Abstract

Abstract In most parts of Iran, soil and water salinity causes many problems for green space and turfgrass facilities. So this greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid and salinity on morphological characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis .L), as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. The first factor consisted of three concentration of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mM) and the second factor consisted of three concentration of sodium chloride (0, 40, 80 mM NaCl). The results showed that the interaction of salinity and salicylic acid on all morphological traits were significant. The most root dry weight was observed in 40 mM salinity and 2 mM foliar application of salicylic acid. Nonstressed plants treated with 1 mM salicylic acid had highest shoot dry weight and quality. Keywords: Turf quality, Foliar application, Dry weight