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• A Bacillus thuringiensis , isolated and bioprospected from Cuba's mountain region demonstrated a high phosphate solubilization potential, releasing up to 16.39 mg/mL of PO 4 3-. • This study revealed the bacterium's agrobiogtechnological potential, showcasing its ability to enhance plant nutrition and health, extending its use beyond pest control to broader agricultural applications. • The bacterium improved lettuce and tomato germination and root architecture, suggesting a possible 50 % reduction in synthetic fertilizer use during their early growth stages opening the possibility of directing Cuba horticulture towards sustainability. The biogeographic and climatic conditions of islands like Cuba generate distinctive ecosystems as reservoirs of microbial biodiversity. This study explores the potential of the B3 strain, isolated from the Guamuhaya Mountain in Cuba, in Cuban urban horticulture, where the soil phosphorus availability poses a significant challenge to crop productivity. The B3 strain demonstrates remarkable phosphorus solubilization capabilities, along with nitrogen fixation and nutrient mobilization, production of growth regulators, siderophores, lipases, and both volatile and diffusible antimicrobial compounds. The strain's multifaceted functionalities indicate its potential to limit phytopathogen proliferation, contributing to plant health. The strain showed Bacilli morphological characteristics, confirmed through MALDI-ToF MS and MLSA, classify it as Bacillus thuringiensis. The strain's safety profile, demonstrated by negative results in hemolysis and DNA degradation tests, underscores its suitability for agricultural applications. The Bacillus thuringiensis B3 significantly enhanced germination of lettuce and tomato seeds, root structure and early plant growth, confirming its value in horticultural production. The integration of this strain into Cuban urban horticulture represents a step forward in sustainable agriculture with low environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, studies of biological control agents of microbial origin (BCA-M) have mainly focused on their taxonomic characterization, through the use of conventional molecular markers, and the in vitro evaluation of modes of action, or under greenhouse conditions, but limitedly under field conditions. Furthermore, recent bioprospecting studies of BCA of microbial origin mainly focus on Trichoderma, Paecilomyces, Beauveria, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. Even when the research developed in Mexico on this topic has been active during the last years, the development and innovation of greater variety of registered and currently commercialized biopesticides need to be improved. In this context, the use of cut-edge techniques in the era of omics sciences (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) focused on the correct taxonomic affiliation of BCA-M, as well as their modes of action and ecology in agroecosystems, will expand the bioprospecting and extensive use of these BCA in a more efficient, biosafety, and cost-effective manner. In the framework of the international celebration of plant health, this review critically analyzes the knowledge status of the aspects that limit the bioprospecting and extensive use of BCA-M, mainly in Mexico, from the application of omics sciences for the identification, selection, and study of action mechanisms of those agents until the dissemination and socialization of the generated scientific knowledge. The foregoing is intended to promote reflection on this field of knowledge and encourage the new generation BCA-M with a holistic and systemic vision for the benefit of sustainable and resilient agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]