Abstract

Endophytic bacteria are key mediators of plant growth promotion and pesticide detoxification, yet the genomic mechanisms enabling these dual functions remain underexplored. This study is aimed at exploring new endophytic strains from rice plants from pesticides contaminated soil with their genomic insights. Here, we report the whole-genome sequencing and in-silico functional characterization of Serratia sp. HSTU-ABk35, an endophyte isolated from rice plants (Oryza sativa). Genome analysis revealed a 5.18 Mb chromosome with a GC content characteristic of Serratia, harboring coding sequences associated with phytohormone biosynthesis, ACC deaminase activity, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, oxidative stress tolerance, and systemic resistance induction. Phylogenomic analyses based on ANI, dDDH, and housekeeping genes (recA, gyrB, rpoB, and 16S rRNA) indicate that Serratia sp. HSTU-ABk35 closely related to Serratia marcescens but exhibits notable evolutionary divergence, suggesting novel genomic features potentially associated with its endophytic lifestyle and agrochemical adaptability. Functional annotation identified an array of xenobiotic-degrading genes, including esterases, amidohydrolases, α/β-hydrolases, and phosphonate-metabolizing operons, implicating the strain in the degradation of organophosphate, pyrethroid, and carbamate pesticides. Virtual screening and molecular docking of key pesticide-degrading proteins confirmed strong binding affinity and plausible enzyme–pesticide interactions, supporting the predicted biotransformation potential. Collectively, the genomic novelty and functional versatility of Serratia sp. HSTU-ABk35 highlight its promise as a multifunctional endophyte with potential applications in sustainable agriculture, including crop growth promotion, stress tolerance enhancement, and bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soils.

Key words: Serratia sp., Endophyte, Genome sequencing, Pesticide degradation, Plant growth promotion