Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. Strain 11B20, a Promising Plant-Growth Promoting Bacterium Associated with Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico

TL;DR

This paper reports the draft genome of a maize-associated Bacillus strain that promotes plant growth and could help in sustainable corn production.

Contribution

The first report of Bacillus sp. 11B20 as a plant-growth promoting bacterium with genomic and experimental evidence from maize in Mexico.

Findings

The draft genome of Bacillus sp. 11B20 contains genes associated with plant growth promotion traits.

Inoculation with Bacillus sp. 11B20 increased root length and root dry weight in maize plants.

The strain shows tolerance to thermal, hydric, and saline stress, supporting its agricultural potential.

Abstract

Strain 11B20 was isolated from a commercial field of maize (Zea mays L.) located in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. The draft genome sequence revealed a genomic size of 3,759,824 bp, 41.6% G + C content, 973,288 bp N50, 2 L50, and 29 contigs. According to the 16S rRNA gene, strain 11B20 belongs to the genus Bacillus. Genome annotation revealed 3952 coding DNA sequences (CDSs) grouped into 319 subsystems. Among these, several CDSs were associated with traits related to plant growth promotion, including (i) virulence, disease, and defense (33 CDSs); (ii) iron acquisition and metabolism (28 CDSs); and (iii) secondary metabolism (6 CDSs), among others. In vitro, metabolic analysis (IAA, siderophore biosynthesis; phosphorus solubilization; and tolerance to thermal, hydric, and saline stress) confirmed the genomic background of this strain. Finally, in planta assays showed that the inoculation of Bacillus sp. 11B20 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the root length (48.2%) and root dry weight (35.4%) versus non-inoculated maize plants. Thus, this is the first report of Bacillus sp. 11B20 as a promising beneficial strain for sustainable corn production, and further research is needed to ensure the success of the application of this strain in agriculture.

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