Pan-genome analysis and molecular docking unveil the biocontrol potential of Bacillus velezensis VB7 against Phytophthora infestans.

Management of late blight of potato incited by Phytophthora infestans remains a major challenge. Coevolution of pathogen with resistant strains and the rise of fungicide resistance have made it more challenging to prevent the spread of P. infestans. Here, the anti-oomycete potential of Bacillus velezensis VB7 against P. infestans through pan-genome analysis and molecular docking were explored. The Biocontrol potential of VB7 against P. infestans was assessed using a confrontational assay. The biomolecules from the inhibition zone were identified and subjected to in silico analysis against P. infestans target proteins. Nucleotide sequences for 54 B. velezensis strains from different geographical locations were used for pan-genome analysis. The confrontational assay revealed the anti-oomycetes potential of VB7 against P. infestans. Molecular docking confirmed that the penicillamine disulfide had the maximum binding energy with eight effector proteins of P. infestans. Besides, scanning electron microscopic observations of P. infestans interaction with VB7 revealed structural changes in hypha and sporangia. Pan-genome analysis between 54 strains of B. velezensis confirmed that the core genome had 2226 genes, and it has an open pan-genome. The present study confirmed the anti-oomycete potential of B. velezensis VB7 against P. infestans and paved the way to explore the genetic potential of VB7.