Characterization of the Drought-Tolerant Plant-Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Genome, Bacillus altitudinis UKM RB11

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an option for enhancing plant growth under drought-stress conditions. Bacillus altitudinis UKM RB 11 is a bacterium resistant to drought and suitable for promoting plant growth in areas with limited water supply. Genome sequencing was performed on B. altitudinis UKM RB11, producing high-quality sequencing data. After sequencing, we analyzed the genomic data using several software tools, including Velvet v1.2.10, SSPACE Standard v3.0, RagTag v1.1.0, and MeDuSa v1.6. We used strain B. altitudinis SGAir0031 (GenBank accession number NZ_CP022319.2) as the reference genome. The analysis results reveal that the genomic structure of B. altitudinis UKM RB 11 consists of a circular chromosome with a length of 3,767,351 base pairs and a GC content of 41.03%. The genome annotation revealed 3,911 genes, including 3,823 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 3,783 (97%) predict a function and 40 non-protein-coding genes. Genome analysis of the UKM RB11 revealed the presence of various genes including those involved in stress resistance and oxidative defense responses, plant growth promotion, movement, growth and sporadic stimulation, as well as the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biocontrol. This research provides insights into the molecular genetics of the B. altitudinis UKM RB11 genome and its adaptive mechanisms in response to drought and water scarcity. The genomic data of UKM RB11 enhances our understanding of microbial roles in alleviating plant stress, making it a promising candidate for use as a bioinoculant in agriculture.