Patent Publication Number: US-2009220951-A1

Title: Methods and compositions for classifying bacillus bacteria

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/878,784, filed on Jan. 5, 2007, which application is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Research was funded by the United States Government under Grant No. DAAD 19-03-C-051 awarded by DARPA. The United States Government may have certain rights in this application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Unambiguous and precise genetic classification of microorganisms is of pivotal importance to the establishment of strain novelty and utility, associations with existing groups of known commercial importance, association with groups of known biosafety and GRAS classifications, and enabling rapid screening of new isolates for commercial potential by positioning within groups of established economical importance. 
     This disclosure provides a methodology to reliably and unambiguously identify and stratify members of the  Bacillus  genus that are or could be used commercially in industrial enzyme, probiotic, biopolymer, biomolecule production, crop protection and other industries. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a method of classifying a  Bacillus  bacterium is provided. The method may include analyzing a nucleic acid encoding an SspE protein of the  Bacillus  bacterium to determine an SspE proteotype; and classifying the  Bacillus  bacterium on the basis of the SspE proteotype. The method may also include further classifying the  Bacillus  bacterium on the basis of its sspE genotype, and/or by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) classifiers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. 
         FIG. 1  shows a ClUSTALW multi-sequence alignment of SspE amino acid sequences from the  B. thuringiensis  group. The SspE sequence for  B. cereus  strain T was selected as the holotype and used as the reference sequence for the other proteotypes. It has been designated proteotype “A” in  FIGS. 1-3  and Tables 1-3. In this figure, the reference sequence “A” is indicated in bold blue type, and amino acid positions (numbering at the bottom of the figure) are in reference to this sequence. Thus, the two amino acid residue inserts found in  B. anthracis  and some  B. mycoides  strains are found between residues 54 and 55 of the reference sequence “A.” Amino acid alterations or deletions with respect to reference sequence “A” are highlighted in bold type and their corresponding positions in the holotype reference protein sequence are indicated by bold orange font. The symbol “-” represents missing amino acid residues or deletions with respect to the holotype sequence. From top to bottom: SEQ ID NOS:1-21. 
         FIG. 2  shows a maximum parsimony phylogenetic tree of Bt group full-length sspE DNA sequences generated by PAUP v.4.0b10 with 100 bootstrap replicates. Genotype labeling corresponds to that used in Tables 1-3. Numbers at the branch nodes indicate bootstrap confidence values as a percentage from 100 replicates. Primary or major claims are indicated with arrows.  B. mycoides -related strains are labeled as points of reference. Blue, red and green branch color-coding of clusters corresponds to color coding of clusters in the MLST tree in  FIG. 3  and to classifiers and sspE genotypes and strains in Tables 1-3. 
         FIG. 3  shows a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of Bt group concatenated MLST allele sequences (glpF, gmk, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA and tpiA) generated by PHYML with 500 bootstrap replicates. Numbers at the branch nodes indicate bootstrap confidence values as a percentage from 500 replicates. Phylogenetic positions of Bc group strains from this study are indicated by classifiers (see Table 1). Commercially relevant insecticidal Bt strains are indicated with arrows.  B. anthracis  and  B. mycoides -related strains are labeled as points of reference. Blue, red and green branch color-coding of clusters corresponds to color coding of clusters in the sspE tree in  FIG. 2  and to classifiers and sspE genotypes and strains in Tables 1-3. 
         FIG. 4  shows a ClUSTALW multi-sequence alignment of SspE amino acid sequences from the  B. subtilis  group. The SspE sequence for  B. subtilis  strain W23 was selected as the holotype and used as the reference sequence for the other proteotypes. It has been designated proteotype “12” in  FIGS. 4-6  and Tables 5 and 6. In this figure, the reference sequence “12” is indicated in bold blue type, and amino acid positions (numbering at the bottom of the figure) are in reference to this sequence. Amino acid alterations or deletions with respect to reference sequence “12” are highlighted in bold type and their corresponding numbered positions in the protein sequence are indicated by bold orange font. Numbers in the left column corresponding to SspE proteotypes 1-11 are indicated in bold type since one or more commercially valuable isolates cluster in this proteotype. SspE proteotype numbering assignments remain consistent between this figure and Tables 5 and 6 as well as the  B. subtilis  group phylogenetic trees in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . SspE sequences of  B. licheniformis  (proteotype “6”)-related strains, including  B. sonorensis  (proteotype “7”) and isolates important in enzyme production (proteotype “11”) and plant protection/biofungicide (proteotypes “8-10”) have a 28 amino acid deletion with respect to the W23 holotype sequence, corresponding to holotype amino acid residue positions 48-75 (inclusive) in  FIG. 4 . Though the precise position of this sequence gap may be relative and is dependent on the ClUSTALW alignment parameters, we determined that a deletion positioned at residues 48-75 (inclusive) was the most plausible location based upon evolutionary characteristics and motifs found in the sspE gene. The symbol “-” represents missing amino acid residues or deletions with respect to the holotype sequence. From top to bottom: SEQ ID NOS:22-39. 
         FIG. 5  shows a maximum parsimony phylogenetic tree of Bs group full-length sspE DNA sequences generated by PAUP v.4.0b10 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Genotype labeling corresponds to that in Tables 5 and 6. Numbers at the branch nodes indicate bootstrap confidence values as a percentage from 1000 replicates. Commercially relevant clusters are indicated.  B. atrophaeus, B. vallismortis  and  B. subtilis -related strains are labeled as points of reference. Violet, coral, gold, dark teal, gray, leaf green and aqua branch color-coding of clusters corresponds to color coding of clusters in the MLST tree in  FIG. 6  and to classifiers, sspE genotypes and strains in Tables 5-7. 
         FIG. 6  shows a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of Bs group concatenated MLST allele sequences (glpF, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA, rpoD and tpiA) generated by PHYML with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Numbers at the branch nodes indicate bootstrap confidence values as a percentage from 1000 replicates. Phylogenetic positions of Bs group strains are indicated by classifiers (see Table 5). Commercially relevant clusters are identified.  B. atrophaeus, B. vallismortis  and  B. subtilis -related strains are labeled as points of reference. Violet, coral, gold, dark teal, gray, leaf green and aqua branch color-coding of clusters corresponds to color coding of clusters in the sspE tree in  FIG. 5  and to classifiers, sspE genotypes and strains in Tables 5-7. 
         FIG. 7  ClUSTALW multi-sequence alignment of 54-56 residue SspE amino acid sequences from the  B. subtilis  group. The SspE sequence for  Bacillus  species proteotype 8 (biofungicide strain GB03, etc.) was selected as the holotype and used as the reference sequence for the other proteotypes. It has been designated proteotype “8” in  FIGS. 4-9  and Tables 5-8. In this figure, the reference sequence “8” is indicated in bold blue type, and amino acid positions (numbering at the bottom of the figure) are in reference to this sequence. Amino acid alterations or deletions with respect to reference sequence “8” are highlighted in bold type and their corresponding numbered positions in the protein sequence are indicated by bold orange font. Numbers in the left column corresponding to SspE proteotypes 19-21 are indicated in bold brown type and represent SspE translated protein sequences from five bona fide  Bacillus pumilus  isolates. SspE proteotype numbering assignments remain consistent between this figure and Tables 5-8 as well as the  B. subtilis  group phylogenetic trees in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The symbol “-” represents missing amino acid residues or deletions with respect to the holotype sequence. It is unclear whether one or both N-terminal methionine residues are actually incorporated into the  B. pumilus  SspE protein. From top to bottom: SEQ ID NOS:40-48. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  show maximum parsimony phylogenetic trees of Bs group full-length SspE translated amino acid ( FIG. 8 ) and nucleotide ( FIG. 9 ) sequences generated by PAUP v.4.0b10 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Genotype labeling corresponds to that in Tables 5-8. Numbers at the branch nodes indicate bootstrap confidence values as a percentage from 1000 replicates. Commercially relevant clusters are indicated.  B. licheniformis, B. sonorensis  and  B. pumilus -related strains are labeled as points of reference. Leaf green, aqua and brown branch color-coding of clusters corresponds to color coding of clusters in the  FIGS. 5 and 6  and to classifiers and sspE genotypes and strains in Tables 5-8. 
         FIG. 10  is a table showing classification of  Bacillus thuringiensis  group isolates by SspE proteotype, sspE genotype and MLST classifiers. 
         FIG. 11  is a table showing classification of  Bacillus subtilis  group isolates by SspE proteotype, sspE genotype and MLST classifiers. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Still, certain elements are defined below for the sake of clarity and ease of reference. 
     As used herein, the terms “determining,” “measuring,” and “assessing,” and “assaying” are used interchangeably and include both quantitative and qualitative determinations. 
     The term “nucleic acid” as used herein means a polymer composed of nucleotides, e.g., deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or compounds produced synthetically (e.g. PNA as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,902 and the references cited therein) which can hybridize with naturally occurring nucleic acids in a sequence specific manner analogous to that of two naturally occurring nucleic acids, e.g., can participate in Watson-Crick base pairing interactions. 
     The terms “nucleoside” and “nucleotide” are intended to include those moieties that contain not only the known purine and pyrimidine base moieties, but also other heterocyclic base moieties that have been modified. Such modifications include methylated purines or pyrimidines, acylated purines or pyrimidines, or other heterocycles. In addition, the terms “nucleoside” and “nucleotide” include those moieties that contain not only conventional ribose and deoxyribose sugars, but other sugars as well. Modified nucleosides or nucleotides also include modifications on the sugar moiety, e.g., wherein one or more of the hydroxyl groups are replaced with halogen atoms or aliphatic groups, or are functionalized as ethers, amines, or the like. 
     The terms “ribonucleic acid” and “RNA” as used herein refer to a polymer composed of ribonucleotides. 
     The terms “deoxyribonucleic acid” and “DNA” as used herein mean a polymer composed of deoxyribonucleotides. 
     The term “oligonucleotide” as used herein denotes single stranded nucleotide multimers of from about 10 to 100 nucleotides and up to 200 nucleotides in length. Oligonucleotides may be made synthetically or by copying a template (e.g., an SspE gene template) using a polymerase. 
     The term “polynucleotide” as used herein refers to a single or double stranded polymer composed of nucleotide monomers, of generally greater than 100 nucleotides in length. 
     The term “stringent conditions” refers to conditions under which a primer will hybridize preferentially to, or specifically bind to, its complementary binding partner, and to a lesser extent to, or not at all to, other sequences. Put another way, the term “stringent hybridization conditions” as used herein refers to conditions that are compatible to produce duplexes on an array surface between complementary binding members, e.g., between probes and complementary targets in a sample, e.g., duplexes of nucleic acid probes, such as DNA probes, and their corresponding nucleic acid targets that are present in the sample, e.g., their corresponding mRNA analytes present in the sample. A “stringent hybridization” and “stringent hybridization wash conditions” in the context of nucleic acid hybridization (e.g., as in array, Southern or Northern hybridizations) are sequence dependent, and are different under different environmental parameters. Stringent hybridization conditions that can be used to identify nucleic acids within the scope of the invention can include, e.g., hybridization in a buffer comprising 50% formamide, 5×SSC, and 1% SDS at 42° C., or hybridization in a buffer comprising 5×SSC and 1% SDS at 65° C., both with a wash of 0.2×SSC and 0.1% SDS at 65° C. Exemplary stringent hybridization conditions can also include a hybridization in a buffer of 40% formamide, 1 M NaCl, and 1% SDS at 37° C., and a wash in 1×SSC at 45° C. Alternatively, hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 0.5 M NaHPO 4 , 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1 mM EDTA at 65° C., and washing in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 68° C. can be employed. Yet additional stringent hybridization conditions include hybridization at 60° C. or higher and 3×SSC (450 mM sodium chloride/45 mM sodium citrate) or incubation at 42° C. in a solution containing 30% formamide, 1M NaCl, 0.5% sodium sarcosine, 50 mM MES, pH 6.5. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that alternative but comparable hybridization and wash conditions can be utilized to provide conditions of similar stringency. 
     In certain embodiments, the stringency of the wash conditions that set forth the conditions which determine whether a nucleic acid is specifically hybridized to a probe. Wash conditions used to identify nucleic acids may include, e.g.: a salt concentration of about 0.02 molar at pH 7 and a temperature of at least about 50° C. or about 55° C. to about 60° C.; or, a salt concentration of about 0.15 M NaCl at 72° C. for about 15 minutes; or, a salt concentration of about 0.2×SSC at a temperature of at least about 50° C. or about 55° C. to about 60° C. for about 15 to about 20 minutes; or, the hybridization complex is washed twice with a solution with a salt concentration of about 2×SSC containing 0.1% SDS at room temperature for 15 minutes and then washed twice by 0.1×SSC containing 0.1% SDS at 68° C. for 15 minutes; or, equivalent conditions. Stringent conditions for washing can also be, e.g., 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 42° C. In instances wherein the nucleic acid molecules are deoxyoligonucleotides (“oligos”), stringent conditions can include washing in 6×SSC/0.05% sodium pyrophosphate at 37° C. (for 14-base oligos), 48° C. (for 17-base oligos), 55° C. (for 20-base oligos), and 60° C. (for 23-base oligos). See Sambrook, Ausubel, or Tijssen (cited below) for detailed descriptions of equivalent hybridization and wash conditions and for reagents and buffers, e.g., SSC buffers and equivalent reagents and conditions. 
     Stringent hybridization conditions are hybridization conditions that are at least as stringent as the above representative conditions, where conditions are considered to be at least as stringent if they are at least about 80% as stringent, typically at least about 90%4 as stringent as the above specific stringent conditions. Other stringent hybridization conditions are known in the art and may also be employed, as appropriate. 
     Two nucleotide sequences are “complementary” to one another when those molecules share base pair organization homology. “Complementary” nucleotide sequences will combine with specificity to form a stable duplex under appropriate hybridization conditions. For instance, two sequences are complementary when a section of a first sequence can bind to a section of a second sequence in an anti-parallel sense wherein the 3′-end of each sequence binds to the 5′-end of the other sequence and each A, T(U), G, and C of one sequence is then aligned with a T(U), A, C, and G, respectively, of the other sequence. RNA sequences can also include complementary G=U or U=G base pairs. Thus, two sequences need not have perfect homology to be “complementary” under the invention, and in most situations two sequences are sufficiently complementary when at least about 85% (preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 95%) of the nucleotides share base pair organization over a defined length of the molecule. 
     As used herein, a “biological sample” refers to a sample of tissue or fluid isolated from a subject, which in the context of the invention generally refers to samples suspected of containing nucleic acid and/or cellular particles of human  B. anthracis , which samples, after optional processing, can be analyzed in an in vitro assay. Typical samples of interest include, but are not necessarily limited to, respiratory secretions (e.g., samples obtained from fluids or tissue of nasal passages, lung, and the like), blood, plasma, serum, blood cells, fecal matter, urine, tears, saliva, milk, organs, biopsies, and secretions of the intestinal and respiratory tracts. Samples also include samples of in vitro cell culture constituents including but not limited to conditioned media resulting from the growth of cells and tissues in culture medium, e.g., recombinant cells, and cell components. 
     The term “assessing” includes any form of measurement, and includes determining if an element is present or not. The terms “determining”, “measuring”, “evaluating”, “assessing” and “assaying” are used interchangeably and includes quantitative and qualitative determinations. Assessing may be relative or absolute. “Assessing the presence of” includes determining the amount of something present, and/or determining whether it is present or absent. As used herein, the terms “determining,” “measuring,” and “assessing,” and “assaying” are used interchangeably and include both quantitative and qualitative determinations. 
     The term “ Bacillus  bacterium” refers to any species in the genus  Bacillus , including  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacteria and  Bacillus subtilis  group bacteria. A  Bacillus  bacterium may be present as a  Bacillus  isolate (e.g., an isolated bacterium cultured in vitro), or may be present in a sample that contains other bacteria, for example. 
     The term “ Bacillus thuringiensis  group” refers to a group of  Bacillus  bacteria that is phylogenetically related to  Bacillus thuringiensis  and phylogenetically distinct from  Bacillus subtilis  group bacteria. The  Bacillus thuringiensis  group includes, but is not limited to, the following species:  Bacillus thuringiensis  (Bt),  Bacillus anthracis  (Ba),  Bacillus cereus  (Bc),  Bacillus mycoides  (Bm),  Bacillus pseudomycoides  (Bp),  Bacillus weihenstephanensis  (Bw), including subspecies thereof, including serovars  kurstaki, israelensis, aizawai/pacificus  and  thuringiensis . In certain cases, a  Bacillus  bacterium may be classified as a  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacterium using the SspE-based methods described below. 
     The term “ Bacillus subtilis  group” refers to a group of  Bacillus  bacteria that is phylogenetically related to  Bacillus subtilis , and phylogenetically distinct from  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacteria. The  Bacillus subtilis  group includes, but is not limited to, the following species:  Bacillus subtilis  (Bs),  Bacillus licheniformis  (Bl),  Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus vallismortis  (By),  Bacillus pumilus  (Bpum), and  Bacillus atrophaeus  (Bat), including subspecies thereof. In certain cases, a  Bacillus  bacterium may be classified as a  Bacillus subtilis  group bacterium using the SspE-based methods described below. 
     The term “classifying” in the context of classifying a  Bacillus  bacterium, refers to assigning a  Bacillus  bacterium to a pre-defined category, such as a genus, species, or sub-species. In certain embodiments, a  Bacillus  bacterium is classified when it is assigned to a genus and a species (e.g., named using genus-species nomenclature such as “ Bacillus licheniformis ”). In other embodiments, a  Bacillus  bacterium is classified when it is assigned to a genus, a species and a sub-species, (e.g., named using genus-species-subspecies nomenclature such as “ Bacillus subtilis  strain 168). In certain embodiments, the term “classifying” specifically excludes classifying a bacterium as a  B. anthracis  solely on the basis of a 6 bp deletion or insertion at nucleotides 177-182 of the sspE gene of Kim et al (FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 2005 43:301-10) in the sspE gene, although this deletion may be used in the methods described herein in combination with other markers. 
     The term “sspE” refers to a gene encoding a small, acid-soluble spore protein that is found in the genome of  Bacillus  bacteria. The nucleotide sequences of several  Bacillus  bacterium sspE genes and the amino acid sequences of the SspE proteins encoded by those genes have been deposited in NCBI&#39;s GenBank database, or are set forth herein in the sequence listing. The nucleotide sequence of the genome of  B. subtilis  is known (see, e.g., Kunst et al, Nature 1997 390:249-56), and the SspE proteins of various  Bacillus  bacterium are described in Mason et al (J. Bacteriol. 1988 170:239-44), Mason et al (Nucleic Acids Res. 1988 16:6567-83), Cucchi et al (Curr. Microbiol. 1995 31:228-33) and Kim et al (FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 2005 43:301-10). 
     The term “SspE proteotype”, in the context of an SspE proteotype of a  Bacillus  bacterium, indicates the type of SspE protein encoded by that  Bacillus  bacterium. Different SspE proteotypes differ in amino acid sequence, and, in certain cases, length. As will be described in greater detail below, different SspE proteotypes allow different  Bacillus  bacterium to be classified. Also as will be described in greater detail below, an SspE proteotype may be determined by analysis of the sspE gene of a  Bacillus  bacterium. 
     The term “sspE genotype”, in the context of an sspE genotype of a  Bacillus  bacterium, indicates the type of sspE gene encoded by that  Bacillus  bacterium. Different sspE genotypes differ in nucleic acid sequence, and, as will be described in greater detail below, different sspE genotypes allow different  Bacillus  bacterium having the same SspE proteotype to be further classified. As will be described in greater detail below, an sspE genotype may be determined by analysis of the sspE gene of a  Bacillus  bacterium. 
     The term “SspE classifying amino acid signature” refers to a minimal set of contiguous and/or non-contiguous amino acids of an SspE protein that identifies the SspE protein as being of a particular SspE proteotype. An SspE classifying amino acid signature indicates the identify of the classifying amino acids residues at particular positions in an SspE protein, as well as any classifying insertions or deletions within an SspE protein, relative to another SspE protein. A complete list of SspE classifying amino acid signatures is set forth later in this disclosure. The SspE classifying amino acid signature for  B. anthracis  is not solely based on identification of a deletion or insertion of the amino acids encoded by nucleotides 177-182 of the sspE gene of Kim et al (FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 2005 43:301-10). 
     The term “oligonucleotide primer” is an oligonucleotide that can prime nucleic acid synthesis when hybridized to a longer nucleic acid in the presence of a DNA polymerase and nucleotides. 
     The term “a set of SspE classifying primers” refers to a set of oligonucleotide primers that are designed to detect an SspE classifying amino acid signature. In certain cases, a set of oligonucleotide primers, when employed in a polymerase chain reaction using a  Bacillus  species genome as a template, amplify products that are diagnostic of the SspE classifying amino acid signature. In particular embodiments, the sizes of the products indicate the SspE classifying amino acid signature. In other embodiments, the presence or absence of particular products may indicate the SspE classifying amino acid signature. Each product may be amplified by a primer pair, where a set of SspE classifying primers comprises a plurality of primer pairs. 
     The term “translating”, in the context of translating a sequence of nucleotides, refers to the decoding of a sequence of nucleotides into a sequence of amino acids using the genetic code. Translation of a sequence of nucleotides may be done on paper or by a computer (i.e., in silico), for example. 
     The term “analyzing”, in the context of analyzing a nucleic acid includes sequencing the nucleic acid and analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid on paper or in silico, as well as physically analyzing the nucleic acid to see if it can act as a template for an enzymatic reaction, e.g., primer extension or by hybridization. A nucleic acid may be copied, e.g., amplified, prior to its analysis. 
     Other definitions of terms may appear below 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before examples of the instant method is described in such detail it is to be understood that method is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the method described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein. 
     Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. 
     The referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior invention. 
     Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
     As noted above, certain of the above methods are sspE-based methods, where sspE is a gene that encodes the spore structural protein SspE, a gamma-type SASP (small, acid-soluble protein). SspE is thought to function as a storage protein that provides amino acids required for protein synthesis during early spore germination. This gene is believed to have arisen and evolved solely within the  Bacillus  genus. As will be described in greater detail below, sspE gene sequences have been used to reliably reconstruct the natural genetic history of over 380  Bacillus  isolates. Certain of the SspE-based methods decrease the time and expense required for discovery of new strains of commercial interest by providing rapid identification assays for isolates that are members of commercially important clades. Certain of the SspE-based methods also allow the accurate and decisive phylogenetic positioning of new isolates for which patent protection or GRAS status is sought. 
     A method of classifying a  Bacillus  bacterium is provided. In certain embodiments, the method may include: analyzing a nucleic acid encoding an SspE protein of the  Bacillus  bacterium to determine an SspE proteotype; and classifying the  Bacillus  bacterium on the basis of that SspE proteotype. The method may further include analyzing the SspE-encoding nucleic acid to determine an sspE genotype that allows the  Bacillus  bacterium to be further classified. The method may include sequencing the nucleic acid to provide a nucleic acid sequence and, in certain embodiments, analyzing that nucleic acid sequence. An sspE genotype may be determined by analysis of the nucleic acid alone. In certain embodiments, an SspE proteotype may be determined by analysis of the nucleic acid alone (by examining the nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid to determine whether the nucleic acid contains codons encoding an amino acid signature, or by use of oligonucleotide primers that specifically detect the codons for a classifying SspE amino acid signature, e.g., by use oligonucleotide primers that prime nucleic acid synthesis if particular amino acids are encoded by the nucleic acid, for example). In other embodiments, an SspE proteotype may be determined by analysis of the amino acid sequence of the SspE polypeptide encoded by the SspE nucleic acid. As such, the nucleic acid may be translated as part of its analysis. In particular embodiments, an SspE proteotype may be determined by identifying a classifying amino acid signature in the amino acid sequence of the SspE polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid. In other embodiments, an SspE proteotype may be determined by comparing the amino acid sequence to a plurality of other  Bacillus  SspE amino acid sequences to determine which of the plurality is most similar thereto. 
     For example, in one embodiment, a test SspE amino acid sequence produced by translation of the sspE gene of a test  Bacillus  bacterium sequence may be compared to the SspE sequences of the sequence listing using any convenient method, e.g., BLAST, ALIGN or ClUSTALW (Altschul, J. Mol. Biol. 1990 215:403-410; Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1989 89:10915; Karin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 1993 90:5873; and Higgins et al., Gene 1988 73:237-244) using default parameters, to identify the sequence that is most similar to the test sequence and thereby identify the SspE proteotype and/or genotype to which the test  Bacillus  bacterium belongs.  Bacillus thuringiensis  group SspE polypeptide sequences are set forth in the sequence listing as the sequences under the header “Examples of SspE Amino Acid Sequences Used For Classification Bt group” (SEQ ID NOS:49-69) and  B. subtilis  group SspE polypeptide sequences are set forth as in the sequence listing as the sequences under the header “Examples of SspE Amino Acid Sequences Used For Classification  B. subtilis  group” (SEQ ID NOS:111-131). 
     The test  Bacillus  bacterium may be further classified by comparison of the nucleotide sequence of its sspE gene to the nucleotide sequences of other sspE genes, to identify the sequence to which it is most similar, and thereby identify a  Bacillus thuringiensis  group SspE subgroup to which the test  Bacillus  bacterium belongs. In certain cases, once an SspE proteotype has been identified, the test  Bacillus  bacterium may be further classified by comparing its sspE nucleotide sequence to the sspE nucleotide sequences of that SspE proteotype.  Bacillus thuringiensis  group sspE polynucleotide sequences are set forth in the sequence listing as the sequences under the header “Examples of sspE Nucleic Acid Sequences Used For Classification—Bt group” (SEQ ID NOS:70-110) and  B. subtilis  group sspE polynucleotide sequences are set forth as in the sequence listing as the sequences under the header “Examples of sspE Nucleic Acid Sequences Used For Classification of  B. subtilis  group” (SEQ ID NOS:112-155). 
     In other embodiments and as noted above, a test  Bacillus  bacterium may be classified by identifying an SspE classifying amino acid signature, where such signatures are listed in the Table 9, entitled “ Bacillus thuringiensis  group signatures and genotype” and Table 10, entitled “ Bacillus subtilis  group signatures and genotype”. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Bacillus thuringiensis  group signatures and genotype: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 SspE 
                   
                   
               
               
                 SspE 
                 size 
               
               
                 Identifier 
                 (AA) d   
                 Protein Characteristics 
                 Genotype Characteristics 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 93 
                 29S, 73S, 87Q 
                 147A 
               
               
                 A2 
                 93 
                 29S, 73S, 87Q 
                 147G 
               
               
                 B1 
                 93 
                 87K 
                 Proteotype B has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 C1 
                 93 
                 29S, 73A, 87Q 
                 Proteotype C has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 D1 
                 93 
                 29A, 73S, 87Q 
                 Proteotype D has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 E1 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138G, 147A, 174C, 180T 
               
               
                 E2 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126G, 138A, 147A, 174C, 180T 
               
