Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1985
Thesis Director
Roger Darding
Abstract
The effects of increased osmotic potentials on Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea var Vantage), Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea var Kentucky 31), Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata var Potomac), Sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense var Sorghum x Ludo FS X3-2), Grain Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare var Dekalb 28), Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis var Blair), Timothy (Phleum pratense var Climax), and Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare var Barsoy) were studied. The greenhouse triplicated experiments were conducted in modified aerated Hoagland's number 2 nutrient solutions for a period of four weeks.
The germination of Winter Barley was not inhibited by osmotic potentials as high as 12.00 atm., while Reed Canarygrass and Orchardgrass were the most sensitive, failing to germinate above 7.00 atm. (Table 1). Fresh weight decreased as the osmotic potential increased up to 3.00 atm., after which no plants survived except for Timothy, which did show some growth at 4.00 atm. (Table 3). These results indicate that even though germination may occur at high osmotic concentrations (Table 1), most forage grasses are unable to grow and mature at any osmotic potential greater than 3.00 atm. A significant interaction between the osmotic potentials and the species studied was determined by the use of a two-way analysis of variance (Table 4).
Recommended Citation
Boyles, Kent Alan, "Salinity Tolerance in Forage Grasses" (1985). Masters Theses. 2729.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2729
