Abstract: This disclosure includes the following components, all intended for the purpose of enhancing plant growth and performance: the capabilities of 1-octen-3-ol, which is a metabolite of Trichoderma strains and formulations thereof, a method for formulating this component or other highly effective compounds into stable formulations, and other materials which are expected to be effective with such components and methods. T. afroharzianum (formerly T. harzianum) produces 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom alcohol) and that at very low concentrations in aerial solution enhances plant growth and productivity, a result that could be duplicated by seed treatments at low concentrations.

Abstract: Provided is the use of or compositions or formulations comprising Burkholderia species, filtrate, supernatant, extract, pesticidally active compound or metabolite derived therefrom as an insecticide, particularly against infestation of Corn Rootworm larvae, and/or as crop yield enhancer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for improving plant growth and other properties. The methods and compositions utilize bacteria and bacterial exudates incorporated into plant seeds for improvement of plant growth and other properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a crushed material obtained from at least one part of rocket plants, for example of the genera Eruca (Eruca Eruca vesicaria, etc.), Diplotaxis (Diplotaxis erucoides, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Diplotaxis muralis, etc.), Bunias (Bunias erucago, Bunias orientalis, etc.), Erucastrum (Erucastrum nasturtiifolium, Erucastrum incanum, etc.) or Cakile, in order to promote plant growth or root growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds comprising a step of treating a cultivation area of crops with ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate or flumioxazin before, simultaneously with, and/or after sowing crop seeds, which has an excellent efficacy for controlling weeds in a cultivation area of crops. The present invention also provides the above-mentioned method wherein the crops are the transgenic plant body or seeds that are tolerant to the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors; and further provides the above-mentioned method wherein the crops are the transgenic plant body or seeds having any one of a polypeptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 1-32 described in the Description or a polypeptide sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID Nos. 1-32.

Abstract: A composition derived or derivable from seaweed is provided. The composition comprises one or more plant hormones; and/or one or more acidic polysaccharides. Also provided is a method for producing a composition, including the step of extracting one or more agents from seaweed. A method of stimulating plant growth by applying a composition derived or derivable from seaweed is also provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods for improving plant traits and for providing plant benefits are provided. In some embodiments, the materials, and methods employing the same, can comprise endophytes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of rapid generation-adding breeding of rice in the technical field of rice breeding, including soaking seeds of the rice, germination, seedlings cultivation, managing and regulating of the rice at the growth stage, and harvesting the rice. The managing and regulating the rice at the growth stage includes dynamic light quality and photoperiod control in vegetative growth period, heading period and pustulation period; growth period involves light environment regulation with the ratio of red light:blue light:white light of 0.8-1:0.8-1:1.0, photoperiod of 16-18 h; heading period involves light environment regulation with the ratio of red light:blue light:white light of 1-2:0.5-1:1, photoperiod of 12-13.5 h; and pustulation period includes light environment regulation with the ratio of red light:blue light:white light of 1-2:1:1, photoperiod of 16-18 h.

Abstract: A method for inoculating a plant with a nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, said method comprising administering the nitrogen-fixing bacteria to a wound of a growing plant, for example to recently cut grass. Inoculation in this manner leads to enhanced growth characteristics including increased greenness of grass. Novel compositions suitable for use in the method are also described and claimed, together with kits for producing these.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating and utilizing a bacterial composition that comprises at least one genetically engineered bacterial strain that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in an agricultural system that has been fertilized with more than 20 lbs of Nitrogen per acre.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating seed at least one month prior to planting with an effective amount of a plant signal molecule, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to plants harvested from untreated seed, or compared to plants harvested from seed treated with the signal molecule just prior to or within a week or less of planting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 which produces a natural volatile compound and has antimicrobial activity, and a use thereof. The Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 according to the present invention, which is an antagonistic microorganism for controlling phytopathogenic microorganisms, and secondary metabolites produced by the strain, which include antibacterially- and antifungally-active non-volatile and volatile materials, are harmless to humans and domestic animals, and exhibit excellent control activity against various phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi while not causing environmental pollution. Thus, the strain and the secondary metabolites can be very usefully used for controlling various plant diseases in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Abstract: Planting corn in one or more consecutive growing seasons in the same fields causes a yield reduction (“corn-on-corn yield penalty”). We developed methods and inoculants comprising Penicillium bilaii, to reduce corn-on-corn yield penalty. The disclosure covers the inoculants and methods for reducing corn-on-corn yield penalty.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a recombinant Bacillus subtilis engineered bacterium capable of efficiently expressing keratinase, and belongs to the technical fields of genetic engineering and fermentation engineering. The disclosure successfully constructs a genetically engineered bacterium B. subtilis WB600-pP43NMK-ker capable of efficiently expressing keratinase by using a keratinase gene from Bacillus licheniformis (BBE11-1) as a target gene, pP43NMK as an expression vector and B. subtilis WB600 as an expression host; and meanwhile, the disclosure conducts in-depth research on fermentation media and fermentation conditions when the engineered bacteria are configured as a production strain to produce keratinase to obtain a fermentation medium capable of increasing a yield of keratinase and an optimum process for fermentation production of keratinase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a composition for improving plant growth including applying to a plant, roots of a plant, soil or substrate, or seeds of plants inactive yeast and/or yeast derivatives and at least one nitrogen source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of modifying the plant development process comprising of exposing a plant or plant part to volatiles biosynthesized by one or more bacteria or enzymes. Specifically, the embodiment uses one or more bacteria selected from the plant growth promoting bacteria group consisting of Rhodococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., or Xanthobacter spp., or a mixture thereof. A closed apparatus, FIG. 1A, containing a tri-phasic system is used to expose the bacteria to hydrocarbons, iron, cyanide, and/or ammonium compounds; the method induces the biocatalyst to biosynthesize volatile compound(s) that deter ethylene production in climacteric plants or fruit resulting in the biocatalyst ability to delay fruit ripening.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for increasing the survivability of microorganisms in seed treatment compositions that comprise one or more antimicrobial compounds.

