Scientometric analysis of bacillus megaterium in plant growth promotion trends and agricultural applications
Introduction: Bacillus megaterium is a Gram-positive bacterium with significant biotechnological potential in sustainable agriculture due to its ability to enhance plant nutrition and promote root development through specific metabolic pathways. This article is derived from the research project entitled “Scientometric Analysis of Bacillus megaterium as a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium for Its Application in Regenerative Agriculture.”
Methodology: A scientometric review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol to characterize the current state of research on B. megaterium as a plant growth-promoting bacterium. Scientific articles were retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of ScienceTM, applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliographic metadata were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in RStudio.
Results: A total of 18 articles published between 2010 and 2024 were analyzed. Since 2020, a sustained increase in scientific output has been observed, with a strong emphasis on indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production. Brazil, India, and Egypt were identified as the leading contributors to scientific production. Environmental factors, production strategies, and applications in biofertilization and biocontrol were also highlighted.
Conclusion: B. megaterium exhibits key physiological mechanisms that improve plant nutrient-use efficiency and contribute to the sustainability of agricultural production systems.
Originality: This study provides an updated overview of scientific trends related to B. megaterium in agricultural contexts, identifying thematic gaps and emerging research areas.
Limitations: Although relevant trends were identified, there is still limited evidence regarding field validation and long-term ecological impacts, highlighting the need for further investigation.
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