Characterization of Warm-season Turfgrasses Against Drought

Abstract: Turfgrasses are important ground covers used aesthetic and environment amelioration. Study of drought resistance is important for selection of suitable varieties. The study was conducted to investigate the assess drought resistance among different warm season turfgrass varieties viz. Bermuda grass (Dacca), Zoysia grass, Tifway and Tiffany. Three treatments were applied i.e. well watered (control), drought stress (irrigation was withheld and soil was allowed to dry by continually maintaining un-watered for 15 days and 30 days). Leaf area, shoot length root length and chlorophyll content were measured. Dacca retains maximum leaf area at three observed drought levels. In comparison to other varieties Dacca maintained maximum shoot length and root length at different drought levels. Minimum total chlorophyll content alteration found in Dacca >Tiffany > Zoysia. While Tifway prone to maximum alteration in total chlorophyll content.  In present study it was observed that among four selected warm-season turfgrasses Dacca had maximum resistance, whereas Tifway was most sensitive against applied drought levels.

Keywords: Drought, warm-season, Turfgrasses, Growth, Chlorophyll