Abstract: Methylobacterium strains that enhance early growth of plants, improve propagation/transplant vigor, increase nutrient uptake, improve stand establishment, improve stress tolerance, and/or increase a plant's ability to utilize nutrients are provided herein.

Abstract: A functional laminate package comprises a bottom layer, a top layer comprising an opening, and an intermediate layer disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer and comprising a void configured to house a package content, the void in communication with the opening in the top layer, and a removable label affixed to the top layer covering the opening.

Abstract: Methylobacterium strains that enhance early growth of plants, improve propagation/transplant vigor, increase nutrient uptake, improve stand establishment, improve stress tolerance, and/or increase a plant's ability to utilize nutrients are provided herein. Also provided are methods to identify Methylobacterium strains that improve nitrogen use efficiency in various crop plants.

Abstract: A non-mechanical, electrically tunable optical system provides both focus and astigmatism power correction with an adjustable axis. The optical system includes three liquid crystal based cylindrical lenses which are simple, low cost, and have compact flat structure.

Abstract: A functional laminate package comprises a bottom layer, a top layer comprising an opening, and an intermediate layer disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer and comprising a void configured to house a package content, the void in communication with the opening in the top layer, and a removable label affixed to the top layer covering the opening.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating microorganisms to determine efficiency of colonization of a plant or plant part are described. Methods of identifying genetic elements correlated with colonization efficiency of plant-associated microorganism are also provided. Methods to identify microorganisms for use as inoculants for improved plant yield using the colonization screening methods or the presence of genetic elements associated with colonization efficiency are described. Further methods useful for identification of microorganisms useful as inoculants for improving plant yield are presented.

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: 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: 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.