Biofungicides based on Bacillus subtilis as a safe alternative to chemical plant protection in agriculture

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the feasibility of using biological preparations based on saprophytic bacteria, in particular Bacillus subtilis, in plant protection systems as an effective alternative to chemical fungicides, taking into account their biological activity, environmental safety, impact on increasing the yield of grain sorghum, plant resistance to diseases and improving the state of agrophytocenoses. The study employed a comprehensive set of methods, including literature review, field trials, agrocenosis assessment, and statistical data analysis. Results.Biologics based on Bacillus subtilis are today considered as a promising tool for ecologically safe and effective plant protection, meeting the requirements of sustainable agriculture, contributing to increased crop yield and being an urgent response to modern challenges related to climate change, soil degradation and the need to reduce the chemical burden on agroecosystems. The article examines the potential of using biofungicides based on Bacillus subtilis bacteria as a safe and effective alternative to chemical plant protection products in modern agriculture. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to reduce the pesticide load on agroecosystems, increase the environmental safety of agricultural production and preserve soil fertility. The article proposes an optimized scheme for the use of biologics based on Bacillus subtilis in the cultivation of grain sorghum. The conducted studies confirm that the treatment of grain sorghum seeds with biofungicides based on Bacillus subtilis contributes to the activation of plant defense mechanisms, the formation of healthy agrophytocenoses, as well as the growth of crop yield. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the ecological feasibility of biological protection ofplants, in particular its safety for the environment and people, in contrast to chemical fungicides, which have a negative residual effect. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate the prospects of integrating biofungicides based on Bacillus subtilis into the system of sustainable agricultural production and increasing the competitiveness of agriculture in the conditions of modern environmental challenges.