The interest in salinity-tolerant turfgrasses grows as the availability of potable water for irrigating decreases. Therefore, Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. conducted turf survival tests in greenhouse saltwater baths, to determine which varieties tolerate high levels of salinity. Different ppm levels of salt were used for the various species of turfgrass, depending on the inherent tolerance to salt of the turfgrass species being tested. Any variety that had 50% or greater survival rate over the length of the study was deemed qualified to receive the Scotts Turf-Seed salt-tolerant icon. |
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Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. identifies plants with salinity tolerance for use in breeding projects and to find existing varieties that have natural high salt tolerance. Using a synthetic ocean salt, a salt bath was created, containing six different salts as well as minor elements. Plants were placed in saltwater baths in each of four replications for a specified period of time. Percent survival was calculated, based on the number of plants maintaining green color vs. number of dead plants subjected to a salt bath. |