Twelve inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata L.) clones collected from several western states of the US were studied in a greenhouse, using hydroponics technique to evaluate their growth responses in terms of shoot & root lengths, shoot (clippings) & root DM, & general grass quality under salt stress conditions. Grasses were grown vegetatively in 1/2 strength Hoagland solution for 60 d prior to exposure to salt stress. Then, 4 treatments [EC of 6 (control), 20, 34, & 48 dSm-1 salinity (Instant Ocean salt) stress] were replicated 3 times in a RCB design experiment. Grasses were grown under these conditions for 10 weeks. During this period, shoots were clipped bi-weekly, clippings were oven dried at 60o C & DM recorded, & shoot & root lengths were also measured. At the last harvest, roots were also harvested, oven dried, & DM determined. General grass quality was weekly evaluated & recorded. Overall, all the grasses showed a linear reduction in growth responses as salinity level increased. However, there was a wide range of variations observed in salt tolerance of these saltgrass clones. Clones 239 and 240 maintained acceptable turf quality at EC 34. No clones maintained adequate green leaf tissue at EC 48.
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