Combining phenomics and genomics for bioproduct development and use in agriculture

There is the need to increase our knowledge of the biological processes determining field efficacy of microbial biostimulants, to further promote their use. In this work we present the bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide potential of the Paenibacillus polymyxa K16 strain, isolated from roots of tomato, as an example of dossier application for the pre-market characterization of a novel bio-product. Phenotypic characterization and genome sequencing were performed, allowing potential functions inference using different mining methods. K16 strain was found to have various biofertilizer and biopesticide potential functions. Phenomic analysis showed strong carbon sources utilization, but the highest median activity was observed on phosphate/sulfur compounds. The observed genes and measured metabolic activities were connected in metabolic pathways analysis, pinpointing the features of K16 strain for nitrogen metabolism. Overall, different data types were used to explore each function that a bio-inoculum should possess to survive and then exert a beneficial action on plant growth, highlighting the inherent multifunctionality of bio-products.