Bacillus velezensis: A Beneficial Biocontrol Agent or Facultative Phytopathogen for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Microbial biocontrol agents are efficient and environment-friendly in eradicating plant pathogenic bacteria. In recent years, Bacillus velezensis has gained popularity as a potential biocontrol agent in many countries. Several B. velezensis-based biocontrol products, previously identified as B. amyloliquefaciens or B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum, have received commercial approval, particularly in China and Europe. In this study, we compiled recent research findings on B. velezensis related to the production of antimicrobials, volatile organic compounds, induction of disease resistance, and the effect of this bacterium on plant growth promotion and yield. However, some recent research indicates that this important resource is also linked to several diseases in crops, including peach, onion, and potato, and the negative aspects of this bacterium in terms of its virulence traits to infect crops have not been summarized before. In this review, we compile the recent reports of this bacterium in term of its beneficial properties in agriculture. In addition, we also discuss several reports about its harmful effect on several crops as well. Therefore, due to the inherent pathogenicity of this bacterium to several crops, care must be taken when using it in a novel crop cultivation technique.

Identification and Aggressiveness of Fusarium Species Associated with Onion Bulb (Allium cepa L.) during Storage

“…Therefore, our results suggest that S. albidoflavus MGMM6 and B. velezensis KS04-AU are effective bioagents for suppressing the growth of isolated Fusarium strains. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of S. albidoflavus and B. velezensis isolates to suppress the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in planta [85][86][87][88]. In this study, we found that S. albidoflavus MGMM6 is less effective against a consortium of phytopathogenic Fusarium strains isolated from onion bulbs.…”

“…The use of a microbial agent to control the growth of phytopathogenic fungi during crop storage is considered a promising method for crop protection [84,85]. The effectiveness of B. velezensis and S. albidoflavus in inhibiting the growth of phytopathogens such as Fusarium species has been well documented [86,87]. Therefore, our results suggest that S. albidoflavus MGMM6 and B. velezensis KS04-AU are effective bioagents for suppressing the growth of isolated Fusarium strains.…”

Bacterial and Fungal Biocontrol Agents for Plant Disease Protection: Journey from Lab to Field, Current Status, Challenges, and Global Perspectives

“…Comprehending the biocontrol mechanisms of plant pathogens is imperative in establishing an optimal environment for effectively managing a diverse range of plant diseases. Many studies have been conducted over the past 20 years related to the role of biocontrol agents in terms of crop disease prevention, rhizosphere colonization, and plant-growth promotion [ 1 , 62 ]. Biocontrol mechanisms of plant diseases mostly include antibiosis, the creation of hydrolytic enzymes, competition for micronutrients, rhizosphere competence, and the development of systemic resistance in host plants [ 49 , 63 ].…”

“…Plant-growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) help with efficient root colonization, compete with other soil microorganisms, stimulate host defense systems against pathogens, and promote plant growth through different mechanisms [ 6 , 62 ]. PGPMs have biocontrol agents (BCAs) called plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant-growth-promoting rhizofungi (PGPF) that fight crop diseases [ 37 ].…”

Characterization of Bacillus velezensis TJS119 and its biocontrol potential against insect pathogens

“…plantarum , B. methylogrophicus , and B. oryzicola ( Dunlap et al, 2015 ). Several strains of B. velezensis have been extensively used in agriculture and biotechnology due to their environmental safety, ease of industrial production, and biocontrol efficacy ( Rabbee et al, 2023 ). These include B. velezensis BR-1 ( Zhou et al, 2022 ), HNA3 ( Zaid et al, 2022 ), GH1-13 ( Kim et al, 2017b ), S3-1 ( Jin et al, 2017 ), M75 ( Kim et al, 2017a ), LS69 ( Liu et al, 2017 ), 9912D ( Pan H. Q. et al, 2017 ), and S499 ( Molinatto et al, 2016 ).…”