Priestia megaterium (Bacillus megaterium)

P. megaterium (formerly Bacillus megaterium) is an effective PGPB with multiple applications that enhance plant growth and soil health. It promotes nutrient availability by solubilizing inorganic phosphate and fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. By breaking down organic matter, P. megaterium improves overall soil fertility, while also stimulating root and shoot development through the production of plant growth-promoting hormones like auxins and gibberellins. Additionally, it enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies, improving overall plant resilience. The bacterium also has biocontrol properties, suppressing soil-borne pathogens and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. As a biofertilizer, P. megaterium contributes to sustainable agriculture by promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and improving long-term soil health.

ICGEB transfers a naturally occurring strains, genetically characterized through genome sequencing to confirm the absence of pathogenic traits or any characteristics that could be harmful to human, animal, or environmental health. ICGEB has been collecting PGPB for decades, which are available for transfer.

P. megaterium is active in nutrient mobilization, organic matter degradation, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, antibiotic production, iron sequestration, and the synthesis of vitamins and phytohormones like gibberellins and auxins.

P. megaterium is a widely recognized for its role as a biostimulant and biofertilizer, contributing to phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and phytohormone production. It enhances plant growth, improves nutrient availability, and increases tolerance to abiotic stresses, making it valuable for sustainable agriculture.