enzyme. Therefore, it will give it a better chance to establish the plant and start exploiting the facilities of the environment in conditions of drought and salinity stress.