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(P0.05) on tall fescue seed germination.The treatment with 0.5 mmol/L SA showed the best performance in this study.