Ustilago sp. HFJ311 isolate:HFJ311 Genome sequencing. Ustilago sp. HFJ311 isolate:HFJ311

HFJ311, identified as Ustilago sp. HFJ311, is a filamentous fungus isolated from a culture medium containing cadmium. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequence alignment showed a 98.7% similarity to Ustilago bromivora. The study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying HFJ311's plant growth promotion and cadmium stress mitigation effects by exploring its genome. HFJ311 significantly enhances the growth of various plants, including Arabidopsis, tobacco, cabbage, carrot, rice, and maize, and improves tolerance to abiotic stresses like salt and metal ions. The strain boosts iron translocation from root to shoot and reduces cadmium accumulation by approximately 60%, showing potential for bioremediation in Cd-contaminated soils. Additionally, HFJ311 stimulates auxin production through the upregulation of auxin biosynthesis genes. The genome sequencing of HFJ311 provides insights into gene functions that contribute to these growth promotion effects, offering valuable information for future biotechnological applications.