Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of salinity on turf quality, clipping yield, root mass, canopy photosynthetic rate (Pn), total nonstructural carbohydrate content (TNC), shoot reducing sugar content (RSC), proline content, and K+/Na+ in shoots and roots of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) cultivars (Salam, Excalibur, and Adalayd). These cultivars were evaluated at different mowing heights using a hydroponics system in the greenhouse. Salam achieved 11.9, 24.2, 36.5, and 55.7% more clipping yield than Adalayd at 0, 16, 32, and 44 dS m(-1) salinity levels, respectively, under the highest mowing level. At the highest mowing height, the root mass of Salam, Excalibur, and Adalayd increased by 162.9, 170.0, and 204.0%, respectively, as salinity increased from 0 to 44 dS m(-1). The values of Pn in Salam were the highest (16.66, 19.89, and 25.85 mu mol CO2 M-2 S-1 at 25-, 35-, and 45-mm mowing heights, respectively) at 44 dS m(-1). The TNC decreased by 44.2, 29.2, and 25.5% in Salam while RSC increased by 49.3, 44.3, and 40.3% at 25-, 35-, and 45-mm mowing heights, respectively, as salinity increased from 0 to 44 dS m(-1). In Salam, as salinity levels increased from 0 to 44 dS m(-1), proline content increased by 417.7, 429.5, and 438.7% at 25-, 35-, and 45-mm mowing heights, respectively. Paspalum had its highest selectivity of K+/Na+ when maintained at 45-mm mowing height. Salinity tolerance of seashore paspalum cultivars can be enhanced by increasing mowing height.