Brazilian Bacillus thuringiensis CNPMS B116 Genome Decoded for Biocontrol and Plant Growth Potential

A Brazilian Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain isolated from Cerrado soil, CNPMS B116, has unveiled its full genome, revealing a powerful arsenal of biocontrol and plant growth–associated genes.

Scientists sequenced the complete genome using PacBio long-read technology at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI). Reads were assembled with the HGAP protocol and polished using Quiver, then annotated with JGI’s automated pipeline alongside manual curation and classification through COG and KEGG databases.

The strain carries a 6.37 megabase circular chromosome encoding 6,215 predicted proteins, accompanied by 30 rRNA genes and 107 tRNA genes. Notably, the genome also contains 9 plasmids of varying sizes, pointing to expanded functionality beyond the chromosome.

In silico analysis showed that CNPMS B116 expresses multiple Cry (crystal) protein toxin genes, long associated with insect biocontrol. But its genome mining didn’t stop there. It carries biosynthetic ability for siderophores like bacillibactin, crucial for iron acquisition and pathogen suppression.

The genome includes hydrolytic enzyme genes such as chitinases, proteases, and cellulases, along with antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides. Advanced cluster mining highlighted gene sets for NRPS (non-ribosomal peptide synthetases) and PKS (polyketide synthases) — metabolic powerhouses driving antibiotic synthesis and biocontrol traits.

Beyond pathogen defense, CNPMS B116 also carries genes supporting plant growth promotion, including pathways related to phosphate solubilization, nitrogen metabolism, and indole-acetic acid (IAA)-related mechanisms, making it a strong candidate as a dual-function strain for sustainable agriculture.

The strain was originally isolated from the Brazilian Cerrado biome, where preliminary lab screenings showed antagonistic potential against Xanthomonas spp., signalling real-world promise for crop disease management.

With its genome now decoded, CNPMS B116 joins the growing list of promising, non-chemical microbial agents for agricultural biocontrol and plant health enhancement.

Reference

Bini, D., Ribeiro, V.P., Marins, M.S. et al. Bacillus thuringiensis CNPMS B116, a Brazilian strain from Cerrado, as a bioinoculant for improving maize yield and phosphorus use efficiency. Arch Microbiol 208, 14 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-025-04564-0