Paenibacillus peoriae: current knowledge and agricultural biotechnology potential of a close relative of P. polymyxa

Abstract Paenibacillus peoriae, a member of the genus Paenibacillus, is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium closely related to Paenibacillus polymyxa. This species exhibits a wide range of metabolic capabilities, enabling it to thrive in diverse environments and produce bioactive compounds with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. Recent studies reveal its capacity to produce biocontrol agents, such as fusaricidins, polymyxins, and tridecaptins, along with hydrolytic enzymes that inhibit phytopathogens including Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Alternaria, Botrytis, Phytophthora (Oomycota phylum). Additionally, this species was capable of directly promoting plant growth through various mechanisms, such as the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity. P. peoriae strains also produce enzymes like cellulase and protease, essential for various industrial applications, and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) demonstrating potential in bioremediation and heavy metal removal. Recent studies highlight its ability to synthesize 2,3-butanediol, a valuable industrial compound, further establishing its biotechnological significance. This review consolidates current knowledge on the genome, metabolites, and applications of P. peoriae while identifying research gaps and future directions for maximizing its potential in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.