Pseudomonas is a genus of Gram-negative, Gammaproteobacteria, belonging to the family Pseudomonadaceae and containing 191 described species. The members of the genus demonstrate a great deal of metabolic diversity and consequently are able to colonize a wide range of niches. Their ease of culture in vitro and availability of an increasing number of Pseudomonas strain genome sequences has made the genus an excellent focus for scientific research; the best studied species include P. aeruginosa in its role as an opportunistic human pathogen, the plant pathogen P. syringae, the soil bacterium P. putida, and the plant growth-promoting P. fluorescens, P. lini, P. migulae, and P. graminis.
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a common Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. It belongs to the Pseudomonas genus; 16S rRNA analysis as well as phylogenomic analysis has placed P. fluorescens in the P. fluorescens group within the genus, to which it lends its name.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an aerobic, nonfermentative, Gram-negative bacterium. It is an uncommon bacterium and human infection is difficult to treat. Initially classified as Bacterium bookeri, then renamed Pseudomonas maltophilia, S. maltophilia was also grouped in the genus Xanthomonas before eventually becoming the type species of the genus Stenotrophomonas in 1993.
Pseudomonas chlororaphis is a bacterium used as a soil inoculant in agriculture and horticulture. It can act as a biocontrol agent against certain fungal plant pathogens via production of phenazine-type antibiotics. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, similar species have been placed in its group.
Pseudomonas fragi is a psychrophilic, Gram-negative bacterium that is responsible for dairy spoilage. Unlike many other members of the genus Pseudomonas, P. fragi does not produce siderophores. Optimal temperature for growth is 30 °C, however it can grow between 0 and 35 °C. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. fragi has been placed in the P. chlororaphis group.
Pseudomonas syringae is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium with polar flagella. As a plant pathogen, it can infect a wide range of species, and exists as over 50 different pathovars, all of which are available to researchers from international culture collections such as the NCPPB, ICMP, and others.
Pseudomonas avellanae is a Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacterium. It is the causal agent of bacterial canker of hazelnut. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. avellanae has been placed in the P. syringae group. This species was once included as a pathovar of Pseudomonas syringae, but following DNA-DNA hybridization, it was instated as a separate species. Following ribotypical analysis Pseudomonas syringae pv. theae was incorporated into this species.
"Pseudomonas blatchfordae" is a Gram-negative soil bacteria isolated from tomato pith necrosis and the common bean. It is not a validly recognized species. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, it falls within the P. fluorescens group.
Pseudomonas cichorii is a Gram-negative soil bacterium that is pathogenic to plants. It has a wide host range, and can have an important economical impact on lettuce, celery and chrysanthemum crops. P. cichorii was first isolated on endives, from which it derives its name. It produces 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. cichorii has been placed in the P. syringae group.
Pseudomonas corrugata is a Gram-negative, plant-pathogenic bacterium that causes pith necrosis in tomatoes. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. corrugata has been placed in the P. fluorescens group. For a more comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of P. corrugata and its closely related phytopathogenic bacterium P. mediterranea, refer to Trantas et al. 2015.
Pseudomonas brassicacearum is a Gram-negative soil bacterium that infects the roots of Brassica napus, from which it derives its name. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. brassicacearum falls within the P. fluorescens group. It has also been shown to have both pathogenic and plant growth-promoting effects on tomato plants.
Pseudomonas mendocina is a Gram-negative environmental bacterium that can cause opportunistic infections, such as infective endocarditis and spondylodiscitis, although cases are very rare. It has potential use in bioremediation as it is able to degrade toluene. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, P. mendocina has been placed in the P. aeruginosa group.
Pseudomonas vranovensis is a Gram-negative soil bacterium.
Pseudomonas palleroniana is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects rice. The type strain is CFBP 4389.
Pseudomonas trivialis is a fluorescent, Gram-negative bacterium isolated from the phyllosphere of grasses. The type strain is DSM 14937.
Pseudomonas poae is a fluorescent, Gram-negative bacterium isolated from the phyllosphere of grasses. The type strain is DSM 14936.
Pseudomonas azotifigens is a Gram-negative, nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from a compost pile in Japan.
Pseudomonas stutzeri is a Gram-negative soil bacterium that is motile, has a single polar flagellum, and is classified as bacillus, or rod-shaped. While this bacterium was first isolated from human spinal fluid, it has since been found in many different environments due to its various characteristics and metabolic capabilities. P. stutzeri is an opportunistic pathogen in clinical settings, although infections are rare. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, this bacterium has been placed in the P. stutzeri group, to which it lends its name.
"Pseudomonas tomato" is a Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacterium that infects a variety of plants. It was once considered a pathovar of Pseudomonas syringae, but following DNA-relatedness studies, it was recognized as a separate species and several other former P. syringae pathovars were incorporated into it. Since no official name has yet been given, it is referred to by the epithet 'Pseudomonas tomato' .
Pseudomonas protegens are widespread Gram-negative, plant-protecting bacteria. Some of the strains of this novel bacterial species previously belonged to P. fluorescens. They were reclassified since they seem to cluster separately from other fluorescent Pseudomonas species. P. protegens is phylogenetically related to the Pseudomonas species complexes P. fluorescens, P. chlororaphis, and P. syringae. The bacterial species characteristically produces the antimicrobial compounds pyoluteorin and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) which are active against various plant pathogens.
