An international team, including scientists from the UK-based Gene Analysis Centre (TGAC), have successfully sequenced the genes of a model strain of soil bacteria.

Scientists who completed the genome sequence of bacterium Azospirillum brasilense, said their research could help improve farming productivity.

The bacterium is a model species, meaning its make-up lends itself to studies that can provide insight into the working of other organisms. Azospirillum brasilense was isolated from wheat roots in the central region of Argentina. It has been used as a bio-fertiliser in agriculture for the last four decades.

One of the main characteristics of the Azospirillum bacterium that aids plant health is its ability to be able to produce plant-growth regulators. Scientists hope that they will be better able to study this mechanism, now that the bacterium's genes have been sequenced.

David Baker, Platforms and Pipelines Group Leader at TGAC, commented, "Whole Genome Mapping is a powerful tool in validating sequencing of small genomes. We are privileged here at TGAC to have the equipment and expertise to run these types of samples. From receipt of sample material to alignment of the optical maps takes just several days' work."

Azospirillum brasilense is a bacterium that is found in the rhizopheres of several grasses. Rhizopheres are the narrow regions of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms.

Microbial inoculants, also known as soil inoculants, are used for agricultural enhancements that use valuable endophytes (microbes) to encourage plant health. Many of the microbes involved form mutual-beneficial relationships with the target crops, while microbial inoculants are applied to improve plant nutrition, they can also be used to promote plant growth by stimulating plant hormone production.

Their presence is also believed to play a part in improving resistance to several common crop diseases.