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Review
. 2024 Feb 24;12(3):457.
doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12030457.

Bacillus Species: Excellent Biocontrol Agents against Tomato Diseases

Vasiljka Karačić  1 , Dragana Miljaković  2 , Jelena Marinković  2 , Maja Ignjatov  2 , Dragana Milošević  2 , Gordana Tamindžić  2 , Milan Ivanović  1
Affiliations
Review

Bacillus Species: Excellent Biocontrol Agents against Tomato Diseases

Vasiljka Karačić et al. Microorganisms. .

Abstract

Tomatoes encounter many pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, which reduce the yield and quality of plants and lead to large losses in production. The application of plant protection products (PPPs) is still an important and most effective measure to control plant diseases. However, the use of chemicals in agriculture contributes to environmental pollution and biodiversity loss, and it can also threaten non-target living organisms. Biological control is a widely accessible, environmentally safe, and cost-efficient alternative for the prevention and suppression of plant diseases. Bacillus species with antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting effects are most frequently used as biocontrol agents to increase the resilience of agricultural production against biotic stresses. The present review discusses the antagonistic mechanisms and the biocontrol potential of Bacillus spp. against tomato diseases caused by different pathogens. The main mechanisms of Bacillus spp. include the production of antimicrobial compounds (antibiotics, extracellular enzymes, siderophores, and volatile compounds), competition for nutrients and space, and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Although Bacillus-based PPPs have been developed and commercialised worldwide for various crops and pathogens, the efficiency issues are still subject to debate. Additionally, a combined strategy for controlling tomato diseases based on Bacillus spp. and other available methods (conventional or natural-based) is a promising research field.

Keywords: Bacillus; biocontrol mechanisms; disease management; tomato pathogens.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Early blight symptoms on tomato leaves (M. Ivanović).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Septoria leaf spot on tomato leaves (P. Vukša).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Grey mould symptoms on tomato fruits (M. Ivanović).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Late blight symptoms on tomato leaves (M. Ivanović).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Bacterial wilt and canker symptoms on tomato fruit (S. Milijašević-Marčić).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Bacterial spot symptoms on tomato fruit (M. Ignjatov).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mechanisms of action of Bacillus biocontrol and plant growth-promoting agents.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Biocontrol mechanisms of Bacillus species. (A) Antimicrobial compounds. (B) Lytic enzymes. (C) Competition for nutrients and space. (D) Siderophores. (E) Volatile compounds. (F) Induced resistance.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Biocontrol mechanisms of Bacillus species. (A) Antimicrobial compounds. (B) Lytic enzymes. (C) Competition for nutrients and space. (D) Siderophores. (E) Volatile compounds. (F) Induced resistance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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