Abstract: A method of increasing east one growth characteristic of a plant comprising growing a Cladosporium sphaerospermum strain in or on a medium in a container, where a headspace of said C. sphaerospermum in said container is in fluid communication with a headspace of said plant, where said C. sphaerospermum produces at least one volatile organic compound (VOC), where said at least one VOC produced by said C. sphaerospermum causes the plant to have an increase in at least one growth characteristic when compared to the growth characteristic of a plant which has not been exposed to the VOC, and where said C. sphaerospermum comprises an ITS1/2 consensus amplicon of SEQ ID NO: 5 and an ITS3/4 consensus amplicon of SEQ ID NO: 6.

Abstract: The invention discloses a therapeutic topical composition, includes an extract of Galenia Africana having anti-microbial and anti-oxidant action. The composition includes rooibos and/or an extract from rooibos tea plant. The composition is adapted for regenerating skin, stimulating cyto-keratin production, treating human external fungal infections and/or conditions, human skin bacterial conditions, psoriasis, psoriasis plaque, dandruff, acne, bacterial acnes, eczema, athletes' foot, nappy rash, baby rash and/or lesions and/or being used for anti-septic wound treatment, and/or treating Propionibacterium acnes and/or staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract: The present invention provides yield and early vigor enhancing compositions comprising Methylobacterium sp., methods for improving corn yield and early vigor, and methods of making the compositions. Also provided are isolated yield enhancing Methylobacterium sp.

Abstract: A bacterial strain of Rhodococcus biphenylivorans named Palladio 22 and registered at the BCCM-LMG Bacteria Collection under registration number LMG P-29520. A method is provided for the production of acrylamide following hydration of acrylonitrile using a biomass of the bacterial strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides both compositions comprising Methylobacterium and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that are depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a lettuce plant or seed. Also provided are methods for improving lettuce production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a lettuce plant or seed with the compositions comprising Methylobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising Methylobacterium and depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a plant or seed, methods for improving fruit production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a plant or seed with a composition comprising Methylobacterium. Also provided are methods and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that provide for improved fruit production.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing a conifer seedling with increased tolerance to a pest. A conifer seedling is inoculated with an isolated endophyte when the conifer seedling is susceptible to colonization by the endophyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a non-leguminous plant. The methods can comprise exposing the plant to a plurality of bacteria. Each member of the plurality comprises one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes or non-coding polynucleotides of the bacteria's nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network, such that the bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The bacteria are not intergeneric microorganisms. Additionally, the bacteria, in planta, produce 1% or more of the fixed nitrogen in the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel phosphate solubilizing strain of Penicillium bilaiae, which is a hybrid of Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348 and Penicillium bilaiae V08/021001, as well as compositions and methods for using the novel phosphate solubilizing strain to increase the availability of phosphorous for plant uptake from soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one particular insecticide disclosed herein in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: A non-nematicidal composition comprises at least one glucan and/or at least one fucan which act individually or synergistically with mannitol to reduce losses in crop yield and marketable grade caused by the infestation of growth media with plant pathogenic nematodes, to levels equivalent to those achieved with commercial nematicides, but without posing a risk to the ecosystem or user. In some cases the composition comprises at least one glucan, at least one fucan and at least one mannitol which may be in a weight/weight ratio of approximately 1:2:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol or between approximately 1:1:1 to 1:1:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol.

