Genome-Guided Dissection of ser and shlB Uncovers Multifactorial Virulence Mechanisms of Serratia marcescens PXG6 in Plutella xylostella.

Abstract

The rapid evolution of pesticide resistance in Plutella xylostella has reduced the effectiveness of conventional pest control methods in cruciferous crops. This study investigated the virulence of Serratia marcescens PXG6 against P. xylostella and identified two putative virulence factors, ser (serralysin) and shlB (hemolysin transporter). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a GC content of 59.65%, 4650 predicted genes, multiple secretion systems (types I, V, and VI), and 715 putative virulence-related genes. Bioinformatic analyses predicted type IV pili, serralysin, hemolysin, and flagella as pathogenic determinants. Purified prodigiosin exhibited concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, whereas bacterial proteins alone caused little larval mortality, indicating that full virulence depends on live bacterial cells. Gene knockout mutants Δser and ΔshlB exhibited altered growth, motility, biofilm formation, and stress tolerance. Deletion of shlB significantly reduced hemolytic activity, protein secretion, and virulence against P. xylostella, whereas Δser had minimal impact on larval survival. Overall, PXG6 pathogenicity involves multiple bacterial components, with shlB playing a key role in virulence. These findings improve our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of PXG6 and support the development of S. marcescens-based biocontrol strategies against P. xylostella.