               
                 E3 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30A, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138A, 147A, 174C, 180T 
               
               
                 E4 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42C, 102G, 114A, 123T, 126A, 138A, 147A, 174C, 180T 
               
               
                 E5 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30A, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138A, 147G, 174T, 180C 
               
               
                 E6 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102G, 114G, 123C, 126A, 138G, 147A, 174T, 180T 
               
               
                 E7 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102A, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138G, 147A, 174T, 180T 
               
               
                 E8 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138G, 147A, 174T, 180T 
               
               
                 E9 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30G, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138A, 147A, 174C, 180T 
               
               
                 E10 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30A, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138A, 147G, 174T, 180C 
               
               
                 E11 
                 93 
                 73A, 80Q 
                 30A, 42T, 102G, 114A, 123C, 126A, 138A, 147G, 174T, 180C 
               
               
                 F1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A 
                 12G, 81G, 87G, 180C 
               
               
                 F2 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A 
                 12A, 81G, 87G, 180T 
               
               
                 F3 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A 
                 12A, 81A, 87A, 180T 
               
               
                 F4 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A 
                 12A, 81A, 87T, 180T 
               
               
                 G1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 55K, 73A 
                 Proteotype G has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 H1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 48C, 87G, 180T, 210T, 237A, 240A 
               
               
                 H2 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 48C, 87G, 180T, 210C, 237A, 240A 
               
               
                 H3 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 48C, 87A, 180T, 210C, 237T, 240G 
               
               
                 H4 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 48T, 87A, 180T, 210C, 237T, 240G 
               
               
                 H5 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 48C, 87G, 180C, 210C, 237T, 240G 
               
               
                 I1 
                 93 
                 25C, 29A, 33N, 73A, 93E 
                 Proteotype I has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 J1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 51T, 73A, 93E 
                 Proteotype J has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 K1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 80Q 
                 48T, 57T, 69C, 84T, 108G, 123C, 138A, 147A, 174C, 189T, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 195T, 210C 
               
               
                 K2 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 80Q 
                 48C, 57C, 69T, 84T, 108A, 123C, 138T, 147G, 174T, 189A, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 195T, 210C 
               
               
                 K3 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 80Q 
                 48C, 57T, 69T, 84C, 108A, 123T, 138A, 147A, 174C, 189A, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 195C, 210T 
               
               
                 L1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 34A, 73A, 80Q 
                 Proteotype L has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 M1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 80Q, 93E 
                 Proteotype M has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 N1 
                 92 
                 29A, 33N, 73A, 80Q 
                 Proteotype N has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 O1 
                 95 
                 29A, 33N, 54S, 55I, 59T, 75A, 82Q 
                 Proteotype O has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 P1 
                 95 
                 29A, 33N, 54S, 55V, 59T, 75A, 82Q 
                 Proteotype P has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 47Q, 53A, 73A, 80Q, 93E 
                 Proteotype Q has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                 R1 
                 93 
                 29A, 33N, 47Q, 53A, 73A, 80Q, 
                 Proteotype R has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                   
                   
                 84T, 93E 
               
               
                 S1 
                 92 
                 2N, 28A, 32N, 37Q, 38K, 39Q, 71Q, 
                 Proteotype S has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                   
                   
                 72A, 79Q, 83N, 84K 
               
               
                 T1 
                 95 
                 7G, 29A, 33N, 40Q, 53S, 54G, 55V, 
                 Proteotype T has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                   
                   
                 70D, 74Q, 75A, 78Q, 82Q, 87K, 93T 
               
               
                 U1 
                 95 
                 7A, 29A, 33N, 40Q, 53S, 54G, 55V 
                 Proteotype U has (at least) one genotype 
               
               
                   
                   
                 70D, 74Q, 75A, 78Q, 82Q, 87K, 93T 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Bacillus subtilis  group signatures and genotype 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 SspE 
                   
                   
               
               
                 SspE 
                 size 
               
               
                 Identifier 
                 (AA) d   
                 Protein Characteristics 
                 Genotype Characteristics 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 85 
                 7S, 43K, 67A 
                 Genotype 1a: 18C, 234A 
               
               
                 1 
                 85 
                 7S, 43K, 67A 
                 Genotype 1b: 18C, 234A 
               
               
                 2 
                 84 
                 54G, 66A 
                 Proteotype 2 has one genotype 
               
               
                 3 
                 85 
                 66N, 67T 
                 Proteotype 3 has one genotype 
               
               
                 4 
                 85 
                 66D, 67T 
                 Proteotype 4 has one genotype 
               
               
                 5 
                 85 
                 66N, 67T 
                 Proteotype 5 has one genotype 
               
               
                 6 
                 54 
                 41Q, 49K 
                 Proteotype 6 has one genotype 
               
               
                 7 
                 54 
                 41K, 49N 
                 Proteotype 7 has one genotype 
               
               
                 8 
                 56 
                 2A, 10D, 11V, 15K, 16R, 23S, 37D, 38A 
                 Proteotype 8 has one genotype 
               
               
                 9 
                 56 
                 2A, 10D, 11V, 15K, 16R, 23S, 37D, 38V 
                 Proteotype 9 has one genotype 
               
               
                 10 
                 56 
                 2A, 10D, 11V, 15K, 16K, 23S, 37D, 38A 
                 Proteotype 10 has one genotype 
               
               
                 11 
                 56 
                 2E, 10D, 11V, 15K, 16K, 23S, 37D, 38A 
                 Proteotype 11 has one genotype 
               
               
                 12 
                 85 
                 7F, 43R, 67V 
                 Proteotype 12 has one genotype 
               
               
                 13 
                 85 
                 7F, 43R, 67A 
                 Proteotype 13 has one genotype 
               
               
                 14 
                 84 
                 54G, 66V 
                 Proteotype 14 has one genotype 
               
               
                 15 
                 84 
                 54S, 66V 
                 Proteotype 15 has one genotype 
               
               
                 16 
                 84 
                 4Q, 16K, 38V, 65N 
                 Proteotype 16 has one genotype 
               
               
                 17 
                 84 
                 4Q, 16N, 38v, 65N 
                 Proteotype 17 has one genotype 
               
               
                 18 
                 82 
                 22S, 37V, 64A 
                 Proteotype 18 has one genotype 
               
               
                 19 
                 55 
                 1M, 2M, 3D, 4Q, 7N, 21S, 27F, 37V, 39Q, 41K, 43Y, 46K 
                 Genotype 19a: 33A, 99T 
               
               
                 19 
                 55 
                 1M, 2M, 3D, 4Q, 7N, 21S, 27F, 37V, 39Q, 41K, 43Y, 46K 
                 Genotype 19b: 33G, 99T 
               
               
                 19 
                 55 
                 1M, 2M, 3D, 4Q, 7N, 21S, 27F, 37V, 39Q, 41K, 43Y, 46K 
                 Genotype 19c: 33A, 99C 
               
               
                 20 
                 55 
                 1M, 2M, 3D, 4Q, 7N, 21S, 27Y, 37V, 39Q, 41K, 43Y, 46K 
                 Proteotype 20 has one genotype 
               
               
                 21 
                 55 
                 1M, 2M, 3D, 4Q, 7N, 21A, 27Y, 37A, 39H, 41K, 43Y, 46K 
                 Proteotype 21 has one genotype 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As will be described in greater detail below, the subject methods may be employed alone or in conjunction with MLST (multi-locus sequence typing) to classify a  Bacillus  bacterium. MLST methods for classifying  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacteria are known. For example, the methods of Priest et al. ( J Bacteriol,  2004, 186: 7959-7970), Baker et al., 2004; Hanage et al., 2005; Maiden et al., 1998; McGregor et al., 2005; Priest et al., 2004; or Spratt, 1999 (citations provided later in this disclosure), may be employed. MLST methods for classifying  Bacillus subtilis  group bacteria are described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, a  Bacillus subtilis  group bacterium may be further classified by determining the nucleotide sequence of the glpF, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA, rpoD and tpiA genes of that bacterium. The nucleotide sequence of each of the genes employed in this MLST method is set forth in the sequence listing under the header “MLST Allele Sequences” (SEQ ID NOS: 156-386). 
     Exemplary results obtained from the subject methods are presented in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Each strain of  Bacillus  bacterium listed in  FIGS. 10 and 11  was first classified by its SspE proteotype, and then further classified by its sspE genotype which is possible only if a single SspE proteotype is encoded by several different nucleotide sequences. Each of the strains listed in  FIGS. 10 and 11  was further classified by MLST analysis.  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacteria ( FIG. 10 ) were further classified using the MLST methods of Priest et al. ( J Bacteriol,  2004, 186: 7959-7970), and the  Bacillus subtilis  group bacteria ( FIG. 11 ) were further classified by the glpF, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA, rpoD and tpiA-based MLST methods described in greater detail below. 
     In certain embodiments, the methods may be employed to classify a  Bacillus  bacterium of unknown identity (e.g., an unclassified  Bacillus  bacterium) or a  Bacillus  bacterium whose identity is not certain. In other embodiments, the methods may be employed to confirm the identity of a  Bacillus  bacterium of known (e.g., presumed) identity. In particular embodiments and as will be described in greater detail below, the  Bacillus  bacterium may a  Bacillus thuringiensis  group bacterium or a  Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis  group bacterium. 
     In particular embodiments, a group into which a  Bacillus  bacterium is classified may be associated with a particular utility (e.g., production of a particular protein or group of proteins, anti-insecticidal or anti-fungal activity, etc.) or status (e.g., GRAS status). As such, in certain embodiments, the classification of a  Bacillus  bacterium may indicate a use for that bacterium, where the use is associated with its classification. In other embodiments, the classification of a  Bacillus  bacterium may indicate that the  Bacillus  bacterium has GRAS status. 
     In particular embodiments, a method comprising: a) classifying a  Bacillus  bacterium using a subject SspE-based classification method; and b) employing the  Bacillus  bacterium in a method indicated by the classification, is provided. Exemplary uses are described in greater detail below. 
     Also provided are a variety of computer-related embodiments. Specifically, the instant methods may be performed using a computer. Accordingly, also provided is a computer readable medium containing computer-readable instructions for performing the instant methods. In particular embodiments, the computer-readable medium may also contain a database of sspE nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences (e.g., including any one or more of the sspE sequences in the sequence listing) or a database of SspE classifying amino acid signatures, for example. The instructions may contain instructions for comparing sequences, e.g., may contain BLAST or ClUSTALW algorithms, or instructions for identifying patterns (e.g., amino acid signatures) in sequences. The computer readable medium may also contain instructions for analyzing MLST data. In one embodiment, the computer readable medium may also contain a database of MLST sequences (including any one of more of the MLST sequences in the sequences listing). In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to receive sequence information, e.g., SspE and/or MLST information, as an input, and configured to provide a classification, e.g., a name or an identifier, as an output. 
     A set of oligonucleotide primers that can detect one or more classifying SspE amino acid signatures is also provided. Such SspE classifying primers may be designed so that when they are employed in a polymerase chain reaction using the genome of a  Bacillus  bacterium as a template to produce reaction products, the reaction products (e.g., the presence or absence of, or the sizes of the reaction products) classify the  Bacillus  bacterium. Given the sspE nucleotide and amino acid sequences in the sequence listing and the amino acid/nucleic acid signatures described above, such primers would be readily designable by one of skill in the art. In certain cases, a set of primers may contain 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more primer pairs of a suitable length, e.g., 15-30 nucleotides, and the 3′ end of each primer of the set may hybridize with a diagnostic nucleotide in the sspE nucleotide sequence. 
     In certain embodiments, a subject oligonucleotide primer set may be employed in multiplex PCR reactions to identify SspE amino acid signature. Methods for performing multiplex PCR are known (see, e.g., Kim et al FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 2005 43:301-10; Elnifro, et al. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2000 13: 559, Hidding and Schmitt, Forensic Sci. Int., 2000 113: 47; Bauer et al., Int. J. Legal Med. 2002 116: 39; Ouhibi, et al., Curr Womens Health Rep. 2001 1: 138; Rudi et al., Int J Food Microbiology 2002 78: 171 and Zarlenga and Higgins, Vet Parasitol. 2001 101: 215, among others), and may be readily adapted to the instant methods. 
     The subject SspE classifying primers found in kit, which, in certain cases may contain other components for polymerase chain reaction, including, but not limited to, nucleotides, buffer, and thermostable polymerase. In certain cases may also contain isolated  Bacillus  bacterium genomic DNA that may be employed as a control. 
     A composition comprising a re-classified isolate of  Bacillus  bacterium selected from the following table, used in accordance with its new classification, is also provided. Depending on the indicated use of the re-classified  Bacillus  bacterium, the composition may be formulated for application to, e.g., spraying onto, a plant, e.g., may contain a surfactant, to provide protection against a plant pathogen, e.g., a dipteran, lepidopteran, coleopteran, nematode or fungal pathogen or as a herbicide enhancer. In other embodiments, the re-classified  Bacillus  bacterium may be employed to produce a particular protein, such as, for example, so called “industrial enzymes” (such as in one embodiment, the secreted region may be an enzyme such as a carbohydrase, a protease, a lipase or esterase, an oxidoreductases, for example) a therapeutic protein, food additive or foodstuffs and the like. For example, the re-classified  Bacillus  bacterium may contain a recombinant nucleic acid for the production of that protein, or the  Bacillus  bacterium may be present in a fermentor, for example. In other exemplary embodiments, a re-classified  Bacillus  bacterium may be formulated as drain opener, cleaner or sanitizer. In another embodiment, a gene from a re-classified  Bacillus  bacterium may be cloned and employed as anti-insecticidal or anti-fungal agent, for example. The re-classified bacterium may be a previously unclassified  Bacillus  bacterium, or a mis-classified  Bacillus  bacterium, for example. Tables 11 and 12, entitled “ Bacillus thuringiensis  Group—reclassified” and “ Bacillus subtilis  Group—reclassified”, respectively, indicate several re-classified strains  Bacillus  bacteria, and the utility associated with their new classification. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Bacillus thuringiensis  Group-reclassified: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Classifier 
                 New Utility 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Source/Strain name 
               
               
                 A1a 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Diptera 
                 BGSC 4G3, BGSC 4G5, BGSC 4I1, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 4I2, IB/A 
               
               
                 A1d 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera; 
                 BGSC 4T1, ATCC 29730 
               
               
                   
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
               
               
                 A1e 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 6A1, BGSC 6A2 
               
               
                 A1f 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 ATCC 11778 
               
               
                 A1g 
                 Anti-cancer activity; Anti-helminthic, 
                 NRRL B-21619 
               
               
                   
                 nematicide 
               
               
                 A1g 
                 Plant protection; Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4R1 
               
               
                 A1g 
                 Anti-cancer activity; Plant protection; Anti- 
                 BGSC 4BQ1 
               
               
                   
                 helminthic, nematicide 
               
               
                 A1h 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4BF1 
               
               
                 A1i 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4AL1 
               
               
                 A1j 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4CA1 
               
               
                 A1k 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4S2, BGSC 4S3 
               
               
                 A1l 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4AR1 
               
               
                 A1m 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4AT1 
               
               
                 F1a 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Diptera 
                 BGSC 4AO1 
               
               
                 F2a 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Coleoptera 
                 BGSC 6A3, BGSC 6A4, BGSC 4BU1, ATCC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 27348, NRRL B-571 
               
               
                 H2a 
                 Anti-cancer activity 
                 BGSC 4AE1 
               
               
                 H2b 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 BGSC 4AF1 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera; Anti-cancer activity 
               
               
                 H2c 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera; 
                 BGSC 4U1 
               
               
                   
                 Anti-cancer activity 
               
               
                 H2d 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera 
                 BGSC 4BE1 
               
               
                 H2e 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera 
                 BGSC 4AN1 
               
               
                 H2f 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 BGSC 4AQ1 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera; Anti-cancer activity 
               
               
                 H2g 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 Pey. 6 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera; Anti-cancer activity 
               
               
                 H3a 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 ATCC 53522, ATCC 55609 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera 
               
               
                 H3b 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 BGSC 4AG1 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera; Crop protection 
               
               
                 H3c 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera; 
                 BGSC 4V1 
               
               
                   
                 Crop protection 
               
               
                 H3d 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Diptera; Crop 
                 BGSC 4Z1 
               
               
                   
                 protection 
               
               
                 H4a 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Coleoptera 
                 4D3 
               
               
                   
                 &amp; Isoptera; Crop protection 
               
               
                 H4a 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Isoptera; 
                 4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5, 4A6, 4A7, 4A8, 
               
               
                   
                 Crop protection 
                 DSM 2046 T   
               
               
                 H4b 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Coleoptera, 
                 ATCC 55000 
               
               
                   
                 Diptera, Lepidoptera &amp; Isoptera 
               
               
                 H4c 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Coleoptera, 
                 BGSC 4BB1 
               
               
                   
                 Diptera &amp; Lepidoptera; Crop protection 
               
               
                 H4d 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Coleoptera, 
                 BGSC 4BP1 
               
               
                   
                 Diptera, Lepidoptera &amp; Isoptera; Crop 
               
               
                   
                 protection 
               
               
                 H4e 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Isoptera; 
                 BGSC 4A9 
               
               
                   
                 Crop protection 
               
               
                 H5a 
                 Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera &amp; 
                 BGSC 4BS1 
               
               
                   
                 Lepidoptera; Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
               
               
                 H5b 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Diptera; Anti- 
                 BGSC 4AV1, BGSC 18A1 
               
               
                   
                 helminthic, nematicide 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Commercial/Insecticidal Utility 
               
               
                 H5b 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4Q1, BGSC 4Q2, BGSC 4Q3, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 4Q4, BGSC 4Q5, BGSC 4Q6, BGSC 4Q7, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BGSC 4Q8, ATCC 35646 
               
               
                 H5c 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Coleoptera 
                 BGSC 4O1 
               
               
                 H5d 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4M1, BGSC 4M2, BGSC 4M3 
               
               
                 H5e 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4AK1 
               
               
                 H5g 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4BR1 
               
               
                 H5h 
                 Anti-helminthic, nematicide 
                 BGSC 4BZ1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Source/Strain name 
               
               
                 E1a 
                 Crop protection e.g. herbicide enhancement; 
                 BGSC 6A6, ATCC 15816, 
               
               
                   
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
               
               
                 E1b 
                 Crop protection e.g. herbicide enhancement; 
                 BGSC 4H1, ATCC 13061 
               
               
                   
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
               
               
                 E1c 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 ATCC 55675 
               
               
                 E1d 
                 Crop protection e.g. herbicide enhancement; 
                 BGSC 6A9 
               
               
                   
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
               
               
                 E2a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4B1, BGSC 4B2 
               
               
                 E2b 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 ATCC 51912 
               
               
                 E3a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4AH1 
               
               
                 E4a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 DM55 
               
               
                 E4b 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 6E1, BGSC 6E2 
               
               
                 E4c 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 003, III, IB, IV, III-BL, III-BS, BuIB 
               
               
                 E4d 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 S8553/2 
               
               
                 E5a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4CD1 
               
               
                 E6a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BH1 
               
               
                 E7a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4Y1 
               
               
                 E8a 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Isoptera; 
                 ATCC 4342 
               
               
                   
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
               
               
                 E8b 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BG1 
               
               
                 E9a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                 ATCC 10987 
               
               
                 E10a 
                 Veterinary diagnostic 
                 Strain G9241 
               
               
                 E11a 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 Strain ZK (E33L) 
               
               
                 K1a 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BC1 
               
               
                 K2a 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4AY1 
               
               
                 K2b 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4CC1 
               
               
                 K2c 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BA1 
               
               
                 K2e 
                 Insecticidal activity against order Diptera; 
                 BGSC 4AS1 
               
               
                   
                 Medical diagnostic 
               
               
                 K2e 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4AU1 
               
               
                 K2f 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BY1 
               
               
                 K2g 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4CB1 
               
               
                 K3a 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BJ1, BGSC 4BX1 
               
               
                 K3b 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BV1 
               
               
                 K3c 
                 Medical diagnostic 
                 BGSC 4BK1 
               
               
                 P1a 
                 Medical &amp; veterinary diagnostic 
                   B. anthracis  Western North America 
               
               
                   
                   
                 USA6153 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Bacillus subtilis  Group - reclassified: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Source/Strain 
               
               
                 Classifier 
                 New Utility 
                 Names 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  1a 
                 Biofungicide, drain opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer 
                 DSM 5552 
               
               
                  2a 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 1A1, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
                 1A3, BGSC 1A96, 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
                 BGSC 1A747, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 3A1, BGSC 10A1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 RS2, RS1725, SB1058, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 WB746, 3610, ATCC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 6051, DSM 10, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 DSM4424 
               
               
                  2b 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 DSM 5660 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2c 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 27E1, ATCC 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
                 7058, ATCC 15245, 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
                 DSM 1088, DSM 4449, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 DSM 4450, DSM 4451 
               
               
                  2d 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 DSM 1092 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2e 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 ATCC 7059 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2f 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 DSM 3257 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2g 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 3A18, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
                 3A19 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2h 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 1A308, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
                 1A757, W168, NRRL 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
                 B-642 
               
               
                  2i 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 2A10 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  2j 
                 Produces enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and 
                 BGSC 10A5T 
               
               
                   
                 lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides; D-ribose; lipopeptide 
               
               
                   
                 antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin 
               
               
                  6a 
                 Produces enzymes such as alkaline proteases and amylases; 
                 BGSC 5A1, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 produces α-acetolactate decarboxylase, amylase (thermostable), 
                 5A2, ATCC 11946, 
               
               
                   
                 penicillinase, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol 
                 MO1 
               
               
                  6b 
                 Produces enzymes such as alkaline proteases and amylases; 
                 BGSC 5A13, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 produces α-acetolactate decarboxylase, amylase (thermostable), 
                 5A20, BGSC 5A21 
               
               
                   
                 penicillinase, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol 
               
               
                  6c 
                 Produces enzymes such as alkaline proteases and amylases; 
                 BGSC 5A32, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 produces α-acetolactate decarboxylase, amylase (thermostable), 
                 5A36, ATCC 14580, 
               
               
                   
                 penicillinase, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol 
                 ATCC 6598 
               
               
                  6e 
                 Produces enzymes such as alkaline proteases and amylases; 
                 NRRL B-23318 
               
               
                   
                 produces α-acetolactate decarboxylase, amylase (thermostable), 
               
               
                   
                 penicillinase, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol 
               
               
                  6f 
                 Produces enzymes such as alkaline proteases and amylases; 
                 NRRL B-23325 
               
               
                   
                 produces α-acetolactate decarboxylase, amylase (thermostable), 
               
               
                   
                 penicillinase, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol 
               
               
                  7b 
                 Amino acid production; for example, produces the food additive 5- 
                 NRRL B-23154-T, 
               
               
                   
                 hydroxytryptophan 
                 NRRL B-23160 
               
               
                  7c 
                 Amino acid production; for example, produces the food additive 5- 
                 NRRL B-23157 
               
               
                   
                 hydroxytryptophan 
               
               
                  7d 
                 Amino acid production; for example, produces the food additive 5- 
                 NRRL B-23155 
               
               
                   
                 hydroxytryptophan 
               
               
                  7e 
                 Amino acid production; for example, produces the food additive 5- 
                 NRRL B-23158, NRRL 
               
               
                   
                 hydroxytryptophan 
                 B-23159, DSM 13780 
               
               
                  7f 
                 Amino acid production; for example, produces the food additive 5- 
                 NRRL B-23161 
               
               
                   
                 hydroxytryptophan 
               
               
                  8a 
                 Biofungicide; antifungal activity; Produces antibiotics against &amp; 
                 DSM 1324 
               
               
                   
                 inhibits growth of certain plant pathogenic fungi &amp; bacteria; drain 
               
               
                   
                 opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer; produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; 
               
               
                   
                 inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases 
               
               
                  8b 
                 Produces antibiotics against &amp; inhibits growth of certain plant 
                 GB03 (Companion) 
               
               
                   
                 pathogenic bacteria; produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; 
               
               
                   
                 inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases 
               
               
                  8c 
                 Produces antibiotics against &amp; inhibits growth of certain plant 
                 DSM 8563, DSM 8564, 
               
               
                   
                 pathogenic bacteria; produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; 
                 DSM 8565, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases 
                 10A6 
               
               
                  9a 
                 Produces antibiotics against &amp; inhibits growth of certain plant 
                 NRRL B-21661 
               
               
                   
                 pathogenic bacteria; produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; 
               
               
                   
                 inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases 
               
               
                 10a 
                 Produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; inhibitors for glycoside 
                 ATCC 55614 
               
               
                   
                 hydrolases; drain opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer 
               
               
                 11a 
                 Produces antibiotics against &amp; inhibits growth of certain plant 
                 DSM 7, BGSC 3A14 
               
               
                   
                 pathogenic fungi &amp; bacteria 
               
               
                 11b 
                 Biofungicide; antifungal activity; Produces antibiotics against &amp; 
                 DSM 1060, ATCC 
               
               
                   
                 inhibits growth of certain plant pathogenic fungi &amp; bacteria 
                 55405, ATCC 55407 
               
               
                 11c 
                 Biofungicide; antifungal activity; Produces antibiotics against &amp; 
                 BGSC 3A23 
               
               
                   
                 inhibits growth of certain plant pathogenic fungi &amp; bacteria; drain 
               
               
                   
                 opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer; produces enzymes such as amylase &amp; 
               
