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Bacillus lipopeptides as powerful pest control agents for a more sustainable and healthy agriculture: recent studies and innovations

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Abstract

Main conclusion

Lipopeptides could help to overcome a large concern in agriculture: resistance against chemical pesticides. These molecules have activity against various phytopathogens and a potential to be transformed by genetic engineering.

Abstract

The exponential rise of pest resistances to different chemical pesticides and the global appeal of consumers for a sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition have led to the search of new solutions for pest control. Furthermore, new laws require a different stance of producers. Based on that, bacteria of the genus Bacillus present a great agricultural potential, producing lipopeptides (LPs) that have high activity against insects, mites, nematodes, and/or phytopathogens that are harmful to plant cultures. Biopesticide activity can be found mainly in three families of Bacillus lipopeptides: surfactin, iturin, and fengycin. These molecules have an amphiphilic nature, interfering with biological membrane structures. Their antimicrobial properties include activity against bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, and viruses. Recent studies also highlight the ability of these compounds to stimulate defense mechanisms of plants and biofilm formation, which is a key factor for the successful colonization of biocontrol organisms. The use of molecular biology has also recently been researched for continuous advances and discoveries of new LPs, avoiding possible future problems of resistance against these molecules. As a consequence of the properties and possibilities of LPs, numerous studies and developments as well as the attention of large companies in the field is expected in the near future.

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adapted from Ongena and Jacques 2008)

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

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ROP, LPSV, CF, VTS, and CRS all contributed with ideas and the overall structure of the review. ROP wrote the initial draft and draw the figures. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Carlos R. Soccol.

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Communicated by Gerhard Leubner.

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Penha, R.O., Vandenberghe, L.P.S., Faulds, C. et al. Bacillus lipopeptides as powerful pest control agents for a more sustainable and healthy agriculture: recent studies and innovations. Planta 251, 70 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-020-03357-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-020-03357-7

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