Chapter 20 - Stenotrophomonas

Abstract

Among the different aerobic plant growth–promoting bacterial organisms, the genus Stenotrophomonas is considered an important group of organisms comprised of 18 well-characterized species. Although initial research was focused on their pathogenic properties, subsequent studies suggested their significant plant growth–promoting attributes. In addition to several clinical sources, the Gram-negative gammaproteobacterial organisms belonging to the genus Stenotrophomonas were isolated from diverse habitat including different environmental sources and plant rhizosphere. The members of the genus, especially the plant-associated or environmental species, bear several plant growth–promoting properties like nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, production of plant growth regulators, siderophore production, antagonism against pathogenic microorganisms, and others. They also impart a significant role in bioremediation processes by degrading xenobiotic compounds and helping in biofortification. These organisms are considered important because of their beneficial roles in the improvement of crop plant health. Due to absence of several virulence factors to the plant associated or environmental isolates, they were also considered as safe for application in agricultural fields. The present chapter is mainly focused on the beneficial properties of the genus Stenotrophomonas especially related to the improvement of crop plant growth.