Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Use of Plant-Associated Bacillus Strains as Biofertilizers and Biocontrol Agents in Agriculture

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Bacteria in Agrobiology: Plant Growth Responses

Abstract

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) offer an environment-friendly and efficient alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Among them, endospore-forming bacilli are especially attractive because their long-term stability is comparable with that of agrochemicals. Although their use is steadily increasing, exploiting of these biologicals is still limited by insufficient knowledge about the mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion and biological control. However, in recent years, some progress was made in uncovering molecular mechanisms responsible for beneficial interactions between PGP bacilli and plants. We describe here some aspects of the plant–PGP bacilli relationship in light of the genomic data recently obtained from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and propose to choose B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as a paradigm for further research on PGP bacilli.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Arguelles-Arias A, Ongena M, Halimi B, Lara Y, Brans A, Joris B, Fickers P (2009) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GA1 as a source of potent antibiotics and other secondary metabolites for biocontrol of plant pathogens. Microb Cell Fact 8:63

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bais HP, Fall R, Vivanco JM (2004) Biocontrol of Bacillus subtilis against infection of Arabidopsis roots by Pseudomonas syringae is facilitated by biofilm formation and surfactin production. Plant Physiol 134:307–319

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bargabus RL, Zidack NK, Sherwood JW, Jacobsen BJ (2002) Characterization of systemic resistance in sugar beet elicited by a non-pathogenic, phyllosphere colonizing Bacillus mycoides, biological control agent. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol 61:289–298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bargabus RL, Zidack NK, Sherwood JW, Jacobsen BJ (2004) Screening for the identification of potential biological control agents that induce systemic acquired resistance in sugar beet. Biol Control 30:342–350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beatty PH, Jensen SE (2002) Paenibacillus polymyxa produces fusaricidin-type antifungal antibiotics active against Leptosphaeria maculans, the causative agent of black leg disease of canola. Can J Microbiol 48:159–169

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Begon M, Townsend CA, Harper JL (2006) Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems. Blackwell, Malden, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell CR, Dickie GA, Harvey WLG, Chan JWYF (1995) Endophytic bacteria in grapevine. Can J Microbiol 41:46–53

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bezzate S, Aymerich S, Chambert R, Czarnes S, Berge O, Heulin T (2000) Disruption of the Paenibacillus polymyxa levansucrase gene impairs its ability to aggregate soil in the wheat rhizosphere. Environ Microbiol 2:333–342

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bleeker AB, Kende H (2000) Ethylene: a gaseous signal molecule in plant. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 16:1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bloemberg GV, Lugtenberg BJ (2001) Molecular basis of plant growth promotion and biocontrol by rhizobacteria. Curr Opin Plant Biol 4:343–350

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bochow H (1992) Phytosanitary effects of Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent. Meded Fac Landbouww Rijksuniv Gent 57(2b):387–393

    Google Scholar 

  • Bochow H, El-Sayed SF, Junge H, Stavropoulo A, Schmiedeknecht G (2001) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. IV. Salt-stress tolerance induction by Bacillus subtilis FZB24 seed treatment in tropical vegetable field crops, and its mode of action. J Plant Dis Prot 108:21–30

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borriss R, Bochow H, Junge H (2006) Use of Bacillus subtilis/amyloliquefaciens FZB strains for plant growth promotion and biocontrol. In: 7th international workshop on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Program and abstract book, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, p 15

    Google Scholar 

  • Bothe H, Korsgen H, Lehmacher T, Hundeshagen B (1992) Differential-effects of Azospirillum, auxin and combined nitrogen on the growth of the roots of wheat. Symbiosis 13:167–179

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bottini R, Cassán F, Piccoli P (2004) Gibberellin production by bacteria and its involvement in plant growth promotion and yield increase. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 65:497–503

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Branda SS, Chu F, Kearns DB, Losick R, Kolter R (2006) A major protein component of the Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix. Mol Microbiol 59:1229–1238

