Bacillus subtilis Biofungicide

⚖️ Educational use only. Always read and follow the full product label — the label is the law under FIFRA. Full disclaimer → | ⚗️ Mixing Calculator →

Target Pests

Powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), bacterial leaf spot, fire blight suppression, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Pythium, downy mildew, rust, Sclerotinia. Works best as a preventive - much less effective curatively. Best for vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and greenhouse crops.

Products and Brand Names

Cease (BioWorks), Serenade Garden Disease Control (Bayer - most popular consumer brand), Rhapsody (BioWorks), Companion (Growth Products), Subtilex (Becker Underwood). Available as liquid concentrate and wettable powder.

Safety and Precautions

Essentially non-toxic. OMRI listed for organic production. No REI (re-entry interval), no PHI (pre-harvest interval). Safe around children, pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects including pollinators. Can be applied up to and including the day of harvest.

Zero-day PHI: One of the biggest advantages of B. subtilis products - you can spray your tomatoes today and eat them tomorrow. No waiting period. This makes it ideal for home vegetable gardens.

Pro Tips

Preventive, not curative: B. subtilis must be present on the plant surface BEFORE the disease arrives. Think of it as a living shield. Once disease is established, it cannot cure it. Begin applications early and maintain regular coverage (every 7-14 days).

Compatibility: B. subtilis is a living organism. Do not tank-mix with fungicides that kill bacteria (copper, chlorothalonil). If using both, apply copper first, wait 5-7 days, then begin B. subtilis applications.

Best results: Apply in early morning or late afternoon to avoid UV degradation. The bacteria need time to colonize the plant surface before strong sunlight kills them. Adding a spreader-sticker improves adhesion and coverage.

Soil health bonus: When B. subtilis washes off leaves into the soil, it continues working as a beneficial soil microbe - suppressing root rot fungi (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium) and promoting plant growth through nutrient cycling.

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Example

0.5 oz

per gallon

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is bacillus subtilis safe for pets?

Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.

Q: Can I use bacillus subtilis indoors?

Check the specific product label — formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.

Q: How long does bacillus subtilis last after application?

Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.

Q: What should I do if exposed?

Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.

📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

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Bacillus subtilis Biofungicide — Safety Data Sheet

View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.

📄 View SDS on CDMS → 🏛 Search EPA Label Database →

Bacillus subtilis Biofungicide Safety Data Sheet page 1

📄 Bacillus subtilis Biofungicide — Safety Data Sheet · View the complete SDS document above or download below

📄 CDMS Label & SDS Database 📄 EPA Label Search

Did you know? Bacillus subtilis is one of the most studied bacteria in science - it was the first Gram-positive bacterium to have its entire genome sequenced (1997). It has been used in traditional Japanese fermented soybean food (natto) for over a thousand years.

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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.