Down in the pond: Isolation and characterization of a new Serratia marcescens strain (LVF3) from the surface water near frog’s lettuce (Groenlandia densa)

Abstract

Serratia marcescens is a species that belongs to the family of Yersiniaceae . This family comprises taxa representing opportunistic human- and phytopathogens but also plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This study describes a novel Gram-negative strain (LVF3 R ) of the species Serratia marcescens . The strain was characterized genomically, morphologically, and physiologically. In addition, the potential of the isolate to act as a host strain to assess the diversity of Serratia associated phages in environmental samples was explored. Average nucleotide identity analysis revealed that LVF3 R belongs to the species Serratia marcescens . In silico analysis and ProphageSeq data resulted in the identification of one prophage, which is capable of viral particle formation. Electron microscopy showed cells of a rod-shaped, flagellated morphotype. The cells revealed a length and width of 1–1.6 μm and 0.8 μm, respectively. LVF3 R showed optimal growth at 30 C and in the presence of up to 2% (w/v) NaCl. It exhibited resistances to ampicillin, erythromycin, oxacillin, oxytetracycline, rifampicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin. Genome data indicate that strain S . marcescens LVF3 R is a potential PGPR strain. It harbors genes coding for indole acetic acid ( IAA) biosynthesis, siderophore production, plant polymer degradation enzymes, acetoin synthesis, flagellar proteins, type IV secretion system, chemotaxis, phosphorous solubilization, and biofilm formation.