Coastal Ecosystems as Sources of Biofertilizers in Agriculture: From Genomics to Application in an Urban Orchard

Pantoea agglomerans RSO7, a rhizobacterium previously isolated from Spartina maritima grown on metal polluted saltmarshes, had demonstrated good plant growth promoting activity for its host halophyte, but was never tested in crops. The aims of this study were: (1) testing PGP model (alfalfa) vitro ; (2) bacterial consortium including RSO7 as biofertilizer pilot experiment urban orchard; and (3) identifying the traits related to activities. able enhance alfalfa , particularly root system, besides improving survival protecting plants against fungal contamination. In addition, orchard, three bacteria foster yield several winter crops between 1.5 10 fold, depending species. Moreover, analysis chlorophyll fluorescence revealed that photosynthesis highly ameliorated. Genome depicted robustness strain which showed resilience multiple stresses (heat, cold, UV radiation, xenobiotics). Together with wide metabolic versatility, genes conferring resistance oxidative stress were identified. Many involved (As, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, Se, Te) tolerance toward high osmolality (production battery osmoprotectans) also found. Regarding properties, phosphate solubilization, synthesis siderophores production IAA detected. bacterium has key processes rhizosphere flagellar motility, chemotaxis, quorum sensing biofilm formation, plant-bacteria dialog, competitiveness rhizosphere. Our results suggest potential bioinoculant an array However, classification biosecurity group 2 prevents use according current European regulation. Alternative formulations application are discussed.