Effect of Different Strains of Bacillus Species on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Rice Exposed to Drought Stress

Abstract

The impact of climate change-induced droughts in various regions worldwide has led to a range of stresses in plants, resulting in a decline in overall yield. Numerous strategies have been employed to alleviate stress on plants, but the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has emerged as a cost-effective and efficient approach. This study explores the influence of three distinct isolates of Bacillus species on lipid peroxidation and selected antioxidant enzymes in drought-stressed rice. Standard procedures were employed to assess antioxidant enzymes. Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, and Superoxide dismutase—while Malondialdehyde levels were utilized to gauge lipid peroxidation over 0, 3, 6, and 9 days of drought stress exposure. Among the three isolates, Bacillus subtilis SA1 (accession number OM184294) exhibited superior properties in inducing antioxidant enzymes, effectively countering the impact of generated free radicals. Additionally, this same organism demonstrated exceptional efficacy in reducing lipid peroxidation levels in the plant's leaves, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of free radicals. Consequently, this particular organism proves promising for minimizing the impact of drought stress in rice, complementing its role as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.