Nocardia mangyaensis NH1: A Biofertilizer Candidate with Tolerance to Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Antibiotics

The extensive use of agrochemicals, heavy metals, and antibiotics in agriculture poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability and soil health. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer a promising solution for sustainable agriculture; however, their selection requires careful evaluation of factors such as genome stability, metal tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and pesticide degradation capacity. This study characterizes the endolithic Nocardia mangyaensis NH1, focusing on its physiological and genomic features that enhance its potential as a biofertilizer in contaminated soils. Genomic analysis revealed a low number of antibiotic resistance genes with susceptibility to broad-spectrum antibiotics, minimizing the risk of horizontal gene transfer. The genome of N. mangyaensis NH1 contains two non-pathogenic genomic islands and prophage regions, with a CRISPR–Cas9 system. These findings highlight N. mangyaensis NH1 as a promising candidate for biofertilizers, combining pesticide and metal tolerance with genomic stability, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental risks associated with agrochemical use.