Mexican Journal
of Phytopathology

• Open access Prueba
• Review Article
• Número Especial

The genus Bacillus as biological control agent against pests and pathogens for sustainable agriculture

By Fannie Isela Parra Cota, Isabeli Bruno, Mónica García Montelongo, Sebastián González Villarreal, María Fernanda Villarreal Delgado, Liliana Carolina Córdova Albores, Alina Escalante Beltrán, Sergio de los Santos Villalobos*

* Corresponding Author. Email: sergio.delossantos@itson.edu.mx / Institution: Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora

Accepted: 19/November/2024 – Published: 08/November/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-34

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Abstract Background/Objective. Bacteria of the Bacillus genus have been studied since their discovery in 1872, for their ability to synthesize metabolites of interest such as proteins used to control phytopathogens. The objective of this research was to analyze the most outstanding species of the Bacillus genus, as well as the main compounds produced by these species, and the perspectives on the use of this bacterial genus for pest and disease control.

Materials and Methods. An exhaustive search was carried out in scientific articles and books to gather the most relevant information regarding the Bacillus genus, focusing on its role as a biological control agent for pests and pathogens.

Results. The Bacillus genus includes more than 427 taxa, which can be classified into different groups. Among the biological control agents (BCA) are the Bacillus cereus group, which includes B. cereus, B. anthracis, and B. thuringiensis, and the B. subtilis group, which includes B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. pumilus, mainly. B. thuringiensis, through cry genes, has molecular mechanisms to synthesize a crystalline inclusion during sporulation, which contains proteins known as endotoxins or Cry proteins. B. subtilis produces substances with a high potential for biological control, such as volatile organic compounds, as well as bioactive secondary metabolites.

Conclusion. The potential of the Bacillus genus to be used as biological control agents is evident. They are widely used for the development of different biopesticides that have advantages over other products. However, it is necessary to continue conducting research from the in vitro area in the laboratory to the field, to help guarantee their biosecurity and effectiveness.  

Keywords: Beneficial bacteria, sustainable agriculture, biocontrol, action modes.

Figure 1. Macroscopic characteristics of Bacillus cereus (A) and B. subtilis (B), belonging to the Culture Collection of Native Soil and Endophytic Microorganisms, grown at 28 °C in nutrient agar (COLMENA (www.itson.edu.mx/COLMENA) (de los Santos-Villalobos et al., 2018).

Figure 2. Cry proteins. 1-A) Primary structure, showing the organization of the domains of representative members from each Cry family, 2-A) Conserved tertiary structure, showing the positions of the three domains. B) Mechanism of action of Cry proteins in insects, initiating once the Cry proteins are proteolytically processed by proteases in the midgut of the host, separating an amino acid section in the N-terminal region and at the C-terminal end (depending on the nature of the Cry protein), thus releasing active and toxic fragments that interact with receptor proteins in the insect’s intestinal cells. Modified from Villarreal-Delgado et al., 2018.; de Maagd et al., 2001; Xu et al., 2014.

Figure 3. Characteristics of interest of Bacillus spp. for the formulation of bioinoculants.

Figure 4. Evolution of the Bacillus genus as a biopesticide in the industry.