               
                   
                 inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases 
               
               
                 19a 
                 Probiotic health supplement 
                 DSM 355 
               
               
                 19b 
                 Probiotic health supplement 
                 BGSC 8A1 
               
               
                 19c 
                 Probiotic health supplement 
                 ATCC 27142 
               
               
                 21a 
                 Probiotic health supplement 
                 DSM 354 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As noted above, SspE-based methods for classifying a  Bacillus  bacterium are provided. After a general introduction to these SspE-based methods, SspE-based methods for classifying isolates from a) the  Bacillus thuringiensis  group and b) the  Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis  group, are discussed in more detail. Also as will be described in greater detail below, the methods may further include MLST analysis. 
     The following abbreviations will be used throughout this disclosure: Bc= Bacillus cereus , Bt= Bacillus thuringiensis , Ba= Bacillus anthracis , Bm= Bacillus mycoides , Bp= Bacillus pseudomycoides , Bw= Bacillus weihenstephanensis , Bs= Bacillus subtilis , Bat= Bacillus atrophaeus , Bmo= Bacillus mojavensis , Bv= Bacillus vallismortis , Bl= Bacillus licheniformis , Bson= Bacillus sonorensis , Bamy= Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , Bpum= Bacillus pumilus , Bsp= Bacillus  species; n/d=not determined;  T =Type strain, MLST=multilocus sequence typing, ST=MLST sequence type, sspE=the (nucleotide sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein, SspE=the (translated amino acid sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein. Greek letters used: α=alpha, β=beta, γ=gamma, δ=delta. The capital Greek letter delta (Δ) is used to represent a nucleotide or amino acid residue deletion in a sequence. 
     The sspE gene reliably reconstructs the natural genetic history of  Bacillus  strains at the species and subspecies or serovar level, and thus a single-gene method for the detection of assays for identification of commercially valuable  Bacillus  isolates. Certain embodiments provide an inexpensive, rapid and accurate method for the phylogenetic positioning of unknown isolates and can be modified for high-throughput screening. Isolates with an sspE gene sequence that places them within a clade containing strains of known commercial utility can be further parsed by MLST to determine their precise strain-level and population genetic relationships. 
     Certain embodiments of these methods are robust such that they can distinguish, phylogenetically stratify and cluster species, subspecies and serovars of the  Bacillus thuringiensis  clade, particularly insecticidal serovars of  Bacillus thuringiensis  (Bt) such as serovars  kurstaki, israelensis, aizawai/pacificus  and  thuringiensis  from one another as well as from  Bacillus anthracis  (Ba),  Bacillus cereus  (Bc), other non-insecticidal Bt,  Bacillus mycoides  (Bm),  Bacillus pseudomycoides  (Bp),  Bacillus weihenstephanensis  (Bw), and other strains of spore-forming bacteria including the  Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis  group. 
     A variety of methods have been utilized for classification of  Bacillus  species, subspecies, strains, serotypes and pathotypes including metabolic profiling (e.g. Biolog), fatty acid profiling (e.g. MIDI), immunotyping and DNA-based methods such as AFLP, VNTR, and ribosomal RNA analysis. However, to date, none of these assays are sufficiently robust to unambiguously discriminate amongst the aforementioned species. The  Bacillus  species show a high degree of genetic relatedness, and this genomic conservation has made specific discrimination within the  Bacillus thuringiensis  group challenging. PCR-based identification methods have utilized a number of chromosomal loci (e.g. nucleic acid metabolism genes), plasmid loci or virulence genes. Although ribosomal RNA typing is useful for coarse-grained classification, it is frequently unable to separate closely related species due to the slow rate of evolutionary divergence of these highly conserved molecules. Phenotypic or metabolic classification methods are unreliable as the traits used for discrimination are distantly related to the natural genetic history of the microorganisms of interest. AFLP is one method that had been employed for stratification of Bc group isolates and it is useful for discrimination among strains (fingerprinting) but is not capable of reconstructing the natural genetic history and population genetic relationships of strains of interest (genealogy). Many single gene chromosomal typing methods have failed to provide the desired fine-grained discrimination of closely related phylotypes due to the conservation of these genes across species and their disconnection from the ecogenetic processes that drive speciation. 
     The sspE gene, however, appears to have arisen and evolved within the  Bacillus  genus. In certain embodiments, phylogenetic analysis of sspE DNA and translated amino acid sequence have been used to reconstruct evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships of more than 380 isolates representing over a dozen species within this genus. SspE sequence information naturally stratifies and clusters isolates at bona fide species/subspecies resolution and is thus useful for species-level identification. The inventors are aware of no other assay, single-gene or otherwise, that provides such an unambiguous identification and phylogenetic positioning of a broad range of  Bacillus  species. Certain PCR methods described in this invention amplify the full-length gene, and in some cases flanking sequences of the gene, sspE, that is present on the chromosome of  Bacillus  species. This gene is useful for high-resolution genotyping as it appears to have arisen within the  Bacillus  genus, has a different sequence in ecologically distinct populations and has a rapid rate of sequence evolution that provides fine-grained phylogenetic discrimination. 
     Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention involve a tiered screening method to identify potential  Bacillus  microbial species of commercial importance by SspE (for example) proteotype analysis, followed by sspE (for example) genotype analysis and finally allelic typing by a method such as MLST. This approach to microbial identification has a high level of robustness and phylogenetic clustering power. 
     Certain embodiments of the methods include multilocus sequence typing (MLST), where multilocus sequence typing is a rapidly developing technology that infers phylogenies based on DNA sequence fragments from more than one gene, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more than eight genes. Some MLST schemes have been described in the literature (Baker et al., 2004; Hanage et al., 2005; Maiden et al., 1998; McGregor et al., 2005; Priest et al., 2004; Spratt, 1999). Multiple genes (typically housekeeping) are sequenced and their sequences are concatenated for each isolate. Genes are identified as suitable for an MLST analysis scheme if they are present across the population of interest, evolve slowly (e.g., so called “slow-clock” genes such as housekeeping genes), are unlikely to be susceptible to recombination and have a continuous coding region (˜500 bp) containing a significant number of informative polymorphic sites, but no insertions or deletions. The incidence of polymorphic sites can&#39;t be too great because primers may be designed that can amplify the exact same region from a wide range of isolates. Furthermore, the genes should be dispersed in regions of the chromosome that would minimize the probability of co-inheritance or linkage with any of the other loci being studied with MLST. Typically, an internal fragment of the gene is used, rather than the whole gene or intergenic regions, and these fragments usually are 350-550 nucleotides in length. For each strain, the region of the allele analyzed must be identical and in coding frame. Each unique allele sequence (for each gene) is assigned an allele number 1−∞. These numbers are assigned at random by the researcher developing the scheme, and the DNA sequences corresponding to each allele number are stored in a database. Here, we describe two different 7-gene MLST schemes, one for the  B. subtilis/licheniformis  group, and another for the  B. cereus  group which is available at pubmlst.org/bcereus. Each of seven gene fragments was amplified and sequenced for all isolates, thus each isolate was assigned seven numbers (an allelic profile), corresponding to DNA sequences from fragments of seven housekeeping genes. The numbers in the allelic profile for each isolate must be in the same order to maintain consistency in the definition and interpretation of the allelic profile. The convention for allele concatenation order is usually alphabetical by locus name, which is what was used here. Each unique allelic profile is designated as a unique sequence type (ST), which is an eighth number randomly assigned 1−∞. Thus, the terms “allelic profile” and “ST” are related since they both describe the seven DNA sequence fragments of a particular isolate, though “allelic profile” refers to the seven allele numbers in alphabetical order and “ST” refers to one number that is assigned to each unique allelic profile. 
     Example 1:  B. cereus  strain T, which is designated as our holotype reference for the Bc SspE group, has been assigned to ST 29 in the Bc group MLST scheme. This corresponds to the allelic profile 20, 8, 8, 35, 8, 17, 17 and thus  B. cereus  strain T has allele (DNA) sequences that correspond to the glp-20, gmk-8, ilv-8, pta-35, pur-8, pyc-17 and tpi-17 allele sequences deposited in the pubmlst.org/bcereus database. Bc group ST 29 has a concatenated sequence length of 2829 bp: Example 2:  B. subtilis  strain W23, which is designated as our holotype reference for Bs SspE group, has been assigned to ST 7 in the Bs group MLST scheme. This corresponds to the allelic profile 9, 4, 6, 7, 5, 4, 5 and thus  B. subtilis  strain W23 has allele (DNA) sequences that correspond to the glp-9, ilv-4, pta-6, pur-7, pyc-5, rpo-4 and tpi-5 allele sequences. Bs group ST 7 has a concatenated sequence length of 371 1 * bp. Example 3: ST 1 in the Bc group MLST scheme corresponds to the allelic profile 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 and therefore has allele (DNA) sequences that correspond to the glp-1, gmk-1, ilv-1, pta-1, pur-1, pyc-1 and tpi-1 allele sequences in the pubmlst.org/bcereus database. Bc group ST 1 has a concatenated sequence length of 2829 bp and includes members such as  B. anthracis  Ames strain. Similarly, but with a completely different phylogenetic and taxonomic meaning, ST 1 in the Bs group MLST scheme corresponds to the allelic profile 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 and therefore has allele (DNA) sequences that correspond to the glp-1, ilv-1, pta-1, pur-1, pyc-1, rpo-1 and tpi-1 allele sequences. Bs group ST 1 has a concatenated sequence length of 3711 * bp and includes members such as  B. subtilis  laboratory strain 168. *note: we will be shortening all of the alleles in the Bs MLST scheme by 120 bp for the public database, thus the concatenated sequence will be 2871 bp. 
     MLST phylogenetic trees are created when all in-frame allele fragments of a particular isolate are merged [alphabetical] making one continuous concatenated DNA sequence which is multi-sequence aligned with similar ordered concatenations from other isolates and analyzed by a computer algorithm (ex., MEGA, PAUP or PHYML) that creates a phylogenetic tree. In some cases, a program called START is used and UPGMA trees are created from allelic profiles (with a separately uploaded file of numbered allele sequences for each locus) rather than concatenated sequences, but these trees are not as reliable as those that use the more information rich concatenated DNA sequence alignments. 
     Part I 
     Methods for the Classification of the  Bacillus Thuringiensis  Group Bacteria 
     Abbreviations: Bc= Bacillus cereus , Bt= Bacillus thuringiensis , Ba= Bacillus anthracis , Bm= Bacillus mycoides , Bp= Bacillus pseudomycoides , Bw= Bacillus weihenstephanensis,    T =Type strain, MLST=multilocus sequence typing, ST=MLST sequence type, sspE=the (nucleotide sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein, SspE=the (translated amino acid sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein. Greek letters used: α=alpha, β=beta, γ=gamma, δ=delta. The capital Greek letter delta (Δ) is used to represent a nucleotide or amino acid residue deletion in a sequence. 
     The  Bacillus thuringiensis  group scheme: The Bt clade contains the Bc, Ba, Bt, Bm, Bp and Bw species. Bt isolates are further subdivided based upon their antigenic character into serotypes or serovars, while plasmid-encoded virulence factors, genes encoding enterotoxins or pathogenesis genes are methods used to distinguish Ba and Bc species. The Bt isolate nomenclature convention is that the serotype is a number and the serovar is a name e.g. Bt serovar.  thuringiensis  is serotype 1 and Bt serovar.  kurstaki  is serotype 3a, 3b, 3c. Generally, the serovar name, which is sometimes also referred to as “subspecies,” is directly interchangeable with the serotype number(s), though there are many cases where a Bt strain will react with multiple antisera. Usually in these cases multiple serotype numbers are used to describe the isolates, yet they cannot be assigned to any one serovar. The remaining species (Bm, Bp and Bw) are characterized by classic morphological, biochemical and microbiological assays. Thus, reliance on plasmid-encoded and horizontally transmitted traits is prevalent in Bc group taxonomy and could lead to misidentification of chromosomal lineages. The sspE gene, as well as all of the MLST loci employed here, are located on the  Bacillus  chromosome. sspE sequences from the  Bacillus thuringiensis  group isolates examined in this study have been deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database with accession numbers AF359764-AF359821, AF359823-AF359843, AF359845, AF359847-AF359860, AF359862-AF359934, AF359936-AF359938 and DQ146892-146926. sspE nucleotide sequences for  B. cereus  strains ZK and G9241 were obtained from GenBank (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and have accession numbers CP000001 and NZ_AAEK01000015, respectively. sspE nucleotide sequences for  B. anthracis  strains Ames and A2084 were obtained from GenBank and have accession numbers AE017025 and AE017334, respectively. sspE nucleotide sequences for  B. anthracis  strains A2012, A1055, Vollum, CNEVA-9066, Kruger B, Western North America USA6153 and Australia94 were obtained from TIGR (www.tigr.org/). 
     In addition to sspE phylogenetic analysis, more than 250 Bc group isolates were analyzed by a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme detailed at pubmlst.org/bcereus/ and developed and described by F G Priest et al.,  J Bacteriol,  2004, 186(23), 7959-7970 [Database citation: “This publication made use of the  Bacillus cereus  Multi Locus Sequence Typing website (pubmlst.org/bcereus/) developed by Keith Jolley and sited at the University of Oxford (Jolley et al. 2004 , BMC Bioinformatics,  5:86)]. MLST has particular utility for fine-grained subspecies and clonal type discrimination. MLST has been used to study the population biology of many pathogenic microbial groups. DNA sequences for MLST analysis were determined, with the exception of the two Bc strains and nine Ba strains mentioned above, which were obtained from their respective public databases (GenBank or TIGR). A significant problem with MLST, particularly for the Bc group, is that, when taken alone (and there are at least three MLST schemes published for Bc), the resolution is too fine, such that species- and in some cases subspecies-level discriminations are difficult, if not impossible to identify or define. In fact, Priest et al. concluded from their data that  Bacillus cereus, thuringiensis  and  anthracis  were not [chromosomally] distinct species. 
     Thus, the combination of sspE data, or data from any phylogenetically informative gene like sspE, with MLST data, whether the MLST data comes from the pubmlst.org scheme or any other, and whether the MLST data is from 3 or 4 or 7 (as we show here) or 11 or 20 genes. The orthogonal combination of these sspE and MLST methods provides a powerful means for identifying ecologically distinct bacterial populations of commercial importance. Certain embodiments of this method can be thought of as a digital identifier, similar to a zip code, for  Bacillus , where sspE, or a gene with similar resolving capability, is the equivalent of a coarse species-level discriminator. Genotyping by MLST, or other comparable multi-gene schemes, provides fine-grained discriminatory power—but cannot be properly scaled beyond the infraspecies level without reference to sspE interspecies data. The classifiers listed in Tables 1 and 4 are essentially an abbreviated microbial digital identifier that specifies species, subspecies, and even strain or serotype. It is “abbreviated” because each unique allelic profile from seven genes is assigned one number designating it as a sequence type (ST), and the genes for each allelic profile are arranged in alphabetical order, rather than an order that corresponds to a digital address. 
     By color-coding the trees and tables, we illustrate the congruence of sspE and MLST phylogenetic clustering. We show in the following Tables 1-4 and  FIGS. 2 and 3  that orthogonal MLST analysis maintains the species and subspecies phylogenetic separation provided by the sspE method and provides additional complementary resolution of subspecies and strain clusters. The complementarities and combined phylogenetic resolving power of these two methodologies are unexpected and highly useful for classification of known and unknown strains of this commercially important group of microorganisms. Classifiers (digital identifiers) in the tables and branches on the phylogenetic trees are color-coded to illustrate the equivalence of phylogenies from one scheme to another i.e. to validate sspE as a robust single-gene molecular chronometer for the  Bacillus  genus. Classifiers and branches remain consistent in that a strain in the sspE tree or strain table will not be in a different group for MLST STs, tree branches, or overall classifier, and vice versa. Specifically, in this study of more than 250 Bt group isolates, an ST that appeared in more than one sspE genotype or proteotype was never found, with the exception of  B. anthracis  Western NA which contained a SNP that altered one SspE amino acid residue with respect to all of the other Ba strains analyzed, though it maintained an allelic profile identical to that of the Ames strain of Ba. 
     EXAMPLES OF PHYLOGENETIC ClUSTERING OF INSECTICIDAL BT SEROVARS 
     Example 1 
     Insecticidally-active serovars of Bt that have established commercial value and importance cluster in the blue regions of the figures and strain tables. 19 isolates identified as serovar  kurstaki  were assayed and all of them clustered in sspE proteotype A and genotype A1 (see Tables 1-4 and  FIG. 2 ). Of these, 18  kurstaki  isolates had a unique MLST allelic profile corresponding to sequence type (ST) 8, and thus the unique classifier A1a was assigned to these isolates (see Table 1 and  FIG. 3 ). Three other isolates, one strain of serovar  galleriae  and two of serovar  entomocidus/subtoxicus , cluster in A1a, and though these serovars are not currently used as commercial insecticides, they have been observed to have (or produce Cry proteins that have) insecticidal activity against Lepidopteran larvae. Serovar  kurstaki  has a well documented toxicity to Lepidopteran larvae. Additionally, five  kurstaki  isolates from France, Iraq, Pakistan, Kenya and Australia cluster in ST8 (pubmlst.org/perl/mlstdbnet/mlstdbnet.pl?page=query&amp;file=ba-isolates.xml), though sspE data is not available for these isolates. 
     There is one kurstaki outlier—it clusters in sspE genotype A1, though it is defined by ST 29, and thus the classifier A1e. This isolate is described by the culture collection from which it was obtained as “Cry-” and “no reaction with known Bt flagellar antisera.” This description could equally well describe a  B. cereus  strain, with which this isolate is solely clustered in A1e. Thus, it is plausible that this particular outlier was misclassified by the original investigator who isolated and deposited this strain. 
     Example 2 
     Five isolates of Bt serovar  aizawai/pacificus  were assayed and also cluster in sspE proteotype A and genotype A1 (see Tables 1-4 and  FIG. 2 ). This serovar is used in commercial insecticides that also target Lepidopteran larvae. Four of the five  aizawai/pacificus  isolates had a unique MLST-allelic profile corresponding to ST 15, and thus the unique classifier A1c was assigned to these isolates (see Table 1 and  FIG. 3 ). One other isolate, a strain of serovar  colmeri , clusters in A1c, and although this serovar is not currently used as a commercial insecticide, it has been observed to have (or produce Cry proteins that have) insecticidal activity against Lepidopteran and Dipteran larvae. Additionally, three  aizawai  isolates from France, Japan and Spain cluster in ST15 (pubmlst.org/perl/mlstdbnet/mlstdbnet.pl?page=query&amp; file.ba-isolates.xml), though sspE data for these isolates is not available. 
     Example 3 
     Studies have identified one  aizawai  outlier. As mentioned above, it clusters in sspE genotype A1, although it is defined by ST 13, and thus the classifier A1b. Two isolates of serovar  kenyae , which has been shown to be insecticidal in the academic literature, also cluster in A1b. Additionally, five  kenyae  isolates from Iraq, Chile, Kenya and Bulgaria cluster in ST13 (pubmlst.org/perl/mlstdbnet/mlstdbnet.pl?page=query&amp;file=ba-isolates.xml), although we do not have sspE data for these isolates. Thus, it is plausible that this particular outlier was misclassified by the original investigator who isolated and deposited this strain. Sharing an identical nucleic acid sequence for the sspE gene, Bt serovars  aizawai/pacificus  and  kenyae  are in very close phylogenetic proximity to one another, even at the strain/subspecies typing level, as is shown in  FIG. 2 . These results further validate the combined utility of sspE and MLST in  Bacillus  spp. typing. 
     Example 4 
     Nine isolates of Bt serovar  thuringiensis  were assayed and cluster in sspE proteotype H and genotype H4 (see Tables 1-4 and  FIG. 2 ). This serovar is used in commercial insecticides that also target Lepidopteran larvae. All nine  thuringiensis  isolates had a unique MLST allelic profile corresponding to ST 10, and thus the unique classifier H4a was assigned to these isolates (see Table 1 and  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, five  thuringiensis  isolates from Canada, Bulgaria, USA, Chile and Switzerland cluster in ST10 (pubmlst.org/perl/mlstdbnet/mlstdbnet.pl?page=query&amp;file=ba-isolates.xml), although we do not have sspE data for these isolates. 
     Example 5 
     Nine isolates of Bt serovar  israelensis  were assayed and cluster within sspE proteotype H and genotype H5 (see Tables 1-3 and  FIG. 2 ). This serovar is used in commercial insecticides that target Dipteran larvae. All nine  israelensis  isolates had a unique MLST allelic profile corresponding to ST 16, and thus the unique classifier H5b was assigned to these isolates (see Table 1 and  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, one  israelensis  isolate from Brazil clusters in ST16 (pubmlst.org/perl/mlstdbnet/mlstdbnet.pl?page=query&amp;file=ba-isolates.xml), although we do not have sspE data for this isolate. 
     Genotypic and phylogenetic placement by the combined methods of sspE and MLST provide utility in identifying Bt group strains at the species level (single gene sspE assay) that may be unrecognized insecticide candidates. Examples for genotypes A1, H4, and H5 are above, and details for all proteotypes, genotypes and classifiers are provided in the Bt group claims section that follows. MLST analysis may be also be utilized for subspecies or strain level discrimination. 
     An additional utility is the correct classification of microorganisms for EPA registration. For example, strain ATCC 55675 is identified and distributed by the ATCC as  B. subtilis , an organism the EPA recognizes as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). GRAS status for a microorganism allows easier registration, marketing and distribution, particularly in crop protection or other fields where humans or animals would come into contact with the product. Two U.S. Patents associated with ATCC 55675 (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,650,372 &amp; 6,232,270) describe its use for plant treatment and as a transport enhancer. We have identified this strain as a member of the  B. cereus/thuringiensis  group, clustering in sspE proteotype E and genotype E1 (see Tables 1-4 and  FIG. 2 ). It has a unique MLST allelic profile and has been assigned ST 205 and unique classifier E1c (see Table 1 and  FIG. 3 ). 
     Also identified are additional isolates that have been misclassified or misidentified, and they are highlighted in yellow in Table 1. For example, an isolate currently distributed by the USDA as  B. licheniformis  actually clusters within Bt SspE proteotype F. Also identified are isolates described as  B. subtilis  and  B. megaterium  that cluster within Bt group SspE proteotypes E and H, respectively, and a strain identified as  B. mycoides  (ATCC 19647) that clusters phylogenetically, both by sspE and MLST, with  B. thuringiensis -related isolates, rather than with the  B. mycoides  and  B. pseudomycoides  strains analyzed. These are a few examples of cases of misidentification by culture collections or investigators and exemplify the power of the subject methods to accurately specify phylogenetic association and use. 
     Utility— Bacillus thuringiensis  Group Scheme (See Also Table 1.) 
     The utility of this method embodies not only identification of  Bacillus  species which are of economic importance, but also genes which may be derived from these bacteria or their plasmids and which may be cloned into other bacteria, plants, etc. as well as derivatives or byproducts of substances produced by these bacteria. 
     1. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera. Classifier A1d:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  galleriae  (serotype 5a, 5b) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 2, 20, 29, 102  properties. 60% (3/5) of serovar  galleriae  (5a, 5b) isolates tested cluster within this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  galleriae  (5a, 5b) serovar into classifier A1a; additionally, two other isolates fall into this group which have not yet been described as insecticidal:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  wuhanensis  (no serotype), which lacks a flagellar antigen; and misidentified Bt strain ATCC 29730, which was deposited to the ATCC as Bt var.  galleriae , but then later reclassified by the ATCC. Classifier A1d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1d is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is an SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1d contains MLST ST 25 108 . SspE proteotype B:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (serotype 6) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran properties 20, 31-32, 36, 41, 60, 87 . The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) serovar into classifier A1a. 60% (3/5) of serovar  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. Proteotype B amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: K at position 87. Proteotype B has at least one genotype (B1) and at least two isolate STs 221 and 239 108 . 
     2. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Diptera. Classifier A1a:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kurstaki  (serotype 3a, 3b, 3c) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 1, 6-7, 14, 17, 20, 29, 31, 36, 41, 45, 47, 51, 55, 57-58, 80-84, 87, 92, 98  and anti-Dipteran 36, 47, 52, 55, 58, 77, 98-99  properties;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  galleriae  (5a, 5b) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 2, 20, 29, 102  properties;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 20, 31-32, 36, 41, 60, 87  properties. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  galleriae  (5a, 5b) and  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) serovars into classifier A1d and SspE proteotype B, respectively, as well as the occurrence of 2  kurstaki  (3a, 3b, 3c) serovars that have been misidentified, falling into other classifiers [A1e (all other isolates in this classifier are “classic” laboratory  Bacillus cereus  strains) &amp; H4a (all other isolates in this classifier are serotyped as  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  thuringiensis  (serotype 1))]. Additionally, the  galleriae  (5a, 5b) and  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) serovars have not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran activities. 91% (20/22) of serovar  kurstaki  (3a, 3b, 3c) isolates, 40% (2/5) of serovar  galleriae  (5a, 5b) isolates and 40% (2/5) of serovar  entomocidus/subtoxicus  (6) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. Classifier A1a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1a is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1a contains ST 8 108 . Classifier A1b:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kenyae  (serotype 4a, 4c) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 29, 31, 36, 41, 94  and anti-Dipteran 77  properties; 100% (4/4) of serovar  kenyae  (4a, 4c) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the presence of a misidentified  aizawai/pacificus  (serotype 7) serovar in this classifier grouping. Classifier A1b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1b is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1b contains ST 13 108 . Classifier A1c:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  aizawai/pacificus  (serotype 7) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 8, 20, 22, 24, 29, 31, 36, 46-47, 51, 55, 83  and anti-Dipteran 22, 24, 47, 77, 89  activity; 80% (4/5) of serovar  aizawai/pacificus  (7) isolates tested cluster within this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the presence of a misidentified  aizawai/pacificus  (7) serovar into classifier A1b. Included in this classifier claim is the sole serovar  colmeri  (serotype 21) isolate tested which has also been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 23  and anti-Dipteran 23, 100  properties. Classifier A1c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1c is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1c contains ST 15 108 , Classifier H5a:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sotto/dendrolimus  (serotype 4a, 4b) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 20-21, 31, 86  and anti-Dipteran 65  activity. 50% (2/4) of serovar  sotto/dendrolimus  (4a, 4b) isolates tested cluster within this classifier.  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  alesti  (serotype 3a, 3c) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 20, 29, 92  and anti-Dipteran 65  activity. 100% (3/3) of serovar  alesti  (3a, 3c) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  sotto/dendrolimus  (4a, 4b) serovar into classifier H5f, as well as the clustering of serovar  palmanyolensis  (serotype 55), which has not yet been described as insecticidal, into this classifier. Classifier H5a is SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5a is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5a contains ST 12 108 . Classifier H5f:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sotto/dendrolimus  (serotype 4a, 4b) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 20-21, 31, 86  and anti-Dipteran 65  activity. 50% (2/4) of serovar  sotto/dendrolimus  (4a, 4b) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  sotto/dendrolimus  (4a, 4b) serovar into classifier H5a. Classifier H5f is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5f is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5f contains ST 197 108 . 
     3. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against Diptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Coleoptera. SspE proteotype I:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  morrisoni  (serotype 8a, 8b) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 19, 21, 29, 36, 41, 67, 69 , anti-Dipteran 18-19, 21, 51, 67, 70, 73  and anti-Coleopteran 36, 74  activity. 25% (¼) of serovar  morrisoni  (8a, 8b) isolates tested cluster within this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of a serovar  morrisoni  (8a, 8b) strain into SspE genotype H5 (classifier H5c). Proteotype I amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: C at position 25, A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Proteotype I has at least one genotype (I1) and at least one isolate: MLST ST 257 108 . 
     4. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against Coleoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITIES: Insecticidal activities against Diptera and Isoptera and crop protection. sspE genotype H4:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  thuringiensis  (serotype 1) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 4, 20-21, 29, 31, 36, 4, 47, 83, 92 , anti-Coleopteran 4, 36  and anti-Dipteran 38  activity;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sooncheon  (serotype 41) has been identified as having anti-Isopteran 12  activity; a patented strain [mis]identified as  Bacillus megaterium  (ATCC 55000) has been identified as having plant protection properties 105  such as biological control of crop fungal diseases. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  thuringiensis  (1) is used widely commercially as an insecticide, yet one strain of serovar  thuringiensis  (1) tested differed from the major population [90% (9/10)] of  thuringiensis  (1) strains by a SNP in the pycA allele, thus placing it into classifier H4e; serovar  thuringiensis  (1) has not been previously known to have anti-Isopteran or plant protection properties; serovar  sooncheon  (41) has not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran, anti-Coleopteran, anti-Dipteran or plant protection properties; strain ATCC 55000 is misidentified as  B. megaterium  and has not been previously known to have insecticidal properties and serovar  kim  (serotype 52) has not been previously known to have insecticidal or plant protection properties. Genotype H4 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype H4 is assigned to proteotype H; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Genotype H4 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype H by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: T at position 48, A at position 87, T at position 180, C at position 210, T at position 237, G at position 240. Genotype H4 contains at least five MLST STs: 10, 204, 229, 236, 256 108 . 
     5. EXEMPLARY UTILITIES: Insecticidal activity against orders Diptera and Lepidoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: plant protection (e.g. root rot) via secondary metabolites. sspE genotype H3:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  tohokuensis  (serotype 17) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 77  properties;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  ostriniae  (serotype 8a, 8c) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 69  properties; patented strains identified as  Bacillus cereus  (ATCC 53522 and ATCC 55609) have been identified as having plant protection properties 104  such as biological control of agricultural fungal diseases. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  tohokuensis  (17) has not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran or plant protection properties; serovar  ostriniae  (8a, 8c) has not been previously known to have anti-Dipteran or plant protection properties; strains ATCC 53522 and ATCC 55609 have not been previously known to have insecticidal properties and serovar  silo  (serotype 26) has not been previously known to have insecticidal or plant protection properties. Genotype H3 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination with MLST, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype H3 is assigned to proteotype H; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Genotype H3 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype H by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: C at position 48, A at position 87, T at position 180, C at position 210, T at position 237, G at position 240. Genotype H3 contains at least four MLST STs: 206, 210, 242, 243 108 . 
