Ecological and Biotechnological Aspects of Methylobacterium mesophilicum

Abstract The Methylobacterium genus includes pink pigmentation facultative methylotroph (PPFM) bacteria that have aroused great scientific interest because of their potential to synthesize high-value products for biotechnology, bioremediation and promotion of plant growth. These bacteria colonize several environments, including soil, water, and plant tissues. Though the role of methanol utilization during microbial competition in plant environments has been described previously, the molecular mechanisms associated with plant colonization remain poorly understood.