Complete genomes of Priestia megaterium and Enterobacter ludwigii: Non-symbiotic endophytes from algerian cowpea nodules

This study reports the isolation and whole‑genome sequencing of three non‑symbiotic, nitrogen‑fixing bacterial strains recovered from root nodules of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grown in a Saharan environment. Although associated with legume nodules, these strains are non-symbiotic but still capable of nitrogen fixation. Whole‑genome sequence analysis assigned the isolates to Priestia megaterium (2 strains) and Enterobacter (1 strain) species, revealing the presence of genes related to nitrogen metabolism and plant growth promotion. The identification of free‑living or non‑symbiotic diazotrophs within cowpea nodules highlights the complexity of the nodule microbiome and suggests a potential role of these bacteria in enhancing nitrogen availability and plant performance under Saharan conditions.