     6. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Diptera. sspE genotype F3:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  canadensis  (serotype 5a, 5c) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 21, 39, 73, 77  activity;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  mexicanensis  (serotype 27) has also been identified as having anti-Dipteran 77  properties. The basis for claiming this group is the presence of a misidentified canadensis (5a, 5c) serovar into SspE proteotype E, which is a proteotype characteristic of bona fide  Bacillus cereus  strains and transitional/pathogenic Bc strains. Genotype F3 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype F3 is assigned to proteotype F; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. Genotype F3 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype F by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 12, A at position 81, A at position 87, T at position 180. Genotype F3 contains at least two MLST STs: 50, 224 108 . Classifier H5b:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  israelensis  (serotype 14) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 3, 9-11, 13, 18, 21, 34, 43-44, 49-50, 70, 78, 83, 90-93, 95, 98  activity. 100% (9/9) of serovar  israelensis  (14) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  malayensis  (serotype 36) has not been previously known to have insecticidal properties as well as the presence of an unidentified strain BGSC 18A1, which has been distributed as  Bacillus  sp. Classifier H5b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5b is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5b contains MLST ST 16 108 . Classifier K2e:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  higo  (serotype 44) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 35, 58, 64, 75-76, 78  activity. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  oswaldocruzi  (serotype 38) clusters in this classifier and has not been previously known to have insecticidal properties. Classifier, K2e is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2e is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence, length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2e contains MLST ST 214 108 . 
     7. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Diptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Lepidoptera. sspE genotype F1:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  fukuokaensis  (serotype 3a, 3d, 3e) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 21, 39, 63, 73, 77-78, 101  and anti-Lepidopteran 63, 96-97  activities;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sumiyoshiensis  (serotype 3a, 3d) has been identified as having anti-Lepidopteran 36, 96-97  activity. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  sumiyoshiensis  (3a, 3d) has not been previously known to have anti-Dipteran properties. Genotype F1 is a SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype F1 is assigned to proteotype F; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. Genotype F1 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype F by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: G at position 12, G at position 81, G at position 87, C at position 180. Genotype F1 contains at least one MLST ST 213 108 . 
     8. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Diptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Anti-cancer activity. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera. sspE genotype H2:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  amagiensis  (serotype 29) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 77  and anti-Lepidopteran 36  activities;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kyushuensis  (serotype 11a, 11c) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 21, 39, 48-50, 73, 77, 101  activity;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  neoleonensis  (serotype 24a, 24b) has been identified as having anti-Dipteran 72, 103  and anti-cancer 61  activities;  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  shandongiensis  (serotype 22) has been identified as having anti-cancer 53-54, 61, 66  and anti-Dipteran 39, 77  activities. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  amagiensis  (29) has not been previously known to have anti-cancer activity; serovar  kyushuensis  (11a, 11c) has not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran or anti-cancer properties; serovar  neoleonensis  (24a, 24b) has not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran properties; serovar  shandongiensis  (22) has not been previously known to have anti-Lepidopteran properties and serovars  seoulensis  (serotype 35) and  cameroun  (serotype 32) and natural isolate Pey6 have not been previously known to have insecticidal or anti-cancer properties. Genotype H2 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype H2 is assigned to proteotype H; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Genotype H2 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype H by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: C at position 48, G at position 87, T at position 180, C at position 210, A at position 237, A at position 240. Genotype H2 contains at least seven MLST STs: 158, 208, 209, 227, 228, 233, 258 108 . 
     9. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Coleoptera. sspE genotype F2:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kumamtoensis  (serotype 18a, 18b) has been identified as having anti-Coleopteran 74  activity. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  pirenaica  (serotype 57) has not been previously known to have anti-Coleopteran properties as well as the presence of misidentified strain NRRL B-571, which has been distributed by the USDA as  Bacillus licheniformis . Genotype F2 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype F2 is assigned to proteotype F; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. Genotype F2 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype F by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 12, G at position 81, G at position 87, T at position 180. Genotype F2 contains at least two MLST STs: 33, 59 108 . 
     10. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Coleoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Diptera. Classifier H5c:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  morrisoni , including biovars  tenebrionis  and  san diego , (serotype 8a, 8b) has been identified as having anti-Coleopteran 15, 21, 29, 36, 56-57, 74, 85 , anti-Lepidopteran 19, 21, 29, 36, 41, 67, 69  and anti-Dipteran 18-19, 21, 51, 67, 70, 73  activities. 75% (3/4) of serovar  morrisoni  (8a, 8b) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. The basis for claiming this group is that serovar  thompsoni  (serotype 12) has not been previously known to have anti-Coleopteran properties, though it has been described as Dipteran 21, 59, 72-73  and Lepidopteran active, as well as the splitting of a serovar  morrisoni  (8a, 8b) strain into SspE proteotype I. Classifier H5c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5c is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5c contains MLST ST 23 108 . 
     11. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Insecticidal activity against order Isoptera. sspE genotype E8:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  roskildiensis  (serotype 45) has been identified as having anti-Isopteran 12  activity. The basis for claiming this group is the presence of a strain identified as  Bacillus cereus  that has&#39; not been previously known to have insecticidal properties. Genotype E8 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high-level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype E8 is assigned to proteotype E; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype E8 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype E by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: G at position 30, T at position 42, G at position 102, A at position 114, C at position 123, A at position 126, G at position 138, A at position 147, Tat position 174, Tat position 180, A at position 189, Tat position 195, C at position 210, G at position 249. Genotype E8 contains at least two MLST STs: 38, 103 108 . 
     12. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Anti-cancer activity. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Plant protection. Classifier A1g:  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  dakota  (serotype 15) has been identified as having anti-cancer 40, 42, 61  activity; Bt strain NRRL B-21619 has been identified in two US patents as having broad antifungal and antibacterial properties useful in plant protection 107   . Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  asturiensis  (serotype 53) clusters in this classifier and has not been identified as having either anti-cancer or plant protection properties. Classifier A1g is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1g is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1g contains MLST ST 138 108 . 
     13. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Herbicide enhancement. sspE genotype E1: The basis for claiming this group is the presence of a misidentified  Bacillus subtilis  strain that has been patented by Micro Flo Company as a herbicide enhancer 106 . Other isolates in this genotype group are bona fide  B. cereus  strains ATCC 15816, ATCC 13061 and BGSC 6A9 and a misidentified Bt serovar  canadensis  (serotype 5a, 5c) isolate. Genotype E1 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype E1 is assigned to proteotype E; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype E1 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype E by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: G at position 30, T at position 42, G at position 102, A at position 114, C at position 123, A at position 126, G at position 138, A at position 147, C at position 174, T at position 180, T at position 189, T at position 195, C at position 210, A at position 249. Genotype E1 contains at least four MLST STs: 26, 164, 205, 266 108 . 
     14. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Medical and veterinary diagnostic. SspE proteotype E: The strains that cluster into SspE proteotype E are very closely related to  Bacillus anthracis  and could be considered transitional pathogens. Specifically, two very important pathogenic strains that have been identified as  Bacillus cereus , carrying plasmid-associated [and] pathogenic activity against both human 30  and veterinary (zebra 25 ) hosts cluster in this non- Bacillus anthracis  group. Proteotype E amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Proteotype E contains at least eleven genotypes (E1-11) and at least eighteen MLST STs: 26, 32, 38, 75, 78, 103, 104, 108, 109, 163, 164, 171, 205, 211, 219, 234, 246, 266 108 . SspE proteotype O: The claim is based on the splitting of one  Bacillus anthracis  strain into the proteotype P group. Proteotype O amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 95 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, S at position 54, I at position 55, T at position 59, A at position 75, Q at position 82. Proteotype O has at least one genotype (O1) and at least three MLST STs: 1, 2, 3 108 . SspE proteotype P: The claim is based on the splitting of one  Bacillus anthracis  strain into the proteotype P group. Proteotype P amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 95 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, S at position 54, V at position 55, T at position 59, A at position 75, Q at position 82. Proteotype P contains at least one genotype (P1) and at least one MLST ST: 1 108 . 
     15. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Medical diagnostic. SspE proteotype K: The strains that cluster into SspE proteotype K are very closely related to  Bacillus anthracis  and could be considered transitional pathogens. Specifically, one important pathogenic strain identified as  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  konkukian   25, 26  (serotype 34) clusters in this non- Bacillus anthracis  group. This strain was isolated from the leg of a wounded soldier which required amputation due to the severity of the infection. Proteotype K amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. Proteotype K contains at least four genotypes (K1-4) and at least twelve MLST STs: 76, 106, 110, 112, 113, 214, 216, 237, 247, 250, 254, 262 108 . 
     16. EXEMPLARY UTILITY: Anti-helminthic, nematicide. sspE genotypes A1 and H5 and SspE proteotypes B and C:  Bacillus thuringiensis  strains possessing the Cry5 toxin have been identified as having anti-helminthic and nematicidal activity 109-111 . The Cry5 toxin has been shown to be toxic to the nematode  Caenorhabditis elegans   110 , the hookworm parasite  Ancylostoma ceylanicum   109 , the liver fluke  Fasicola hepatica   102  and the plant parasitic species  Pratylenchus   102 . sspE genotype A1 contains Bt serovars  kurstaki  (serotype 3a, 3b, 3c),  kenyae  (serotype 4a, 4c),  galleriae  (serotype 5a, 5b),  aizawai  (serotype 7),  entomocidus  (serotype 6) and colmeri (serotype 21) which have been identified as having anti-helminthic 109-111 . activity. Other isolates cluster within this group which have not yet been described as nematicidal: Bt serovars  asturiensis  (serotype 53),  dakota  (serotype 15),  londrina  (serotype 10a, 10c),  coreanensis  (serotype 25),  yosoo  (serotype 18a, 18c),  indiana  (serotype 16),  jinghongiensis  (serotype 42),  japonensis  (serotype 23) and  wuhanensis  (no serotype), as well as ATCC strains 11778 and 29730 and NRRL strain B-21619. Genotype A1 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which when used in combination, have a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype A1 is assigned to proteotype A; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is an SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. Genotype A1 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype A by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 147. Genotype A1 contains at least thirteen MLST STs: 8, 13, 15, 25, 29, 34, 138, 225, 232, 238, 241, 251, 263 108 . sspE genotype H5 contains Bt serovars  alesti  (serotype 3a, 3c),  dendrolimus  (serotype 4a, 4b),  morrisoni  (serotype 8a, 8b) and  thompsoni  (serotype 12) which have been identified as having anti-helminthic 109-111  activity. Other isolates cluster within this group which have not yet been described as nematicidal: Bt serovars  palmanyolensis  (serotype 55),  malayensis  (serotype 36),  israelensis  (serotype 14),  darmstadiensis  (serotype 10a, 10b),  leesis  (serotype 33),  poloniensis  (serotype 54) and  zhaodongensis  (serotype 62), as well as BGSC strain 18A1. Genotype H5 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which when used in combination, have a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype H5 is assigned to proteotype H; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is an SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Genotype H5 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype H by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: C at position 48, G at position 87, C at position 180, C at position 210, T at position 237, G at position 240. Genotype H5 contains at least eight MLST STs: 12, 16, 23, 56, 197, 230, 264, 265 108 . SspE proteotype B contains Bt serovar  entomocidus  (serotype 6) and has been identified as having anti-helminthic 109-111  activity. Proteotype B is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which has substantial phylogenetic clustering power. The basis for claiming this group is the splitting of the  entomocidus  (6) serovar into classifier A1a. 60% (3/5) of serovar  entomocidus  (6) isolates tested cluster in this classifier. Proteotype B amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is an SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: K at position 87. Proteotype B has at least one genotype (B1) and at least two isolate STs 221 and 239 108 . SspE proteotype C contains Bt serovar  tolworthi  (serotype 9) which has been identified as having anti-helminthic 109-111  activity. Proteotype C is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which when used in combination, have substantial phylogenetic clustering power. Proteotype C amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, A at position 73, Q at position 87. Proteotype C contains at least one genotype (C1) and at least one MLST ST 22 108 . 
     Screening/Molecular Diagnostic Targets— Bacillus thuringiensis  Group Scheme (See Also Table 1.) 
     1. SCREENING/MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC TARGETS i: Classifier A1i: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  coreanensis  (serotype 25) (1/1 isolates); Anti-cancer activity 61 . Classifier A1i is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1i is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1i contains MLST ST 232 108 . Classifier A1m: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  japonensis  (serotype 23) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera 29, 96-97  and Coleoptera 33, 62, 79  orders. Classifier A1m is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1m is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as, appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1m contains MLST ST 263 108 . sspE genotype A2: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  nigeriae  aka  nigeriensis  (serotype 8b, 8d) (3/3 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera 36, 69 . Genotype A2 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype A2 is assigned to proteotype A; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. Genotype A2 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype A by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: G at position 147. Genotype A2 contains at least two MLST STs: 226, 244 108 . SspE proteotype C: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  tolworthi  (serotype 9) (3/3 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera 20, 29, 69, 92 , Coleoptera 15, 74, 88  and Diptera 77 . Proteotype C amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, A at position 73, Q at position 87. Proteotype C contains at least one genotype (C1) and at least one MLST ST 22 108 . Classifier F3a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  canadensis  (serotype 5a, 5c) (1/2 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 21, 39, 73, 77  (see claim for genotype F3 above) Misidentified  canadensis  is in SspE proteotype E. Classifier F3a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier F3a is assigned to proteotype F and genotype F3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. The classifier F3a contains MLST ST 50 108 . Classifier F3b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  mexicanensis  (serotype 27) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 77 . (see claim for genotype F3 above). Classifier F3b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier F3b is assigned to proteotype F and genotype F3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. The classifier F3b contains MLST ST 224 108 . SspE proteotype G (classifier G1a): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  yunnanensis  (serotype 20a, 20b) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Isoptera 12 . Proteotype G amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, K at position 55, A at position 73. Proteotype G has at least one genotype (G1) and at least one MLST ST 212 108 . Classifier H2a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  amagiensis  (serotype 29) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 77  and Lepidoptera 36 . (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2a is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2a contains MLST ST 208 108 . Classifier H2c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kyushuensis  (serotype 11a, 11c) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 21, 39, 48-50, 73, 77, 101 . (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2c is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2c contains MLST ST 227 108 . Classifier H2d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  neoleonensis  (serotype 24a, 24b) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 72, 103  and anti-cancer 61  activity. (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2d is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2d contains MLST ST 228 108 . Classifier H2e: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  shandongiensis  (serotype 22) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 39, 77  and anti-cancer 53-5, 61, 66 . (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2e is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2e is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2e contains MLST ST 233 108 . Classifier H3a: Target for strain useful in biological control of plant fungal diseases. (see claim for genotype H3 above). Classifier H3a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H3a is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H3a contains MLST ST 206 108 . Classifier H3c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  tohokuensis  (serotype 17) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 77 . (see claim for genotype H3 above). Classifier H3c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H3c is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H3c contains MLST ST 242 108 . Classifier H3d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  ostriniae  (serotype 8a, 8c) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera 69 . (see claim for genotype H3 above). Classifier H3d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H3d is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H3d contains MLST ST 243108. Classifier H4b: Target for strain useful in biological control of plant fungal diseases. (see claim for genotype H4 above). Classifier H4b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H4b is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H4b contains MLST ST 204 108 . Classifier H4c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sooncheon  (serotype 41) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Isoptera 12 . (see claim for genotype H4 above). Classifier H4c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H4c is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H4c contains MLST ST 229 108 . Classifier H5d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  darmstadiensis  (serotype 10a, 10b) (3/3 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 16, 21, 39, 49, 68, 72-73, 77, 101, 103  &amp; Lepidoptera 38, 96-97 . Classifier H5d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5d is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5d contains MLST ST 56 108 . Classifier H5e: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  leesis  (serotype 33) (1/1 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 21, 28  Classifier H5e is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5e is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5e contains MLST ST 230 108 . sspE genotype E3 (classifier E3a): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  konkukian  (serotype 34) (1/2 isolates); Insecticidal activity against Diptera 100 . (see claim for proteotype E above). Genotype E3 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype E3 is assigned to proteotype E; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype E3 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype E by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 30, T at position 42, G at position 102, A at position 114, C at position 123, A at position 126, A at position 138, A at position 147, C at position 174, T at position 180, T at position 189, T at position 195, C at position 210, A at position 249. Genotype E3 contains at least one MLST ST 211 108 . sspE genotype E10 (classifier E10a): Screening/molecular medical diagnostic target for  Bacillus cereus   30  (1/1 isolates); Human medical diagnostic target. (see claim for proteotype E above). Genotype E10 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype E10 is assigned to proteotype E; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype E10 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype E by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 30, T at position 42, G at position 102, A at position. 114, C at position 123, A at position 126, A at position 138, G at position 147, T at position 174, C at position 180, A at position 189, T at position 195, T at position 210, A at position 249. Genotype E10 contains at least one MLST ST 78 108 . sspE genotype E11 (classifier Ella): Screening/molecular medical diagnostic target for  Bacillus cereus   25  (1/1 isolates); Veterinary diagnostic target (zebra). (see claim for proteotype E above). Genotype E11 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype E11 is assigned to proteotype E; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype E11 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype E by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: A at position 30, T at position 42, G at position 102, A at position 114, C at position 123, A at position 126, A at position 138, G at position 147, T at position 174, C at position 180, A at position 189, T at position 195, C at position 210, A at position 249. Genotype E11 has at least one MLST ST: “268”. Classifier K2d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  strain 97-27-like isolates [identified as serovar.  konkukian   25, 26  (serotype 34)] (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2d is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2d contains MLST ST 113108 SspE proteotype O: Target for  Bacillus anthracis  (1/1 isolates). Proteotype O amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is. SspE translated protein sequence length of 95 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, S at position 54, I at position 55, T at position 59, A at position 75, Q at position 82. Proteotype O has at least one genotype (O1) and at least three MLST STs: 1, 2, 3 108 . (see claim for proteotype O above). SspE proteotype P: Target for  Bacillus anthracis  (1/1 isolates). Proteotype P amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 95 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, S at position 54, V at position 55, T at position 59, A at position 75, Q at position 82. Proteotype P has at least one genotype (P1) and at least one MLST ST 1. (see claim for proteotype P above) 
     2. SCREENING/MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC TARGETS 2: Classifier A1h: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  londrina  (serotype 10a, 10c) (1/1 isolates). Classifier A1h is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1h is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1h contains MLST ST 225. Classifier A1j: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  yosoo  (serotype 18a, 18c) (1/1 isolates). Classifier A1j is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1j is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1j contains MLST ST 238 108 . Classifier A1k: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  indiana  (serotype 16) (2/2 isolates). Classifier A1k is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1k is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1k contains MLST ST 241 108 . Classifier A1l: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  jinghongiensis  (serotype 42) (1/1 isolates). Classifier A1l is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier A1l is assigned to proteotype A and genotype A1; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 29, S at position 73, Q at position 87. The classifier A1l contains MLST ST 251 108 . Classifier F4b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  pakistani  (serotype 13) (1/1 isolates). Classifier F4b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier F4b is assigned to proteotype F and genotype F4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. The classifier F4b contains MLST ST 17 108 . Classifier F4c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  iberica  (serotype 59) (1/1 isolates). Classifier F4c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier F4c is assigned to proteotype F and genotype F4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. The classifier F4c contains MLST ST 142 108 . Classifier F4d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovars  vazensis  (serotype 67) and  rongseni  (serotype 56) (1/1 isolates each). Classifier F4d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate screening or “fingerprinting”) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier F4d is assigned to proteotype F and genotype F4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73. The classifier F4d contains MLST ST 220 108 . sspE genotype H1 (classifier H1b): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  xiaguangiensis  (serotype 51) (1/1 isolates). Genotype H1 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype H1 is assigned to proteotype H; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. Genotype H1 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype H by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: C at position 48, G at position 87, T at position 180, T at position 210, A at position 237, A at position 240. Genotype H1 has at least four isolate fingerprints: STs 111, 218, 223, 249 108 . Classifier H2b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  cameroun  (serotype 32) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2b is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2b contains MLST ST 209 108 . Classifier H2f: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  seoulensis  (serotype 35) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for genotype H2 above). Classifier H2f is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H2f is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H2f contains MLST ST 158 108 . Classifier H3b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  silo  (serotype 26) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for genotype H3 above). Classifier H3b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H3b is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H3b contains MLST ST 210 108  Classifier H4a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  thuringiensis  (serotype 1) (9/10 isolates). (see claim for genotype H4 above). Classifier H4a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H4a is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H4a contains MLST ST 10 108 . Classifier H4d: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  kim  (serotype 52) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for genotype H4 above). Classifier H4d is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H4d is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H4d contains MLST ST 236 108 . Classifier H4e: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  thuringiensis  (serotype 1) (1/10 isolates). (see claim for genotype H4 above). Classifier H4e is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H4e is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H4; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H4e contains MLST ST 256 108 . Classifier H5g: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  poloniensis  (serotype 54) (1/1 isolates). Classifier H5g is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5g is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5g contains MLST ST 264 108 . Classifier H5h: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  zhaodongensis  (serotype 62) (1/1 isolates). Classifier H5h is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier H5h is assigned to proteotype H and genotype H5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, E at position 93. The classifier H5h contains MLST ST 265 108 . Classifier E2a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  finitimus  (serotype 2) (2/2 isolates). (see claim for proteotype E above). Classifier E2a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier E2a is assigned to proteotype E and genotype E2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier E2a contains MLST ST 171 108  Classifier E5a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  graciosensis  (serotype 66) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for proteotype E above). Classifier E5a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier E5a is assigned to proteotype E and genotype E5; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier E5a contains MLST ST 219 108 . Classifier E6a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  chanpaisis  (serotype 46) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for proteotype E above). Classifier E6a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier E6a is assigned to proteotype E and genotype E6; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier E6a contains MLST ST 234 108 . Classifier E7a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  tochigiensis  (serotype 19) (1/1 isolates). (see claim for proteotype E above). Classifier E7a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier E7a is assigned to proteotype E and genotype E7; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier E7a contains MLST ST 104 108 . sspE genotype K1 (classifier K1a): target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  guiyangiensis  (serotype 43) (1/1 isolates). Genotype K1 is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening) and sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Genotype K1 is assigned to proteotype K; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. Genotype K1 is 282 nucleotides (nt) in length and is distinguished from other genotypes of proteotype K by the following nucleotide sequence characteristics: T at position 48, T at position 57, C at position 123, A at position 138, A at position 147, C at position 174, T at position 189, T at position 195, C at position 210, A at position 237, C at position 238, A at position 240, T at position 270. Genotype K1 has at least one isolate fingerprint: ST 247 108 . Classifier K2a: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  brasilensis  (serotype 39) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2a is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2a is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2a contains MLST ST 106 108 . Classifier K2b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  pulsiensis  (serotype 65) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2b is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2b contains MLST ST 110 108 . Classifier K2c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar.  pondicheriensis  (serotype 20a, 20c) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2c is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2c contains MLST ST 112 108 . Classifier K2f: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  sylvestriensis  (serotype 61) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2f is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2f is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2f contains MLST ST 237 108  Classifier K2g: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  azorensis  (serotype 64) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K2g is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K2g is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K2; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K2g contains MLST ST 254 108 . Classifier K3b: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  argentinensis  (serotype 58) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K3b is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K3b is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K3b contains MLST ST 250 108 . Classifier K3c: Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  balearica  (serotype 48) (1/1 isolates). Classifier K3c is a unique SspE proteotype (primary isolate screening), sspE genotype (secondary isolate screening) and MLST sequence type (ST) 108  (tertiary isolate population genetic screening) which, when used in combination, has a high level of phylogenetic clustering power. Classifier K3c is assigned to proteotype K and genotype K3; amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. The classifier K3c contains MLST ST 262 108 . SspE proteotype L (classifier L1a): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  toguchini  (serotype 31) (1/1 isolates). Proteotype L amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 34, A at position 73, Q at position 80. Proteotype L has at least one genotype (L1) and at least one MLST ST 207 108 . SspE proteotype M (classifier M1a): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  muju  (serotype 49) (1/1 isolates). Proteotype M amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 93 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80, E at position 93. Proteotype M has at least one genotype (M1) and at least two MLST STs: 217, 245 108 . SspE proteotype N (classifier N1a): Target for  Bacillus thuringiensis  serovar  monterrey  (serotype 28a, 28b) (1/1 isolates). Proteotype N amino acid and DNA sequences, respectively, are attached as appendices. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 92 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A at position 29, N at position 33, A at position 73, Q at position 80. Proteotype N has at least one genotype (N1) and at least one MLST ST 107 108 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Bt group strains organized by classifier 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                 SspE 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SspE aa 
                 sspE nt 
                 size 
               
