Evaluation of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) for short-term drought tolerance targeting low-maintenance landscaping

Abstract

Drought responses of turf-type Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) in relation to their growth, carbon allocation and accumulation of nonstructural carbohydrates were investigated. Seedlings were exposed to a 20 day terminal drought, followed by 20 day recovery with irrigation. Leaf dry matter was lower in water-stressed plants than control plants by the end of drought, but did not differ in roots. For both species, more carbon was allocated towards roots in response to drought. Total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentration in shoots was increased in drought-stressed plants of both species. However, root TNC concentrations in Bahia grass were decreased after drought. TNC pool sizes also showed a similar variation, hence correlated with TNC concentrations. Bahia grass maintained a better quality than Bermuda grass after the drought, having recorded a higher aesthetic score, higher relative water content and a lower electrolyte leakage. Results suggest that, both species are considerably tolerant to short-term drought though Bahia grass seems more promising.

Performance of five typical warm‐season turfgrasses and their influence on soil bacterial community under a simulated tropical coral island environment

“…spiritual and recreational benefits) services. Warm‐season turfgrasses are characterized by strong capacity for propagation, rapid growth, strong abiotic stress resistance and adaptability to extremely nutrient‐poor soil, low cost of turf establishment, and maintenance (Beneragama & Kapila Kumara, 2018; Fan et al, 2020; Huang et al, 2014). Therefore, they have been considered for use as pioneer plants for vegetation re‐construction and restoration in terrestrial ecosystems accompanied by harsh environmental conditions (Christians, 1998; Huang et al, 1997).…”