Genomic exploration of <i>Bacillus paralicheniformis</i> TB197: an agrobiotechnological tool from the Sonoran Desert

ABSTRACT Climate change and the harmful effects of extensive agrochemical use for plant nutrition and pest control on soils, the environment, and human health are driving the search for sustainable alternatives that reduce their use while increasing plant resilience. In regenerative agriculture, microorganisms have become valuable tools, acting as biological control agents or biostimulants, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and/or to enhance plant performance under abiotic stress. The genus Bacillus is well known for its versatile interactions with plants. Specifically, Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197 has demonstrated high efficacy in controlling phytopathogenic nematodes and adapting to diverse soil and crop conditions. Based on these traits, we explored the agricultural potential of this strain through genomic analysis and in vitro and in vivo assays. Gene analysis identified functions related to three main areas: (i) stress resistance and plant colonization, (ii) plant growth promotion, and (iii) phytopathogen control. The strain showed high tolerance to salinity and temperature, promoted plant growth, and exhibited strong antifungal activity. These findings highlight the potential of the TB197 strain as a promising candidate for developing next-generation bioinoculants. IMPORTANCE The use of beneficial microorganisms is a pivotal strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture while preserving crop productivity. Bacillus paralicheniformis TB197 is a native desert soil bacterium with genetic traits associated with stress tolerance, plant growth promotion, and suppression of plant pathogens. In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach integrating genomic analysis and functional assays to demonstrate the strain’s multifunctional potential as an agricultural bioinoculant. The results of the study demonstrate that a singular bacterial strain can integrate multiple beneficial functions relevant to sustainable agriculture. This work contributes to the field of applied microbiology by expanding the understanding of how environmentally adapted bacteria can serve as biological alternatives to chemical inputs in agroecosystems.