               
                 Classifier a   
                 group b   
                 group c   
                 (AA) d   
                 MLST ST e   
                 Commercial/Insecticidal Utility f   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 A1a 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 8 
                     ( Lepidoptera   1,6-7,14,17,20,29,31,36,41,45,47,51,55,57-58,80-84,87,92,98 ) &amp; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Diptera   36,47,55,58,77,98-99 );    ( Lepidoptera   2,20,29,102 ); 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     ( Lepidoptera   20,31-32,36,41,60,87 ) 
               
               
                 A1b 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 13 
                     ( Lepidoptera   29,31,36,41,94 ) &amp; ( Diptera   77 );     
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (misidentified) 
               
               
                 A1c 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 15 
                     ( Lepidoptera   8,20,22,24,29,31,36,46-47,51,55,83 ) &amp; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Diptera   22,24,47,77,89 );    ( Diptera   23,100 ) &amp; ( Lepidoptera   23 ) 
               
               
                 A1d 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 25 
                     ( Lepidoptera   2,20,29,102 );  wuhanensis ; ATCC 29730 
               
               
                 A1e 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 29 
                   kurstaki  (misidentified g ) 
               
               
                 A1f 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 34 
                 ATCC 11778 
               
               
                 A1g 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 138 
                     ( Anti-cancer   40,42,61 ); B-21619 ( Plant Protection   107 );  asturiensis   
               
               
                 A1h 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 225 
                 
                   londrina 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 A1i 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 232 
                      21  ( Anti-cancer   61 ) 
               
               
                 A1j 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 238 
                 
                   yosoo 
                 
               
               
                 A1k 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 241 
                 
                   indiana 
                 
               
               
                 A1l 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 251 
                 
                   jinghongiensis 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 A1m 
                 A 
                 A1 
                 93 
                 263 
                     ( Lepidoptera   29,96-97 ) &amp; ( Coleoptera   33,62,79 ) 
               
               
                 A2a 
                 A 
                 A2 
                 93 
                 226 
                     &amp;    ( Lepidoptera   36,69 ) 
               
               
                 A2b 
                 A 
                 A2 
                 93 
                 244 
                     ( Lepidoptera   36,69 ) 
               
               
                 B1a 
                 B 
                 B1 
                 93 
                 221 
                     ( Lepidoptera   20,31-32,36,41,60,87 ) 
               
               
                 B1b 
                 B 
                 B1 
                 93 
                 239 
                     ( Lepidoptera   20,31-32,36,41,60,87 ) 
               
               
                 C1a 
                 C 
                 C1 
                 93 
                 22 
                     ( Lepidoptera   20,29,69,92 ) &amp; ( Coleoptera   15,74,88 ) &amp; ( Diptera   77 ) 
               
               
                 D1a 
                 D 
                 D1 
                 93 
                 255 
                 ATCC 13472 
               
               
                 F1a 
                 F 
                 F1 
                 93 
                 213 
                     ( Diptera   21,39,63,73,77-78,101 ) &amp; ( Lepidoptera   63,96-97 ); 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     ( Lepidoptera   36,96-97 ) 
               
               
                 F2a 
                 F 
                 F2 
                 93 
                 33 
                   pirenaica   71 ;  B. licheniformis  NRRL B-571 (misidentified) 
               
               
                 F2b 
                 F 
                 F2 
                 93 
                 59 
                     ( Coleoptera   74 ) 
               
               
                 F3a 
                 F 
                 F3 
                 93 
                 50 
                     ( Diptera   21,39,73,77 ) 
               
               
                 F3b 
                 F 
                 F3 
                 93 
                 224 
                     ( Diptera   77 ) 
               
               
                 F4a 
                 F 
                 F4 
                 93 
                 4 
                 ATCC 14579 T   
               
               
                 F4b 
                 F 
                 F4 
                 93 
                 17 
                 
                   pakistani 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 F4c 
                 F 
                 F4 
                 93 
                 142 
                 
                   iberica 
                   71 
                 
               
               
                 F4d 
                 F 
                 F4 
                 93 
                 220 
                   vazensis ;  rongseni   
               
               
                 G1a 
                 G 
                 G1 
                 93 
                 212 
                     (Isoptera 12 ) 
               
               
                 H1a 
                 H 
                 H1 
                 93 
                 111 
                 Pey9 &amp; 3466-8.1 - no serotype, natural isolates 
               
               
                 H1b 
                 H 
                 H1 
                 93 
                 218 
                 
                   xiaguangiensis 
                 
               
               
                 H1c 
                 H 
                 H1 
                 93 
                 223 
                 2A6 &amp;2C1 - no serotype, natural isolates 
               
               
                 H1d 
                 H 
                 H1 
                 93 
                 249 
                 Pey8 - no serotype, natural isolate 
               
               
                 H2a 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 208 
                     ( Diptera   77 ) &amp; ( Lepidoptera   36 ) 
               
               
                 H2b 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 209 
                 
                   cameroun 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 H2c 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 227 
                     ( Diptera   21,39,48-50,73,77,101 ) 
               
               
                 H2d 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 228 
                     ( Diptera   72,103 ) &amp; ( Anti-cancer   61 ) 
               
               
                 H2e 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 233 
                     ( Anti-cancer   53-54,61,66 ) &amp; ( Diptera   39,77 ) 
               
               
                 H2f 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 158 
                 
                   seoulensis 
                 
               
               
                 H2g 
                 H 
                 H2 
                 93 
                 258 
                 Pey6 - no serotype, natural isolate 
               
               
                 H3a 
                 H 
                 H3 
                 93 
                 206 
                 ATCC 53522; ATCC 55609 ( Plant Protection   104 ) 
               
               
                 H3b 
                 H 
                 H3 
                 93 
                 210 
                 silo 21   
               
               
                 H3c 
                 H 
                 H3 
                 93 
                 242 
                     ( Diptera   77 ) 
               
               
                 H3d 
                 H 
                 H3 
                 93 
                 243 
                     ( Lepidoptera   69 ) 
               
               
                 H4a 
                 H 
                 H4 
                 93 
                 10 
                     ( Lepidoptera   4,20-21,29,31,36,41,47,83,92 ) &amp; ( Coleoptera   4,36 ) &amp; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Diptera   38 );  kurstaki  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 H4b 
                 H 
                 H4 
                 93 
                 204 
                   B. megaterium  ATCC 55000 ( Plant Protection   105 ) (misidentified) 
               
               
                 H4c 
                 H 
                 H4 
                 93 
                 229 
                     (Isoptera 12 ) 
               
               
                 H4d 
                 H 
                 H4 
                 93 
                 236 
                 
                   kim 
                 
               
               
                 H4e 
                 H 
                 H4 
                 93 
                 256 
                     (misidentified) ( Lepidoptera   4,20-21,29,31,36,41,47,83,92 ) &amp; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Coleoptera   4,36 ) &amp; ( Diptera   38 ) 
               
               
                 H5a 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 12 
                     ( Lepidoptera   20-21,31,86 ) &amp; ( Diptera   65 );    
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Lepidoptera   20,29,92 ) &amp; ( Diptera   65 );  palmanyolensis   
               
               
                 H5b 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 16 
                     ( Diptera   3,9-11,13,18,21,34,43-44,49-50,70,78,83,90-93,95,98 );  malayensis;   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   Bacillus  sp. BGSC 18A1 (reclassified) 
               
               
                 H5c 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 23 
                     ( Coleoptera   15,21,29,36,56-57,74,85 ) &amp; ( Lepidoptera   19,21,29,36,41,67,69 ) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 &amp; ( Diptera   18-19,21,51,67,73 );    ( Diptera   21,59,72-73 ) &amp; ( Lepidoptera   5 ) 
               
               
                 H5d 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 56 
                     ( Diptera   16,21,39,49,68,72-73,77,101,103 )&amp; ( Lepidoptera   38,96-97 ) 
               
               
                 H5e 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 230 
                     ( Diptera   21,28 ) 
               
               
                 H5f 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 197 
                     ( Lepidoptera   20-21,31,86 )&amp; ( Diptera   65 ) 
               
               
                 H5g 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 264 
                 
                   poloniensis 
                 
               
               
                 H5h 
                 H 
                 H5 
                 93 
                 265 
                 
                   zhaodongensis 
                 
               
               
                 I1a 
                 I 
                 I1 
                 93 
                 257 
                     (misidentified) ( Lepidoptera   19,21,29,36,41,67,69 )&amp; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ( Diptera   18-19,21,51,67,73 ) &amp; ( Coleoptera   36,74 ) 
               
               
                 J1a 
                 J 
                 J1 
                 93 
                 231 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 19647 (misidentified) 
               
               
                 E1a 
                 E 
                 E1 
                 93 
                 26 
                 ATCC 15816 
               
               
                 E1b 
                 E 
                 E1 
                 93 
                 164 
                 Bc ATCC 13061;  canadensis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 E1c 
                 E 
                 E1 
                 93 
                 205 
                   B. subtilis  ATCC 55675 ( Plant Protection   106 ) (misidentified) 
               
               
                 E1d 
                 E 
                 E1 
                 93 
                 266 
                 BGSC 6A9 
               
               
                 E2a 
                 E 
                 E2 
                 93 
                 171 
                 
                   finitimus 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 E2b 
                 E 
                 E2 
                 93 
                 246 
                   Bacillus  sp. ATCC 51912 (reclassified) 
               
               
                 E3a 
                 E 
                 E3 
                 93 
                 211 
                     ( Diptera   100 ) 
               
               
                 E4a 
                 E 
                 E4 
                 93 
                 75 
                 DM55 - no serotype, natural isolate 
               
               
                 E4b 
                 E 
                 E4 
                 93 
                 108 
                 BGSC 6E1; BGSC 6E2 
               
               
                 E4c 
                 E 
                 E4 
                 93 
                 109 
                 003,IB, BuIB, III, III-BL, III-BS, IV - no serotypes, natural isolates 
               
               
                 E4d 
                 E 
                 E4 
                 93 
                 163 
                 S8553/2 - no serotype, natural isolate 
               
               
                 E5a 
                 E 
                 E5 
                 93 
                 219 
                 
                   graciosensis 
                 
               
               
                 E6a 
                 E 
                 E6 
                 93 
                 234 
                 
                   chanpaisis 
                 
               
               
                 E7a 
                 E 
                 E7 
                 93 
                 104 
                 
                   tochigiensis 
                 
               
               
                 E8a 
                 E 
                 E8 
                 93 
                 38 
                 ATCC 4342 
               
               
                 E8b 
                 E 
                 E8 
                 93 
                 103 
                     ( Isoptera   12 ) 
               
               
                 E9a 
                 E 
                 E9 
                 93 
                 32 
                 ATCC 10987 
               
               
                 E10a 
                 E 
                 E10 
                 93 
                 78 
                 strain G9241 ( medical diagnostic - human   30 ) 
               
               
                 E11a 
                 E 
                 E11 
                 93 
                 “268” 
                 strain ZK (E33L) ( veterinary diagnostic - zebra   25 ) 
               
               
                 K1a 
                 K 
                 K1 
                 93 
                 247 
                 
                   guiyangiensis 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 K2a 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 106 
                 
                   brasilensis 
                 
               
               
                 K2b 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 110 
                 
                   pulsiensis 
                 
               
               
                 K2c 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 112 
                 
                   pondicheriensis 
                 
               
               
                 K2d 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 113 
                     strain 97-27 ( medical diagnostic - human   25,26 ) 
               
               
                 K2e 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 214 
                     ( Diptera   35,58,64,75-76,78 ); oswaldocruzi 21   
               
               
                 K2f 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 237 
                 
                   sylvestriensis 
                 
               
               
                 K2g 
                 K 
                 K2 
                 93 
                 254 
                 
                   azorensis 
                 
               
               
                 K3a 
                 K 
                 K3 
                 93 
                 216 
                   wratislaviensis ;  pingluonsis   
               
               
                 K3b 
                 K 
                 K3 
                 93 
                 250 
                 
                   argentinensis 
                 
               
               
                 K3c 
                 K 
                 K3 
                 93 
                 262 
                 
                   balearica 
                   37 
                 
               
               
                 L1a 
                 L 
                 L1 
                 93 
                 207 
                 
                   toguchini 
                   21,52 
                 
               
               
                 M1a 
                 M 
                 M1 
                 93 
                 217 
                 
                   muju 
                 
               
               
                 M1b 
                 M 
                 M1 
                 93 
                 245 
                 I2 - no serotype, natural isolate 
               
               
                 N1a 
                 N 
                 N1 
                 92 
                 107 
                 
                   monterrey 
                   21 
                 
               
               
                 O1a 
                 O 
                 O1 
                 95 
                 1 
                 
                   B. anthracis 
                 
               
               
                 O1b 
                 O 
                 O1 
                 95 
                 2 
                 
                   B. anthracis 
                 
               
               
                 O1c 
                 O 
                 O1 
                 95 
                 3 
                 
                   B. anthracis 
                 
               
               
                 P1a 
                 P 
                 P1 
                 95 
                 1 
                   B. anthracis  (strain Western NA) 
               
               
                 Q1a 
                 Q 
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 115 
                   B. weihenstephanensis  DSM 11821 T   
               
               
                 Q1b 
                 Q 
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 116 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 6462 T   
               
               
                 Q1c 
                 Q 
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 215 
                   novosibirsk  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 Q1d 
                 Q 
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 235 
                   navarrensis   37  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 Q1e 
                 Q 
                 Q1 
                 93 
                 248 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 11986 
               
               
                 R1a 
                 R 
                 R1 
                 93 
                 222 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 23258 
               
               
                 S1a 
                 S 
                 S1 
                 92 
                 “267” 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 21929 
               
               
                 T1a 
                 T 
                 T1 
                 95 
                 259 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 10206 
               
               
                 T1b 
                 T 
                 T1 
                 95 
                 260 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 31101 
               
               
                 T1c 
                 T 
                 T1 
                 95 
                 261 
                   B. mycoides  ATCC 31102 
               
               
                 U1a 
                 U 
                 U1 
                 95 
                 114 
                   B. pseudomycoides  DSM 12442 T   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Table 1 Footnotes. 
               
               
                   a Classifiers are color-coded, bold typed, and describe species, subspecies and serovars of the  B. thuringiensis  clade by combined sspE (capital letter and number) and MLST (lower case letter corresponds to a sequence type [ST]) within a particular sspE type. A color-coded phylogenetic tree generated from MLST data and labeled with these classifiers is shown in FIG. 3. The data used to generate the tree topology was obtained from all available species and serovars in pubmlst.org/bcereus; only data for which we also have definitive sspE identification and thus a complete classifier are labeled on the tree. 
               
               
                   b Translated nucleic acid sequence of the sspE gene gives us SspE proteotype groups A-U. 
               
               
                   c Nucleic acid sequences of the sspE gene are assigned (color-coded) genotypes A1-x through U1-x, where the letter corresponds to the SspE proteotype and the number corresponds to a unique nucleic acid sequence of that proteotype. For example, we currently have only one genotype identified for proteotype U, and we currently have 5 genotypes identified for SspE proteotype H (thus, the five H genotypes all have silent mutations with respect to each other). A color-coded phylogenetic tree generated from sspE nucleic acid sequences for the B. thuringiensis group is shown in FIG. 2. sspE sequence data from this study has been deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database with accession numbers AF359764-AF359821, AF359823-AF359843,AF359845,AF359847-AF359860,AF359862-AF359934, AF359936-AF359938 and DQ146892-146926. 
               
               
                   d Length of the SspE protein (92-95 amino acids, Bc group). 
               
               
                   e The MLST sequence type (ST) is a number assigned to a unique allelic profile from nucleotide sequences of seven housekeeping gene fragments. The genes used in this scheme are glpF, gmk, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA and tpiA, and information including primer sequences, allelic profiles and STs, allele sequences and isolate information is available at pubmlst.org/bcereus. Allelic profiles for STs “267” and “268” have not yet been uploaded to the pubmlst/bcereus website. 
               
               
                   f Serovars currently used commercially as insecticides or that are registered for use with the USEPA or that are described in scientific literature as insecticidal are indicated in bold italic font. Species or serovars that are misidentified or misclassified are indicated. 
               
               
                   g This “ kurstaki ” isolate was likely misidentified by the researchers who isolated it. The culture collection agrees that, based on the methods used to isolate this strain, and that it has no reaction to any known Bt antisera, it is very likely  B. cereus . 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Amino acid alterations of Bt group strains organized by proteotype and subdivided into genotypes 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                   
                 7 
                 25 
                 29 
                 33 
                 34 
                 38 
                 39 
                 40 
                 47 
                 51 
                 53 
                 53 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pro- 
                 Gen- 
                   
                 S 
                   
                 G 
                 G 
                 S 
                 D 
                 V 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 K 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
               
               
                 Species 
                 teo- 
                 o- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 7 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 Insertion †   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Group 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 N 
                 G 
                 A 
                 C 
                 A 
                 N 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 T 
                 A 
                 S 
                 SI 
                 SV 
                 GV 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   B. cereus 
                 
                 A 
                 1 
                 4AL1, 4AR1, 4AT1, 4BF1, 4BQ1, 
               
               
                 T- 
                   
                   
                 4CA1,  4D1, 4D2, 4D4, 4D5, 4D6,   
               
               
                 Related 
                   
                   
                 
                   4D7, 4D8, 4D9, 4D10, 4D11, 4D12, 
                 
               
               
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 
                   4D14, 4D15, 4D16, 4D17, 4D18, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4D19, 4D20, 4D21, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   4D22,  4F1, 4F2, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4F3, 4F4, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3, 4G4, 4G5, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4G6, 4I1, 4I2,  4J1, 4J2, 4J3, 4J4,   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   4J5,  4R1, 4S2, 4S3, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4T1, 4X1, 6A1, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 6A2, IB/A, A11778, A29730, B- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 21619 
               
               
                   
                   
                 2 
                 4AZ1, D6021, D6076 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                   
                 4I3, 4I4, 4I5 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                   
                 4L1, 4L2, 4L3 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                   
                 A13472 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 F 
                 1 
                 4AO1, 4AP1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                 
                   thu- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 6A3, 6A4, 4BU1, 4W1, A27348, B- 
               
               
                 
                   ringien- 
                 
                   
                   
                 571 
               
               
                   sis - 
                   
                 3 
                 4AC1, 4H2 
               
               
                 Related 
                   
                 4 
                 6A5, 4BT1, 4BW1, 4CE1, 4P1, 
               
               
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 A14579 T   
               
               
                   
                 G 
                   
                 4AM1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 H 
                 1 
                 3466-8.1, 2A6, 2C1, Pey. 8, Pey. 9, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4BN1, 6A7, 6A8 
               
               
                   
                   
                 2 
                 Pey. 6, 4AE1, 4AF1, 4AN1, 4AQ1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4BE1, 4U1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 3 
                 4AG1, 4V1, 4Z1, A53522, A55609 
               
               
                   
                   
                 4 
                 
                   4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5, 4A6, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   4A7, 4A8, 4A9,  4BB1, 4BP1, 4D3, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   D2046   T , A55000 
               
               
                   
                   
                 5 
                 4AA1, 4AB1, 4AK1, 4AV1, 4BR1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4BS1, 4BZ1, 4C1, 4C2, 4C3, 4E1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4E2, 4E3, 4E4, 4E5, 4K1, 4M1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4M2, 4M3, 4O1,  4Q1, 4Q2, 4Q3,   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4Q4, 4Q5, 4Q6, 4Q7, 4Q8, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   A35646   T , 18A1 
               
               
                   
                 I 
                   
                 4K3 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 J 
                   
                 A19647 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 55 
                 57 
                 68 
                 72 
                 73 
                 76 
                 80 
                 84 
                 84 
                 85 
                 87 
                 91 
                 93 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro- 
                 Gen- 
                   
                 Q 
                 A 
                 E 
                 H 
                 S 
                 K 
                 K 
                 K 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                 Species 
                 teo- 
                 o- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 93 
               
               
                   
                 Group 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 K 
                 T 
                 D 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 T 
                 N 
                 K 
                 K 
                 T 
                 E 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 
                   B. cereus 
                 
                 A 
                 1 
                 4AL1, 4AR1, 4AT1, 4BF1, 4BQ1, 
               
               
                   
                 T- 
                   
                   
                 4CA1,  4D1, 4D2, 4D4, 4D5, 4D6,   
               
               
                   
                 Related 
                   
                   
                 
                   4D7, 4D8, 4D9, 4D10, 4D11, 4D12, 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 
                   4D14, 4D15, 4D16, 4D17, 4D18, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4D19, 4D20, 4D21, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   4D22,  4F1, 4F2, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4F3, 4F4, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3, 4G4, 4G5, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4G6, 4I1, 4I2,  4J1, 4J2, 4J3, 4J4,   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   4J5,  4R1, 4S2, 4S3, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4T1, 4X1, 6A1, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 6A2, IB/A, A11778, A29730, B- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 21619 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                 4AZ1, D6021, D6076 
               
               
                   
                   
                 B 
                   
                 4I3, 4I4, 4I5 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 C 
                   
                 4L1, 4L2, 4L3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 D 
                   
                 A13472 
               
               
                   
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 F 
                 1 
                 4AO1, 4AP1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 
                   thu- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 6A3, 6A4, 4BU1, 4W1, A27348, B- 
               
               
                   
                 
                   ringien- 
                 
                   
                   
                 571 
               
               
                   
                 
                   sis- 
                 
                   
                 3 
                 4AC1, 4H2 
               
               
                   
                 Related 
                   
                 4 
                 6A5, 4BT1, 4BW1, 4CE1, 4P1, 
               
               
                   
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 A14579 T   
               
               
                   
                   
                 G 
                   
                 4AM1 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 H 
                 1 
                 3466-8.1, 2A6, 2C1, Pey. 8, Pey. 9, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4BN1, 6A7, 6A8 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                 Pey. 6, 4AE1, 4AF1, 4AN1, 4AQ1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4BE1, 4U1 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 3 
                 4AG1, 4V1, 4Z1, A53522, A55609 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4 
                 
                   4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5, 4A6, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   4A7, 4A8, 4A9,  4BB1, 4BP1, 4D3, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   D2046   T , A55000 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5 
                 4AA1, 4AB1, 4AK1, 4AV1, 4BR1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4BS1, 4BZ1, 4C1, 4C2, 4C3, 4E1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4E2, 4E3, 4E4, 4E5, 4K1, 4M1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 4M2, 4M3, 4O1,  4Q1, 4Q2, 4Q3,   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   4Q4, 4Q5, 4Q6, 4Q7, 4Q8, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   A35646   T , 18A1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 I 
                   
                 4K3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 J 
                   
                 A19647 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Amino acid alterations of Bt group strains organized by proteotype and subdivided into genotypes 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                   
                 7 
                 25 
                 29 
                 33 
                 34 
                 38 
                 39 
                 40 
                 47 
                 51 
                 53 
                 53 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pro- 
                 Gen- 
                   
                 S 
                   
                 G 
                 G 
                 S 
                 D 
                 V 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 K 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
               
               
                 Species 
                 teo- 
                 o- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 7 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 Insertion †   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Group 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 N 
                 G 
                 A 
                 C 
                 A 
                 N 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 T 
                 A 
                 S 
                 SI 
                 SV 
                 GV 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   B. cereus / 
                 E 
                 1 
                 4H1, 6A6, 6A9, A13061, A15816, 
               
               
                 
                   thu- 
                 
                   
                   
                 A55675 
               
               
                 
                   ringien- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 A51912, 4B1, 4B2 
               
               
                 
                   sis- 
                 
                   
                 3 
                 4AH1 
               
               
                 Related 
                   
                 4 
                 003, 6E1, 6E2, DM55, III, IB, IV, 
               
               
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 III-BL, III-BS, S8553/2, BuIB 
               
               
                   
                   
                 5 
                 4CD1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 6 
                 4BH1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 7 
                 4Y1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 8 
                 4BG1, A4342 
               
               
                   
                   
                 9 
                 A10987 
               
               
                   
                   
                 10 
                 
                   G9241 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 11 
                     ZK 
               
               
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 K 
                 1 
                 4BC1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                 
                   anthracis- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 97-27, 4AS1, 4AU1, 4AY1, 4BA1, 
               
               
                 Related 
                   
                   
                 4BY1, 4CB1, 4CC1 
               
               
                 Strains 
                   
                 3 
                 4BJ1, 4BK1, 4BV1, 4BX1 
               
               
                   
                 L 
                   
                 4AD1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 M 
                   
                 4BL1, I2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 N 
                   
                 4AJ1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 O 
                   
                   A14578   T ,  A14185, A14186, Sterne,   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CAU-1, CAU-2, CAU-3, CN1, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CN2, BC, Pasteur #2, Ames, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   A2012, A2084, A1055, Vollum, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CNEVA-9066, Kruger B, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   Australia94 
                 
               
               
                   
                 P 
                   
                 
                   Western NA USA6153 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 Q 
                   
                 A6462 T , A11986, 4AX1, 4BM1, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 
                   mycoides- 
                 
                   
                   
                 D11821 T   
               
               
                 Related 
                 R 
                   
                 A23258 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 Strains 
                 S 
                   
                 A21929 
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 T 
                   
                 A10206, A31101, A31102 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 U 
                   
                 D12442 T   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 55 
                 57 
                 68 
                 72 
                 73 
                 76 
                 80 
                 84 
                 84 
                 85 
                 87 
                 91 
                 93 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro- 
                 Gen- 
                   
                 Q 
                 A 
                 E 
                 H 
                 S 
                 K 
                 K 
                 K 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                 Species 
                 teo- 
                 o- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 93 
               
               
                   
                 Group 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 K 
                 T 
                 D 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 T 
                 N 
                 K 
                 K 
                 T 
                 E 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   B. cereus / 
                 E 
                 1 
                 4H1, 6A6, 6A9, A13061, A15816, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 
                   thu- 
                 
                   
                   
                 A55675 
               
               
                   
                 
                   ringien- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 A51912, 4B1, 4B2 
               
               
                   
                 
                   sis- 
                 
                   
                 3 
                 4AH1 
               
               
                   
                 Related 
                   
                 4 
                 003, 6E1, 6E2, DM55, III, IB, IV, 
               
               
                   
                 Strains 
                   
                   
                 III-BL, III-BS, S8553/2, BuIB 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5 
                 4CD1 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 6 
                 4BH1 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 7 
                 4Y1 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 8 
                 4BG1, A4342 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 9 
                 A10987 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 10 
                 
                   G9241 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 11 
                     ZK 
               
               
                   
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 K 
                 1 
                 4BC1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 
                   anthracis- 
                 
                   
                 2 
                 97-27, 4AS1, 4AU1, 4AY1, 4BA1, 
               
               
                   
                 Related 
                   
                   
                 4BY1, 4CB1, 4CC1 
               
               
                   
                 Strains 
                   
                 3 
                 4BJ1, 4BK1, 4BV1, 4BX1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 L 
                   
                 4AD1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 M 
                   
                 4BL1, I2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 N 
                   
                 4AJ1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 O 
                   
                   A14578   T ,  A14185, A14186, Sterne,   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CAU-1, CAU-2, CAU-3, CN1, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CN2, BC, Pasteur #2, Ames, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   A2012, A2084, A1055, Vollum, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   CNEVA-9066, Kruger B, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   Australia94 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 P 
                   
                 
                   Western NA USA6153 
                 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 
                   B. 
                 
