Effect of Fertilization, Irrigation and Microbial Biostimulant on the Antioxidant Profile of Some Sweet Pepper Genotypes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: L.) are an important dietary source of antioxidants. Optimizing fruit antioxidant quality under reduced inputs is essential to valorize sustainable pepper production. Here, we evaluated seven Spanish genotypes (traditional/local, derived experimental hybrids and commercial hybrids) across six treatments combining two fertilization (100% and 50%) and irrigation (100% and 75%) regimes, with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) applied under reduced fertilization treatments. Vitamin C and flavonoids were quantified by HPLC at the green-ripe and fully ripe stages, and carotenoids were determined spectrophotometrically at the fully ripe stage. Several genotypes largely maintained antioxidant content under stress treatments, whereas specific genotype × ripening stage combinations showed maximum increases in vitamin C (+102%), flavonoids (+86% for kaempferol) and carotenoids (+67% for yellow-orange carotenoids) under certain low-input treatments compared to the control. The PGPR effects on vitamin C and carotenoids were generally small, with occasional reductions. However, the PGPR increased total and some individual flavonoids by up to 96% (luteolin) in green-ripe Piquillo and 128% (quercetin) in fully ripe Isabel F1 fruits compared to the corresponding non-inoculated treatments. This multi-genotype, two ripening-stage evaluation identifies Spanish traditional germplasm and derived hybrids with stable or improved antioxidant profiles under low-input conditions and provides insight into PGPR effects. These results support the use of traditional genotypes in breeding for sustainable production.
Source: Plants
Institution: Universitat Politècnica de València
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Funder: Agencia Estatal de Investigación
OpenAlex ID: W7155047775