Genotype-Dependent Antioxidative Response of Four Sweet Pepper Cultivars to Water Deficiency as Affected by Drought-Tolerant Bacillus safensis SS-2.7 and Bacillus thuringiensis SS-29.2 Strains

We examined the effect of drought-tolerant Bacillus safensis SS-2.7 and B. thuringiensis SS-29.2 strains on response four (133, 274, California Wonder—CalW, Matica) sweet pepper genotypes to water deficiency conditions. Pepper seeds were sown in pots with (treated) without (control) bacterial strain inoculation. After weeks growth under controlled conditions regular watering, drought was imposed by completely withholding watering for seven days. Under normal genotype 274 showed better seedling establishment than 133 CalW, while slowest Matica. Antioxidant enzyme activity treatment-dependent. The best treatment order cope severe found CalW genotype, 133, we determined even faster plant decay during treated seeds. Inoculated Matica did not show different antioxidant According obtained results, concluded that conditions, most susceptible moderate susceptibility detected tolerant genotypes. Our study demonstrates (1) a growth-promoting some selected genotypes; (2) there genotype-dependent activities particular strain; (3) could expect biostimulant application, especially stress