                 Q 
                   
                 A6462 T , A11986, 4AX1, 4BM1, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 
                   mycoides- 
                 
                   
                   
                 D11821 T   
               
               
                   
                 Related 
                 R 
                   
                 A23258 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 Strains 
                 S 
                   
                 A21929 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 T 
                   
                 A10206, A31101, A31102 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 U 
                   
                 D12442 T   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables 2 and 3. sspE genotypic and proteotypic clustering of Bc group isolates. This table was developed from the ClUSTALW multisequence alignment of Bc group amino acid sequences (see  FIG. 1  below). The SspE sequence of  B. cereus  strain T (represented by BGSC 6 μl) was chosen as the holotype reference sequence to which all other Bc clade SspE sequences are compared. The numbers at the top of the table indicate amino acid position in the reference SspE sequence. Just below these numbers, the letters indicate the specific residue change from the 6A1 holotype reference sequence (top letter, above arrow). Residue changes are indicated by dots in the grid of the table. Colors are used to highlight similarities among proteotypes. The capital Greek letter delta (Δ) symbolizes a residue deletion at the indicated position with respect to the 6A1 holotype reference sequence. 
     To illustrate an example of grouping and segregation of commercially valuable Bc group strains by SspE sequence similarity clustering, groups are color coded as in the previous classifier table (Table 1). Selected isolates are indicated. 
     Insecticidal Bt serovar  kurstaki  (BGSC 4D#) isolates are clustered in group A1 as are insecticidal Bt serovar  aizawai/pacificus  (BGSC 4J#) isolates. These strains are indicated in bold blue type in Table 2. Insecticidal Bt serovar  thuringiensis  (BGSC 4A# &amp; DSM 2046) isolates are clustered in group H4. These strains are indicated in Table 2. Insecticidal Bt serovar  israelensis  (BGSC 4Q# &amp; ATCC 35646) isolates are clustered in group H5. These strains are indicated in Tables 2 and 3. 
     Isolates of  B. anthracis , the causative agent of anthrax in animals and humans, cluster in sspE groups 0 and P and are indicated in bold type in Table 2. Pathogenic strains identified as  B. cereus  that were isolated from human and animal victims cluster in SspE proteotype E with genotypes 10 and 11, respectively, and are indicated in bold type in Table 2. Strain 97-27 is phylogenetically proximate to  B. anthracis  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and is indicated in bold type in sspE genotype K2 in Table 2. Strain 97-27 was isolated from a war wound requiring limb amputation. Strain 97-27 has subsequently been shown to be highly lethal murine models. These strains have not been shown to be insecticidal, rather they are mammalian pathogens.  †  Proteotypes O, P ( B. anthracis ), T ( B. mycoides ) and U ( B. pseudomycoides ) have insert sequences of two amino acid residues between positions 54 and 55 of the proteotype A reference sequence. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Bacillus thuringiensis  group Strain Table 
               
               
                 Table 4. List of strains used in the Bacillus thuringiensis group scheme. 
               
               
                 Most strains were acquired from culture collections. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Classifier a   
                 Strain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1a 
                 BGSC 4D1, BGSC 4D2, BGSC 4D4, BGSC 4D5, BGSC 4D6, BGSC 4D7, BGSC 4D8, BGSC 4D9, 
               
               
                   
                 BGSC 4D10, BGSC 4D12, BGSC 4D14, BGSC 4D15, BGSC 4D16, BGSC 4D17, BGSC 4D18, 
               
               
                   
                 BGSC 4D19, BGSC 4D20, BGSC 4D21, BGSC 4D22, BGSC 4G3, BGSC 4G5, BGSC 4I1, BGSC 
               
               
                   
                 4I2, IB/A 
               
               
                 A1b 
                 BGSC 4F1, BGSC 4F2, BGSC 4F3, BGSC 4F4, BGSC 4J5 
               
               
                 A1c 
                 BGSC 4J1, BGSC 4J2, BGSC 4J3, BGSC 4J4, BGSC 4X1 
               
               
                 A1d 
                 BGSC 4G1, BGSC 4G2, BGSC 4G4, BGSC 4G6, BGSC 4T1, ATCC 29730 
               
               
                 A1e 
                 BGSC 4D11, BGSC 6A1, BGSC 6A2 
               
               
                 A1f 
                 ATCC 11778 
               
               
                 A1g 
                 BGSC 4BQ1, BGSC 4R1, NRRL B-21619 
               
               
                 A1h 
                 BGSC 4BF1 
               
               
                 A1i 
                 BGSC 4AL1 
               
               
                 A1j 
                 BGSC 4CA1 
               
               
                 A1k 
                 BGSC 4S2, BGSC 4S3 
               
               
                 A1l 
                 BGSC 4AR1 
               
               
                 A1m 
                 BGSC 4AT1 
               
               
                 A2a 
                 BGSC 4AZ1, DSM 6021 
               
               
                 A2b 
                 DSM 6076 
               
               
                 B1a 
                 BGSC 4I3 
               
               
                 B1b 
                 BGSC 4I4, BGSC 4I5 
               
               
                 C1a 
                 BGSC 4L1, BGSC 4L2, BGSC 4L3 
               
               
                 D1a 
                 ATCC 13472 
               
               
                 E1a 
                 BGSC 6A6, ATCC 15816, 
               
               
                 E1b 
                 BGSC 4H1, ATCC 13061 
               
               
                 E1c 
                 ATCC 55675 
               
               
                 E1d 
                 BGSC 6A9 
               
               
                 E2a 
                 BGSC 4B1, BGSC 4B2 
               
               
                 E2b 
                 ATCC 51912 
               
               
                 E3a 
                 BGSC 4AH1 
               
               
                 E4a 
                 DM55 
               
               
                 E4b 
                 BGSC 6E1, BGSC 6E2 
               
               
                 E4c 
                 003, III, IB, IV, III-BL, III-BS, BuIB 
               
               
                 E4d 
                 S8553/2 
               
               
                 E5a 
                 BGSC 4CD1 
               
               
                 E6a 
                 BGSC 4BH1 
               
               
                 E7a 
                 BGSC 4Y1 
               
               
                 E8a 
                 ATCC 4342 
               
               
                 E8b 
                 BGSC 4BG1 
               
               
                 E9a 
                 ATCC 10987 
               
               
                 E10a 
                 Strain G9241 
               
               
                 E11a 
                 Strain ZK (E33L) 
               
               
                 F1a 
                 BGSC 4AO1, BGSC 4AP1 
               
               
                 F2a 
                 BGSC 6A3, BGSC 6A4, BGSC 4BU1, ATCC 27348, NRRL B-571 
               
               
                 F2b 
                 BGSC 4W1 
               
               
                 F3a 
                 BGSC 4H2 
               
               
                 F3b 
                 BGSC 4AC1 
               
               
                 F4a 
                 BGSC 6A5, ATCC 14579 
               
               
                 F4b 
                 BGSC 4P1 
               
               
                 F4c 
                 BGSC 4BW1 
               
               
                 F4d 
                 BGSC 4BT1, BGSC 4CE1 
               
               
                 G1a 
                 BGSC 4AM1 
               
               
                 H1a 
                 BGSC 6A7, BGSC 6A8, 3466-8.1, Pey. 9 
               
               
                 H1b 
                 BGSC 4BN1 
               
               
                 H1c 
                 2A6, 2C1 
               
               
                 H1d 
                 Pey. 8 
               
               
                 H2a 
                 BGSC 4AE1 
               
               
                 H2b 
                 BGSC 4AF1 
               
               
                 H2c 
                 BGSC 4U1 
               
               
                 H2d 
                 BGSC 4BE1 
               
               
                 H2e 
                 BGSC 4AN1 
               
               
                 H2f 
                 BGSC 4AQ1 
               
               
                 H2g 
                 Pey. 6 
               
               
                 H3a 
                 ATCC 53522, ATCC 55609 
               
               
                 H3b 
                 BGSC 4AG1 
               
               
                 H3c 
                 BGSC 4V1 
               
               
                 H3d 
                 BGSC 4Z1 
               
               
                 H4a 
                 4A1, 4A2, 4A3, 4A4, 4A5, 4A6, 4A7, 4A8, 4D3, DSM 2046 T   
               
               
                 H4b 
                 ATCC 55000 
               
               
                 H4c 
                 BGSC 4BB1 
               
               
                 H4d 
                 BGSC 4BP1 
               
               
                 H4e 
                 BGSC 4A9 
               
               
                 H5a 
                 BGSC 4BS1, BGSC 4C1, BGSC 4C2, BGSC 4C3, BGSC 4E3, BGSC 4E4, BGSC 4E5 
               
               
                 H5b 
                 BGSC 4AV1, BGSC 4Q1, BGSC 4Q2, BGSC 4Q3, BGSC 4Q4, BGSC 4Q5, BGSC 4Q6, BGSC 4Q7, 
               
               
                   
                 BGSC 4Q8, BGSC 18A1, ATCC 35646 T   
               
               
                 H5c 
                 BGSC 4AA1, BGSC 4AB1, BGSC 4K1, BGSC 4O1 
               
               
                 H5d 
                 BGSC 4M1, BGSC 4M2, BGSC 4M3 
               
               
                 H5e 
                 BGSC 4AK1 
               
               
                 H5f 
                 BGSC 4E1, BGSC 4E2 
               
               
                 H5g 
                 BGSC 4BR1 
               
               
                 H5h 
                 BGSC 4BZ1 
               
               
                 I1a 
                 BGSC 4K3 
               
               
                 J1a 
                 ATCC 19647 
               
               
                 K1a 
                 BGSC 4BC1 
               
               
                 K2a 
                 BGSC 4AY1 
               
               
                 K2b 
                 BGSC 4CC1 
               
               
                 K2c 
                 BGSC 4BA1 
               
               
                 K2d 
                 97-27 
               
               
                 K2e 
                 BGSC 4AS1, BGSC 4AU1 
               
               
                 K2f 
                 BGSC 4BY1 
               
               
                 K2g 
                 BGSC 4CB1 
               
               
                 K3a 
                 BGSC 4BJ1, BGSC 4BX1 
               
               
                 K3b 
                 BGSC 4BV1 
               
               
                 K3c 
                 BGSC 4BK1 
               
               
                 L1a 
                 BGSC 4AD1 
               
               
                 M1a 
                 BGSC 4BL1 
               
               
                 M1b 
                 I2 
               
               
                 N1a 
                 BGSC 4AJ1 
               
               
                 O1a 
                 ATCC 14578 T , Sterne, CAU-1, CAU-2, CAU-3, BC, Pasteur #2, Ames, A2084, A0039, Vollum 
               
               
                 O1b 
                 ATCC 14185, ATCC 14186 
               
               
                 O1c 
                 CN1, CN2, CNEVA-9066, Kruger B 
               
               
                 P1a 
                   B. anthracis  Western North America USA6153 
               
               
                 Q1a 
                 DSM 11821 
               
               
                 Q1b 
                 ATCC 6462 
               
               
                 Q1c 
                 BGSC 4AX1 
               
               
                 Q1d 
                 BGSC 4BM1 
               
               
                 Q1e 
                 ATCC 11986 
               
               
                 R1a 
                 ATCC 23258 
               
               
                 S1a 
                 ATCC 21929 
               
               
                 T1a 
                 ATCC 10206 
               
               
                 T1b 
                 ATCC 31101 
               
               
                 T1c 
                 ATCC 31102 
               
               
                 U1a 
                 DSM 12442 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 BGSC =  Bacillus  Genetic Stock Center (Department of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA); 
               
               
                 ATCC = American Type Culture Collection (P.O. Box 1549, Manassas, VA 20108, USA); 
               
               
                 NRRL = the USDA ARS (NRRL) Culture Collection (National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, Illinois, USA); 
               
               
                 DSM = DSMZ = Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (Mascheroder Weg 1b, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany); 
               
               
                   T = Type Strain. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
       Bacillus anthracis  strains CAU-1, CAU-2 and CAU-3 were isolated from human patients in South Korea, strain CN1 was isolated from a cow in South Korea, strain CN2 was isolated from soil in South Korea, strain BC was isolated in Boncheon, China and strain Pasteur#2 was acquired from the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (Anyang-si, Kyeonggi-do, South Korea). DNA sequences of these isolates were provided by Dr. Kijeong Kim at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea. 
       Bacillus anthracis  Sterne strain was obtained from Colorado Serum Company (P.O. Box 16428, Denver, Colo. 80216, USA). Strain DM55 was isolated in Egypt and was obtained from Dr. Ehab El-Helow at University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21526, Egypt. Strains 97-27, 3466-8.1, S8553/2, 2A6, 2C1, Pey. 6, Pey. 8, Pey. 9, 12, BuIB, IB, III, III-BL, III-BS, IV and 003 were obtained from the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France. 
     DNA sequences for  Bacillus anthracis  strains Ames, A2084, A0039, Vollum, CNEVA-9066, Kruger B, Western North America USA6153 and  Bacillus cereus  strains ZK (E33L) and G9241 were obtained from GenBank or TIGR databases as previously noted. 
     PART I REFERENCES 
     
         
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         12. de Castilhos-Fortes, R., Matsumura, A. T. S., Diehl, E. &amp; Fiuza, L. M. (2002). Susceptibility of  Nasutitermes ehrhardti  (Isoptera: Termitidae) to  Bacillus thuringiensis  subspecies.  Braz J Microbiol  33, 219-222. PubMed ID none 
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         100. Yasutake, K., Binh, N. D., Kagoshima, K., Uemori, A., Ohgushi, A., Maeda, M., Mizuki, E., Yu, Y. M. &amp; Ohba, M. (2006). Occurrence of parasporin-producing  Bacillus thuringiensis  in Vietnam.  Can J Microbiol  52, 365-372. PubMed ID 16699587 
         101. Yu, Y.-M., Ohba, M. &amp; Gill, S. S. (1991). Characterization of mosquitocidal activity of  Bacillus thuringiensis  subsp.  fukuokaensis  crystal proteins.  Appl Environ Microbiol  57, 1075-1081. PubMed ID 2059032 
         102. Zeigler, D. R. (1999).  Bacillus  Genetic Stock Center Catalog of strains;  Bacillus thuringiensis  &amp;  Bacillus cereus,  7 th  Edition, vol 2. 
         103. http://www.nal.usda.gov/bic/BTTOX/BT-patents/05298245.html 
         104. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,049,379 and 5,543,301 and 5,869,042 
         105. U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,583 
         106. U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,270 
         107. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,447 and 6,077,506 
         108. This publication made use of the  Bacillus cereus  Multi Locus Sequence Typing website (http://pubmlst.org/bcereus/) developed by Keith Jolley and sited at the University of Oxford (Jolley et al. 2004 , BMC Bioinformatics,  5:86). The development of this site has been funded by the Wellcome Trust. 
         109. Cappello, M., Bungiro, R. D., Harrison, L. M., Bischof, L. J., Griffitts, J. S., Barrows, B. D. &amp; Aroian, R. V. (2006). A purified  Bacillus thuringiensis  crystal protein with therapeutic activity against the hookworm parasite  Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA  103, 15154-15159. PubMed ID 17005719 
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     PART II ClASSIFYING BACILLUS BACTERIA IN THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS/LICHENIFORMIS GROUP 
     Abbreviations: Bs= Bacillus subtilis , Bat= Bacillus atrophaeus , Bmo= Bacillus mojavensis , Bv= Bacillus vallismortis , Bl= Bacillus licheniformis , Bson= Bacillus sonorensis , Bamy= Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , Bpum= Bacillus pumilus , Bsp= Bacillus  species; n/d=not determined;  T =Type strain, MLST=multilocus sequence typing, ST=MLST sequence type, sspE=the (nucleotide sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein, SspE=the (translated amino acid sequence of the) gene encoding gamma-type small acid soluble spore protein. Greek letters used: α=alpha, β=beta, γ=gamma, δ=delta. The capital Greek letter delta (Δ) is used to represent a nucleotide or amino acid residue deletion in a sequence. 
     The  Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis  group scheme: The Bs clade contains the Bs, Bl, Bat, Bmoj, Bv, Bson, Bamy and Bpum species. Though easily distinguished from the Bc clade, the species within the Bs group are not readily differentiated from one another, even with extensive biochemical and microbiological analyses. Often, DNA-DNA hybridization assays are the only means of species-level assignment within the Bs group. sspE sequences from the  Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis  group isolates examined in this study will be deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database. 
     In addition to sspE phylogenetic analysis, we analyzed approximately 135 Bs group isolates by a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme. Although several MLST schemes have been developed for the Bc group, which is of particular interest because  B. anthracis  is a member of this clade, and other groups of pathogenic organisms, less attention has been paid to the avirulent  B. subtilis  clade. There are several reasons for this situation: (1) these organisms are relatively harmless to humans, livestock, insects etc. (2) identification within the Bs group has been difficult because they lack flagellar antigens (which are essential for serotyping Bt isolates), (3) Bs group strains frequently lack plasmids, enterotoxins or plasmid-associated virulence factors (like Bc and Ba), and (4) the morphological and biochemical similarity of Bs group strains has prevented species-level discrimination in many cases. Thus, species that are beneficial to agriculture, industry and human health have not been well-characterized genetically and there remains profound confusion in much of the  Bacillus  community regarding distinction of species, subspecies and strains within this group. The only means currently available for identification of beneficial  B. subtilis  group bacteria are tedious and costly biochemical and microbiological assays. Molecular assays, such as 16S rRNA, have limited, utility due to the coarse resolution provided by this slowly evolving gene. The utility of phylogenetic placement and identification by sspE and MLST is unprecedented for this group of organisms and is an invaluable means of discovery in the growing biofungicide and agricultural protection industries, as well as in the massive industrial enzyme, health, and probiotic industries. 
     By color-coding the trees and tables, we illustrate the congruence of sspE and MLST phylogenetic clustering. We show in the following color-coded (violet, coral, gold, dark teal, gray, leaf green and aqua) Tables 5 and 6 and  FIGS. 5-6  and  8 - 9  that orthogonal MLST analysis maintains the bona fide species and subspecies phylogenetic affiliation provided by the sspE method and additionally provides complementary resolution of subspecies and strain clusters. The complementarities and phylogenetic resolving power of these two orthogonal methodologies are unexpected and highly useful for classification of known and unknown strains of this commercially important group of microorganisms. Classifiers in the tables and groups/branches on the trees are color-coded to illustrate the equivalence of the phylogenies from one scheme to another i.e. to validate sspE as a robust single-gene molecular chronometer for the  Bacillus  genus. Color-coded (violet, coral, gold, dark teal, gray, leaf green and aqua) groups, classifiers and branches remain consistent in that a species or subspecies sspE cluster that is color-coded coral, for example, in the sspE tree or table will not be in the violet or leaf green groups for MLST STs, tree branches, or overall classifier, and vice versa. Specifically, in our study of 135 Bs group isolates, comprising seven bona fide species and including two bona fide subspecies of  B. subtilis , STs uniquely cluster within sspE genotype or proteotype, and as in the case of the Bc group, sspE tree topology and clustering are congruent with the MLST tree topology. 
     There are, however, several isolates in the Bs group that have been misclassified or misidentified. For example, an isolate currently identified as  B. licheniformis  clusters with  B. sonorensis  and three isolates identified as  B. subtilis  cluster in the  B. atrophaeus  group 5 . These examples of misidentification demonstrate the power of the described invention assay to correctly assign isolate to bona fide species. Depicted in Table 5 and highlighted in yellow are specific instances of misidentified or misclassified  B. subtilis  group isolates in the following classifier groups: 1b, 2c, 2d, 2h, 2l, 2j, 7a, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 10a, 11a, 11b, 11c and 18a. 
     Utility— Bacillus subtilis  Group Scheme (See Also Table 5.) 
     The utility of this method covers not only identification of  Bacillus  species which are of economic importance, but also the use of genes which may be removed from these bacteria or their plasmids which may be cloned into other bacteria, plants, etc. as well as derivatives or byproducts of substances produced by these bacteria. 
     1. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—biofungicide, drain opener, cleaner and sanitizer. SspE proteotype 1 contains a strain misidentified as  Bacillus licheniformis  that is patented for use as a biofungicide, drain opener, cleaner and sanitizer 8, 11, 20 . This strain, ATCC 55406, is also available commercially as Ecoguard®. Also in proteotype 1 is  Bacillus subtilis  strain DSM 5552 which is not currently known to have commercial utility. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 85 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: S at position 7, K at position 43, A at position 67. 
     2. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—produces enzymes of commercial interest such as proteases, amylases, cellulases and lipases; purine nucleotides and nucleosides;  D -Ribose; lipopeptide antibiotics; and the vitamin riboflavin. SspE proteotype 2 is a  Bacillus subtilis  cluster that contains the laboratory strain 168 and  Bacillus subtilis  natto strains, both of which are well-known to produce enzymes of commercial interest. Two isolates in this cluster, DSM 1970 and DSM 1971, are patented for enzyme production 25-26 , including alkaline proteases and subtilisins. Recently, NZyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a pending patent application for Subtilisin NAT (derived from Natto, the Japanese food product, which is made by fermenting soybeans with  Bacillus subtilis  “natto”) which “decreases whole blood viscosity in the central therapeutic role of preventing and treating vascular disease such as heart attacks and ischemic strokes, essential hypertension and deep vein thrombosis.” Three misidentified isolates cluster in this group: NRRL B-642 (previously identified as  B. licheniformis ), BGSC 10A5T (previously identified as  B. amyloliquefaciens ) and BGSC 2A10 (previously identified as  B. subtilis  subsp.  spizizenii ). A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 84 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: G at position 54, A at position 66. 
     3. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—produces enzymes of commercial interest such as alkaline proteases and amylases.  Bacillus licheniformis  and  Bacillus sonorensis  are two very closely related species, yet SspE and MLST phylogenetic analyses readily distinguish the species (see proteotypes 6 (Bl) and 7 (Bson), aqua branches in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ).  Bacillus licheniformis  SspE proteotype 6 contains a strain, DSM 1969, patented for enzyme production 36 , including alkaline proteases. Also in proteotype 6 are fourteen other  B. licheniformis  isolates which are not currently known to have commercial utility. Three misidentified  B. licheniformis  strains cluster elsewhere (proteotypes 1, 2 and 7). A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 54 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: Q at position 41, K at position 49. 
     4. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—produces amino acids of commercial interest.  Bacillus sonorensis  and  Bacillus licheniformis  are two very closely related species, yet SspE and MLST phylogenetic analyses readily distinguish the species (see proteotypes 6 (Bl) and 7 (Bson), aqua branches in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ).  Bacillus sonorensis  SspE proteotype 7 contains a strain, DSM 1913, patented for amino acid production 7 , including the food additive 5-hydroxytryptophan. This strain is misidentified as  B. licheniformis  and clusters both by SspE and MLST phylogenetic analysis with all eight  B. sonorensis  strains assayed.  Bacillus sonorensis  is not currently known to have any commercial utility. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 54 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: K at position 41, N at position 49. 
     5. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—plant protection, enzyme production, drain opener, cleaner and sanitizer; SspE proteotypes 8-11. This cluster of strains that we designate as the plant protection group is potentially the most commercially important and valuable plant protection and enzyme production cluster in the  Bacillus  group (see proteotypes 8-11 leaf green branches in  FIG. 5  and proteotypes 8-10 leaf green branches in  FIG. 6 ). This group of strains is characterized by the following molecular signatures in the SspE translated protein sequence: translated protein sequence length of 56 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: A or E at position 2, D at position 10, V at position 11, K at position 15, K or R at position 16, S at position 23, D at position 37, A or V at position 38. SspE proteotype 8 strain GB03, misidentified as  B. subtilis , is available commercially in two plant protection (biofungicide 4, 15 ) products: Kodiak® (Gustafson, Plano, Tex.) and Companion® (Growth Products, White Plains, N.Y.). Three other strains misidentified as  B. subtilis  that cluster in proteotype 8, DSM 8563, DSM 8564 and DSM 8565, are reported to have antifungal activity 24 , though we have not located patents or commercial products for these strains. BGSC strain 10A6, identified as  B. amyloliquefaciens , clusters in proteotype 8 and has also reportedly has antifungal properties 16 . Strain DSM 1324, identified only as  Bacillus  sp., also clusters in this proteotype, is not currently known to have any commercial utility. Strain NRRL B-21619, also known as AQ713 and QST 713 and misidentified as  Bacillus subtilis , belongs to proteotype 9 and has the above molecular signature. It is available commercially as Serenade® and Rhapsody® biofungicide products from AgraQuest (Davis, Calif.) 12-14, 18 . This strain recently (Jul. 14, 2006) received approval for inclusion into Annex 1 of Directive 91/414/EEC at the European Union Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health meeting according to an AgraQuest Sep. 13, 2006 press release. Currently, Serenade® is “registered on a provisional basis in France and Italy where it is used commercially on grapes to prevent botrytis bunch rot control [and] in Italy to protect apple crops from scab and fire blight,” according to the company. Strain ATCC 55614, also misidentified as  Bacillus subtilis , belongs to proteotype 10 and has the above molecular signature. It is a patented strain (Agritope, Inc., Portland, Oreg.) that produces antibiotics and inhibits growth of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and thus can be used for treating and protecting plants from disease 22-23 . Two strains identified as  Bacillus amyloliquefaciens  belong to proteotype 11 and have the above molecular signature. DSM 7 and DSM 1060 are patented strains 37  that produce enzymes of commercial importance such as amylase and α-amylase. Two other strains in proteotype 11, ATCC 55405 and ATCC 55407 are misidentified as  Bacillus subtilis  and  Paenibacillus polymyxa , respectively. They are both patented by Sybron Chemical Holdings, Inc. (Wilmington, Del.) for use as a drain opener, cleaner and sanitizer 11, 20 . Proteotype 11 strains with no known commercial utility include BGSC strains 3A14 and 3A23. 
     6. EXEMPLARY UTILITY—probiotic health supplement. Five  Bacillus pumilus  strains cluster phylogenetically intermediate to the  B. licheniformis/sonorensis  and the  Bacillus  species clusters by SspE proteotype analysis (see proteotypes 19-21 brown branches in  FIG. 8  and Table 8 and genotypes 19a-c, 20 and 21 brown branches in  FIG. 9 ). This group of strains is characterized by the following molecular signatures in the SspE translated protein sequence: translated protein sequence length of 55 amino acids, with the following residue characteristics: M at positions 1 and 2, D at position 3, Q at position 4, N at position 7, S or A at position 21, Y or F at position 27, A or V at position 37, Q or H at position 39, K at position 41, Y at position 43, K at position 46. SspE proteotype 20 strain BGSC 14A1 was isolated from the commercial probiotic Biosubtyl (Biophar Co. Ltd., Vietnam) 10, 30 . Four other strains identified as  Bacillus pumilus , DSM 354, DSM 355, ATCC 27142 and BGSC 8A1, also cluster in this group (see Table 8 and  FIGS. 7-9 ) but are not currently known to have any commercial utility. Phylogenetic analysis of the  B. pumilus  group was done separately due to the unusual sspE coding sequence containing two potential methionine residues at the N-terminus. Furthermore,  B. pumilus  is distantly related to other organisms in the Bs/Bl group that were typeable by MLST and hence forms a separate cluster with an indeterminate SspE N-terminus and incomplete MLST data due to unsuccessful priming at several MLST loci. 
     Molecular Diagnostic Screening Targets— Bacillus subtilis  Group Scheme (See Also Table 5.) 
     6.  Bacillus mojavensis  isolates cluster in SspE proteotypes 3, 4 and 5 (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 , dark teal branches). This species has been described in the literature to have antifungal activity 2, 3, 28 , and thus has potential utility for crop protection. As far as we are aware, none of the isolates that we have genotyped have been tested for antifungal activity. All  Bacillus mojavensis  isolates studied cluster into a coherent and distinct phylogenetic clade by SspE protein, DNA and concatenated MLST DNA fragment analysis with no misidentified or mischaracterized strains. Thus, sspE sequence typing is a rapid and inexpensive means for unambiguous discrimination of  B. mojavensis  strains. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 85 amino acids, which are distinctively identified by having a Q residue at position 4.  Bacillus mojavensis  isolates also have the following residue characteristics: A (proteotypes 4 and 5) or V (proteotype 3) at position 39, D (proteotype 4) or N (proteotypes 3 and 5) at position 66. 
     7.  Bacillus vallismortis  isolates cluster in SspE proteotypes 16 and 17 (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 , gold branches). We are unaware of any currently known commercial utility for this species, and thus SspE can be used as a screening/molecular diagnostic target for this species. All  Bacillus vallismortis  isolates we studied cluster into a coherent and distinct phylogenetic clade by SspE protein, DNA and concatenated MLST DNA fragment analysis with no misidentified or mischaracterized strains. Thus, sspE sequence typing is a rapid and inexpensive means for unambiguous discrimination of  B. vallismortis  strains. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 84 amino acids, which are distinctively identified by having a Q residue at position 4, a V residue at position 38 and an N residue at position 65.  Bacillus vallismortis  isolates also have the following residue characteristics: K (proteotype 16) or N (proteotype 17) at position 16. 
     8 . Bacillus atrophaeus  isolates cluster in SspE proteotype 18 (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 , gray branches). We are unaware of any currently known commercial utility for this species, except for its use as a bioindicators for sterilization processes, and thus SspE can be used as a screening/molecular diagnostic target for this species. All  Bacillus atrophaeus  isolates we studied cluster into a coherent and distinct phylogenetic clade by SspE protein, DNA and concatenated MLST DNA fragment analysis with no misidentified or mischaracterized strains. Three strains currently identified as  Bacillus subtilis  cluster with  B. atrophaeus , and it has been suggested that these strains be reclassified to the latter species on the basis of AFLP typing 5 . Thus, sspE sequence typing is a rapid and inexpensive means for unambiguous discrimination of  B. atrophaeus  strains. A molecular signature for this group is SspE translated protein sequence length of 82 amino acids, which are distinctively identified by having an S residue at position 22, a V residue at position 37 and an A residue at position 64. 
     Uses for  Bacillus subtilis  Group Species
 
