Genomic Insights into Bacillus thuringiensis V-CO3.3: Unveiling Its Genetic Potential against Nematodes

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, and ubiquitous bacterium harboring plasmids encoding a variety of proteins with insecticidal activity, but also with activity against nematodes. The aim of this work was to perform the genome sequencing and analysis of a native Bt strain showing bipyramidal parasporal crystals and designated V-CO3.3, which was isolated from the dust of a grain storehouse in Córdoba (Spain). Its genome comprised 99 high-quality assembled contigs accounting for a total size of 5.2 Mb and 35.1% G + C. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that this strain should be renamed as Bacillus cereus s.s. biovar Thuringiensis. Gene annotation revealed a total of 5495 genes, among which, 1 was identified as encoding a Cry5Ba homolog protein with well-documented toxicity against nematodes. These results suggest that this Bt strain has interesting potential for nematode biocontrol.