Chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of turfgrasses grown under shade trees

Abstract Shade is a widespread environmental condition that results in the decline of quality in turfgrasses. There is a great need to understand how plants physiologically respond to shaded conditions, and more specifically the ability of plants to harvest light energy in these limited light conditions. A collection of cool‐season (hybrid bluegrass [ Poa arachnifera × Poa pratensis ] and tall fescue [ Festuca arundinaceae ]) and warm‐season turfgrasses (bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvalensis ], seashore paspalum [ Paspalum vaginatum ], and Zoysia spp.) were grown under full‐sun or tree shade environments. In addition to estimates of overall performance, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were used to estimate photochemical processes associated with light harvesting. Differences in shade performance were detected along with changes to photosynthetic processes. Rankings of shade tolerance were similar to previous research, with cool‐season species being relatively more tolerant, followed by zoysiagrasses, and bermudagrass being relatively shade sensitive. Based on chlorophyll fluorescence and the JIP‐test, a plant's ability to capture electrons may be more critical for shade tolerance than their ability to perform intersystem electron transport. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters are a potentially useful tool to further explore plant adaptation to shaded conditions.