Effect of Plant Growth Regulator (Cyccocel) and Irrigation on some Vegetative Characteristics of Turffgrass

Abstract

A study conducted at the University of Raparin in Sulaimani province Pishdr Region,  aimed to assess the effects of the plant growth regulator cycocel on various parameters of lawn growth. Spanning two seasons, from April 2021 to October 2022, the study took place in the field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. The seed utilized in the experiment was a blend comprising 40% Festuca arundinacea, 10% Poa pratensis, 40% Festuca arundinacea, and 10% Lolium perenne. The research involved three concentration levels of cycocel (0, 100, and 200 ppm) applied as foliar sprays during the plants' rapid growth phase. Additionally, three irrigation levels (A1, A2, and A3) were implemented, representing 100%, 80%, and 60% of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo), respectively. The findings revealed that the application of a 200 ppm cycocel foliar spray led to an increase in bulk density  compared to the control group under non-stressed conditions. Specifically, the lawn leaf area was height  in the treatment with 100 ppm cycocel (0. 82 cm2), whereas the control group exhibited the lowest length (0.54 cm). Similarly, the control treatment showed the highest bulk density that was (76.62 gm/cm3) and plant density value showed significant effect on cycoccel level 200ppm that was 78.66 plant, and for  Chlorophyll the treatment 100ppm showed significant effect were it value was (9.87) mg. ml -1 fw, root depth and active root also showed significant effect on treatment 100ppm and 200ppm that was (45.25, 16.44)cm respectively . Statistical analysis of the data indicated significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) in leaf area resulting from different irrigation levels. The highest leaf area (0.78 cm2) was observed in A1, whereas the lowest leaf area (0.71cm2) was recorded in A2. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in bulk density, with the A1 group exhibiting the highest value (1.13g cm-3), while the A2 and A3 groups recorded 1.02 g cm-3 and 1.09 g cm-3, respectively. Notably, a significant difference in chlorophyll was observed between the A1 (9.73 mg. ml -1 fw) and A2 (9.72 mg. ml -1 fw) irrigation levels. Deep root and active root  conten also varied across irrigation levels, with the A1 level recording 47.74cm and 16.87cm consequently , and the A2 and A3 levels showing 44.94cm and 41.34 cm for deep root and 15.64cm 15.26cm for active root  respectively.