What disease does Bacillus subtilis help suppress?

Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium known for its ability to suppress various plant diseases, particularly damping off diseases. Damping off is primarily caused by fungal pathogens that attack seedlings, leading to their premature death, especially in soils that are too moist or improperly handled.

The effectiveness of Bacillus subtilis in controlling damping off diseases stems from its ability to outcompete the fungal pathogens for resources, produce antimicrobial compounds, and induce systemic resistance in plants. This bacterium forms a protective barrier around the seedling, enhancing its defense mechanisms against pathogenic attacks.

While Bacillus subtilis can have some impact on other plant diseases, such as root rot or leaf blight, its primary application and effectiveness are most strongly associated with damping off diseases. This specificity highlights the bacterium's role as a biocontrol agent in seed treatments, making it a preferred choice for managing damping off in young plants.