There is a lot of talk about the benefits of Bacillus, a kind of bacteria, in agriculture. It already can be a bit overwhelming, but I would imagine the talk will only increase. The plural, Bacilli, is the name of the class of bacteria defined as typically rod shaped, even though the Latin word “bacillus” means “stick.” Go figure.
Pseudomonas and Bacillus species are the predominant plant growth-promoting bacteria. The spore-forming ability of Bacillus distinguishes it from of Pseudomonas. This structural organization makes members of this genus survive for a long timel. When stressed, B. subtilis transforms itself into a spore and enters a dormant state, allowing it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions.
Diversity in Bacillus strains is key as the genus provides protection to plants in a variety of ways. During droughts, salinity and heavy metal accumulation in soil, Bacillus spp. produce exopolysaccharides and siderophores, which prevent the movement of toxic ions and adjust the ionic balance and water transport in plant tissues, while at the same time controlling the pathogenic microbial population.
Bacillus-based biocontrol agents play a fundamental role in biopesticides. They have been reported, as mentioned, as plant growth promoters, and also as systemic resistance inducers, producers of a broad range of antimicrobial compounds (lipopeptides, antibiotics and enzymes), and competitors for growth factors (space and nutrients) with other pathogenic microorganisms through colonization. Bacillus-originated lipopeptides play a very important role in the suppression of plant pathogens. The Bacillus species produce compounds that belong to multiple classes of antibiotics, which can be used for control of a broad range of plant pathogenic diseases.
This microbial world is destined to play an increasingly important role in agriculture. We’re gaining a better understanding of microbes’ role, and what’s more exciting, we’re discovering many new biologicals that are producing other, wonderful benefits. Andaman Ag offers of large array of biological products and, as with bacillus diversity, the diversity of our product line, when used in the proper combinations, yields excellent results.