Pseudomonas corni sp. nov., Pseudomonas oplopanacis sp. nov., Pseudomonas salicis sp. nov., Pseudomonas rosaeacicularis sp. nov., Pseudomonas artemisiae sp. nov., Pseudomonas imperatae sp. nov. and Zestomonas ipomoeae sp. nov., isolated from rhizospheres showing plant growth promoting potential.

Several bacterial strains affiliated with the genera Pseudomonas and Zestomonas were isolated from rhizosphere samples and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. Nine strains were analyzed polyphasically, showing ANI and dDDH values below or near species thresholds, together with phenotypic and biochemical traits supporting their differentiation. Genomic analyses revealed a repertoire of PGP-associated functions, including vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis (riboflavin, cobalamin, and thiamin), and high-affinity nutrient acquisition systems as phosphate transporters and phosphonate utilization. All strains encoded traits relevant to the rhizosphere inferred from genome annotation, including genes involved in auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis, oxidative stress tolerance, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, sulfur assimilation, and siderophore production. Metagenomic screening showed that most species are globally distributed across plant-associated, soil, freshwater, and animal-associated habitats. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, and phenotypic evidence, the strains represent seven novel species: Pseudomonas rosaeacicularis sp. nov., with AK-381T as the type strain (= LMG 34445T = CCM 9596T); Pseudomonas corni sp. nov., with AK-10T as the type strain (= CCM 9599T = LMG 34325T); Pseudomonas oplopanacis sp. nov., with AK-188T as the type strain (= CCM 9593T = LMG 34326T); Pseudomonas salicis sp. nov., with AK-309T as the type strain (= CCM 9595T = LMG 34328T); Pseudomonas artemisiae sp. nov., with DT-100T as the type strain (= LMG 32880T = DSM 115114T = CCM 9281T); Pseudomonas imperatae sp. nov., with ST-212T as the type strain (CCM 9594T = LMG 34330T); and Zestomonas ipomoeae sp. nov., with ST-55T as the type strain (LMG 32881T = CCM 9283T = DSM 115239T).