Prompt chlorophyll a fluorescence as a rapid tool for diagnostic changes in PSII structure inhibited by salt stress in Perennial ryegrass

•Salt stress limits Perennial ryegrass growth.•We studied the effect of salt stress photosynthetic efficiency.•Disturbance of PSII function was estimated by application of JIP-test.•We identified various limiting parameters of photosynthetic efficiency.•We recommend some photosynthetic efficiency parameters for selection towards tolerance.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most popular grass species in Europe. It is commonly used for establishing the lawns in urban areas, where the salt stress is one of the major environmental conditions limiting its growth. The basic aim of this study was the detailed in vivo analysis of the changes in photosynthetic efficiency, induced by salt stress, of two lawn varieties of Perennial ryegrass and to find out the variety of better properties to create lawn on the soils contaminated with salt. Two lawn varieties of L. perenne L. were used: Nira and Roadrunner. The salinization was applied 8 weeks after sowing by adding NaCl in water solution (0, 0.15, and 0.30 M). The measurements were carried out 8 times: 0, 24, 48, 96, 144, 192, 240 and 288 h after salinization. Our results revealed that the disturbance of PSII function could easily be estimated by measuring chlorophyll a fluorescence and analyzing that signal by JIP-test. Our work allowed to identify various limiting parameters of photosynthetic efficiency of perennial ryegrass lawn varieties grown under salt stress conditions. This knowledge can allow for selection of plants with a higher potential photosynthetic efficiency (vitality) during salt stress conditions, that can be used successfully neighboring roads, where salt is applied.