Whole genome analysis of 160, biological control agent of corn head smut.

Unlabelled: Corn head smut is a disease caused by the fungus . This phytosanitary problem has existed for several decades in the Mezquital Valley, an important corn-producing area in central Mexico. To combat the problem, a strain identified as 160 was applied in the field, where it decreased disease incidence and increased crop productivity. In this study, the sequencing and analysis of the whole genome sequence of this strain were carried out to identify its genetic determinants for the production of antimicrobials. The 160 strain was found to be . Its genome has a size of 4,297,348 bp, a GC content of 45.8%, and 4,174 coding sequences. Comparative analysis with the genomes of four other strains showed that they share 2,804 genes and clusters for the production of difficidin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, macrolantin, bacillaene, fengycin, butirosin A, locillomycin, and surfactin. For the latter metabolite, unlike the other strains that have only one cluster, 160 has three. A cluster for synthesizing laterocidine, an antimicrobial reported only in , was also identified.

Importance: In this study, we performed sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of the strain initially identified as 160 as part of its characterization. This bacterium has shown its ability to control corn head smut in the field, a disease caused by the basidiomycete fungus . Analyzing the complete genome sequence not only provides a more precise taxonomic identification but also sheds light on the genetic potential of this bacterium, especially regarding mechanisms that allow it to exert biological control. Employing molecular and bioinformatics tools in studying the genomes of agriculturally significant microorganisms offers insights into the development of biofungicides and bioinoculants. These innovations aim to enhance plant growth and pave the way for strategies that boost crop productivity.