Wild rice-associated Vibrio promotes plant growth and exhibits genomic and phenotypic plasticity for plant adaptations

Abstract

The genus Vibrio comprises over 150 species of marine heterotrophic bacteria, many of which are opportunistic pathogens affecting humans and marine animals. Most research has predominantly focused on pathogenic Vibrio species, often overlooking the significance of other Vibrio species inhabiting other ecological niches, such as plants, a relationship largely uncharacterized. This study focused on V. porteresiae MSSRF30 T and its relationship with brackish-grown Pokkali rice. We discovered that MSSRF30 T possesses multiple plant growth-promoting traits, effectively colonizes roots, and enhances plant growth in brackish conditions. Additionally, MSSRF30 T possesses several genome features commonly associated with plant-microbe interactions, previously unrecognized in Vibrio species, and lacks features typically associated with animal interactions, underscoring its specialized adaptation for plant niches. For the first time, this study highlights the beneficial interactions between Vibrio and plants, emphasizing their role in promoting plant growth and health in brackish environments.