Effects of soaking seeds with salicylic acid on tall fescue seed germination under drought stress

Tall fescue (Fescue arundinacea) is a coldseason type turfgrass and is widely used in urban greening. This study was to evaluate effects of socking seeds with different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination of Bonsai 2000, Houndog 5 and Ruby tall fescue under drought stress, which was simulated by PEG2000. The results obtained from the study indicated that SA at the lower concentration (0.12－1.00 mmol/L) increased germination potential, germination rate of tall fescue seeds; promoted growth of seedlings and roots; and improved the drought resistance of tall fescue during seed germination period. However, the higher concentrations (2.00－3.00 mmol/L) inhibited seed germination and growth of the seedlings. The treatment with 3.00 mmol/L SA displayed a significant inhibiting effect (P＜0.05) on tall fescue seed germination. The treatment with 0.5 mmol/L SA showed the best performance in this study.