Antagonistic Activity of Enterobacter mori Pna8 from Pandanus conoideus Against Plant Wilt Pathogens and Its Genomic Characterization

This study reports the first isolation of an endophytic bacterium Enterobacter mori Pna 8 from Pandanus conoideus , a tropical plant whose microbiome has not been previously explored. Strain Pna 8 exhibited strong antagonistic activity, inhibiting Fusarium odoratissimum by 55.9% and suppressing Ralstonia solanacearum growth, demonstrating dual efficacy against both fungal and bacterial wilt pathogens. Genomic analysis revealed a 4.81 Mb genome containing 4,433 coding sequences enriched in genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, phytohormone biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, and stress resilience. Notably, Pna8 lacks pectinolytic CAZymes typical of pathogenic E. mori strains, supporting its non-destructive lifestyle. The genome also harbors unique biosynthetic gene clusters, including a lassopeptide absent from pathogenic relatives, and siderophore variants resembling frederiksenibactin. Comparative genomics revealed 119 singleton genes related to transcription, ion transport, and biofilm regulation, highlighting niche-driven evolution and ecological adaptation. Together, these findings indicate that Pna 8 could be further explored as a novel resource for sustainable agriculture and tropical crop protection.