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brannen PM, Kenney DS (1997) Kodiak® – a successful biological-control product for suppression of soil-borne plant-pathogens of cotton. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 19:169–171

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Broggini GAL, Duffy B, Holliger E, Schärer HJ, Gessler C, Patocchi A (2005) Detection of the fire blight biocontrol agent Bacillus subtilis BD170 (Biopro®) in a Swiss apple orchard. Eur J Plant Pathol 111:93–100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burkett-Cadena M, Kokalis-Burelle N, Lawrence KS, van Santen E, Kloepper JW (2008) Suppressiveness of root-knot nematodes mediated by rhizobacteria. Biol Control 47:55–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butcher RA, Schroeder FC, Fischbach MA, Straight PD, Kolter R, Walsh D, Clardy J (2007) The identification of bacillaene, the product of the pksX megacomplex in Bacillus subtilis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:1506–1509

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen XH, Vater J, Piel J, Franke P, Scholz R, Schneider K, Koumoutsi A, Hitzeroth G, Grammel N, Strittmatter AW, Gottschalk G, SĂĽssmuth R, Borriss R (2006) Structural and functional characterization of three polyketide synthase gene clusters in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 42. J Bacteriol 188:4024–4036

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen XH, Koumoutsi A, Scholz R, Eisenreich A, Schneider K, Heinemeyer I, Morgenstern B, Voss B, Hess WR, Reva O, Junge H, Voigt B, Jungblut PR, Vater J, SĂĽssmuth R, Liesegang H, Strittmatter A, Gottschalk G, Borriss R (2007) Comparative analysis of the complete genome sequence of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42. Nat Biotechnol 25:1007–1014

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen XH, Koumoutsi A, Scholz R, Schneider K, Vater J, SĂĽssmuth R, Piel J, Borriss R (2009a) Genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 reveals its potential for biocontrol of plant pathogens. J Biotechnol 140:27–37

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen XH, Scholz R, Borriss M, Junge H, Mögel G, Kunz S, Borriss R (2009b) Difficidin and bacilysin produced by plant-associated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are efficient in controlling fire blight disease. J Biotechnol 140:38–44

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choi SK, Park SY, Kim R, Lee CH, Kim J, Park SH (2008) Identification and functional analysis of the fusaricidin biosynthetic gene of Paenibacillus polymyxa E681. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 365:89–95

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choi SK, Park SY, Kim R, Kim SB, Lee CH, Kim JF, Park SH (2009) Identification of a polymyxin synthetase gene cluster of Paenibacillus polymyxa and heterologous expression of the gene in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 191:3350–3385

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chu F, Kearns DB, Branda SS, Kolter R, Losick R (2006) Targets of the master regulator of biofilm formation in B. subtilis. Mol Microbiol 59:1216–1228

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Compant S, Duffy B, Nowak J, Clement C, Barka EA (2005) Use of plant growth promoting bacteria for biocontrol of plant diseases: principles, mechanisms of action, and future prospects. Appl Environ Microbiol 71:4951–4959

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costa-Carvailhis L (2010) Transcriptional profiling of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 in response to seed and root exudates collected under different nutrient regimes. PhD thesis, Stuttgart-Hohenheim

    Google Scholar 

  • Doekel S, Marahiel MA (2001) Biosynthesis of natural products on modular peptide synthetases. Metab Eng 3:64–77

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dolej S, Bochow H (1996) Studies of the mode of action of Bacillus subtilis culture filtrates in the model pathosystem tomato seedling – Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Radicis-lycopersici. Meded Fac Landbouww Rijksuniv Gent 61(2b):483–489

    Google Scholar 

  • Duitman EH, Hamoen LW, Rembold M, Venema G, Seitz H, Saenger W, Bernhard F, Reinhardt R, Schmidt M, Ullrich C, Stein T, Leenders F, Vater J (1999) The mycosubtilin synthetase of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633: a multifunctional hybrid between a peptide synthetase, an amino transferase, and a fatty acid synthase. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:13294–13299

