Effect of endophytic bacterium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5 on sunflowers

Identifiable endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting traits promise to ensure sustainable agriculture. However, information on the versatility and exploration of sunflower-associated bacteria as bioinoculants is less studied. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence and annotation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5 isolated from the sunflower root endosphere from the North West province, South Africa. The whole-genome analysis revealed a genome size of 4771 305 bp, a sequence read count of 8764 890, a 66% guanine-cytosine content, 57 tRNAs, 268 contigs, and 4160 protein-coding genes with functions in various metabolic pathways. Pathways involved in the indole acetic acid production were found in the S. maltophilia JVB5 genome. The whole-genome annotation predicted notable genes involved in bacterial colonisation, antibiosis, and plant growth promotion. The predicted genes are involved in the sulfur metabolism, and the oxidative stress may enhance the plant growth promotion and boost plant the resistance to stress. Upon inoculation, S. maltophilia JVB5 efficiently colonised the sunflower root under greenhouse conditions with a significant improvement on the wet plant weight of 437.20 g compared to the uninoculated control with a 331.04 g wet weight. The genomic analysis revealing specific functional genes in the bacteria genome suggests their bioprospecting in agriculture. Hence, understanding the mechanisms employed by S. maltophilia JVB5 based on the predicted multifunctional genes will help harness their bioresource in sustainable plant health.

Automated summary

Identifiable endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting traits are crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study focuses on exploring the versatility and potential of sunflower-associated bacteria as bioinoculants. The whole-genome analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5 revealed the presence of genes involved in bacterial colonization, antibiosis, and plant growth promotion. Upon inoculation, S. maltophilia JVB5 efficiently colonized sunflower roots and significantly improved plant growth.