Paenibacillus oenotherae W2-3 degraded Welan gum to produce growth-promoting oligosaccharides

Abstract Based on the biodegradation of Welan gum, this paper studies the properties of Welan gum degrading enzymes, degradation rules, and the application of Welan gum oligosaccharides. In order to study the biodegradation of Welan gum, a strain W2-3 capable of degrading Welan gum, was isolated from soil and identified as Paenibacillus sp. The properties of Welan gum degrading enzymes, degradation rules, and the application of Welan gum oligosaccharides were studied. After degradation, the average molecular weight of Welan gum oligosaccharides could be degraded to 500 Da, and the molecular weight distribution range was wide. Through the hydroponic culture of barley seedlings, it was proved that the degradation products of Welan gum had a positive effect on plant growth. The results showed that Welan gum oligosaccharides could significantly increase the root length, plant height, and fresh weight of barley, and could be used as a growth regulator in agricultural production.