Use of rapid light curves to evaluate photosynthetic changes in turfgrasses exposed to low‐light conditions

Shade is a widespread issue for turf areas that reduces quality, and the lack of light to drive photosynthetic processes one major factor responsible these declines. Maintaining positive carbon balance essential plant survival under low-light conditions, but large-scale screening performance can be difficult task. Chlorophyll fluorescence rapid curves (RLC) were used understand difference in hybrid bermudagrass ‘Tifway’ (Cynodon dactylon (L,) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) Japanese lawngrass ‘El Toro’ (Zoysia japonica Steud.) high-light (800 µmol m–2 s–1) (200 treatments controlled environment studies. Measurement maximum potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) did not change over course study significantly greater El Toro. Tifway grown treatment had photosynthesis, dark respiration rates compared The RLCs demonstrated treatment, was more efficient at harvesting lower irradiance levels, also reached saturation levels. Differences among plants or may due differences photoacclimation. While should seen as replacement traditional response based on CO2 flux, they provide valuable information about acclimation systems warrant further testing real-world conditions.