Endophytic Bacterium Flexivirga meconopsidis sp. nov. with Plant Growth-Promoting Function, Isolated from the Seeds of Meconopsis integrifolia
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Published on: March 1, 2022
Yongtao Kan1,2,3, Li Zhang4, Yan Wang2,3,5
1College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830017, China.
Abstract:
Strain Q11T of an irregular coccoid Gram-positive bacterium, aerobic and non-motile, was isolated from Meconopsis integrifolia seeds. Strain Q11T grew optimally in 1% (w/v) NaCl, pH 7, at 30 °C. Strain Q11T is most closely related to Flexivirga, as evidenced by 16S rRNA gene analysis, and shares the highest similarity with Flexivirga aerilata ID2601ST (99.24%). Based on genome sequence analysis, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strains Q11T and D2601ST were 88.82% and 36.20%, respectively. Additionally, strain Q11T showed the abilities of nitrogen fixation and indole acetic acid production and was shown to promote maize growth under laboratory conditions. Its genome contains antibiotic resistance genes (the vanY gene in the vanB cluster and the vanW gene in the vanI cluster) and extreme environment tolerance genes (ectoine biosynthetic gene cluster). Shotgun proteomics also detected antibiotic resistance proteins (class A beta-lactamases, D-alanine ligase family proteins) and proteins that improve plant cold tolerance (multispecies cold shock proteins). Strain Q11T was determined to be a novel species of the genus Flexivirga, for which the name Flexivirga meconopsidis sp. nov. is proposed. The strain type is Q11T (GDMCC 1.3002T = JCM 36020 T).
Insights
A novel bacterium, Flexivirga meconopsidis, was isolated from plant seeds. This microbe exhibits nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion, with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Genomics
Background:
- Strain Q11T, an irregular coccoid Gram-positive bacterium, was isolated from Meconopsis integrifolia seeds.
- The bacterium is aerobic, non-motile, and thrives in specific saline and temperature conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and classify a novel bacterial species isolated from plant seeds.
- To investigate the plant growth-promoting capabilities and genetic makeup of the novel bacterium.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
- Genome sequence analysis, including average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization.
- Shotgun proteomics to identify expressed proteins.
Main Results:
- Strain Q11T is phylogenetically closest to the genus Flexivirga, with 99.24% 16S rRNA gene similarity to Flexivirga aerilata.
- Genomic analysis confirmed Q11T as a distinct species within the Flexivirga genus, with ANI and dDDH values of 88.82% and 36.20% respectively.
- The bacterium possesses nitrogen fixation and indole acetic acid production capabilities, promoting maize growth, and harbors genes for antibiotic resistance and extreme environment tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Strain Q11T represents a novel species, Flexivirga meconopsidis sp. nov.
- The identified bacterium demonstrates significant potential for agricultural applications due to its plant growth-promoting traits.
- The genome analysis revealed genes conferring antibiotic resistance and tolerance to extreme environments.
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