Bacillus subtilis-Mediated Induction of Disease Resistance and Promotion of Plant Growth of Vegetable Crops

Abstract

Vegetable crops are the major nutrient source of food worldwide and are considered as perishable crops compared to cereal, oilseed, and legume crops. They play a crucial role in daily human life because they contain a plethora of immunity-boosting compounds like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and crucial macro- and micronutrients important for human life. India contributes 16% global vegetable crop production, making it as second-largest producer globally. Vegetable crop production is significantly limited because, during their whole lives, they are attacked by an armada of noxious pathogens that reduce quality and quantity as well as suppress the current food supply. Synthetic chemicals are frequently used, which has detrimental impacts on macro- and microflora as well as the environment and human wellbeing. A continuous increment in the population of resistant pathogens to chemicals puts pressure on pathologists to investigate novel, sustainable, and best alternative methods to combat dangerous microbes. From the various kinds of plant disease management prospects, the implication of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, i.e. PGPRs, is becoming an effective substitute strategy worldwide because of their environmentally friendly nature. One of the most promising PGPRs representing sustainable agriculture growth is Bacillus subtilis, which has been suggested as a potential tool for combating harmful vegetable diseases with respect to promoting plant health and growth. B. subtilis has the ability to produce a diverse range of compounds to promote plant growth and suppress pathogen ingression, which makes it a potential candidate. Furthermore, B. subtilis enhances plant immunity against pathogen infection by triggering the response via induced systemic resistance (ISR). Additionally, B. subtilis promotes plant growth via different mechanisms of action, such as nitrogen fixation, phytohormonal production, and phosphate solubilisation. In this chapter, a comprehensive study on the application of B. subtilis has been emphasized, with a focus on uses in the promotion of plant growth and controlling vegetable crop health issues. It would undoubtedly assist vegetable growers in reducing their reliance on agrochemicals while also providing profound perceptions and highlights on the environmentally friendly management of vegetable diseases. Farmers will be benefitted from cost-effective management once they have a better understanding of the management strategy. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.