Application of Trinexapac-ethyl and Propiconazole Enhances Superoxide Dismutase and Photochemical Activity in Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferous var. palustris)

Abstract

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is closely associated with stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stoloniferous L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw (syn. A. palustris Huds.)]. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of two plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the endogenous antioxidant SOD level and photochemical activity in `Penncross' creeping bentgrass grown under two fertilizer regimes. Mature `Penncross' was treated monthly with TE at 0.44 g a.i./100 m2 and PPC at 3.37 g a.i./100 m2 from May through November at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Center, Blacksburg, Va. Foliar application of TE and PPC increased SOD activity, photochemical activity, and Fm730/Fm690 ratio of creeping bentgrass under the two fertilization regimes as well as when the grass was exposed to a low soil moisture environment. TE reduced clipping weight consistently regardless of the fertilization regime. In contrast, PPC increased clipping weight slightly. Both TE and PPC significantly reduced Dollar spot disease (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa Bennett) under both high and low fertilization regimes. No significant fertilization × PGR interactions for SOD, photochemical activity of PS II, and Fm730/Fm690 were observed in well-watered or drought stressed bentgrass. Improvement in stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass by the PGRs appears to be associated partially with an increase of endogenous SOD activity. Chemical names used: trinexapac-ethyl (TE); propiconazole (PPC).