One of the most important problems in turfgrass industry is the shortage of available water. New management strategies to improve turfgrass drought resistance are critical. Arboscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the ability to maintain plants integrity under drought stress through making some changes in morphology, physiology, molecular structure and biochemical functions. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi on visual quality and drought response of seashore paspalum ( paspalum vaginatum ). A factorial experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The study was conducted in pots at the surrounding area of the Isfahan University of Tecnology's greenhouse. Treatments included four AMF (G. intraradices, G. mosseae, a mixture of both species and control non - inoculated plants), and two quality water (effluent and fresh water), and two cultivars of seashore paspalum (Sea Dwarf and UG22). Drought stress applied after recording acceptable turfgrass coverage. Sampling and measurements was done in 90 days after reirrigation. The results showed that drought stress has significant negative impact on most morphological and physiological indices of plants. The results also shown that AMF inoculation and effluent delayed drought and improve some morphological indices such as fresh and dry weight of shoots. It also enhanced color of the grasses which improved it significantly. AMF inoculation and effluent also affected growth and physiological indices such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline contents, soluble sugars contents, and peroxidase activities. It also increased the absorption of some nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. To sum up the results suggested that UG22 was superior to Sea Dwarf. Furthermore effluent can be recommended for irrigation this species with considering long-term effect of effluent on soil. Keywords: Seashore paspalum, Drought stress, Mycorrhiza, Effluent water, Appearance quality, Nutrient, Antioxidant enzyme
