Caracterização morfofisiológica, molecular e funcional de Mycobacterium agroflorensis com potencial para o desenvolvimento de bioinsumos e promoção do crescimento vegetal
The growing demand for sustainable agricultural systems has stimulated the development of microbial bioinputs capable of reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers while improving the efficient use of natural resources. In this context, the prospecting and characterization of plant growth-promoting bacteria represent a promising strategy to increase agricultural productivity and support environmental sustainability. This study aimed to perform the morphophysiological, molecular, and functional characterization of the experimental strain Mycobacterium agroflorensis, evaluating its potential for application as an agricultural bioinput. The research included macroscopic and microscopic characterization, cultivation on Middlebrook 7H10 medium, assessment of bacterial growth under different temperature and pH conditions, molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and investigation of plant growth-promoting mechanisms, including phytohormone production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and genes associated with plant–bacteria interaction. Agronomic assays were also conducted under controlled environmental conditions, combined with Internet of Things (IoT)-based environmental monitoring, to evaluate bacterial inoculation in different crop species. The results demonstrated that M. agroflorensis exhibited high phenotypic stability, optimal growth at 30 °C and pH 7.0, morphological characteristics consistent with the genus Mycobacterium, and functional traits associated with plant growth promotion. Bacterial inoculation improved plant development and demonstrated promising potential for application in sustainable agricultural systems. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of M. agroflorensis as a candidate for the development of agricultural bioinputs, contributing to low-carbon agriculture and advancing research in agricultural microbiology.