The application of synthetic
iron chelates to overcome
iron deficiency in crops is leading to a high impact on the environment, making it necessary to find more friendly
fertilizers. A promising alternative is the application of biodegradable
iron chelates, such as those based on
siderophores. In the present work, seven bacterial strains of the genus Pseudomonas were selected for their ability to secrete
pyoverdine, a
siderophore with a high affinity for
iron, which could be used as a biofertilizer. The concentration of
siderophores secreted by each bacterium expressed as
desferrioxamine B equivalents, and the
pyoverdine concentration was determined. Their potential as Fe biofertilizers was determined based on their capacity to complex Fe, determining the maximum
iron complexation capacity at alkaline pH and selecting the RMC4 strain. The biostimulant capacity of the RMC4 strain was evaluated through the secretion of organic
acids such as the
hormone Indol-3-acetic
acid or
glutamic acid, among others, in a kinetic assay. Finally, the genome of RMC4 was determined, and the strain was identified as Pseudomonas monsensis. The annotated genome was screened for genes and gene clusters implicated in biofertilization and plant growth promotion. Besides
iron mobilization, genes related to
phosphorus solubilization, production of
phytohormones and biological control, among others, were observed, indicating the suitability of RMC4 as an inoculant. In conclusion, RMC4 and its
siderophores are promising sources for Fe biofertilization in agriculture.