Effects of combined shade and drought stress on turf‐type bermudagrasses

Shade and drought commonly occur together in turfgrass systems due to competition with trees for light soil water. Two greenhouse studies were conducted evaluate the effects of combined shade stress on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hybrid [C. Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] physiology. ‘Latitude 36 Turf Bermudagrass’ (Latitude 36TM) ‘Riley's Super Sport’ (Celebration®) selected Experiment 1, while ‘Patriot’ was added as a shade-sensitive cultivar 2. Washed plugs each planted growth tubes (10 cm diameter by 46 length polyvinyl chloride pipe flat bottom cap) filled 1:1 topsoil/sand root-zone. Each experiment completely random design two factors (cultivar irrigation) repeated under environments. Light environment defined either adequate (20.8–26.8 mol m–2 d–1) or low (9.7–10.1 conditions. Irrigation applied hand achieve 100% (well-watered) 50% (drought) replacement evapotranspiration (ET). Under conditions, resulted gradual decline ET rate, whereas showed sharp rate over time. light, Patriot consumed most water among cultivars well-watered In contrast, had lowest use environment, suggesting tolerance could potentially influence response