It was formerly incorrectly synonymized with Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

[1] Unlike other members of its genus, it does not harbor a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid, and is hence not pathogenic to plants.

This species is widely found in soil, in plant rhizospheres, and in human clinical specimens.

[3] One strain of A. radiobacter, strain K1026, has been used as a biopesticide on stone fruit (such as cherries and plums), nut trees, and ornamentals to protect them from crown gall disease.

[4] A. radiobacter produces agrocin 84, a type of bacteriocin, that inhibits the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens which causes the disease.