The Roles of Cyclic Lipopeptides in the Biocontrol Activity of Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis species are well-known and extensively-used beneficial rhizobacteria for biocontrol of plant diseases. Their interest arises from their ability to generate a broad array of bioactive metabolites among which three families of cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs). These CLPs display a huge diversity of structures and physico-chemical and biological properties which probably account for an important part of the biocontrol potential of the producing strains. Beside their antimicrobial properties, they are also involved in colonization and motility as well as in the systemic stimulation of immune system of the host plant. We summarize here the current knowledge of CLPs activities and focus on the recent findings in the context of biocontrol.