THE ROLE OF BACILLUS SPP. IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND BIOCONTROL

This work aims to explore the potential applications of Bacillus spp. in biological plant control and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, drawing insights from an analysis of literature data. Literature review. Plants that interact with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) exhibit improved growth and enhanced resistance to stress. Among PGPR, Bacillus spp. are widely used in agriculture to boost crop yields and stress tolerance. However, their effectiveness varies under different conditions, emphasizing the need for further research to bridge the gap between laboratory and field results. Species such as Bacillus subtilis enhance nitrogen fixation, facilitate phosphorus mobilization, and increase iron uptake in plants. Additionally, Bacillus spp. produce phytohormones and other compounds that regulate the hormonal balance in plants. These bacteria protect plants from pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as lipopeptides and antibiotics. B. subtilis also modulates the expression of plant genes to support colonization. Biofilm formation on plant roots, regulated by quorum sensing, further promotes effective bacterial colonization. Conclusions. Studies on plant-bacteria interactions in the rhizosphere reveal that beneficial bacteria like Bacillus spp. enhance plant growth and resilience through hormone regulation, biofilm formation, modulation of plant immune responses, and improved nutrient availability and stress tolerance. B. subtilis and related species are particularly effective in increasing crop yields and combating plant diseases. Their ability to improve drought and salt tolerance is especially noteworthy, making Bacillus spp. promising candidates for sustainable agriculture.