Abstract
Bacillus spp. produce a variety of compounds involved in the biocontrol of plant pathogens and promotion of plant growth, which makes them potential candidates for most agricultural and biotechnological applications. Bacilli exhibit antagonistic activity by excreting extracellular metabolites such as antibiotics, cell wall hydrolases, and siderophores. Additionally, Bacillus spp. improve plant response to pathogen attack by triggering induced systemic resistance (ISR). Besides being the most promising biocontrol agents, Bacillus spp. promote plant growth via nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone production. Antagonistic and plant growth-promoting strains of Bacillus spp. might be useful in formulating new preparations. Numerous studies of a wide range of plant species revealed a steady increase in the number of Bacillus spp. identified as potential biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters. Among different mechanisms of action, it remains unclear which individual or combined traits could be used as predictors in the selection of the best strains for crop productivity improvement. Due to numerous factors that influence the successful application of Bacillus spp., it is necessary to understand how different strains function in biological control and plant growth promotion, and distinctly define the factors that contribute to their more efficient use in the field.
Highlights
Plant diseases, caused by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and protozoa, affect agricultural production and result in major yield losses [1]
Due to numerous factors that influence the successful application of Bacillus spp., it is necessary to understand how different strains function in biological control and plant growth promotion, and distinctly define the factors that contribute to their more efficient use in the field
This review summarizes the different mechanisms utilized by Bacillus spp. in plant disease control and plant growth promotion, and focuses on the new approaches to the improvement of beneficial plant–Bacillus interactions and Bacillus spp. efficiency in the field
Summary
Plant diseases, caused by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and protozoa, affect agricultural production and result in major yield losses [1]. As an important component of an ICMS, biological control is defined as the use of beneficial organisms to reduce the negative effects of plant pathogens and promote positive responses by the plant [6]. The beneficial effects of Bacillus spp. on plant growth and yield have been demonstrated in several agricultural crops including wheat, maize, soybean, sunflower, common bean, tomato, pepper, potato, cucumber, and many others [11]. Due to numerous factors that affect the effectiveness of Bacillus spp., it is necessary to understand how different strains deploy biocontrol and growth-promoting actions in plants, and clearly determine the traits and manner for selecting the best acting strains [12]. This review summarizes the different mechanisms utilized by Bacillus spp. in plant disease control and plant growth promotion, and focuses on the new approaches to the improvement of beneficial plant–Bacillus interactions and Bacillus spp. efficiency in the field
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