 Bacillus subtilis  
         Fermentation of chocolate, aquatic farming, production of enzymes for detergents, an antidote in Europe for dysentery, contained in the antibiotic Bacitracin. Source: Companion (Growth Products) advertising supplement.   Produces subtilisin, which can be used as a grease and waste digester for biological drain control. Source: Clean Control Corporation.   Produces the useful enzymes amylase, lipase, gelatin and casein (ATCC strains 202137, 202138 and 202139). Source: Lawler, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,012.   Produces β-glucanase. Industry: beverage. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces cellulase. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces purine nucleotides. Application: flavor enhancers, medicine. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces riboflavin. Application: vitamin ingredient for health food. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces  D -ribose. Application: flavor enhancer in food, health food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces thaumatin. Application: sweet-tasting protein for applications in food and pharmaceuticals. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces streptavidin. Application: biotin-binding protein, applications in high density biochips. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces alkaline protease. Application: [laundry and dishwashing] detergent additives (enable the release of proteinaceous material from stains/dishes); products: Alkazym (Novodan A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark), Terg-a-zyme (Alconox, Inc., New York, USA), Ultrasil 53 (Henkel KGaA, Dusseldorf, Germany), and P3-paradigm (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany). Application: tannery industry (biotreatment of leather, especially the dehairing and bating of skins and hides). Application: silver recovery (bioprocessing of used X-ray films for silver recovery—enzymatic hydrolysis of the gelatin layers on the X-ray film enables recycling of the polyester film base in addition to the silver). Application: medical uses (treatment of burns, purulent wounds, carbuncles, furuncles, deep abscesses and as a thrombolytic agent). Application: food industry (production of hydrolysates of well-defined peptide profile, meat tenderization). Application: waste treatment for various food processing industries and household activities (for example, processing of waste feathers from poultry slaughterhouses into a high protein source used as a food additive, degrading waste keratinous material in household refuse or as a depilatory agent to remove hair in bathtub drains, to name a few). Application: chemical industry (biocatalysts in synthetic chemistry). Source: Kumar &amp; Takagi 1999.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates drug delivery by attaching drug to the hydrophobic segment (drugs may include anti-cancer drugs, drugs for central nervous system, drugs for circulatory organs, and so forth). Source: Sakurai, et al. 1997.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates cytotoxic drug delivery by attaching cytotoxic drug to the PGA for delivery to tumor cells where the PGA carrier is biodegraded and the cytotoxic agent is released, resulting in selective destruction of tumor cells. Source: Myers, et al. 1992.   Produces poly-(γ-glutamic acid). Application: water and wastewater treatment [removal of heavy metals and radionucleides (metal chelates or absorbents) &amp; substitutes for polyacrylamide (bioflocculants)]. Application: food industry [viscosity enhancement for fruit juice beverages &amp; sports drinks (thickener), cryoprotectant (for frozen food), relief of bitter taste by amino acids, peptides, quinine, caffeine, minerals, etc. (bitterness relieving agents), use in bakery products and noodles for the prevention of aging, improvement of textures (aging inhibitor or texture enhancer), used to promote absorption of minerals*, increase the strength of egg shells, decrease body fat*, etc. (animal feed additives*)]. Application: medical [use as a drug carrier or for sustained release of materials (gene therapy, cancer drugs), use for curable biological adhesive and hemostatic, medical bonding or suture thread (substitutes for fibrin)]. Application: cosmetics industry (humectant—absorbs water from the air). Source: Shih &amp; Van 2001, Shih &amp; Yu 2005.   Produces poly( L -glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates delivery of paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug, to tumors. Source: Li, et al. 2000.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates delivery of drugs, used as a biological glue. Source: Richard &amp; Margaritis 2002.   Produces levan. Applications: cosmetics, foods and pharmaceuticals, used as an industrial gum, a blood plasma extender, and a sweetener. Levan has potential applications as an emulsifier, a formulation aid, a stabilizer, a thickener, a surface-finishing agent, an encapsulating agent, and a carrier for flavor and fragrances. Source: Shih, et al. 2005, Shih &amp; Yu 2005.
 
 Bacillus pumilus  (See Supplementary  FIGS. 7-9  and Tables 7-8)
   Can be used to degrade grease for biological drain control. Source: Alken-Murray Corporation.   Produces the useful enzyme lipase (ATCC strain 202136). Source: Lawler, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,012   Produces  D -ribose. Application: flavor enhancer in food, health food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces alkaline protease. Application: [laundry and dishwashing] detergent additives (enable the release of proteinaceous material from stains/dishes); products: Alkazym (Novodan A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark), Terg-a-zyme (Alconox, Inc., New York, USA), Ultrasil 53 (Henkel KGaA, Dusseldorf, Germany), and P3-paradigm (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany). Application: tannery industry (biotreatment of leather, especially the dehairing and bating of skins and hides). Application: silver recovery (bioprocessing of used X-ray films for silver recovery—enzymatic hydrolysis of the gelatin layers on the X-ray film enables recycling of the polyester film base in addition to the silver). Application: medical uses (treatment of burns, purulent wounds, carbuncles, furuncles, deep abscesses and as a thrombolytic agent). Application: food industry (production of hydrolysates of well-defined peptide profile, meat tenderization). Application: waste treatment for various food processing industries and household activities (for example, processing of waste feathers from poultry slaughterhouses into a high protein source used as a food additive, degrading waste keratinous material in household refuse or as a depilatory agent to remove hair in bathtub drains, to name a few). Application: chemical industry (biocatalysts in synthetic chemistry). Source: Kumar &amp; Takagi 1999.
 
 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens  
   Produces the useful enzymes amylase, lipase, gelatin and casein (ATCC strains 202133 and 202134). Source: Lawler, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,012.   Produces alkaline proteases. Industry: detergent.  Bacillus  proteases dominate the market. This gene may also be cloned into  B. subtilis  for production. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces amylase. Application: beverage industry. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces alkaline protease. Application: [laundry and dishwashing] detergent additives (enable the release of proteinaceous material from stains/dishes); products: Alkazym (Novodan A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark), Terg-a-zyme (Alconox, Inc., New York, USA), Ultrasil 53 (Henkel KGaA, Dusseldorf, Germany), and P3-paradigm (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany). Application: tannery industry (biotreatment of leather, especially the dehairing and bating of skins and hides). Application: silver recovery (bioprocessing of used X-ray films for silver recovery—enzymatic hydrolysis of the gelatin layers on the X-ray film enables recycling of the polyester film base in addition to the silver). Application: medical uses (treatment of burns, purulent wounds, carbuncles, furuncles, deep abscesses and as a thrombolytic agent). Application: food industry (production of hydrolysates of well-defined peptide profile, meat tenderization). Application: waste treatment for various food processing industries and household activities (for example, processing of waste feathers from poultry slaughterhouses into a high protein source used as a food additive, degrading waste keratinous material in household refuse or as a depilatory agent to remove hair in bathtub drains, to name a few). Application: chemical industry (biocatalysts in synthetic chemistry). Source: Kumar &amp; Takagi 1999.
 
 Bacillus licheniformis  
   Produces alkaline proteases. Removal of starch stains. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces α-amylase. Industry: starch. This gene may also be cloned into  B. subtilis  for production. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces amylase. Application: beverage industry. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces keratinase. This gene may also be cloned into  B. subtilis  for production. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces the antibiotic Bacitracin which inhibits cell wall synthesis. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004.   Produces alkaline protease. Application: [laundry and dishwashing] detergent additives (enable the release of proteinaceous material from stains/dishes); products: Alkazym (Novodan A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark), Terg-a-zyme (Alconox, Inc., New York, USA), Ultrasil 53 (Henkel KGaA, Dusseldorf, Germany), and P3-paradigm (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany). Application: tannery industry (biotreatment of leather, especially the dehairing and bating of skins and hides). Application: silver recovery (bioprocessing of used X-ray films for silver recovery—enzymatic hydrolysis of the gelatin layers on the X-ray film enables recycling of the polyester film base in addition to the silver). Application: medical uses (treatment of burns, purulent wounds, carbuncles, furuncles, deep abscesses and as a thrombolytic agent). Application: food industry (production of hydrolysates of well-defined peptide profile, meat tenderization). Application: waste treatment for various food processing industries and household activities (for example, processing of waste feathers from poultry slaughterhouses into a high protein source used as a food additive, degrading waste keratinous material in household refuse or as a depilatory agent to remove hair in bathtub drains, to name a few). Application: chemical industry (biocatalysts in synthetic chemistry). Source: Kumar &amp; Takagi 1999.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates drug delivery by attaching drug to the hydrophobic segment (drugs may include anti-cancer drugs, drugs for central nervous system, drugs for circulatory organs, and so forth). Source: Sakurai, et al. 1997.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates cytotoxic drug delivery by attaching cytotoxic drug to the PGA for delivery to tumor cells where the PGA carrier is biodegraded and the cytotoxic agent is released, resulting in selective destruction of tumor cells. Source: Myers, et al. 1992.   Produces poly-(γ-glutamic acid). Application: water and wastewater treatment [removal of heavy metals and radionucleides (metal chelates or absorbents) &amp; substitutes for polyacrylamide (bioflocculants)]. Application: food industry [viscosity enhancement for fruit juice beverages &amp; sports drinks (thickener), cryoprotectant (for frozen food), relief of bitter taste by amino acids, peptides, quinine, caffeine, minerals, etc. (bitterness relieving agents), use in bakery products and noodles for the prevention of aging, improvement of textures (aging inhibitor or texture enhancer), used to promote absorption of minerals*, increase the strength of egg shells, decrease body fat*, etc. (animal feed additives*)]. Application: medical [use as a drug carrier or for sustained release of materials (gene therapy, cancer drugs), use for curable biological adhesive and hemostatic, medical bonding or suture thread (substitutes for fibrin)]. Application: cosmetics industry (humectant—absorbs water from the air). Source: Shih &amp; Van 2001, Shih &amp; Yu 2005.   Produces poly(L-glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates delivery of paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug, to tumors. Source: Li, et al. 2000.   Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates delivery of drugs, used as a biological glue. Source: Richard &amp; Margaritis 2002.       

       Bacillus  sp. 
     
         
         
           
             Produces pectate lyases, alkaline amylase, mannanase. Source: Schallmey, et al. 2004. 
             Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates drug delivery by attaching drug to the hydrophobic segment (drugs may include anti-cancer drugs, drugs for central nervous system, drugs for circulatory organs, and so forth). Source: Sakurai, et al. 1997. 
             Produces poly(glutamic acid). Application: medical industry. Facilitates cytotoxic drug delivery by attaching cytotoxic drug to the PGA for delivery to tumor cells where the PGA carrier is biodegraded and the cytotoxic agent is released, resulting in selective destruction of tumor cells. Source: Myers, et al. 1992. 
           
         
       
    
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 SspE 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SspE aa 
                 sspE nt 
                 size 
               
               
                 Classifier a   
                 group b   
                 group c   
                 (AA) d   
                 MLST ST e   
                 Commercial Utility f   
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                  1a 
                 1 
                     1a 
                 85 
                 12 
                      B. subtilis   
               
               
                  1b 
                 1 
                     1b 
                 85 
                 13 
                 Biofungicide, drain opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer 8,11,20    B. licheniformis   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (misidentified) 
               
               
                  2a 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  1 
                      B. subtilis  subsp.  subtilis  (strain 168,Marburg) 
               
               
                  2b 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  2 
                      B. subtilis  subsp.  subtilis   
               
               
                  2c 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  4 
                 Produces enzymes 25-26    B. subtilis  (strain natto) (reclassified) 
               
               
                  2d 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  5 
                      B. subtilis  (strain natto) (reclassified) 
               
               
                  2e 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  6 
                      B. subtilis   
               
               
                  2f 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                  9 
                      B. subtilis  subsp.  subtilis   
               
               
                  2g 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                 10 
                      B. subtilis   
               
               
                  2h 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                 35 
                      B. subtilis  subsp.  subtilis  (strain W168);  B. licheniformis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                  2i 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                 43 
                      B. subtilis  subsp.  spizizenii  (misidentified) 
               
               
                  2j 
                 2 
                 2 
                 84 
                 44 
                      B. amyloliquefaciens  (reclassified) 
               
               
                  3a 
                 3 
                 3 
                 85 
                 24 
                 ✓  B. mojavensis   2,3,28   
               
               
                  3b 
                 3 
                 3 
                 85 
                 25 
                 ✓  B. mojavensis   2,3,28   
               
               
                  4a 
                 4 
                 4 
                 85 
                 26 
                 ✓  B. mojavensis   2,3,28   
               
               
                  5a 
                 5 
                 5 
                 85 
                 36 
                 ✓ B. mojavensis   2,3,28   
               
               
                  6a 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 27 
                      B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  6b 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 28 
                      B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  6c 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 29 
                 Produces enzyme  B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  6d 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 37 
                 Produces enzyme 35    B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  6e 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 45 
                      B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  6f 
                 6 
                 6 
                 54 
                 46 
                      B. licheniformis   
               
               
                  7a 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 30 
                 Produces 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan 7    B. licheniformis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                  7b 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 31 
                      B. sonorensis   
               
               
                  7c 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 33 
                      B. sonorensis   
               
               
                  7d 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 34 
                      B. sonorensis   
               
               
                  7e 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 38 
                      B. sonorensis   
               
               
                  7f 
                 7 
                 7 
                 54 
                 47 
                      B. sonorensis   
               
               
                  8a 
                 8 
                 8 
                 56 
                 32 
                      Bacillus  sp. (unidentified) 
               
               
                  8b 
                 8 
                 8 
                 56 
                 40 
                 Biofungicide 4,15    B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                  8c 
                 8 
                 8 
                 56 
                 41 
                 Antifungal activity  B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                  9a 
                 9 
                 9 
                 56 
                 42 
                 Biofungicide 12-14,18    B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 10a 
                 10 
                 10  
                 56 
                 39 
                 Produces antibiotics against &amp; inhibits growth of certain plant pathogenic 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 fungi &amp; bacteria 22-23    B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 11a g   
                 11 
                 11  
                 56 
                 A g   
                 Produces enzymes 37  B. amyloliquefaciens;  B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 11b g   
                 11 
                 11  
                 56 
                 B g   
                 Drain opener, cleaner &amp; sanitizer 11,20 ; Produces amylase, inhibitors for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 glycoside hydrolases 37    B. amyloliquefaciens ;  B. subtilis  (misidentified); 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   P. polymyxa  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 11c g   
                 11 
                 11  
                 56 
                 C g   
                      B. subtilis  (misidentified) 
               
               
                 12a 
                 12 
                 12  
                 85 
                  7 
                   B. subtilis  subsp.  spizizenii  (strain W23) 
               
               
                 12b 
                 12 
                 12  
                 85 
                 14 
                 
                   B. subtilis 
                 
               
               
                 13a 
                 13 
                 13  
                 85 
                  8 
                   B. subtilis  subsp.  spizizenii   
               
               
                 13b 
                 13 
                 13  
                 85 
                 15 
                   B. subtilis  strain N10 degrades Tween-80 9   
               
               
                 14a 
                 14 
                 14  
                 84 
                  3 
                      B. subtilis   
               
               
                 15a 
                 15 
                 15  
                 84 
                 11 
                      B. subtilis  (var.  lactipan ) 
               
               
                 16a 
                 16 
                 16  
                 84 
                 21 
                 
                   B. vallismortis 
                 
               
               
                 16b 
                 16 
                 16  
                 84 
                 22 
                 
                   B. vallismortis 
                 
               
               
                 17a 
                 17 
                 17  
                 84 
                 23 
                 
                   B. vallismortis 
                 
               
               
                 18a 
                 18 
                 18  
                 82 
                 16 
                   B. atrophaeus ;  B. subtilis  (3/19) f  (misidentified) 5   
               
               
                 18b 
                 18 
                 18  
                 82 
                 17 
                 
                   B. atrophaeus 
                 
               
               
                 18c 
                 18 
                 18  
                 82 
                 18 
                 
                   B. atrophaeus 
                 
               
               
                 18d 
                 18 
                 18  
                 82 
                 19 
                 
                   B. atrophaeus 
                 
               
               
                 18e 
                 18 
                 18  
                 82 
                 20 
                 
                   B. atrophaeus 
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Table 5 Footnotes. 
               
               
                   a Classifiers (digital identifiers) are bold typed; these depict species, subspecies and strains of the  B. subtilis / licheniformis  clade by combined SspE (number) and MLST sequence type, represented by a lower case letter that corresponds to a ST within that particular SspE type. A color-coded phylogenetic tree generated from MLST data and labeled with these classifiers is shown in FIG. 6. This MLST scheme was developed and all data was generated in our lab; all data (allelic profiles, STs, primer sequences, allele sequence data, DNA sequence chromatograms, etc.) will be publicly available at pubmlst.org/bsubtilis. 
               
               
                   b Translated nucleic acid sequence of the sspE gene gives us proteotype SspE groups 1-18. 
               
               
                   c Nucleic acid sequences of the sspE gene are assigned (color-coded) genotypes 1a-x through 18a-x, where the number corresponds to the SspE proteotype and the lowercase letter corresponds to a unique nucleic acid sequence of that proteotype. For the Bs/Bl clade of organisms, only one sspE genotype corresponds to each proteotype, with the exception of  B. subtilis -related proteotype 1 for which we have found two associated genotypes. A color-coded phylogenetic tree generated from sspE nucleic acid sequences for the  B. subtilis / licheniformis  group is shown in FIG. 5. sspE sequence data from this study will be deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database. 
               
               
                   d Length of the SspE protein (54-85 amino acids, Bs/Bl group). 
               
               
                   e The MLST sequence type (ST) is a number assigned to a unique allelic profile from nucleotide sequences of seven housekeeping gene fragments. The genes used in this scheme are glpF, ilvD, pta, purH, pycA, rpoD and tpiA, and information including primer sequences, allelic profiles and STs, allele sequences and isolate information will be available at pubmlst.org/bsubtilis. All STs are novel sequence types found in our collection and have not been published or publicly disclosed. 
               
               
                   f Isolates identified by their classifier that are currently used commercially as biofungicides or enzyme producers are indicated by claimed or marketed utility and relevant patent numbers are highlighted in bold font. Isolates that have not yet been associated with a commercially valuable &amp; patented strain are indicated with     if they are phylogenetically proximate to at least one commercial classifier (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Strains of  B. molavensis , which have been described in literature 2-3,28  as having antifungal activity on plants, are indicated by ✓. Fractions in parentheses represent the number of isolates of a particular bona fide species or subspecies within the classifier over the total number of that species or subspecies examined in this work. 
               
               
                   g Isolates clustered in this SspE proteotype have partial allelic profiles. Thus, they are not included in the FIG. 6 MLST tree and have been assigned letters A-C to describe their unique partial allelic profiles. We were able to assign classifiers 11a-c to these isolates because they all share a single unique SspE sequence and their partial allelic profiles from genes glpF, pta, purH, rpoD and tpiA contain allele sequences that are unique to this cluster and are not found in any other SspE types or STs to date. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                 4 
                   
                 6 
                 6 
                 7 
                 7 
                   
                   
                 11 
                 12 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 A 
                 S 
                   
                 N 
                 N 
                 F 
                 F 
                   
                   
                 N 
                 A 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                 Proteo- 
                 Geno- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 5 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 7 
                 8 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 Species 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 E 
                 Q 
                 N 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 Y 
                 F 
                 S 
                 D 
                 V 
                 K 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Bs 
                 12 
                   
                 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2A6, 2A9, 3A13, A6633, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D347, D618, D1087, D6395, D6399, D6405, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D8439, W23 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                   
                 D15029 T , 2A8 T , 3A17, B23049 T   
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 1a 
                 D5552 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 1b 
                 
                   A55406 
                 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                   
                 D5611 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                   
                 RS2, RS1725, W168, SB1058, WB746, 3610, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1A1, 1A3, 1A96, 1A308, 1A747, 1A757, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2A10, 3A1, 3A18, 3A19, 10A5T, 27E1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A6051 T , A7058, A7059, A15245, B642, D10 T , 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D1088, D1092,  D1970, D1971,  D3257, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D4424, D4449, D4450, D4451, D5660, FB20, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB60, FB61, FB68, FB72, FB86, FB87, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB113, PS533, PS578, PS832, PS2307, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 PS2318, PS2319, PS3394 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                   
                 3A16 
               
               
                 Bat 
                 18 
                   
                 11A1, A6455, A6537, A7972, A9372, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A31028, A49337 T , A49760, A49822, A51189, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D675, D2277, D5551, D7264 T , DPG Batr, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 BatrO, BatrW 
               
               
                 Bmo 
                 3 
                   
                    ,    
               
               
                   
                 4 
                   
                 
                   
                 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                   
                 
                   
                 
               
               
                 Bv 
                 16 
                   
                 B14890 T , B14892, B14893 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                   
                 B14894 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
               
               
                 Bl 
                 6 
                   
                 A6598, A11946, A14580 T , 5A1, 5A2, 5A13, 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5A20, 5A21, 5A32, 5A36 T ,  D1969 , D8785, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23318, B23325, MO1 
               
               
                 Bson 
                 7 
                   
                 D1913, D13780, B23154 T , B23155, 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23157, B23158, B23159, B23160, B23161 
               
               
                 Bsp 
                 8 
                   
                 D1324,   ,   ,   , GB03, 10A6 
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                   
                 
                   QST 713, B21661 
                 
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                   
                 
                   A55614 
                 
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                   
                 3A14, 3A23,  A55405, A55407, D7   T ,  D1060   
                 • 
                   
                 Δ 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 16 
                 17 
                 17 
                 17 
                 21 
                 24 
                 24 
                   
                 29 
                 34 
                 38 
                 39 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 R 
                 K 
                 K 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 A 
                   
                 F 
                 A 
                 N 
                 A 
               
               
                   
                 Proteo- 
                 Geno- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 26 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 Species 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 K 
                 N 
                 R 
                 Q 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 Q 
                 Y 
                 G 
                 D 
                 V 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Bs 
                 12 
                   
                 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2A6, 2A9, 3A13, A6633, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D347, D618, D1087, D6395, D6399, D6405, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D8439, W23 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                   
                 D15029 T , 2A8 T , 3A17, B23049 T   
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 1a 
                 D5552 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 1b 
                 
                   A55406 
                 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                   
                 D5611 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 2 
                   
                 RS2, RS1725, W168, SB1058, WB746, 3610, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1A1, 1A3, 1A96, 1A308, 1A747, 1A757, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2A10, 3A1, 3A18, 3A19, 10A5T, 27E1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A6051 T , A7058, A7059, A15245, B642, D10 T , 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D1088, D1092, D1970, D1971, D3257, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D4424, D4449, D4450, D4451, D5660, FB20, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB60, FB61, FB68, FB72, FB86, FB87, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB113, PS533, PS578, PS832, PS2307, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 PS2318, PS2319, PS3394 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                   
                 3A16 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Bat 
                 18 
                   
                 11A1, A6455, A6537, A7972, A9372, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A31028, A49337 T , A49760, A49822, A51189, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D675, D2277, D5551, D7264 T , DPG Batr, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 BatrO, BatrW 
               
               
                 Bmo 
                 3 
                   
                    ,    
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                   
                 
                   
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 5 
                   
                 
                   
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Bv 
                 16 
                   
                 B14890 T , B14892, B14893 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                   
                 B14894 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 Bl 
                 6 
                   
                 A6598, A11946, A14580 T , 5A1, 5A2, 5A13, 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5A20, 5A21, 5A32, 5A36 T ,  D1969 , D8785, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23318, B23325, MO1 
               
               
                 Bson 
                 7 
                   
                 D1913, D13780, B23154 T , B23155, 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23157, B23158, B23159, B23160, B23161 
               
               
                 Bsp 
                 8 
                   
                 D1324,   ,   ,   , GB03, 10A6 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                   
                 
                   QST 713, B21661 
                 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                   
                 
                   A55614 
                 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
               
               
                   
                 11 
                   
                 3A14, 3A23,  A55405, A55407, D7   T ,  D1060   
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 43 
                 44 
                 45 
                   
