Paenibacillus polymyxa is a Gram-positive bacterium capable of fixing nitrogen. The species may also be known as Bacillus polymyxa. It is found in soil, plant roots, and marine sediments.[1] Strains of this species were also isolated from cod intestines by students at the University of Tromsø in February 2009.
Agricultural use
P. polymyxa is used as a soil inoculant in agriculture and horticulture. Biofilms of P. polymyxa growing on plant roots have been shown to produce exopolysaccharides which protect the plants from pathogens. The interactions between this bacterial species and plant roots also cause the root hairs to undergo physical changes.[2]
Antibiotics