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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #366669
Research Project: Improved Plant Genetic Resources and Methodologies for Rangelands, Pastures, and Turf Landscapes in the Semiarid Western U.S.

Location: Forage and Range Research

Title: Salt tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass

Author
item Bushman, Shaun
item JOHNSON, PAUL - Utah State University
item Robins, Joseph

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: With alkaline and saline soil in the semi-arid western USA, salinity stress can occur due to leaching out of salts and evaporation. Additionally, the increased use of reclaimed water in the western USA, with its higher salt content, pose continual and substantial salt stress on park and residential turf that is irrigated with that water. To ameliorate the problems of saline soils and irrigation, we have evaluated and selected Kentucky bluegrass germplasm that is tolerant to salt stress. We conducted greenhouse and field salt stress trials, and selected tolerant cultivars and germplasm. We conducted gene expression studies and found genes highly induced in tolerant germplasm. We have also fine-tuned salt screening or selection methods to increase accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we have identified and developed more salt tolerant breeding lines and hybrids.