Discovery of secondary metabolites from Bacillus spp. biocontrol strains using genome mining and mass spectroscopy

Genome sequencing, data mining and mass spectrometry were used to identify secondary metabolites produced by several Bacillus spp. biocontrol strains. These biocontrol strains have shown promise in managing Fusarium head blight in wheat. Draft genomes were produced and screened in silico using genome mining software. Putative synthesis clusters were confirmed to be functional and the metabolites were structurally characterized with MS/MS techniques.  We identified several known antifungal metabolites as well as antibiotic compounds which have limited efficacy information available. In addition, we documented the presence of several different siderophores, which have been associated with biocontrol activity. This study highlights the advantages of combining these techniques to rapidly characterize new biocontrol strains.