This study presents a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of five species within the Actinophytocola genus—Actinophytocola algeriensis, Actinophytocola gossipy, Actinophytocola oryzea, Actinophytocola xanthii, and Actinophytocola xinjianensis. Our research aimed to map the distribution of plant growth-promoting traits (PGPT) and assess their potential to enhance agricultural productivity as biofertilizers. We specifically focused on genes involved in nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and phytohormone synthesis, which are pivotal for promoting plant health and growth.

Our analysis revealed a high diversity and frequency of PGPT genes in Actinophytocola algeriensis and Actinophytocola oryzea, positioning these species as prime candidates for biofertilizer development. These two species exhibited a robust set of genes facilitating root colonization, biofilm formation, and rhizosphere competence, essential for effective symbiotic plant-microbe interactions. Moreover, traits such as stress tolerance and pathogen resistance were prevalent, indicating a strong capability of these microbes to support plant health under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

The study also highlighted the predominance of indirect plant growth promotion mechanisms over direct effects. This finding suggests that Actinophytocola species primarily contribute to plant growth by improving soil health and resilience against environmental stresses rather than directly stimulating plant growth.

Given these insights, the genomic data from Actinophytocola species suggest considerable potential for developing advanced biofertilizers aimed at sustainable agriculture practices. Future research should focus on experimental validation of the identified PGPT genes in field trials to establish their effectiveness in enhancing crop yield and resilience. Furthermore, understanding the interaction dynamics between these bacteria and plant roots could lead to tailored agricultural solutions that optimize plant growth under various environmental conditions.

Keywords: Actinophytocola, plant growth-promoting traits (PGPT), biofertilizers, genomic analysis.