INTEGRATED MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL, MOLECULAR, AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM AGROFLORENSIS REVEALS ITS POTENTIAL AS A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL BIOINPUT

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.

Integrative functional profiling of rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria reveals Lelliottia aquatilis as a multifunctional PGPR in Himalayan ecosystems

This study introduces L. aquatilis strain MC3 as an emerging candidate for bioinoculant development and one of the first reports for identification of L. aquatilis as multifunctional PGPR from Himalayan ecosystems.

Genomic exploration of Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197: an agrobiotechnological tool from the Sonoran Desert

ABSTRACT Climate change and the harmful effects of extensive agrochemical use for plant nutrition and pest control on soils, the environment, and human health are driving the search for sustainable alternatives that reduce their use while increasing plant resilience. In regenerative agriculture, microorganisms have become valuable tools, acting as biological control agents or biostimulants, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and/or to enhance plant performance under abiotic stress. The genus Bacillus is well known for its versatile interactions with plants. Specifically, Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197 has demonstrated high efficacy in controlling phytopathogenic nematodes and adapting to diverse soil and crop conditions. Based on these traits, we explored the agricultural potential of this strain through genomic analysis and in vitro and in vivo assays. Gene analysis identified functions related to three main areas: (i) stress resistance and plant colonization, (ii) plant growth promotion, and (iii) phytopathogen control. The strain showed high tolerance to salinity and temperature, promoted plant growth, and exhibited strong antifungal activity. These findings highlight the potential of the TB197 strain as a promising candidate for developing next-generation bioinoculants. IMPORTANCE The use of beneficial microorganisms is a pivotal strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture while preserving crop productivity. Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197 is a native desert soil bacterium with genetic traits associated with stress tolerance, plant growth promotion, and suppression of plant pathogens. In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach integrating genomic analysis and functional assays to demonstrate the strain’s multifunctional potential as an agricultural bioinoculant. The results of the study demonstrate that a singular bacterial strain can integrate multiple beneficial functions relevant to sustainable agriculture. This work contributes to the field of applied microbiology by expanding the understanding of how environmentally adapted bacteria can serve as biological alternatives to chemical inputs in agroecosystems. The use of beneficial microorganisms is a pivotal strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture while preserving crop productivity. Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197 is a native desert soil bacterium with genetic traits associated with stress tolerance, plant growth promotion, and suppression of plant pathogens. In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach integrating genomic analysis and functional assays to demonstrate the strain’s multifunctional potential as an agricultural bioinoculant. The results of the study demonstrate that a singular bacterial strain can integrate multiple beneficial functions relevant to sustainable agriculture. This work contributes to the field of applied microbiology by expanding the understanding of how environmentally adapted bacteria can serve as biological alternatives to chemical inputs in agroecosystems.

Bioprospecting osmotolerant phyllosphere bacteria: functional characterization and biotechnological application for enhanced nutrient use efficiency in solanum crops

Aislamiento y caracterización de bacterias promotoras de crecimiento vegetal asociadas a la rizosfera de Megathyrsus maximus

Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass) is an important forage species for livestock production, whose productivity has been adversely affected by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) associated with the rhizosphere of M. maximus. Rhizosphere samples were collected and processed for bacterial isolation, followed by microbiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization. Plant growth-promoting traits were assessed through urease activity, phosphate solubilization, catalase activity, amylolytic activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. In addition, in vitro assays were conducted to evaluate seed germination, root length, leaf length, stem length, and fresh plant weight. The results demonstrated the successful isolation and identification of rhizosphere-associated bacteria with plant growth-promoting potential, regardless of their geographic origin, revealing considerable genetic diversity among the isolates. The best-performing strains were molecularly identified as Azospirillum lipoferum, Rhizobium etli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Serratia marcescens. These findings highlight the potential of these bacterial species as biofertilizers to enhance the establishment, growth, and productivity of M. maximus, providing a sustainable alternative to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and supporting the development of more efficient and environmentally responsible livestock production systems under tropical conditions

Potenciais biotecnológicos e caracterização fenotípica de Eugenia patrisii Vahl

The objective was to characterize the species’ biotechnological potential and its phenotypes, with an emphasis on the morphophysiology and biochemistry of fruits, seeds, and germination, as well as the antioxidant activity of the leaf essential oil.