Genome Insights into the Novel Species <i>Jejubacter calystegiae</i>, a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium in Saline Conditions

Abstract

Jejubacter calystegiae KSNA2T, a moderately halophilic, endophytic bacterium isolated from beach morning glory (Calystegia soldanella), was determined to be a novel species in a new genus in the family Enterobacteriaceae. To gain insights into the genetic basis of the salinity stress response of strain KSNA2T, we sequenced its genome using two complementary sequencing platforms (Illumina HiSeq and PacBio RSII). The genome contains a repertoire of metabolic pathways, such as those for nitrogen, phosphorus, and some amino acid metabolism pathways. Functional annotation of the KSNA2T genome revealed several genes involved in salt tolerance pathways, such as those encoding sodium transporters, potassium transporters, and osmoprotectant enzymes. Plant growth-promoting bacteria-based experiments indicated that strain KSNA2T promotes the germination of vegetable seeds in saline conditions. Overall, the genetic and biological analyses of strain KSNA2T provide valuable insights into bacteria-mediated salt tolerance in agriculture.

Keywords

• genome sequence
• <i>J. calystegiae</i>
• salinity stress
• secondary metabolites
• plant growth promotion