Newly Discovered Bacteria Promotes Growth in Passionflower Plants

Greg Howard
21st June, 2024

Newly Discovered Bacteria Promotes Growth in Passionflower Plants

The new bacterial species Pseudomonas flavocrustae (strain EP178T) forms circular, yellow-pigmented colonies (a, b) composed of individual rod-shaped cells (c, d).

Image adapted from: Cueva-Yesquén et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • Researchers at the University of Campinas discovered a new bacterial strain, EP178T, from the leaves of Passiflora incarnata
  • This strain, named Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov., promotes plant growth and could enhance the medicinal properties of Passiflora incarnata
  • The presence of plant-growth promoting genes in this bacterium suggests it may improve the plant's health and potency of its bioactive compounds
The genus Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as passionflower, has been a subject of extensive research due to its traditional use in treating various ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and menopause symptoms[2][3][4]. Recent research conducted by the University of Campinas has identified a novel bacterial strain from Passiflora incarnata leaves that may further enhance our understanding of this plant's medicinal properties[1]. The newly discovered bacterial strain, designated as EP178T, was isolated from the leaves of Passiflora incarnata and has been identified as a plant-growth promoter. This strain forms Gram-negative, rod-shaped cells and produces yellow-pigmented colonies. It thrives in a temperature range of 10-37°C, at pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0, and can tolerate up to 7% salt concentration. The major fatty acids found in this strain were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c /C16:1 ω7c), and C16:0, with Q-9 being the predominant ubiquinone. Phylogenetic and nucleotide-similarity analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that EP178T belongs to the Pseudomonas genus. The genomic G+C content of the strain was determined to be 65.5%. Comparative analyses showed that the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between EP178T and its closest type strain, P. oryzihabitans DSM 6835T, were 92.6% and 52.2%, respectively. Based on these findings, the researchers proposed that EP178T represents a new species within the Pseudomonas genus, named Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov.. The discovery of Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov. is significant as it potentially adds another layer to the pharmacological and therapeutic benefits of Passiflora incarnata. Previous studies have highlighted the plant's wide range of pharmacological activities, including anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties[2][3][4]. These activities are primarily attributed to the plant's rich composition of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and volatile constituents[3]. However, the identification of an endophytic bacterial strain that promotes plant growth opens new avenues for exploring how microbial interactions within the plant could enhance its medicinal properties. Endophytic bacteria are known to reside within plant tissues without causing harm and can offer various benefits, including enhanced nutrient uptake, growth promotion, and increased resistance to environmental stressors. The presence of plant-growth promoting genes in the genome of Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov. suggests that this bacterium could play a crucial role in the overall health and medicinal efficacy of Passiflora incarnata. This aligns with the traditional uses of the plant in treating a variety of conditions, as a healthier plant is likely to produce more potent bioactive compounds. The study conducted by the University of Campinas utilized a polyphasic approach to characterize this novel strain, combining phenotypic, genomic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic data. This comprehensive methodology ensures a robust classification and understanding of the bacterium, paving the way for further research into its potential applications in both agriculture and medicine. In summary, the discovery of Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov. from Passiflora incarnata leaves adds a new dimension to the plant's already well-documented medicinal properties. This finding not only enhances our understanding of the plant's pharmacological potential but also opens up new research opportunities to explore the synergistic effects of endophytic bacteria and their host plants. Future studies could focus on how this bacterial strain influences the production of bioactive compounds in Passiflora incarnata and its overall impact on the plant's medicinal efficacy.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Pseudomonas flavocrustae sp. nov., an endophyte with plant growth promoting traits isolated from Passiflora incarnata.

Published 21st June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64349-1

Related Studies

2) Role Identification of Passiflora Incarnata Linnaeus: A Mini Review.

https://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.156

3) Passiflora: a review update.

Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology, Issue: Vol 94, Issue 1, Sep 2004

4) Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.047


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