Abstract: Compositions comprising microbiological strains and cultures and methods of use thereof are provided herein. Certain strains, cultures, and compositions thereof are useful for the control of head blight disease, for example, of various crop plants. Biological control compositions, and methods of use thereof to prevent, inhibit or treat the development of plant pathogens or disease and for preserving plant yield, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides both compositions comprising Methylobacterium and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that are depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a tomato plant or seed. Also provided are methods for improving tomato production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a tomato plant, plant part, or seed with the compositions comprising Methylobacterium.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed, seedling or plant by producing seeds that are internally colonized with endophytes. Beneficial endophytes with particular characteristics are provided. These may be used in the methods described to provide a benefit to a seed, seedling or plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the production of flowers, seeds and/or fruit of a plant, comprising the step of bringing said plant into contact with a composition comprising the micro-organism Colletotrichum tofieldiae and/or extracts of said micro-organism and/or filtrates of said micro-organism. Said micro-organism can be a strain of Colletotrichum tofieldiae deposited with the deposit number CECT 20833, CECT 20834, CECT 20835 or CECT 20836.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising Methylobacterium and depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a plant or seed, methods for improving fruit production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a plant or seed with a composition comprising Methylobacterium. Also provided are methods and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that provide for improved fruit production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel antifungal glycopeptide compounds and salts thereof produced by a strain of Burkholderia contaminans useful for preventing or treating fungal infection or disease in animals and plants and the bacterial strain that produces the compounds.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for preventing or delaying a chill injury response of a plant or plant part that exhibits a chill injury response. The methods comprise exposing the plant or plant part to one or more bacteria, one or more enzymes, and/or an enzymatic extract isolated from one or more bacteria. The one or more bacteria, one or more enzymes, and/or the enzymatic extract isolated from one or more bacteria are exposed to the plant or plant part in a quantity sufficient to prevent or delay the chill injury response of the plant or plant part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a non-leguminous plant. The methods can comprise exposing the plant to a plurality of bacteria. Each member of the plurality comprises one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes or non-coding polynucleotides of the bacteria's nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network, such that the bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The bacteria are not intergeneric microorganisms. Additionally, the bacteria, in planta, produce 1% or more of the fixed nitrogen in the plant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling the growth of an invasive species by application of a composition comprised of a natural pesticide derived from a species to the invasive species, especially endocides. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for controlling the growth of a first invasive species by application of a composition comprising a natural pesticide derived from a second invasive species to the first invasive species. In some embodiments, the invasive species is an invasive species with glands as the primary accumulation sites of autotoxic chemicals. The first and second invasive species may be the same or they may be different. In some embodiments, the natural pesticide may be an endocide. An endocide (endogenous biocide) is a biocide derived from an endogenous bioactive agent (e.g., a secondary metabolite) that does not cause apparent poison in normal growth of the producing species but will poison or inhibit and even eliminate the parent species when induced in producing species.

Abstract: Bacteriophage are provided, and methods of making and using the bacteriophage also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains, compositions comprising novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains, and methods of using novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains to increase the availability of phosphate for plant uptake in soil. In some embodiments, one or more of the novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains is coated onto a seed.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for controlling at least one plant. Methods and compositions can comprise at least one strain of Colletotrichum spp., such as Colletotrichum fioriniae TR-123, Colletotrichum fioriniae TR-126, and combinations thereof. Methods and compositions of the invention are useful, for example, for controlling Toxicodendron radicans and/or Schinus terebinthifolus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agrochemical mixture for increasing the health of a plant, comprising as active ingredients a herbicidal compound (I) selected from the group consisting of: Benzoic acids, Pyridine carboxylic acids, Quinoline carboxylic acids, and benazolin-ethyl; and a fungicidal compound (II) in synergistically effective amounts. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the health of a plant, wherein the plant, the locus where the plant is growing or is expected to grow or plant propagation material from which the plant grows is treated with an effective amount of a mixture as defined above. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a mixture as defined above for synergistically increasing the health of a plant.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: A method for the production of an agent for enhancing soil growth is described, comprising: grinding a biomass feedstock to produce ground biomass particles; subjecting the ground biomass particles to a biofractioning process including an auger reactor; selectively collecting at least one volatile component as it is released from the ground biomass particles; collecting a last remaining nonvolatile component comprising BMF char; rendering a surface of the BMF char hydrophilic; exposing the BMF char to microorganisms; and adding the BMF char to soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package (200) comprising at least one first component in the form a well (220), the first component comprising particulate matter comprising at least one natural oil; at least one second component, in the form of a plurality of second wells (230) comprising antagonist(s) of a microbial pathogen; wherein the at least one first component and the at least one second component are contained in separate compartments of said package. Also provided by the present invention is a method for providing an anti-bacterial agent, the method comprising mixing the first component comprising particulate matter carrying at least one natural oil; and at least one second component comprising at least one antagonist of a microbial pathogen, and allowing said mixture to form into an emulsion with anti-bacterial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains, compositions comprising novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains, and methods of using novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains to increase the availability of phosphate for plant uptake in soil. In some embodiments, one or more of the novel phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains is coated onto a seed.

Abstract: A method of modulating and in particular, reducing nitrous oxide emission from a substrate for growing on or more plants by applying a microbial based soil additive and a fertilizer blend to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipochitooligosaccharides obtainable from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and which are useful for stimulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, and lateral root formation.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain bacteria in uncured tobacco material is provided, the method including contacting an uncured tobacco material with a treatment solution, wherein the treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a solution comprising salt, sugar, or a combination thereof; (ii) a solution comprising one or more enzymes; and (iii) a solution comprising one or more probiotics, wherein said contacting provides a treated tobacco material having a reduced total bacterial content following harvest. In certain embodiments, the treated tobacco material is subsequently cured, and can optionally be fermented. Smoking articles and smokeless tobacco products including such treated tobacco materials are also provided.

Abstract: A bio-stimulant composition for obtaining improved plant growth, either combined or uncombined with urea and/or other agricultural compounds, as well of methods of producing and using said composition.