Plant growth promotion and pathogen protection by the desert endophyte Pseudomonas grandensis R4-79

A strain of Pseudomonas grandensis, R4-79, isolated from the arid Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan, demonstrates significant potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable agriculture. This desert endophyte, associated with Ifloga spicata, exhibits plant growth-promoting attributes and effectively suppresses key phytopathogens, including Botrytis cinerea, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). Genomic analysis revealed a 6.18 Mbp chromosome with gene clusters for siderophores, phenazines, hydrogen cyanide, phytohormones, and multiple secretion systems, indicating its multifunctional role in pathogen protection and plant growth promotion. The study highlights the potential of P. grandensis R4-79 to enhance crop yield under harsh environmental conditions, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.

Alghanmi, L., Elhady, A., Parween, S., & Hirt, H. (2025). Plant growth promotion and pathogen protection by the desert endophyte Pseudomonas grandensis R4-79. BMC Microbiology, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04431-4