Bacillus Subtilis is a bacterium that is used as a biopesticide to control plant diseases and pests.

How it works

Bacillus subtilis competes with harmful bacteria and fungi for nutrients and growth sites on plants. It also produces enzymes that restrict the growth of nematode larvae.

Benefits

Bacillus subtilis can also help plants tolerate biotic and abiotic stress. It can also help purify soil contaminated with metals.

Uses

Bacillus subtilis is used on a variety of crops, including cherries, grapes, leafy vegetables, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and walnuts. It can be used to control diseases like scab, powdery mildew, sour rot, and downy mildew.

Application

Bacillus subtilis can be applied in different ways, including:

Seed dressing:
Mix 10 ml of the formulation with 10 grams of crude sugar and apply to 1 kg of seeds.

Drench application:
Mix 2–5 liters of the formulation in 100 liters of water and drench the soil in 1 acre.
Foliar application:
Mix 2–5 liters of the formulation in 100 liters of water and apply with a spray in 1 acre of land.

Bacillus subtilis, known also as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is a gram-positive, catalase-positive bacterium, found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, humans and marine sponges.

Toxicity Report

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly used as a probiotic, biofertilizer, and biopesticide. Here’s a summary of its toxicity report:

Acute Toxicity-

  1. Oral LD50 (lethal dose, 50% mortality) in rats: >10,000 mg/kg body weight (bw)
  2. Dermal LD50 in rabbits: >2,000 mg/kg bw
  3. Inhalation LC50 (lethal concentration, 50% mortality) in rats: >5.3 mg/L

Subchronic and Chronic Toxicity-

  1. No adverse effects were observed in rats fed with B. subtilis-treated feed for 90 days at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg bw/day.
  2. Long-term exposure to B. subtilis has not been reported to cause any significant adverse effects in humans or animals

Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity-

  1. B. subtilis has not been found to be genotoxic in various in vitro and in vivo studies.
  2. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not classified B. subtilis as a carcinogen.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity-

  1. No adverse effects on reproduction or development were observed in rats exposed to B. subtilis during gestation and lactation.

Allergenicity and Irritation-

  1. B. subtilis can cause allergic reactions, such as respiratory problems and skin irritation, in some individuals.

Human Exposure and Toxicity-

  1. B. subtilis is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA for use as a food additive and probiotic.
  2. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 1-10 million CFU/kg bw/day.

Conclusion

Bacillus subtilis is considered to be non-toxic and safe for use as a probiotic, biofertilizer, and biopesticide. However, as with any substance, exposure should be minimized, and proper handling and safety protocols should be followed.

Efficacy Report

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly used as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens. Here’s a summary of its efficacy report:

Plant Pathogen Control-

  1. Seed treatment: B. subtilis has been shown to control seed-borne pathogens such as Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia.
  2. Soil treatment: B. subtilis can control soil-borne pathogens such as Fusarium, Verticillium, and Sclerotinia.
  3. Foliar treatment: B. subtilis can control foliar pathogens such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.

Efficacy Against Specific Pathogens

  1. Pythium:B. subtilis has been shown to control Pythium spp. in various crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
  2. Phytophthora: *: B. subtilis has been shown to control Phytophthora spp. in various crops, including potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.
  3. Rhizoctonia: B. subtilis has been shown to control Rhizoctonia solani in various crops, including wheat, barley, and oats.
  4. Fusarium:B. subtilis has been shown to control Fusarium spp. in various crops, including wheat, barley, and oats.

Application Methods and Rates

  1. Seed treatment:Apply B. subtilis at a rate of 1-2 g/kg of seed.
  2. Soil treatment: Apply B. subtilis at a rate of 1-5 kg/ha of soil.
  3. Foliar treatment: Apply B. subtilis at a rate of 1-2 g/L of water.

Timing of Application

  1. Seed treatment:Apply B. subtilis at the time of sowing.
  2. Soil treatment:Apply B. subtilis at the time of planting or before planting
  3. Foliar treatment:Apply B. subtilis at the time of disease appearance or as a preventive measure.

Compatibility with Other Products

  1. Chemical pesticides:B. subtilis can be used in combination with chemical pesticides, but it is recommended to test their compatibility before use
  2. Other biocontrol agents:B. subtilis can be used in combination with other biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Conclusion

Bacillus subtilis is a highly effective biocontrol agent against a wide range of plant pathogens. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in various crops and against different types of pathogens. However, it is essential to follow the recommended application methods, rates, and timing to ensure optimal results.

Residue Report

Bacillus subtilis is a bacterium that is commonly used as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens. Here’s a summary of its residue report:

Residue Levels

  1. Soil:B. subtilis residues in soil are typically below 1 ppm (part per million).
  2. WaterB. subtilis residues in water are typically below 0.1 ppm.
  3. AirB. subtilis residues in air are typically below 0.01 ppm.
  4. CropsB. subtilis residues on crops are typically below 1 ppm.

Residue Decline

  1. Half-life:The half-life of B. subtilis residues in soil is typically around 1-7 days.
  2. DegradationB. subtilis residues degrade rapidly in soil, water, and air, primarily through microbial activity and UV light.

Toxicity of Residues

  1. Acute toxicity:B. subtilis residues are not toxic to humans or animals at typical exposure levels.
  2. Chronic toxicityLong-term exposure to B. subtilis residues is not expected to cause adverse effects in humans or animals.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

  1. US EPA:The US EPA has established MRLs for B. subtilis residues on various crops, ranging from 0.1 to 10 ppm.
  2. EU: The EU has established MRLs for B. subtilis residues on various crops, ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm.

Conclusion

Bacillus subtilis residues are typically below 1 ppm in soil, water, air, and crops. The residues degrade rapidly, and their toxicity is low. MRLs have been established by regulatory agencies to ensure safe exposure levels.