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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, and ubiquitous bacterium harboring plasmids encoding a variety of proteins with insecticidal activity, but also with activity against nematodes. The aim of this work was to perform the genome sequencing and analysis of a native Bt strain showing bipyramidal parasporal crystals and designated V-CO3.3, which was isolated from the dust of a grain storehouse in Córdoba (Spain). Its genome comprised 99 high-quality assembled contigs accounting for a total size of 5.2 Mb and 35.1% G + C. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that this strain should be renamed as Bacillus cereus s.s. biovar Thuringiensis. Gene annotation revealed a total of 5495 genes, among which, 1 was identified as encoding a Cry5Ba homolog protein with well-documented toxicity against nematodes. These results suggest that this Bt strain has interesting potential for nematode biocontrol.

The genome of Bacillus thuringiensis strain INTA 103-23 was sequenced, revealing a high-quality draft assembly comprising 243 contigs with a total size of 6.30 Mb and a completeness of 99%. Phylogenetic analysis classified INTA 103-23 within the Bacillus cereus sensu stricto cluster. Genome annotation identified 6993 genes, including 2476 hypothetical proteins. Screening for pesticidal proteins unveiled 10 coding sequences with significant similarity to known pesticidal proteins, showcasing a potential efficacy against various insect orders. AntiSMASH analysis predicted 13 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including clusters with 100% similarity to petrobactin and anabaenopeptin NZ857/nostamide A. Notably, fengycin exhibited a 40% similarity within the identified clusters. Further exploration involved a comparative genomic analysis with ten phylogenetically closest genomes. The ANI values, calculated using fastANI, confirmed the closest relationships with strains classified under Bacillus cereus sensu stricto. This comprehensive genomic analysis of B. thuringiensis INTA 103-23 provides valuable insights into its genetic makeup, potential pesticidal activity, and biosynthetic capabilities. The identified BGCs and pesticidal proteins contribute to our understanding of the strain’s biocontrol potential against diverse agricultural pests.