Selecting lipopeptide‐producing, Fusarium‐suppressing Bacillus spp.: Metabolomic and genomic probing of Bacillus velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5

Abstract

The results of this study indicate that the maize rhizosphere remains a reservoir for microbial strains with unique beneficial properties. The study sought to provide an indigenous Bacillus strain with a bioprotective potential to alleviate maize fusariosis in South Africa. We selected seven Bacillus isolates (MORWBS1.1, MARBS2.7, VERBS5.5, MOREBS6.3, MOLBS8.5, MOLBS8.6, and NWUMFkBS10.5) with biosuppressive effects against two maize fungal pathogens ( Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum ) based on 16S rDNA gene characterization and lipopeptide gene analysis. The PCR analysis revealed that lipopeptide genes encoding the synthesis of iturin, surfactin, and fengycin might be responsible for their antifungal activities. Few of the isolates also showed possible biosurfactant capability, and their susceptibility to known antibiotics is indicative of their eco‐friendly attributes. In addition, in silico genomic analysis of our best isolate ( Bacillus velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5) and characterization of its active metabolite with FTIR, NMR, and ESI‐Micro‐Tof MS confirmed the presence of valuable genes clusters and metabolic pathways. The versatile genomic potential of our Bacillus isolate emphasizes the continued relevance of Bacillus spp. in biological management of plant diseases.

Pepper Bacterial Spot Control by Bacillus velezensis: Bioprocess Solution

“…In this study, compounds identified at m / z values of 1461.8, 1489.7, and 1490.9 suggest the presence of fengycins in the supernatant of cultivation broth obtained by cultivation of B. velezensis IP22 ( Figure 7 ) [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

“…According to de Fillippi et al [ 43 ], fengycins A have been identified in m / z range of 1464–1506 [M+H] + , while fengycins B have been detected in the m / z range of 1462–1490 [M+H] + . Adeniji et al [ 44 ] identified fengycins in the m / z range of 1449.9–1515.9. Recent study has confirmed antibacterial effect of fengycins against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv.…”

Genome Sequence of Lipopeptide- and Antioxidant-Producing Strain Bacillus velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5

“…The genome sequence conditions, protocols, assembly, annotation, data mining, and in silico analysis of this B. velezensis strain (NWUMFkBS10.5) have been previously documented by Adeniji et al (9). Briefly, genomic DNA of the strain was extracted using the Zymo Research (ZR) soil microbe DNA miniprep genomic isolation kit.…”

“…With a view to providing an indigenous biocontrol agent against the etiological agents (e.g., Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium graminearum) of fusariosis, a worldwide disease that affects the quality and production of major cereal grains, we report here the draft genome sequence of an anti- Fusarium and antioxidant-producing B. velezensis strain isolated from the maize rhizosphere in the North West region of South Africa (8, 9). A pure culture of isolate NWUMFkBS10.5 was obtained from a distinct colony after 5 g of rhizospheric soil from the maize farm was cultured on HiCrome (Oxoid) selective Bacillus commercial agar plates following the manufacturer’s instructions.…”

“…The isolate exhibited in vitro antifungal properties against F. graminearum and F. culmorum when grown on potato dextrose agar (Oxoid) (28°C for 7 days), and it produced active secondary metabolites (9).…”