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ehlers RE (2006) Einsatz der Biotechnologie im biologischen Pflanzenschutz. Schriftenreihe der Deutschen Phytomedizinischen Gesellschaft eV 8:17–31 (in German)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emmert EAB, Handelsman J (1999) Biocontrol of plant disease: a Gram-positive perspective. FEMS Microbiol Lett 171:1–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farag MA, Ryu CM, Sumner LW, Pare PW (2006) GC-MS SPME profiling of rhizobacterial volatiles reveals prospective inducers of growth promotion and induced systemic resistance in plants. Phytochemistry 67:2262–2268

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fritze D (2004) Taxonomy of the Genus Bacillus and related genera: the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria. Phytopathology 94:1245–1248

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fry W (2008) Phytophthora infestans: the plant (and R gene) destroyer. Mol Plant Pathol 9:385–4002

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glick BR, Patten CN, Holguin B, Penrose DM (1999) Biochemical and genetic mechanisms used by plant growth promotion bacteria. Imperial College Press, London, pp 1–13

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Gouvea CMCP, Souza JF, Magalhaes ACN, Martins IS (1997) NO-releasing substances that induce growth elongation in maize root segments. Plant Growth Regul 21:183–187

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grosch R, Junge H, Krebs B, Bochow H (1999) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. III. Influence Bacillus subtilis fungal root diseases yield soilless culture. J Plant Dis Prot 106:568–580

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo JH, Liu XJ, Zhang Y, Shen JL, Han XW, Zhang WF, Christie P, Goulding KWT, Vitousek PM, Zhang FS (2010) Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands. Science 327:1008–1010

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gutierrez-Mañero FJ, Ramos-Solano B, Probanza A, Mehouachi J, Tadeo FR, Talon M (2001) The plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus licheniformis produce high amounts of physiologically active gibberellins. Physiol Plant 111:206–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gyaneshwar P, Naresh Kumar G, Parekh LJ, Poole PS (2002) Role of soil microorganisms in improving P nutrition of plants. Plant Soil 245:83–93

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haas D, Defago G (2005) Biological control of soil-borne pathogens by fluorescent Pseudomonas. Nat Rev Microbiol 3:307–319

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hall-Stoodley L, Costerton JW, Stoodley P (2004) Bacterial biofilms: from the natural environment to infectious diseases. Nat Rev Microbiol 2:95–108

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamon MA, Lazazzera BA (2001) The sporulation transcription factor Spo0A is required for biofilm development in Bacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 42:1199–1209

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamon MA, Stanley NR, Britton RA, Grossman AD, Lazazzera BA (2004) Identification of AbrB-regulated genes involved in biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 52:847–860

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haverkort AJ, Boonekamp PM, Hutten R et al (2008) Social costs of late blight in potato and prospects of durable resistance through cisgenic modification. Potato Res 51:47–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hervas A, Landa B, Datnoff LE, Jimenez-Diaz RM (1998) Effects of commercial and indigenous microorganisms on Fusarium wilt development in chickpea. Biol Control 13:166–176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofemeister J, Conrad B, Adler B, Hofemeister B, Feesche J, Kucheryava N et al (2004) Genetic analysis of the biosynthesis of non-ribosomal peptide- and polyketide-like antibiotics, iron uptake and biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis A1/3. Mol Genet Genomics 272:363–378

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holford ICR (1997) Soil phosphorus: its measurement, and its uptake by plants. Aust J Soil Res 35:227–239

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Idris EE, Bochow H, Ross H, Borriss R (2004) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. VI. Phytohormone like action of culture filtrates prepared from plant growth-promoting Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24, FZB42, FZB45 and Bacillus subtilis FZB37. J Plant Dis Prot 111:583–597

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Idris EES, Iglesias DJ, Talon M, Borriss R (2007) Tryptophan dependent production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) affects level of plant growth promotion by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 20:619–626

