Several strains of the genus Serratia isolated from the rhizosphere of crops are plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that may possess various traits associated with nitrogen metabolism, auxin production, and other characteristics. The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the growth-promoting activity of S. liquefaciens UNJFSC 002 in potato plants. This strain was inoculated into potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions to determine the bacterial strain’s ability to promote growth under controlled conditions. It was found that the S. liquefaciens strain UNJFSC 002 had a significantly greater effect on the fresh and dry weight of the foliage and induced a higher tuber weight per plant and larger tuber diameter compared to the uninoculated potato plants (p < 0.05). Additionally, in vitro, the strain demonstrated the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as the capacity to solubilise tricalcium phosphate in the laboratory. This research reveals the potential of S. liquefaciens UNJFSC 002 as an inoculant to improve potato production, demonstrating its ability to promote the growth and productivity of potato varieties suitable for direct consumption and processing under controlled conditions.

DNA barcoding is a tool for species identification and classification, overcoming traditional limitations; being fundamental for multiple studies and applications. This article will review the progress of the application of DNA barcoding for algal identification; as it presents advantages such as accuracy in species identification, its applicability to various stages and conditions for ecological studies and intraspecific genetic variability, which according to its approach will depend on several factors. DNA barcoding applications in microalgae, such as its molecular identification, is fundamental for diversity and ecology; expanding knowledge about microalgae; being useful in monitoring harmful algae (HABs) that are a danger to aquatic ecosystems; In addition, DNA barcoding of microalgae is used in biotechnology and food industries. In Peru, taxonomic research is of lesser incidence because there is no method that provides precise identification at the species level, among other reasons, but this DNA barcoding technique has proven to be an efficient tool for research in the conservation and management of organisms that are difficult to access or complex to differentiate, such as microalgae. To conclude, DNA barcoding represents an essential tool in modern microalgae research, which should be developed in Peru, as it has significant potential to advance our knowledge and management of these crucial organisms in Peruvian aquatic ecosystems

One of the major agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal resource in the plant kingdom is the family of Cucurbitaceae, which is also recognized for its richness in carotenoids, terpenoids and triterpenoids. Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD) plays a crucial role in the mevalonate pathway by catalyzing a key step in isoprenoid biosynthesis, which is important for plant growth as well as for responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite its metabolic relevance, comparative analyses of the MVD gene and protein in cucurbits remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize MVD gene and protein in Cucurbitaceae using in silico approaches. Homology searches, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses, physicochemical characterization, structural prediction, conserved motif analysis, cis-regulatory element prediction, and public expression profiling were performed. The predicted proteins showed high conservation in amino acid sequence, motif organization, and structural conformation, with lengths ranging from 398 to 424 aa. Descriptive FPKM-based transcriptomic profiles in Cucumis sativus showed higher MVD expression values in reproductive tissues and an apparent increase under powdery mildew infection. These findings suggest a potential role of the MVD gene in the Cucurbitaceae family and provide an exploratory framework for future studies on terpenoid and triterpenoid metabolism, promoter regulation, and stress-associated transcriptional responses.

Background/Objectives: Serratia liquefaciens is a bacterium commonly found in the rhizosphere and may possess PGPR capabilities. The present study aimed to elucidate the genomic, phylogenomic, and metabolic characteristics of S. liquefaciens strain UNJFSC002 to determine whether it is an effective PGPR. Methods: The genome of strain UNJFSC002 was obtained from NCBI and annotated using Prokka. Functional genome prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, and comparative genomics were performed using bioinformatics tools. A GEM model was reconstructed to simulate metabolic fluxes associated with nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone biosynthesis. Computational phenotyping and in silico functional validation were also performed. Results: The draft genome (5.19 Mb, GC 55.33%) contained 4792 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNAs, and 81 tRNAs, with 100% completeness. ANI and core genome phylogeny confirmed its taxonomic position within S. liquefaciens, with an identity higher than 98.8%. Pangenome analysis of 25 Serratia genomes revealed an open and highly dynamic pangenome (30,515 orthologous groups), indicating extensive genetic plasticity. Functional annotation identified key genes associated with nitrogen and phosphate acquisition, as well as the biosynthesis of IAA and GABA, findings that were supported by GEM simulations, reinforcing its potential as a biofertilizer. Conclusions: The genomic approach confirmed that strain UNJFSC002 harbors multiple active genes and metabolic pathways associated with plant growth promotion and environmental resilience.