Genome sequencing and assembly of biological control agents

Verticillium dahliae, a highly menacing soilborne pathogen, poses a significant threat to horticulture production due to its broad host range and the absence of effective chemical disease management. In this study, we explored the use of bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of eggplants cultivated in soil substrate amended with Eruca sativa extracts as potential biocontrol agents against Verticillium dahliae. Notably, strains Paraburkholderia oxyphila EP1, EP4, and EP5, Pseudomonas citronellolis EP2, and Paraburkholderia eburnea EP3 demonstrated remarkable reduction in Verticillium severity and incidence in eggplants, offering promising avenues for sustainable disease management.