                   
                   
                 55 
                 66 
                 67 
                 67 
                 76 
                 80 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 R 
                 K 
                 Q 
                   
                   
                   
                 G 
                 D 
                 V 
                 V 
                 S 
                 N 
               
               
                   
                 Proteo- 
                 Geno- 
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                   
                 51 
                 53 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 Species 
                 type 
                 type 
                 Strain 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 N 
                 48-75 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 N 
                 A 
                 T 
                 Q 
                 K 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Bs 
                 12 
                   
                 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2A6, 2A9, 3A13, A6633, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D347, D618, D1087, D6395, D6399, D6405, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D8439, W23 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                   
                 D15029 T , 2A8 T , 3A17, B23049 T   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 1a 
                 D5552 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 1b 
                 
                   A55406 
                 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                   
                 D5611 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                   
                 RS2, RS1725, W168, SB1058, WB746, 3610, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1A1, 1A3, 1A96, 1A308, 1A747, 1A757, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2A10, 3A1, 3A18, 3A19, 10A5T, 27E1, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A6051 T , A7058, A7059, A15245, B642, D10 T , 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D1088, D1092,  D1970, D1971,  D3257, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D4424, D4449, D4450, D4451, D5660, FB20, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB60, FB61, FB68, FB72, FB86, FB87, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 FB113, PS533, PS578, PS832, PS2307, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 PS2318, PS2319, PS3394 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                   
                 3A16 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 Bat 
                 18 
                   
                 11A1, A6455, A6537, A7972, A9372, 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A31028, A49337 T , A49760, A49822, A51189, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D675, D2277, D5551, D7264 T , DPG Batr, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 BatrO, BatrW 
               
               
                 Bmo 
                 3 
                   
                    ,    
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 ∘ 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                   
                 
                   
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ∘ 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                   
                 
                   
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Bv 
                 16 
                   
                 B14890 T , B14892, B14893 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                   
                 B14894 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                 Bl 
                 6 
                   
                 A6598, A11946, A14580 T , 5A1, 5A2, 5A13, 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5A20, 5A21, 5A32, 5A36 T ,  D1969 , D8785, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23318, B23325, MO1 
               
               
                 Bson 
                 7 
                   
                 D1913, D13780, B23154 T , B23155, 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23157, B23158, B23159, B23160, B23161 
               
               
                 Bsp 
                 8 
                   
                 D1324,   ,   ,   , GB03, 10A6 
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                   
                 
                   QST 713, B21661 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                   
                 
                   A55614 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                   
                 3A14, 3A23,  A55405, A55407, D7   T ,  D1060   
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 6. Clustering of Bs/Bl group isolates by sspE genotype (proteotype 1 only) and translated proteotype. This table was developed from the ClUSTALW multisequence alignment of Bs group translated amino acid sequences (see  FIG. 4  below). The SspE sequence of  B. subtilis  strain W23 was selected as the reference (holotype) sequence to which all other Bs group sequences are compared. The numbers at the top of the table indicate amino acid position in the SspE reference sequence. Just below these numbers, the letters indicate the specific residue change from the W23 holotype reference sequence (top letter). Residue changes are indicated by dots in the grid of the table. Colors are used to highlight similarities among proteotypes, but have no particular designated meaning. The Greek letter delta (A) symbolizes a residue deletion at the indicated position with respect to the holotype W23 reference sequence. SspE proteotype numbering (1-18) is consistent with Bs/Bl group SspE proteotype/genotype and classifier numbering in Table 5 and  FIGS. 4-6 . Proteotypes 1-11, indicated in bold type, contain at least one commercially available or patented strain. Patented strain names are indicated in bold type. Gray highlighted strains in SspE proteotype 8 may have European patents, which we could not locate. Gray highlighted  B. mojavensis  strains in SspE proteotypes 3-5 have been documented numerous times in academic and USDA literature as having antifungal activity, though we have not located patents for these strains. In SspE proteotype 9, strain B21661 is an independent isolate (obtained from the USDA&#39;s NRRL culture collection) of strain QST 713, which we isolated from AgraQuest&#39;s (http://www.agraquest.com/) plant protection product Serenade®. The same strain is an active ingredient in the product Rhapsody®, also by AgraQuest (Davis, Calif.). In SspE proteotype 8, strain GB63 was isolated from the Growth Products (White Plains, N.Y.) (http://www.growthproducts.com/) plant protection product Companion®. The same strain is an active ingredient in the Gustafson LLC (Plano, Tex.) product Kodiak®. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Strain Table 
               
               
                 Table 7. List of strains used in the  Bacillus subtilis  group scheme. Most strains were 
               
               
                 acquired from culture collections. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Classifier 1   
                 Strain 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  1a 
                 DSM 5552 
               
               
                  1b 
                 ATCC 55406 
               
               
                  2a 
                 BGSC 1A1, BGSC 1A3, BGSC 1A96, BGSC 1A747, BGSC 3A1, BGSC 10A1, RS2, RS1725, SB1058, WB746, 
               
               
                   
                 3610, ATCC 6051, DSM 10, DSM4424 
               
               
                  2b 
                 DSM 5660 
               
               
                  2c 
                 BGSC 27E1, ATCC 7058, ATCC 15245, DSM 1088, DSM 1970, DSM 1971, DSM 4449, DSM 4450, DSM 4451 
               
               
                  2d 
                 DSM 1092 
               
               
                  2e 
                 ATCC 7059 
               
               
                  2f 
                 DSM 3257 
               
               
                  2g 
                 BGSC 3A18, BGSC 3A19 
               
               
                  2h 
                 BGSC 1A308, BGSC 1A757, W168, NRRL B-642, PS533, PS578, PS2307, PS2318, PS2319, PS3394, 
               
               
                   
                 FB20, FB60, FB61, FB68, FB72, FB87, FB113 
               
               
                  2i 
                 BGSC 2A10 
               
               
                  2j 
                 BGSC 10A5T 
               
               
                  3a 
                 NRRL B-14698-T 
               
               
                  3b 
                 NRRL B-14701 
               
               
                  4a 
                 NRRL B-14699 
               
               
                  5a 
                 DSM 9206 
               
               
                  6a 
                 BGSC 5A1, BGSC 5A2, ATCC 11946, MO1 
               
               
                  6b 
                 BGSC 5A13, BGSC 5A20, BGSC 5A21 
               
               
                  6c 
                 BGSC 5A32, BGSC 5A36, ATCC 14580, ATCC 6598, DSM 8785 
               
               
                  6d 
                 DSM 1969 
               
               
                  6e 
                 NRRL B-23318 
               
               
                  6f 
                 NRRL B-23325 
               
               
                  7a 
                 DSM 1913 
               
               
                  7b 
                 NRRL B-23154-T, NRRL B-23160 
               
               
                  7c 
                 NRRL B-23157 
               
               
                  7d 
                 NRRL B-23155 
               
               
                  7e 
                 NRRL B-23158, NRRL B-23159, DSM 13780 
               
               
                  7f 
                 NRRL B-23161 
               
               
                  8a 
                 DSM 1324 
               
               
                  8b 
                 Companion (GB03) 
               
               
                  8c 
                 DSM 8563, DSM 8564, DSM 8565, BGSC 10A6 
               
               
                  9a 
                 Serenade, NRRL B-21661 
               
               
                 10a 
                 ATCC 55614 
               
               
                 11a 
                 DSM 7, BGSC 3A14 
               
               
                 11b 
                 DSM 1060, ATCC 55405, ATCC 55407 
               
               
                 11c 
                 BGSC 3A23 
               
               
                 12a 
                 BGSC 2A1, BGSC 2A2, BGSC 2A3, BGSC 2A6, BGSC 2A9, DSM 347, DSM 618, DSM 1087, DSM 6395, 
               
               
                   
                 DSM 6399, DSM 6405, DSM 8439, W23, ATCC 6633 
               
               
                 12b 
                 BGSC 3A13 
               
               
                 13a 
                 BGSC 2A8, DSM 15029, NRRL B-23049 
               
               
                 13b 
                 BGSC 3A17 
               
               
                 14a 
                 DSM 5611 
               
               
                 15a 
                 BGSC 3A16 
               
               
                 16a 
                 NRRL B-14890-T, NRRL B-14892 
               
               
                 16b 
                 NRRL B-14893 
               
               
                 17a 
                 NRRL B-14894 
               
               
                 18a 
                 BGSC 11A1, ATCC 9372, ATCC 31028, ATCC 49760, ATCC 49822, ATCC 51189, DSM 675 
               
               
                 18b 
                 DSM 2277 
               
               
                 18c 
                 ATCC 6537, ATCC 7972 
               
               
                 18d 
                 ATCC 49337, DSM 5551, DSM 7264 
               
               
                 18e 
                 ATCC 6455 
               
               
                 19a 
                 DSM 355 
               
               
                 19b 
                 BGSC 8A1 
               
               
                 19c 
                 ATCC 27142 
               
               
                 20a 
                 BGSC 14A1 
               
               
                 21a 
                 DSM 354 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 BGSC =  Bacillus  Genetic Stock Center (Department of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA); 
               
               
                 ATCC = American Type Culture Collection (P.O. Box 1549, Manassas, VA 20108, USA); 
               
               
                 NRRL = the USDA ARS (NRRL) Culture Collection (National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, Illinois, USA); 
               
               
                 DSM = DSMZ = Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (Mascheroder Weg 1b, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany); 
               
               
                   T = Type Strain. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
                 2 
                 3 
                   
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 10 
                 11 
                 13 
                 15 
                 16 
                 16 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 A 
                 A 
                 N 
                   
                 S 
                 K 
                 Y 
                 S 
                 D 
                 V 
                 Q 
                 K 
                 R 
                 R 
                 Q 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 4 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 Species 
                 Proteotype 
                 Genotype 
                 Strain 
                 E 
                 M 
                 D 
                 S 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 N 
                 N 
                 A 
                 K 
                 R 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Bsp 
                 8 
                   
                 D1324, D8563, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D8564, D8565, GB03, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 10A6 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                   
                 QST 713, B21661 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                   
                 A55614 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                   
                 3A14, 3A23, A55405, 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A55407, D7 T , D1060 
               
               
                 Bl 
                 6 
                   
                 A6598, A11946, 
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A14580 T , 5A1, 5A2, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5A13, 5A20, 5A21, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 5A32, 5A36 T , D1969, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 D8785, B23318, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23325, MO1 
               
               
                 Bson 
                 7 
                   
                 D1913, D13780, 
                   
                   
                   
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23154 T , B23155, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23157, B23158, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23159, B23160, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 B23161 
               
               
                 Bpum 
                 19 
                 a 
                 
                   D355 
                 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 b 
                 
                   8A1 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 c 
                 
                   A27142 
                 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                   
                 
                   14A1 
                 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                   
                 
                   D354 
                 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 21 
                 23 
                   
                 28 
                 33 
                 38 
                 40 
                 42 
                 43 
                 44 
                 44 
                 47 
                 47 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 S 
                 S 
                   
                 Y 
                 G 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 R 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 S 
                 S 
                 N 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 25 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                   
                 Species 
                 Proteotype 
                 Genotype 
                 Strain 
                 A 
                 Q 
                 Q 
                 F 
                 A 
                 V 
                 H 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 N 
                 Y 
                 K 
                 Q 
                 K 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bsp 
                 8 
                   
                 D1324, D8563, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 D8564, D8565, GB03, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 10A6 
               
               
                   
                   
                 9 
                   
                 QST 713, B21661 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 10 
                   
                 A55614 
               
               
                   
                   
                 11 
                   
                 3A14, 3A23, A55405, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 A55407, D7 T , D1060 
               
               
                   
                 Bl 
                 6 
                   
                 A6598, A11946, 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 A14580 T , 5A1, 5A2, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 5A13, 5A20, 5A21, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 5A32, 5A36 T , D1969, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 D8785, B23318, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 B23325, MO1 
               
               
                   
                 Bson 
                 7 
                   
                 D1913, D13780, 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 B23154 T , B23155, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 B23157, B23158, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 B23159, B23160, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 B23161 
               
               
                   
                 Bpum 
                 19 
                 a 
                 
                   D355 
                 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                 • 
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 b 
                 
                   8A1 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 c 
                 
                   A27142 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 20 
                   
                 
                   14A1 
                 
                   
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
                 21 
                   
                 
                   D354 
                 
                 • 
                 • 
                 Δ 
                   
                 • 
                   
                 • 
                 • 
                   
                   
                 • 
                 • 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 8. Clustering of Bsp, Bl, Bson and Bpum isolates by sspE genotype (proteotype 19 only) and translated proteotype. This table was developed from the ClUSTALW multisequence alignment of Bs group translated amino acid sequences (see  FIG. 7  above). The SspE sequence of  Bacillus  spp. biofungicidal strain GB03 was selected as the reference (holotype) sequence to which the other sequences are compared. The numbers at the top of the table indicate amino acid position in the SspE reference sequence. Just below these numbers; the letters indicate the specific residue change from the GB03 holotype reference sequence (top letter). Residue changes are indicated by dots in the grid of the table. Colors are used to highlight similarities among proteotypes, but have no particular designated meaning. The Greek capital letter delta (Δ) symbolizes a residue deletion at the indicated position with respect to the holotype GB03 reference sequence. SspE proteotype numbering (6-11 and 19-21) is consistent with SspE proteotype/genotype and classifier numbering in Tables 5-7 and  FIGS. 4-9 . Proteotype 19-21  B. pumilus  strains are indicated in bold brown type. 
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         20. Lin, J.-E. &amp; Dent, D. A. (1999). Cleaner and sanitizer formulation. Sybron Chemical Holdings, Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,882. 
         21. Lawler, D. &amp; Smith, S. (2001). Enzyme-producing strain of  Bacillus  bacteria. Roebic Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,012. 
         22. Marrone, P. G., Heins, S. D., Manker, D. C., Jimenez, D. R., Bestwick, R. K. &amp; Vandemark, G. J. (1998). Antibiotic-producing strain of  Bacillus  and methods for controlling plant disease. Agritope, Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,222. 
         23. Marrone, P. G., Heins, S. D., Manker, D. C., Jimenez, D. R., Bestwick, R. K. &amp; Vandemark, G. J. (1999). Biological control of plant fungal infections. Agritope, Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,774. 
         24. Marten, P., Smalla, K. &amp; Berg, G. (2000). Genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of and antifungal biocontrol strain belonging to  Bacillus subtilis. J Appl Microbiol  89, 463-471. PubMed ID 11021578 
         25. Murau, S. (1971). Alkaline protease. E. R. Squibb &amp; Sons, Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,719. 
         26. Murau, S. (1971) (2). Production of a new protease. Sanraku-Ocean Co., Ltd. U.S. Pat. No. 3,622,458. 
         27. Myers, A. E. &amp; Bichon, D. (1992). Cytotoxic drug conjugates and their delivery to tumor cells. Battelle Memorial Institute. U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,616. 
         28. Nair, J. R., Singh, G. &amp; Sekar V. (2002). Isolation and characterization of a novel  Bacillus  strain from coffee phyllosphere showing antifungal activity.  J Appl Microbiol  93 772-780. PubMed ID 12392522 
         29. Richard, A. &amp; Margaritis, A. (2003). Rheology, oxygen transfer, and molecular weight characteristics of poly(glutamic acid) fermentation by  Bacillus subtilis. Biotechnol Bioeng  82, 299-305. PubMed ID 12599256 
         30. Sanders M. E., Morelli, L. &amp; Tompkins, T. A. (2003). Sporeformers as human probiotics:  Bacillus, Sporolactobacillus , and  Brevibacillus. Comprehensive Rev Food Sci Food Safety  2, 101-10. PubMed ID none 
         31. Sakurai, Y., Okano, T., Kataoka, K., Yamada, N., Inoue, S. &amp; Yokoyama, M. (1997). Water soluble high molecular weight polymerized drug preparation. Research Development Corporation of Japan. U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,751. 
         32. Schallmey, M., Singh, A. &amp; Ward, O. P. (2004). Developments in the use of  Bacillus  species for industrial production.  Can J Microbiol  50, 1-17. PubMed ID 15052317 
         33. Shih, I.-L. &amp; Van, Y.-T. (2001). The production of poly(γ-glutamic acid) from microorganisms and its various applications.  Bioresour Technol  79, 207-225. PubMed ID 11499575 
         34; Shih, I.-L. &amp; Yu, Y.-T. (2005). Simultaneous and selective production of levan and poly(γ-glutamic acid) by  Bacillus subtilis. Biotechnol Lett  27, 103-106. PubMed ID 15703872 
         35. Shih, I.-L., Yu, Y.-T., Shieh, C.-J. &amp; Hsieh C.-Y. (2005). Selective production and characterization of levan by  Bacillus subtilis  (Natto) Takahashi.  J Agric Food Chem  53, 8211-8215. PubMed ID 16218666 
         36. Viccaro, J. P. (1973). Alkaline protease, method for its production, and detergent composition. Lever Brothers Company. U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,233. 
         37. British Patent 155,409 
       
    
     The following table is a look up table that matches sequence identifiers with sspE identifiers and/or MLS allele information. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO 
                 note 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 49 
                 SspE_A_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 50 
                 SspE_B_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 51 
                 SspE_C_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 52 
                 SspE_D_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 53 
                 SspE_E_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 54 
                 SspE_F_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 55 
                 SspE_G_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 56 
                 SspE_H_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 57 
                 SspE_I_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 58 
                 SspE_J_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 59 
                 SspE_K_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 60 
                 SspE_L_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 61 
                 SspE_M_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 62 
                 SspE_N_92aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 63 
                 SspE_O_95aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 64 
                 SspE_P_95aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 65 
                 SspE_Q_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 66 
                 SspE_R_93aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 67 
                 SspE_S_92aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 68 
                 SspE_T_95aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 69 
                 SspE_U_95aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 70 
                 sspE_A1_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 71 
                 sspE_A2_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 72 
                 sspE_B_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 73 
                 sspE_C_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 74 
                 sspE_D_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 75 
                 sspE_E1_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 76 
                 sspE_E2_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 77 
                 sspE_E3_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 78 
                 sspE_E4_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 79 
                 sspE_E5_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 80 
                 sspE_E6_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 81 
                 sspE_E7_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 82 
                 sspE_E8_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 83 
                 sspE_E9_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 84 
                 sspE_E10_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 85 
                 sspE_E11_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 86 
                 sspE_F1_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 87 
                 sspE_F2_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 88 
                 sspE_F3_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 89 
                 sspE_F4_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 90 
                 sspE_G_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 91 
                 sspE_H1_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 92 
                 sspE_H2_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 93 
                 sspE_H3_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 94 
                 sspE_H4_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 95 
                 sspE_H5_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 96 
                 sspE_I_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 97 
                 sspE_J_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 98 
                 sspE_K1_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 99 
                 sspE_K2_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 100 
                 sspE_K3_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 101 
                 sspE_L_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 102 
                 sspE_M_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 103 
                 sspE_N_279nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 104 
                 sspE_O_288nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 105 
                 sspE_P_288nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 106 
                 sspE_Q_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 107 
                 sspE_R_282nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 108 
                 sspE_S_279nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 109 
                 sspE_T_288nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 110 
                 sspE_U_288nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 111 
                 SspE_1_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 112 
                 SspE_2_84aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 113 
                 SspE_3_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 114 
                 SspE_4_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 115 
                 SspE_5_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 116 
                 SspE_6_54aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 117 
                 SspE_7_54aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 118 
                 SspE_8_56aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 119 
                 SspE_9_56aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 120 
                 SspE_10_56aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 121 
                 SspE_11_56aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 122 
                 SspE_12_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 123 
                 SspE_13_85aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 124 
                 SspE_14_84aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 125 
                 SspE_15_84aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 126 
                 SspE_16_84aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 127 
                 SspE_17_84aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 128 
                 SspE_18_82aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 129 
                 SspE_19_55aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 130 
                 SspE_20_55aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 131 
                 SspE_21_55aa 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 132 
                 sspE_1a_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 133 
                 sspE_1b_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 134 
                 sspE_2_255nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 135 
                 sspE_3_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 136 
                 sspE_4_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 137 
                 sspE_5_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 138 
                 sspE_6_165nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 139 
                 sspE_7_165nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 140 
                 sspE_8_171nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 141 
                 sspE_9_171nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 142 
                 sspE_10_171nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 143 
                 sspE_11_171nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 144 
                 sspE_12_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 145 
                 sspE_13_258nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 146 
                 sspE_14_255nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 147 
                 sspE_15_255nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 148 
                 sspE_16_255nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 149 
                 sspE_17_255nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 150 
                 sspE_18_249nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 151 
                 sspE_19a_168nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 152 
                 sspE_19b_168nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 153 
                 sspE_19c_168nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 154 
                 sspE_20_168nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 155 
                 sspE_21_168nt 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 156 
                 glp-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 157 
                 glp-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 158 
                 glp-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 159 
                 glp-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 160 
                 glp-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 161 
                 glp-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 162 
                 glp-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 163 
                 glp-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 164 
                 glp-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 165 
                 glp-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 166 
                 glp-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 167 
                 glp-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 168 
                 glp-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 169 
                 glp-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 170 
                 glp-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 171 
                 glp-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 172 
                 glp-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 173 
                 glp-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 174 
                 glp-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 175 
                 glp-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 176 
                 glp-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 177 
                 glp-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 178 
                 glp-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 179 
                 glp-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 180 
                 glp-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 181 
                 glp-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 182 
                 glp-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 183 
                 glp-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 184 
                 glp-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 185 
                 glp-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 186 
                 glp-31 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 187 
                 ilv-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 188 
                 ilv-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 189 
                 ilv-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 190 
                 ilv-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 191 
                 ilv-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 192 
                 ilv-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 193 
                 ilv-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 194 
                 ilv-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 195 
                 ilv-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 196 
                 ilv-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 197 
                 ilv-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 198 
                 ilv-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 199 
                 ilv-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 200 
                 ilv-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 201 
                 ilv-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 202 
                 ilv-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 203 
                 ilv-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 204 
                 ilv-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 205 
                 ilv-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 206 
                 ilv-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 207 
                 ilv-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 208 
                 ilv-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 209 
                 ilv-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 210 
                 ilv-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 211 
                 ilv-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 212 
                 ilv-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 213 
                 ilv-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 214 
                 ilv-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 215 
                 ilv-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 216 
                 ilv-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 217 
                 ilv-31 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 218 
                 ilv-32 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 219 
                 pta-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 220 
                 pta-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 221 
                 pta-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 222 
                 pta-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 223 
                 pta-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 224 
                 pta-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 225 
                 pta-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 226 
                 pta-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 227 
                 pta-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 228 
                 pta-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 229 
                 pta-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 230 
                 pta-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 231 
                 pta-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 232 
                 pta-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 233 
                 pta-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 234 
                 pta-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 235 
                 pta-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 236 
                 pta-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 237 
                 pta-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 238 
                 pta-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 239 
                 pta-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 240 
                 pta-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 241 
                 pta-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 242 
                 pta-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 243 
                 pta-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 244 
                 pta-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 245 
                 pta-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 246 
                 pta-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 247 
                 pta-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 248 
                 pta-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 249 
                 pta-31 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 250 
                 pta-32 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 251 
                 pta-33 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 252 
                 pta-34 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 253 
                 pta-35 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 254 
                 pta-36 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 255 
                 pur-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 256 
                 pur-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 257 
                 pur-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 258 
                 pur-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 259 
                 pur-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 260 
                 pur-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 261 
                 pur-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 262 
                 pur-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 263 
                 pur-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 264 
                 pur-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 265 
                 pur-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 266 
                 pur-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 267 
                 pur-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 268 
                 pur-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 269 
                 pur-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 270 
                 pur-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 271 
                 pur-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 272 
                 pur-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 273 
                 pur-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 274 
                 pur-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 275 
                 pur-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 276 
                 pur-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 277 
                 pur-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 278 
                 pur-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 279 
                 pur-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 280 
                 pur-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 281 
                 pur-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 282 
                 pur-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 283 
                 pur-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 284 
                 pur-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 285 
                 pur-31 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 286 
                 pur-32 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 287 
                 pur-33 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 288 
                 pur-34 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 289 
                 pur-35 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 290 
                 pur-36 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 291 
                 pur-37 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 292 
                 pur-38 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 293 
                 pur-39 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 294 
                 pur-40 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 295 
                 pyc-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 296 
                 pyc-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 297 
                 pyc-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 298 
                 pyc-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 299 
                 pyc-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 300 
                 pyc-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 301 
                 pyc-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 302 
                 pyc-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 303 
                 pyc-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 304 
                 pyc-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 305 
                 pyc-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 306 
                 pyc-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 307 
                 pyc-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 308 
                 pyc-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 309 
                 pyc-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 310 
                 pyc-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 311 
                 pyc-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 312 
                 pyc-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 313 
                 pyc-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 314 
                 pyc-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 315 
                 pyc-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 316 
                 pyc-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 317 
                 pyc-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 318 
                 pyc-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 319 
                 pyc-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 320 
                 pyc-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 321 
                 pyc-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 322 
                 pyc-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 323 
                 pyc-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 324 
                 pyc-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 325 
                 pyc-31 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 326 
                 pyc-32 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 327 
                 pyc-33 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 328 
                 rpo-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 329 
                 rpo-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 330 
                 rpo-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 331 
                 rpo-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 332 
                 rpo-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 333 
                 rpo-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 334 
                 rpo-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 335 
                 rpo-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 336 
                 rpo-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 337 
                 rpo-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 338 
                 rpo-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 339 
                 rpo-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 340 
                 rpo-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 341 
                 rpo-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 342 
                 rpo-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 343 
                 rpo-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 344 
                 rpo-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 345 
                 rpo-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 346 
                 rpo-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 347 
                 rpo-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 348 
                 rpo-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 349 
                 rpo-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 350 
                 rpo-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 351 
                 rpo-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 352 
                 rpo-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 353 
                 rpo-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 354 
                 rpo-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 355 
                 rpo-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 356 
                 tpi-1 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 357 
                 tpi-2 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 358 
                 tpi-3 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 359 
                 tpi-4 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 360 
                 tpi-5 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 361 
                 tpi-6 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 362 
                 tpi-7 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 363 
                 tpi-8 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 364 
                 tpi-9 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 365 
                 tpi-10 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 366 
                 tpi-11 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 367 
                 tpi-12 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 368 
                 tpi-13 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 369 
                 tpi-14 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 370 
                 tpi-15 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 371 
                 tpi-16 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 372 
                 tpi-17 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 373 
                 tpi-18 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 374 
                 tpi-19 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 375 
                 tpi-20 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 376 
                 tpi-21 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 377 
                 tpi-22 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 378 
                 tpi-23 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 379 
                 tpi-24 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 380 
                 tpi-25 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 381 
                 tpi-26 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 382 
                 tpi-27 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 383 
                 tpi-28 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 384 
                 tpi-29 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 385 
                 tpi-30 
               
               
                   
                 SEQ ID NO: 386 
                 tpi-31 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.