Classification of C3 and C4 Turfgrass Species Based on CO2 Compensation Concentration and Leaf Anatomy1

Abstract

Leaf anatomy and CO 2 compensation concentration (Γ) were used to determine the carbon fixation pathway for 10 cool season and 5 warm season turfgrass species. Turfgrasses of the subfamily Festucoideae were representative of C 3 plants. Turfgrass species of the subfamily Panicoideae and Eragrostoidea were representative of C 4 plants. Turfgrasses classified traditionally as cool season or warm season species correlated with C 3 and C 4 plant types, respectively. Both techniques of C 3 and C 4 classification proved equally reliable in this study, however, the utilization of Kranz leaf anatomy required less preparation.