Characterization of Lysobacter sp. Strain Hz25 Isolated from the Rhizosphere of the Endemic Baikal Plant Hedysarum zundukii (Fabaceae)

A new strain, Lysobacter sp. Hz25, from the rhizosphere of the endemic Baikal plant Hedysarum zundukii Peschkova was isolated and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genomes and calculation of average nucleotide identity (ANI, 96%) made it possible to assign this strain to the species L. antibioticus. Pangenome analysis revealed 547 unique genes compared to the four most closely related genomes of L. antibioticus strains. In the genome, clusters for the biosynthesis of antibiotics (hypeptin, lysocin E, and izumiphenazine C) and the siderophore lysohelin, as well as the genes of a type IV pili system and a chitinase gene of the GH19 family, were identified. Experimental studies confirmed the activity of the strain as a micropredator against several gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, its antifungal activity, its ability to utilize chitin and synthesize siderophores, as well as its motility. Thus, strain Hz25 was an active micropredator with promising potential for the development of plant-protective biological preparations.