o:8466 Fusarium poae in cereal crops: Current knowledge and perspectives for Bacillus-based biological control en Abstract: Fusarium poae is an increasingly recognized but underexplored phytopathogen affecting economically important cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. Although other Fusarium species—most notably F. graminearum and F. culmorum—have been extensively studied, F. poae remains among the least investigated, despite its role in causing Fusarium head blight (FHB), reducing grain yield and quality, and producing harmful mycotoxins such as nivalenol, enniatins, and beauvericin. Climate variability and limitations in the efficacy and safety of chemical fungicides highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. To date, most research on F. poae has focused on its pathogenicity mechanisms, epidemiology, and the spectrum of mycotoxins it produces, such as nivalenol and enniatins. Studies have also investigated environmental factors influencing its prevalence and interactions with host plants, yet limited attention has been given to developing effective and sustainable control measures. The use of bioinoculants based on beneficial bacteria represents a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, reducing environmental pollution and preserving soil and plant health. This approach is particularly important in cereal production, where excessive use of chemical pesticides poses a risk to food safety and long-term soil fertility. This review aims to raise awareness of the importance of studying Fusarium poae as a neglected pathogen and to encourage further research toward the development of effective biological solutions based on Bacillus spp. Based on published studies, strains of Bacillus velezensis, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. inaquosorum, and B. nakamurai have shown promising antifungal effects against F. poae through multiple mechanisms. These include the production of antimicrobial lipopeptides (e.g., surfactin, iturin, fengycin), secretion of cell wall-degrading enzymes (chitinases, glucanases), synthesis of siderophores that limit iron availability to the pathogen, biofilm formation, and strong rhizosphere competence. Some strains also promote plant health by producing phytohormones (such as indole-3-acetic acid), enhancing systemic resistance, and improving nutrient uptake. By compiling these findings, this review underscores the importance of further investigating F. poae and advancing the application of selected Bacillus strains as biocontrol agents. Their multifunctional traits make them strong candidates for inclusion in integrated pest management (IPM) programs aiming at sustainable protection of cereal crops. Fusarium poae, biological control, Bacillus spp., current knowledge, cereal crops 1552100 978-625-95132-7-0 2025-11-13T13:04:26.432Z 44 no 46 Marina Jovković Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-7224-8556 46 Jelena Pavlović Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-9424-1080 46 Jelena Maksimović Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-5217-3972 46 Aneta Buntić Institute of Soil Science 0000-0002-7068-1804 46 Marina Dervišević Milenković Institute of Pesticides and Environmental Protection, Serbia 0000-0003-2661-6412 46 Mira Milinković Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-5175-6842 46 Magdalena Knežević 0000-0003-0186-3652 application/pdf 270238 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8466 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A05 Book of Abstracts: III International Biological & Life Sciences Congress BIOLIC 2025, 16-19 November, 2025, Antalya, Turkey. 44 45 2025