Bacillus subtilis received its modern name in 1872. Today, it is one of the best-known and most thoroughly studied representatives of the genus Bacillus. Most bacteria of the genus Bacillus (including B. subtilis) are harmless to humans and are widespread in the environment.

Bacillus subtilis is distinguished by its ability to produce antibiotics against a wide range of fungi and bacteria. Other important properties include the synthesis of cytokinins, amino acids, and immune-active factors. In its interactions with plants, it participates in a mutually beneficial symbiosis: plants stimulate the development of B. subtilis on the surface of their roots by secreting amino acids and carbohydrates, and the bacterium stimulates root growth by secreting auxins and inhibits the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms by secreting antibiotics.

In the presence of B. subtilis on the root surface, infection by phytopathogenic fungi from the soil does not occur.

The most active plant-beneficial properties of B. subtilis are found in strains VIZR-10 (the basis for the biopreparation Alirin-B) and VIZR-22 (the basis for the biopreparation Gamair). The strains differ in their maximal biological activity against genera of phytopathogenic fungi with different physiological characteristics. Furthermore, strain VIZR-22 (the biopreparation Gamair) has more pronounced antibacterial properties.