Exploring the Genome of Bacillus mojavensis Bai2-32 Against Root Rot Disease in Lycium barbarum L.

The root rot of Lycium barbarum represents the most severe soil-borne disease that impedes its production. The management of this disease primarily relies on chemical agents, which pose risk to both the environment and human health. In this study, we isolated Bacillus strains as potential biological control agents. Bai2-32 exhibited the strongest antagonistic activity against all five Fusarium species and demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activities. Field experiments further displayed that Bai2-32 provided excellent biocontrol efficacy. To understand the possible genetic determinants for biocontrol traits, we performed genome sequencing. The genome of B. mojavensis Bai2-32 consists of a 4,055,438 bp circular chromosome with a GC content of 43.67%, containing 3986 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus strains, utilizing a single core-genome approach, clearly placed the strain Bai2-32 within the B. mojavensis clade. Predictive analysis revealed that the genome encoded lipopeptides such as surfactin and fengycin, in addition to several active metabolite synthesis gene clusters. The results further support the potential of B. mojavensis Bai2-32 for application in agricultural production and suggest that it may be a promising biocontrol agent for further studies.