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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 #413839
Research Project: Discovery and Production of Beneficial Microbes for Control of Agricultural Pests through Integration into Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems

Location: Crop Bioprotection Research

Title: Microbial genomics and its application to biocontrol research; current and future perspectives

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/18/2024
Publication Date: 3/25/2024
Citation: Dunlap, C.A. 2024. Microbial genomics and its application to biocontrol research; current and future perspectives [Abstract]. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Microbial genomics is a key technology to study and develop biocontrol agents. My research applies a variety of genomic techniques to study both fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents. We have sequenced more than 1000 strains of entomopathogenic fungi from around the world, which has provided novel insights into their diversity and phylogenetic relationships. In addition, we have sequenced the genomes of more than 6000 strains of bacteria over the last few years. These genomes primarily from the family Bacillaceae, includes the most successful bacterial biocontrol agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus velezensis. Preliminary genome mining has identified a large number of undescribed biosynthetic clusters and thousands of insecticidal proteins (e.g. Cry, Mtx, etc.). These proteins provide a rich source of potential bioactive molecules for crop protection applications.