In Silico Genomic Characterization of Bacillus velezensis Strain AAK_S6 for Secondary Metabolite and Biocontrol Potential

This study reports the draft genome sequence of Bacillus velezensis strain AAK_S6 as a valuable biocontrol agent with high genetic potential to harbor broad-spectrum secondary metabolite producing capacity. A genome data of 4,430,946 bp were generated with a GC content of 46.4% that comprised a total of 4861 genes including a total of 4757 coding sequences (CDS), 104 rRNAs, 85 tRNAs and 80 pseudo-genes. Based on the overall genome-based relatedness indices (OGRI), the strain AAK_S6 has been reassigned to its correct taxonomic position. The strain shared > 99% OrthoANI, > 98% ANIb, > 99% ANIm, > 0.9900 TETRA, > 93% dDDH and 0.08% GC content difference with model strains B. velezensis FZB42 T and B. velezensis NRRL B-41580 T thus delineating them as closely related species . The genome was mined for strain-specific secondary metabolites that revealed 20 gene clusters for the biosynthesis of several cyclic lipopeptides, saccharides, polyketides along with bacilysin. Thus, the comparative genome analysis of strain AAK_S6 with members of the genus Bacillus by phylogenomic approach revealed that the genomes were almost similar genetically and contained the core genome for B. velezensis. Genomic data strongly supported that the strain AAK_S6 represented an excellent potential candidate for the production of secondary metabolites that could serve as a basis for developing new biocontrol agents, plant growth promoters, and microbial fertilizers.