Genome Analysis of <i>Bacillus mycoides</i> KNU-41 from a Long-Term Fertilized Maize Rhizosphere

Bacillus mycoides is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in soil and plant rhizospheres, and is easily identified by its characteristic rhizoidal colony morphology [1].As a member of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group, it was historically difficult to distinguish from close relatives like B. cereus due to high similarity in their physiological properties and 16S rRNA gene sequences [2].B. mycoides is widely recognized as a potent Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) and is also well-known for its diverse plant growthpromoting abilities [3].These beneficial traits make it a valuable candidate for sustainable agriculture [4].In this study, the strain B. mycoides KNU-41 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a maize field sub-jected to 40 years of continuous phosphate (P) and potassium (K) fertilization.For genomic DNA extraction, the strain was cultured in Nutrient Broth at 30 for 12 h.Genomic DNA was extracted using the Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega Co., USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.The quality of the extracted DNA was assessed using a NanoDrop UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA), and the quantity was measured using a Qubit Flex Fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific).Whole genome sequencing was performed by Plasmidsaurus using Oxford Nanopore Technology with custom analysis and annotation.De novo assembly of the raw long reads was performed using Flye (v2.9.6-b1802), and genome annotation was subsequently carried out with the NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline (PGAP, v2024-07-18.build7555)and Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are vital for sustainable agriculture.Here, we report the genome of Bacillus mycoides KNU-41, a novel strain isolated from a unique agricultural niche: the maize rhizosphere subjected to four decades of intensive phosphate and potassium fertilization.Its genome consists of one main chromosome, one chromosomal element, two chromosome fragments, and seven plasmids, with a GC content of 35.26%.Annotation revealed a robust genetic toolkit for plant-beneficial functions, including comprehensive systems for nutrient mobilization and rhizosphere competence.This genomic resource elucidates the genetic basis for the plant growth promoting (PGP) potential of B. mycoides KNU-41 and provides insights into bacterial adaptation to long-term agricultural practices, underscoring its potential as a potent biofertilizer.