Svetlana Grishechkina

The development of eco-friendly multifunctional biopreparations based on microorganisms is a fundamental challenge in modern agriculture. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains are widely used for development of biopreparations, and a deeper understanding of their genomic makeup is required. Here, we used the Illumina platform and sequenced the genome of Bt strain 25, patented as an efficient biocontrol agent against coleopteran pests, including Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and fungal phytopathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea. The genome was 6,104,178 bp in length, with a low contamination (0.04 %) and a high completeness (99.01 %) level. Out of 6409 genes, 1030 loci were related to functionally important activities. The genome harboured 9 genes encoding well-known insecticidal toxins, such as InhA1/2, Bmp1, Spp1Aa, and Cry1Ea, 89 insecticidal minor virulence factors, and 560 putative proteases. It was predicted to be active against nematodes and lepidopteran pests. The genome contained a total of 24 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), 11 of which are probably related to bactericidal activities, while 5 are known clusters, synthesising, e. g., lipopeptide fengycin and siderophores petrobactin and bacillibactin. The genome was enriched with mobile genetic elements and horizontally transferred regions. Our results elucidate the composition of genetic determinants controlling beneficial features of Bt strain 25.