Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41460574›Full record

ReviewFolia microbiologica2026

Ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis: Advancing bacterial genetics for sustainable agriculture.

Darin Edward Holman, Gerhard Basson, Ashwil Klein, Marshall Keyster

Abstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Folia microbiologica, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Darin Edward HolmanEnvironmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa. 3965207@myuwc.ac.za.
Gerhard BassonEnvironmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
Ashwil KleinPlant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
Marshall KeysterEnvironmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa. mkeyster@uwc.ac.za.

Funding

National Research Foundation 107023, 115280Sibusiso Bengu Grant GB0200088
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a strong alkylating agent commonly used to induce random point mutations, particularly G: C to A: T transitions, by ethylating guanine bases in DNA. Its mutagenic properties, which stem from the transfer of ethyl groups to nucleophilic sites within cells, allow for the creation of various mutant libraries, aiding research in bacterial physiology, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance. This review briefly examines the mechanisms behind EMS mutagenesis and its applications in both forward and reverse genetics. In forward genetics, mutants generated by EMS with altered traits help identify the genetic mutations responsible, while reverse genetics focuses on analyzing specific gene functions. Although there are challenges like mutation stability and reversion, advancements in high-throughput screening methods have improved the effectiveness of EMS mutagenesis. The review also emphasizes the significant impact of EMS-induced bacterial mutants in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Notable examples include the creation of non-pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum mutants for controlling bacterial wilt, as well as Bacillus and Pseudomonas mutants that enhance biosurfactant production and bioremediation efforts. Furthermore, EMS mutagenesis has led to the development of stress-tolerant strains that can survive under drought, salinity, and heavy metal conditions, along with strains that improve phosphorus solubilization and nitrogen fixation, contributing to better soil health and plant growth. By connecting fundamental research with practical applications, EMS mutagenesis remains a vital tool for tackling global issues in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and microbial biotechnology.

Indexed as

AgricultureBacteriaEthyl MethanesulfonateMutagenesisMutagensEthyl MethanesulfonateMutagensBacterial geneticsBiocontrol agentsEthyl methanesulfonate mutagenesisMutant librariesSustainable agriculture

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.