Merging callus level and whole plant micro‐culture to select salt‐tolerant ‘seaside’ creeping bentgrass1

Abstract

Abstract More efficient methods for developing and identiyng new salt‐tolerant (ST) turfgrasses are needed since salt from irrigation is accumulating in production and recreation soils. In this study, callus culture selection was combined with whole plant microculture (WPMC) screening to facilitate identifnng ST ‘Seaside’ creeping bentgrass genotypes. Putative ST cell lines were first isolated from salt‐challenged compact callus cultures grown in media containing 0–3% sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). These selected cell cultures were then regenerated and rescreened at the WPMC level in vitro to compare their vegetative growth relative to non‐selected plants. Neither the selected nor the non‐selected microcultured plants produced roots in an in vitro medium containing 3% Na2SO4. However, the selected plantlets exhibited slightly better root and shoot growth than non‐selected plants at lower salinity (1.5–2.0% Na2SO4). This technique proved successful for screening potentially salt‐tolerant turfgrasses. In addition...