Firmicutes

Among the phylum Firmicutes, members of the genus Bacillus are probably the most extensively studied as beneficial microorganisms with application in agroecology. However, members of other genera within the Phylum are equally important. This chapter highlights the beneficial role of members of the phylum Firmicutes, with the exception of Bacillus spp., which is not considered. Their importance in plant growth promotion (biofertilizers), their role in biocontrol of plant pathogens (biocontrol agent), as well as in the phytoremediation of heavy metals (metal uptake enhancers) are discussed for individual genera. All these traits are of relevance in the perspective of exploiting these organisms in sustainable agricultural systems.