Abstract: The present invention is directed to the combination of biopesticide and at least one exogenous cuticle degrading enzymes (e.g., a protease, chitinase, lipase and/or cutinase) for controlling (preventing or eliminating) pests. The use of an exogenous cuticle degrading enzyme increases the efficacy of the biopesticide by increasing the speed and/or efficiency of infestation of the pest resulting in faster or more effective killing or disabling of the pest by the biopesticide. The present invention accordingly provides methods for controlling a pest comprising treating a pest habitat with a combination of pesticidally effective amounts of at least one biopesticide and at least one exogenous cuticle degrading enzyme. Pest control compositions are also described.

Abstract: According to the present invention new isolates of Bradyrhizobium japonicum have been isolated and possess unique properties. These Bradyrhizobia are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), possess superior tolerance/resistance to desiccation, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating plant seed or the plant that germinates from the seed with an effective amount of at least two lipo-chitooligosaccharides, 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 untreated plants or plants harvested from untreated seed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing growth of soybean plants, comprising treating soybean seed or the soybean plant that germinates from the seed with an effective amount of at least one chitooligosaccharide, wherein upon harvesting the soybean 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 untreated soybean plants or soybean plants harvested from untreated soybean seed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating plant seed or the plant that germinates from the seed with an effective amount of at least one chitooligosaccharide, 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 untreated plants or plants harvested from untreated seed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing growth of corn plants, comprising treating corn seed or the corn plant that germinates from the seed with an effective amount of at least one chitooligosaccharide, wherein upon harvesting the corn 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 untreated corn plants or corn plants harvested from untreated corn seed.