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Idriss EES, Makarewicz O, Farouk A, Rosner K, Greiner R, Bochow H, Richter T, Borriss R (2002) Extracellular phytase activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 45 contributes to its plant growth-promoting effect. Microbiology 148:2097–2109

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen BJ, Zidack NK, Larson BJ (2004) The role of Bacillus-based biological control agents in integrated pest management systems: plant diseases. Phytopathology 94:1272–1275

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones DL, Dennis PG, Owen AG, van Hees PAW (2003) Organic acid behavior in soils – misconceptions and knowledge gaps. Plant Soil 248:31–41

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joshi R, McSpadden Gardener BB (2006) Identification and characterization of novel genetic markers associated with biological control activities in Bacillus subtilis. Phytopathology 96:145–154

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kearns DB, Chu F, Rudner R, Losick R (2005) A master regulator for biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 55:739–749

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kenrick P, Crane PR (1997) The origin and early evolution of plants on land. Nature 389:33–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kevany BM, Rasko DA, Thomas M (2009) Characterization of the complete zwittermicin A biosynthesis gene cluster from Bacillus cereus. Appl Environ Microbiol 75:1144–1155

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilian M, Steiner U, Krebs B, Junge H, Schmiedeknecht G, Hain R (2000) FZB24® Bacillus subtilis – mode of action of a microbial agent enhancing plant vitality. Pflanzenschutz Nachr Bayer 1:72–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Kloepper JW, Leong J, Teintze M, Schroth M (1980) Enhancing plant growth by siderophores produces by plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Nature 286:885–886

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kloepper JW, Lifshitz R, Zablotowicz RM (1989) Free-living bacterial inocula for enhancing crop productivity. Trends Biotechnol 7:39–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kloepper JW, Ryu CM, Zhang S (2004) Induced systemic resistance and promotion of plant growth by Bacillus spp. Phytopathology 94:1259–1266

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kokalis-Burelle N, Kloepper JW, Reddy MS (2006) Plant growth-promotion rhizobacteria as transplant amendments and their effect on indigenous rhizosphere microorganisms. Appl Soil Ecol 31:91–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koumoutsi A, Chen XH, Henne A, Liesegang H, Hitzeroth G, Franke P, Vater J, Borriss R (2004) Structural and functional characterization of gene clusters directing nonribosomal synthesis of bioactive cyclic lipopeptides in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB42. J Bacteriol 186:1084–1096

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kowall M, Vater J, Kluge B, Stein T, Franke P, Ziessow D (1998) Separation and characterization of surfactin isoforms produced by Bacillus subtilis OKB 105. J Colloid Interface Sci 204:1–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krebs B, Höding B, KĂĽbart S, Workie MA, Junge H, Schmiedeknecht G, Bochow H, Hevesi M (1998) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. I. Activities and characterization of Bacillus subtilis strains. J Plant Dis Prot 105:181–197 (in German)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Pandey P, Maheshwari DK (2009) Reduction in dose of chemical fertilizers and growth enhancement of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) with application of rhizospheric competent Pseudomonas aeruginosa LES4. Eur J Soil Biol 45:334–340

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kunst F, Ogasawara N, Moszer I, Albertini AM, Alloni G, Azevedo V, Bertero MG, Bessières P, Bolotin A, Borchert S, Borriss R, Boursier L, Brans A, Braun M, Brignell SC, Bron S, Brouillet S, Bruschi CV, Caldwell B, Capuano V, Carter NM, Choi SK, Codani JJ, Connerton IF, Danchin A et al (1997) The complete genome sequence of the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Nature 390:249–256

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laloi C, Apel K, Danon K (2004) Latest news in reactive oxygen species. Curr Opin Plant Biol 7:323–328

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lebuhn M, Heulin T, Hartmann A (1997) Production of auxin and other indolic and phenolic compounds by Paenibacillus polymyxa strains, isolated from different proximity to plant roots. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 22:325–334

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li X, Wu Z, Li W, Yan R, Li L, Li J, Li Y, Li M (2007) Growth promoting effect of a transgenic Bacillus mucilaginosus on tobacco planting. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 74:1120–1125

