Genome sequencing of symbiotic and rhizospheric bacteria associated to peanut

The cultivation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is fundamental for Argentina's economy. This legume establishes a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with rhizobia from the Bradyrhizobium genus, which provide it with a considerable amount of the nitrogen it requires. Its non-symbiotic interactions with rhizospheric plant growth-promoting bacteria also enhance its ability to absorb other nutrients from the soil and contribute to its general health. A better understanding of such plant-bacteria interactions may be gained by sequencing the genome of these peanut-associated bacteria, which could constitute an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of chemical fertilization.