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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #289446
Title: Functional genomic approaches for understanding the mode of action of Bacillus sp biocontrol strains

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Bowman, Michael
item Schisler, David

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/5/2013
Publication Date: 8/30/2013
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Bowman, M.J., Schisler, D.A. 2013. Functional genomic approaches for understanding the mode of action of Bacillus sp biocontrol strains. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Complete genome sequencing of several Bacillus sp. strains has shed new light on the mode of action of these antagonists of plant pathogens. The use of genomic data mining tools provided the ability to quickly determine the potential of these strains to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Our Bacillus sp. strains were isolated from wheat anthers and shown to be efficacious in managing Fusarium head blight in field trials. Results from data mining indicate the arsenal of antimicrobial compounds produced by Bacillus sp antagonists goes beyond lipopeptides and includes a variety of antibacterial metabolites and siderophores. The rapidly increasing number of completed genomes of Bacillus sp biocontrol strains offers additional opportunities to increase our understanding of the genetic determinants of biocontrol activity. Comparative genomics was used to identify the core-genome and pan-genome of these Bacillus sp strains. These investigations demonstrate the growing importance of applying genomic-based studies to putative antagonists of plant pathogens to enable the rapid identification of bioactive metabolites produced by the strains. In addition, this work provides a foundation for a mechanistic understanding of the Bacillus sp./Fusarium head blight biocontrol interactions.