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin W, Okon Y, Hardy RWF (1983) Enhanced mineral uptake by Zea mays and Sorgum bicolor roots inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense. Appl Environ Microbiol 45:1775–1779

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loper JE, Schroth MN (1986) Influence of bacterial sources of indole-3-acetic acid biosynthetic on root elongation of sugar beet. Phytopathology 76:386–389

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lugtenberg B, Kamilova F (2009) Plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria. Annu Rev Microbiol 63:541–556

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lundberg JO (2008) Nitric oxide in the gastrointestinal tract: role of bacteria. Biosci Microflora 27:109–112

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maheshwari DK, Kumar S, Kumar B, Pandey P (2011) Co-inoculation of urea and DAP tolerant Sinorhizobium meliloti and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as integrated approach for growth enhancement of Brassica juncea. Ind J Microbiol 50(4):425–431

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Makarewicz O, Dubrac S, Msadek T, Borriss R (2006) Dual role of the PhoP P response regulator: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB45 phytase gene transcription is directed by positive and negative interaction with the phyC promoter. J Bacteriol 188:6953–6965

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malakoff D (1998) Coastal ecology: death by suffocation in the Gulf of Mexico. Science 281:190–192

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McInroy JA, Kloepper JW (1995) Survey of indigenous bacterial endophytes from cotton and sweet corn. Plant Soil 173:337–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McSpadden Gardener BB, Fravel DR (2002) Biological control of plant pathogens: research, commerzialisation, and application in the USA. Plant Health Progress. doi:10.1094/PHP-2002-0510-01-RV

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishagi IJ, Donndelinger CR (1990) Endophytic bacteria in symptom-free cotton plants. Phytopathology 9:808–811

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nicholson WL (2008) The Bacillus subtilis ydjL (bdhA) gene encodes acetoin reductase/2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase. Appl Environ Microbiol 74:6832–6838

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ortiz-Castro R, Contreras-Cornejo HA, Macias-Rodriguez L, Lopez-Bucio J (2009) The role of microbial signals in plant growth and development. Plant Signal Behav 4:701–712

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paulsen IT, Press CM, Ravel J, Kobayashi DY, Myers GSA, Mavrodi DV et al (2005) Complete genome sequence of the plant commensal Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5. Nat Biotechnol 23:873–878

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peypoux F, Bonmatin JM, Wallach J (1999) Recent trends in the biochemistry of surfactin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 51:553–556

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phi QT, Oh SH, Park YM, Park SH, Ryu CM, Ghim SY (2008a) Isolation and characterization of transposon-insertional mutants from Paenibacillus polymyxa E681 altering the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid. Curr Microbiol 56:524–530

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phi QT, Park YM, Ryu CM, Park SH, Ghim SY (2008b) Functional identification and expression of indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase from Paenibacillus polymyxa E681. J Microbiol Biotechnol 18:1235–1244

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pleban S, Chernin L, Chet I (1997) Chitinolytic activity of an endophytic strain of Bacillus cereus. Lett Appl Microbiol 25:284–288

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramirez CA, Kloepper JW (2009) Plant growth promotion by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB45 depends on inoculum concentration and P-related soil properties. 8th International PGPR workshop. Proceedings book. Portland, Oregon, OR

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramos HC, Hoffmann T, Marino M, Nedjari H, Presecan-Siedel E, Dreesen O, Glaser P, Jahn D (2000) Fermentative metabolism of Bacillus subtilis: physiology and regulation of gene expression. J Bacteriol 182:3072–3080

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Renna MC, Najimudin N, Winik R, Zahler SA (1993) Regulation of the alsS, alsD, and alsR genes involved in post-exponential-phase production of acetoin. J Bacteriol 175:3863–3875

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reva O, Smirnov VV, Petterson B, Priest FG (2002) Bacillus endophyticus sp. nov., isolated from the inner tissues of cotton plants (Gossypium sp.). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 52:101–107

