Salinity Tolerance of Greens-type Poa annua L.

Greens-type Poa annua L. (annual bluegrass) is being developed into a commercial turfgrass. The salinity tolerance of greens-type Poa annua was studied to improve general understanding and accelerate the breeding process. Literature indicates that Poa annua does not contain salinity tolerance; empirical observations, however, suggest greens- types Poa annua may possess more tolerance to saline environments. As research data were very limited on the salt tolerence of greens-type Poa annua, comparisons were conducted among Poa annua biotypes, greens-type Poa annua experimental lines, and common cool-season turgrass species during seed germination and vegetative growth for comprehensive intra- and inter-species evaluations. The studies suggest that greens-type Poa annua has evolved moderate to good salinity tolerance and should be distinguished from the weedy type Poa annua in terms of salinity tolerance.