Abstract: Whole cell based biostimulant compositions and methods for improving agricultural productivity the compositions including: a microbial consortium having gammaproteobacterial methanotroph. As a result of these methanotrophs, the biostimulant composition enables plant performance improvement, utilization of methane, and facilitates improved nitrogen fixation in plants. The composition also helps in reducing the need of external chemical fertilizers for plant growth, development, performance and/or survival.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protein hydrolysate based biostimulant composition derived from methanotrophic bacteria, and methods for enhancing agricultural productivity. In particular, the compositions disclosed herein comprise a protein-derived component in an amount of about 30% or less with respect to weight of the composition, wherein said protein-derived component is obtained from a methanotrophic bacterium. The present biostimulant composition finds applications in methods for improving plant performance along with methods for reducing the need of external chemical fertilizer-based inputs for plant growth.