Unveiling Agricultural Biotechnological Prospects: The Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas geniculata LGMB417.

Stenotrophomonas species are recognized as rhizobacteria that play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth by making substantial contributions to enhanced soil fertility, nutrient recycling, and phytopathogen control. Employing them as bioinputs constitutes an environmentally sound strategy, particularly within the rhizospheric community. This study revealed the draft genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas geniculata LGMB417, which was originally isolated from root samples of maize (Zea mays L.). This research assessed the potential of a bacterial strain at the molecular level through genome mining, aiming to identify genes with biotechnological significance for promoting plant growth and protection. The assembly findings indicate that strain LGMB417 possesses a genome size of 4,654,011 bp, with a G + C content of 66.50%. The draft genome sequence revealed the presence of gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites and carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes), glycoside hydrolases (23), glycosyltransferases (18), carbohydrate esterases (5), polysaccharide lyases (2), carbohydrate-binding modules (2), and auxiliary activities (1). Several genes related to growth promotion were found in the genome, including those associated with phosphate transport and solubilization, nitrogen metabolism, siderophore production and iron transport, hormonal modulation, stress responses (such as to drought, temperature fluctuations, osmotic challenges, and oxidative conditions), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Subsequent phases will encompass investigations utilizing gene expression methodologies, with future explorations concentrating on facets pertinent to agricultural production, including comprehensive field studies.

Unlocking the growth-promoting and antagonistic power: A comprehensive whole genome study on Bacillus velezensis strains.

Bacillus species are extensively documented as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, contributing significantly to the enhancement of soil fertility, nutrient recycling, and the control of phytopathogens. Utilizing them as biocontrol agents represents an environmentally friendly strategy, particularly within the rhizospheric community. This study presents the comprehensive genome sequences of three B. velezensis strains (LGMB12, LGMB319, and LGMB426) which were previously isolated from root samples of maize (Zea mays L.), along with a type strain FZB42. The research assesses the capability of the three strains for antagonizing fungi, specifically Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, Colletotrichum graminicola, and Stenocarpella sp. In paired cultures involving maize fungi, treatments containing bacteria B. velezensis exhibited statistically significant differences compared to both negative and positive treatments in terms of antagonism. Furthermore, genome mining techniques were employed to explore their inherent antagonistic potential. The assembly revealed that strains LGMB12, LGMB319, LGMB426, and FZB42 exhibit genome sizes of 4,187,541 bp, 4,244,954 bp, 3,976,537 bp, and 3,990,518 respectively. Their respective G + C content stands at 46.42 %, 46.50 %, 46.51 %, and 46.38 %. Moreover, the genomes present multiple gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). These clusters highlight a diverse array of antibacterial and antifungal properties, complemented by numerous plant growth-promoting genes. These results highlight the potential of B. velezensis LGMB12, LGMB319, and LGMB426 strains as biocontrol and plant growth promotion agents, being promising candidates for further studies in agricultural production, including field trials.