# Insights into the genome of Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10, isolated from an agricultural field in Central India

## TL;DR

A new Azotobacter strain from Indian soil has a genome that suggests it can boost plant growth and soil health.

## Contribution

The study identifies a potential novel Azotobacter species with plant growth-promoting traits through genome analysis.

## Key findings

- The genome of Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10 is 5.7 Mb with 65.09% G+C content.
- The strain contains genes for nitrogen enhancement and folic acid biosynthesis.
- Siderophore genes like vibrioferrin and crochelin A are present for iron regulation.

## Abstract

Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10, an aerobic gram-negative, oval-shaped and motile bacterium, was isolated from the lateritic agricultural soil of Madhya Pradesh, India. The draft genome of the isolate is 5.7 Mb in size, consisting of 14 contigs with 65.09% G+C content. Average nucleotide identity (94.66%) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (62%) calculation with the closest reference strains underpin the bacterium as a potential novel species. The bacterium has a plethora of plant growth-promoting genes that point towards the potential ability to enhance available nitrogen and biosynthesis of folic acid, among others. Siderophores such as vibrioferrin and crochelin A are also present in the genome and are known to regulate iron uptake. Overall, mining the genome of Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10 has revealed the potential of this strain for application in regenerative agriculture and sustaining soil health.