Fitobact

Bioactivator of plant defence responses against fungal pathogens
Fitobact is a microbial formulation based on live Bacillus subtilis, developed to enhance crop performance, plant health and tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. It also contributes to improved produce quality and promotes the ripening and maturation process.
Fitobact is a liquid formulation containing 1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL of Bacillus subtilis, suitable for foliar and soil application. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium naturally associated with soil and plant environments. Its ability to form highly resistant endospores enables it to withstand a wide range of adverse environmental conditions.
The microorganism acts as a biological control agent against fungal and bacterial phytopathogens, while also promoting nutrient uptake and root development through several plant growth-promoting mechanisms.

Modes of action of Fitobact:
• Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR):
Bacillus subtilis acts as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). Root and rhizosphere colonisation contributes to plant development by improving nutrient availability, mobilisation and uptake, including processes associated with nutrient fixation and solubilisation.
• Induced systemic resistance (ISR):
Fitobact stimulates the plant's innate defence mechanisms, triggering induced systemic resistance (ISR) against phytopathogens. This response extends beyond the site of microbial colonisation, enhancing defence responses throughout the plant.
• Antibiosis:
Bacillus subtilis produces several antimicrobial metabolites and lytic enzymes. These include antifungal lipopeptides such as surfactins, iturins and fengycins, as well as chitinases and other antimicrobial compounds. Subtilisins, extracellular proteolytic enzymes, also contribute to antagonistic activity against pathogenic microorganisms.
Competition and biofilm formation:
Bacillus subtilis efficiently colonises plant surfaces and the rhizosphere and is capable of forming protective biofilms. This limits pathogen establishment through competition for colonisation sites and available nutrients, thereby reducing opportunities for pathogenic microorganisms to develop.