Advances and Hotspots in Research on Verrucomicrobiota: Focus on Agroecosystems

Members of the phylum Verrucomicrobiota are abundant yet relatively understudied soil bacteria that play key roles in biogeochemical cycling and plant-microbe interactions. They participate in the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles through the degradation of complex organic polymers such as cellulose, pectin, and starch - via the production of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., cellulases, xylanases, chitinases), and through nitrogen transformations including denitrification, ammonification, and nitrogen fixation. Methanotrophic representatives (Methylacidiphilum, Methylacidimicrobium) oxidise methane under acidic or thermophilic conditions, thereby contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation. The ecological distribution and activity of Verrucomicrobiota are strongly influenced by nutrient availability, particularly of C, N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Their variable responses to these elements reflect diverse life-history strategies, encompassing both copiotrophic (r-strategist) and oligotrophic (K-strategist) taxa. While Spartobacteria (e.g., Ca. Udaeobacter) are typically oligotrophic, classes such as Opitutia and Verrucomicrobiae exhibit mixed strategies. Beyond nutrient cycling, several members of the phylum function as plant growth-promoting and stress mitigating bacteria. They produce phytohormones (e.g., indole-3-acetic acid) and siderophores, increase the availability of nitrogen and solubilise phosphate. Some taxa exhibit antioxidant activity and can suppress phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum through secondary metabolite production. These traits suggest a significant potential in soil health improvement. Overall, Verrucomicrobiota represent a functionally diverse and ecologically significant bacterial phylum whose metabolic versatility, adaptive life strategies, and plant-associated traits underscore their central role in sustainable agricultural ecosystems.