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Genomic Insights into Vaccinium spp. Endophytes B. halotolerans and B. velezensis and Their Antimicrobial Potential

Summary

Scientists discovered that wild berries like blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries contain beneficial bacteria that can fight harmful fungi and bacteria. These bacteria produce natural antimicrobial compounds similar to how antibiotics work, making them promising candidates for protecting crops without chemical pesticides. The bacteria also help plants absorb nutrients and cope with stress, offering multiple benefits for sustainable agriculture.

Background

Plant microbiota plays crucial roles in nutrient absorption, hormone and vitamin production, and stress response. Vaccinium species harbor unique microbial communities adapted to extreme environments such as saline, nutrient-poor, and waterlogged conditions. Understanding endophytic bacteria from these plants could reveal new biocontrol agents.

Objective

To characterize the genomes of B. halotolerans and B. velezensis endophytes isolated from blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries, focusing on their genetic potential and antimicrobial mechanisms. The study aimed to identify strains with antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi and foodborne bacteria.

Results

Four Bacillus isolates (Bil-LT1_1, Bil-LT1_2, Cran-LT1_8, Ling-NOR4_15) inhibited growth of five pathogenic fungi and five foodborne bacteria in vitro. Genome sequencing revealed 14-21 biosynthetic gene clusters per strain encoding antifungal lipopeptides and polyketides. High genomic plasticity was observed, particularly in B. halotolerans strains with 107-123 horizontal gene transfer elements.

Conclusion

The characterized endophytic strains exhibit comprehensive plant-beneficial traits including robust antimicrobial activity, metabolic adaptability, plant growth promotion capabilities, and significant genome plasticity. These findings suggest potential applications as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers, though future in planta validation is needed to assess practical applications under realistic plant-microbe and soil conditions.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Comparative Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms26146677, PMID: 40724928
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