Culturable bacterial endophytes of wild white poplar (Populus alba L.) roots: a first look at their biological potential
White poplar (Populus alba L.) has good potential for green economy and phytoremediation. Bio-remediation using endophytic bacteria can be considered as a safe strategy to increase poplar productivity and its resistance to toxic conditions of urban environment. The aim of our work was to first investigate bacterial endophytes of wild-growing white poplar and to hypothesize their bio-remediation potential. For this purpose, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 14 bacterial strains isolated from root tissues of white poplar of different geographical origins. We then per-formed bioinformatic searches and physiological tests to characterize molecular and metabolic features that may be beneficial for poplar growth, resistance to environmental pollutants and pathogens. The identified strains belong to the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Kocuria, Micrococcus, Peribacillus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. The genomes of the strains contain genes involved in enhanced metabolism of nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, synthesis of plant hormones, and detoxifi-cation of heavy metals and organic pollutants. All strains are able to grow on media without ni-trogen sources, which indicates their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is concluded that the best biological potential is possessed by strains belonging to the genus Pseudomonas and bacteria of the species Kocuria rosea.