Application of Innovative Microbiological Agents for Plant Protection and Growth Regulation in Soft Wheat Cultivation

The challenges of increasing crop productivity and improving harvest quality can be addressed by optimizing the phytosanitary status of agroecosystems and the application of effective and environmentally safe plant protection agents. This study investigated the effects of multifunctional biological preparations based on strains of antagonistic microorganisms of different taxonomic positions and their combinations with chitosan salicylate in the cultivation of spring soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It was found that the application of multifunctional complexes based on strains of Bacillus subtilis, Streptomyces felleus S-8, Streptomyces sp. VIZR-18, and 0.1% chitosan salicylate significantly increased wheat productivity and yield (up to 147.8%) by increasing the number and length of primary and nodal roots, productive tillering, the number of spikelets, and the grain weight per spike. A significant reduction in plant disease incidence was observed: the biological efficacy against root rot was 50%, against Septoria leaf blotch 77.6%, and powdery mildew development was also significantly suppressed.