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reva ON, Dixelius C, Meijer J, Priest FG (2004) Taxonomic characterization and plant colonizing abilities of some bacteria related to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 48:249–259

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts RJ, Wilson GA, Young FE (1977) Recognition sequence of specific endonuclease BamHI from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H. Nature 265:82–84

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romero-Tabarez M, Jansen R, Sylla M, LĂĽnsdorf H, HäuĂźler S, Santosa DA, Timmis KN, Molinari G (2006) 7-O-malonyl macrolactin A, a new macrolactin antibiotic from Bacillus subtilis active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and a small-colony variant of Burkholderia cepacia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 50:1701–1709

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rudrappa T, Quinn WJ, Stanley-Wall NR, Bais HP (2007) A degradation product of the salicylic acid pathway triggers oxidative stress resulting in down-regulation of Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation on Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Planta 226:283–297

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rudrappa T, Czymmek KJ, Pare PW, Bais HP (2008) Root-secreted malic acid recruits beneficial soil bacteria. Plant Physiol 148:1547–1556

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryu C-M, Farag MA, Hu C-H, Reddy M, Wei H-X, ParĂ© PW, Kloepper JW (2003) Bacterial volatiles promote growth in Arabidopsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100:4927–4932

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryu CM, Farag MA, Hu CH, Reddy M, Wei HX, Kloepper JW, ParĂ© PW (2004a) Bacterial volatiles induce systemic resistance in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiol 134:1017–1026

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryu CM, Murphy JF, Mysore KS, Kloepper JW (2004b) Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria systemically protect Arabidopsis thaliana against Cucumber mosaicvirus by a salicylic acid and NPR1-independent and jasmonic acid-dependent signaling pathway. Plant J 39:381–392

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryu CM, Farag M, ParĂ© PW, Kloepper JW (2005) Invisible signals from the underground: bacterial volatiles elicit plant growth promotion and induce systemic resistance. Plant Pathol J 2:7–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmiedeknecht G, Bochow H, Junge H (1998) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. II. Biological control of potato diseases. J Plant Dis Prot 105:376–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmiedeknecht G, Issoufou I, Junge H, Bochow H (2001) Use of Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol agent. V. Biological control of disease on maize and sunflowers. J Plant Dis Prot 108:500–512

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider K, Chen XH, Vater J, Franke P, Nicholson G, Borriss R, SĂĽssmuth RD (2007) Macrolactin is the polyketide biosynthesis product of the pks2 cluster of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42. J Nat Prod 70:1417–1423

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seldin L, Soares Rosado A, daCruz DW, Nobrega A, vanElsas JD, Paiva E (1998) Comparison of Paenibacilus azotofixans strains isolated from rhizoplane, rhizosphere, and non-root-associated soil from maize planted in two different Brazilian soils. Appl Environ Microbiol 64:3860–3868

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shishido M, Breuil C, Chanway CP (1999) Endophytic colonization of spruce by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 29:191–196

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stein T (2005) Bacillus subtilis antibiotics: structures, syntheses and specific functions. Mol Microbiol 56(4):845–857

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stein T, Vater J, Kruft V, Otto A, Wittmann-Liebold B, Franke P, Panico M, McDowell R, Morris HR (1996) The multiple carrier model of nonribosomal peptide biosynthesis at modular multienzymatic templates. J Biol Chem 271:15428–15435

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stein T, Borchert S, Conrad B, Feesche J, Hofemeister B, Hofemeister J, Entian KD (2002) Two different lantibiotic-like peptides originate from the ericin gene cluster of Bacillus subtilis A1/3. J Bacteriol 184:1703–1711

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steinmetz M (1993) Carbohydrate catabolism: enzymes, pathways, and evolution. In: Sonenshein AL, Hoch JA, Losick R (eds) Bacillus subtilis and other Gram-positive bacteria. ASM, Washington, DC, pp 157–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmusk S, Wagner EGH (1999) The plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa induces changes in Arabidopsis thaliana gene expression: a possible connection between biotic and abiotic stress responses. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 12:951–959

