Once tested the bacterial effectiveness on plant development
under drought conditions, the growth of the drought tolerant
autochthonous bacteria and of those used as reference (from our
collection) under increasing PEG levels in the growing medium
were assayed. Bacterial strains were cultivated at 28 ◦C in nutrient
broth (8 g L−1) supplemented with increasing PEG (0%; 10%;
20%; 30% or 40%) levels. The number of viable cells was estimated
following the conventional procedure at day intervals from 0 to 7
days.