Peran Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) dalam Memodulasi Respon Fisiologis dan Biokimia Tanaman Cabai (Capsicum annuum L.) terhadap Cekaman Kekeringan: Sebuah Tinjauan

Abstract

Drought stress is a major limiting factor in chili pepper cultivation as it directly affects plant growth, physiology, and yield. Common mitigation strategies, such as the use of stress-tolerant varieties and increased chemical inputs, often require high investment costs and may adversely affect environmental quality. Therefore, alternative approaches that are sustainable and environmentally friendly are needed. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of rhizosphere microorganisms that have the potential to enhance plant tolerance to drought stress through various biological mechanisms. This study aims to examine the role of PGPR in modulating the response of chili plants to drought stress from physiological, biochemical, and hormonal perspectives. The results indicate that PGPR application can enhance chili plant growth under water-deficit conditions by improving root system development, reducing stress-induced ethylene accumulation, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, and promoting the accumulation of osmolytes such as proline. In addition, PGPR help maintain plant water status and mitigate oxidative stress caused by drought. Overall, PGPR have strong potential to be developed as microbial biostimulants to support sustainable chili cultivation in dryland and arid climate conditions.