Biofertilizer and biocontrol properties of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM emphasize its potential application for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Molecular, physiological, and phylogenetic characterization identified <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> BCM as a potential microbial candidate for sustainable agriculture. <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> BCM was identified as a coccus-shaped gram-negative microbe having optimal growth at 37°C in a partially alkaline environment (pH 8.0) with a proliferation time of ~67 minutes. The stress response physiology of <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> BCM indicates its successful survival in dynamic environmental conditions. It significantly increased (P <0.05) the wheat seed germination percentage in the presence of phytopathogens and saline conditions. Genomic characterization decoded the presence of genes involved in plant growth promotion, nutrient assimilation, and antimicrobial activity. Experimental evidence also correlates with genomic insights to explain the potential of <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> BCM as a potential biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. With these properties, <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> BCM could sustainably promote wheat production to ensure food security for the increasing population, especially in native wheat-consuming areas.