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timmusk S, Grantcharova N, Wagner EGH (2005) Paenibacillus polymyxa invades plant roots and forms biofilms. Appl Environ Microbiol 71:7292–7300

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timmusk S, van West P, Gow NRA, Huffstutler RP (2009) Paenibacillus polymyxa antagonizes oomycete plant pathogens Phytophthora palmivora and Pythium aphanidermatum. J Appl Microbiol 106:1473–1481

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uren NC (2007) Types, amounts, and possible function of compounds released into the rhizosphere by soil-grown plants. In: Pinton R, Varanini Z, Nannipieri P (eds) The rhizosphere. Biochemistry and organic substances at the soil-plant interface, 2nd edn. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, pp 1–21

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Van Loon LC, Bakker PA, Pieterse CMJ (1998) Systemic resistance induced by rhizosphere bacteria. Annu Rev Phytopathol 36:453–483

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vandeputte O, Ă–den S, Mol A, Vereecke D, Goethals K, El Jaziri M, Prinsen E (2005) Biosynthesis of auxin by the gram-positive phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians is controlled by compounds specific to infect plant tissues. Appl Environ Microbiol 71:1169–1177

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vanittanakom N, Loeffler W, Koch U, Jung G (1986) Fengycin – a novel antifungal lipopeptide antibiotic produced by Bacillus subtilis F-29-3. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 39:888–901

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh CT, Gehring AM, Weinreb PH, Quadri LEN, Flugel RS (1997) Post-translational modification of polyketide and nonribosomal peptide synthases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 1:309–315

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf M, Geczi A, Simon O, Borriss R (1995) Genes encoding xylan and β-glucan-hydrolysing enzymes in Bacillus subtilis: characterization, mapping and construction of strains deficient in lichenase, cellulose and xylanase. Microbiology 141:281–290

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, Kloepper JW, Ryu CM (2009) Rhizosphere bacteria help plants tolerate abiotic stress. Trends Plant Sci 14:1–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yao AV, Bochow H, Karimov S, Boturov U, Sanginboy S, Sharipov K (2006) Effect of FZB24 Bacillus subtilis as a biofertilizer on cotton yields in field tests. Arch Phytopathol Plant Prot 39:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zehnder GW, Murphy JF, Sikora EJ, Kloepper JW (2001) Application of rhizobacteria for induced resistance. Eur J Plant Pathol 107:39–50

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang H, Kim MS, Krishnamachari V, Payton P, Sun Y, Grimson M et al (2007) Rhizobacterial volatile emissions regulate auxin homeostasis and cell expansion in Arabidopsis. Planta 226:839–851

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang X, Chen J, Shim H, Bai Z (2007) New advances in plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria for bioremediation. Environ Int 93:406–414

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

I dedicate this article to Prof. (em.) Dr. Helmut Bochow, former chair of Plant Pathology at Humboldt University Berlin. Prof. Bochow did pioneering research with plant-growth-promoting bacilli and was one of the first who recognized importance of those bacteria in increasing crop yield and quality. I thank all the present and former members of my laboratory and the many colleagues and friends with whom I worked together in the exciting field of plant growth promotion and biocontrol during the last decade. Their trustful collaboration and innovative work made it possible to write this review.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bacterial Genetics/Institute of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Chausseestr. 117, 10155, Berlin, Germany

    Rainer Borriss

  2. ABiTEP GmbH, Glienicker Weg 185, 12489, Berlin, Germany

    Rainer Borriss

Authors
  1. Rainer Borriss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rainer Borriss .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept. of Botany Microbiology, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar (Uttarakhand), 249404, India

    Dinesh K. Maheshwari

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Borriss, R. (2011). Use of Plant-Associated Bacillus Strains as Biofertilizers and Biocontrol Agents in Agriculture. In: Maheshwari, D. (eds) Bacteria in Agrobiology: Plant Growth Responses. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20332-9_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation