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Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of microbial inoculants, Trichoderma harzianum (BioEnsure®) and Bacillus spp. (BioTango™), on the abiotic stress tolerance of three turfgrass species—bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Greenhouse trials assessed the effects of these inoculants, applied individually and in combination, on key physiological and biochemical parameters under drought and heat stress conditions. While microbial treatments influenced plant responses, particularly in creeping bentgrass, results varied depending on species and environmental conditions. The combined treatment (BB) did not always provide advantages over the individual applications, suggesting that the interaction between T. harzianum and Bacillus spp. may not always lead to a synergistic effect. Seed coating with Trichoderma harzianum significantly improved germination under heat stress, suggesting it to be a more effective application method than foliar spray in this study. These findings highlight the potential of microbial inoculants in sustainable turfgrass management; however, they emphasize the need for further research to optimize application strategies.