Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis C34, a Phyllosphere Isolate with Dual Biocontrol and Plant Growth-Promoting Potential
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, sporeforming bacterium best known for producing parasporal crystals containing Cry and Cyt proteins with insecticidal activity against diverse insect orders.Because of its specificity and safety toward non-target organisms, Bt is widely applied as a microbial biopesticide and forms the basis of several transgenic crops.In addition to their insecticidal role, many Bt strains exhibit plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and siderophore secretion.These dual properties highlight Bt as a promising candidate for integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture [1].This multifaceted ecological role positions B.thuringiensis as a promising agent for integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural practices.Here, we present the genome sequence and functional annotation of B. thuringiensis strain C34, a phyllosphere isolate exhibiting both insecticidal potential and multiple PGP traits.B. thuringiensis strain C34 was originally isolated from the phyllosphere of oil palm leaves grown in soil pre-treated with a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-based biofertilizer.When cultured on Nutrient Agar (NA) (Oxoid, UK) at 30℃ for 2 days, the colonies exhibited rough, wrinkled surfaces with undulate margins, showing both spreading and dense clustered growth patterns.Sporulation and parasporal crystal production were confirmed using Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) staining.The genome of B. thuringiensis strain C34 was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform Bacillus thuringiensis strain C34, isolated from the oil palm phyllosphere, forms parasporal crystals and exhibits diverse plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate and potassium solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production, nitrogen fixation, ammonia release, and siderophore secretion.Whole-genome sequencing produced a 5.36-Mb draft genome in 45 contigs with 99.2% completeness.Genomic analysis identified a Cry gene homologous to Spp1Aa1, with predicted insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura, and biosynthetic clusters for bacillibactin, fengycin, bacilysin, and petrobactin.These features highlight the dual role of strain C34 in insect control and plant growth promotion, supporting its potential as a multifunctional bioinoculant.
Authors: Wai Keat Toh, Xin Yen Tor, Pek Chin Loh, Hann Ling Wong
Institution: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
OpenAlex ID: W7125527201