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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Morphological responses and turf quality expression of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) genotypes under salinity stress in simulated sand-based sports field conditions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.16436
Submitted
30 June 2026
Published
15-09-2026 — Updated on 30-09-2026
Versions

Abstract

Salinity stress limits turfgrass performance in urban landscapes, where irrigation is highly dependent on recycled water. This study evaluated the morphological and turf quality responses of six Cynodon genotypes, comprising three native accessions (Directorate of Floriculture Research (DFR) RS-2, DFR RS-10, DFR RS-11) and three commercial varieties (Tif Dwarf, Tif Eagle, Selection-1) subjected to four salinity levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 deciSiemens (dS) m-1) in a simulated sand-based sports field profile. Salinity treatments were applied for six weeks after canopy establishment and visual quality rating (VQR), leaf firing, leaf length, clipping yield, dark green colour index (DGCI) and salt secretion were evaluated weekly. Genotype Selection-1 (G6) and DFR RS-11 (G3) consistently maintained acceptable turf quality (VQR ≥ 6), greater leaf elongation, higher canopy greenness and reduced leaf firing under severe salinity stress (30 dS m-1). These responses indicated superior salinity tolerance compared with other genotypes. In contrast, Tif Eagle (G5) exhibited the greatest susceptibility, recording the lowest VQR, DGCI, clipping yield and leaf length, accompanied by the highest salt secretion. These findings identify Selection-1 and DFR RS-11 as promising salinity-tolerant genotypes for sustainable turfgrass cultivation using saline or recycled irrigation water.

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