Background
Bacillus is utilized as a biological control agent in agricultural production. The main mechanisms accountable for the biocontrol activity encompass the generation of various antifungal active substances during life activities, competition, antagonism with pathogens, promotion of growth and induction of plant resistance, thereby enhancing the inhibition of pathogenic fungi. It is regarded as having high biological control potential and has turned into a research hotspot.
Results
We found that strain KC14-1 had significant inhibitory effects on Fusarium Fujikuroi, Rhizoclonia Solani, Alternaria Solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Valsa mali. Based on morphological observations, physiological and biochemical determinations, and 16S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB gene sequencing, strain KC14-1 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Whole gene sequencing results showed that the genome of strain KC14-1 was composed of a ring chromosome 3908079 bp in size, with a GC content of 43.82%, and 3895 coding genes. Anti-SMASH predicted that the genome of strain KC14-1 contained nine gene clusters that synthesised antibacterial substances. The homology between fengycin, bacillibactin, pulcherriminic acid, subtilosin A, and bacilysin was 100%.
Conclusion
The biocontrol potential of Bacillus subtilis KC14-1 was determined through whole-genome analysis. Our study provides a solid foundation for the development and utilisation of this strain.