Microbial Genomics, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 11(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 28, 2025

Microbial biostimulants (MBs) offer a sustainable approach to agriculture by helping reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, as MBs are intentionally released into the environment, their safety should be rigorously assessed. While taxa with qualified presumption of (QPS) benefit from established indications, non-QPS lack such guidance. To address this gap, we propose pipeline combining whole genome sequencing (WGS) and extensive literature search (ELS) data evaluate microbial safety. We analysed public genomes three QPS species ( Rhodopseudomonas palustris , Bacillus velezensis Priestia megaterium ) four genera Arthrobacter Azotobacter Azospirillum Herbaspirillum ), screening them for virulence factors (VFs), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Results confirmed taxa, revealing no VFs only few intrinsic non-clinically relevant AMRs. Among VF hits were more prevalent in spp., though they mostly related beneficial plant interactions rather than pathogenicity. AMR primarily associated efflux pumps or sporadically distributed. Notably, genus-wide pattern observed was that most harboured chromosomally encoded β -lactamases sharing similar structures; however, detected -lactamase bla distantly clinically variants, absence MGEs suggests low risk horizontal gene transfer, indicating overall these genera. In general, WGS–ELS framework provides robust tool assessing MBs, supporting regulatory decision-making ensuring safe use while safeguarding health.

Язык: Английский