Nature Research Centre’s scientists together with colleagues from the Public Policy and Management Institute (PPMI | Part of the Verian Group) published an article “Bacillus Species in Agriculture: Functional Traits, Biocontrol Performance, and Regulatory Safety Assessment” in the journal Agriculture, where the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the role of Bacillus bacteria species in modern agriculture. The microorganisms of the Bacillus genus have a strong functional potential: they can not only suppress pathogens and promote plant growth but also contribute to soil health and productivity. The article analyses the biocontrol mechanisms of Bacillus species (B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezensis, etc.), e.g., production of antimicrobial compounds, biofilm formation, rhizosphere colonization, as well as the factors determining their effectiveness in field conditions. It is important that the authors take an integrated approach to assessing not only effectiveness but also safety and regulatory aspects, reviewing the issues of environmental impact, exposure to antimicrobial substances, and potential resistance, as well as comparing risk assessment procedures in the EU, US, and other countries. This integrated analysis gives a better understanding of how Bacillus-based biocontrol agents can be safely and sustainably applied in modern agricultural practices.
📌 Key aspects:
➡️ A new review of the use of Bacillus bacteria in agriculture – from growth promotion to pathogen control.
➡️ Analysis of the complexes of Bacillus species and their functional properties and biocontrol mechanisms.
➡️ Emphasis on integration between efficacy and safety assessment – including exposure, resistance, and environmental risks.
➡️ Comparison of regulatory approaches in the EU, US, and other countries related to sustainable use of microbiological measures.
Link to the article:
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/16/4/413
