Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing plant characteristics of leguminous and non-leguminous crops include combination treatments with at least one fungicide, insecticide, or combination thereof, and one or more plant inducers, such as nod factors. Optionally, an inoculant composition may be used with the invention to enhance nodulation and nitrogen fixation with legumes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing plant growth and crop yield in legumes and non-legumes are described. The compositions include lipo-chitooligosaccharides in combination with chitins/chitosans or in combination with flavonoid compounds or in combination with a herbicide. The method includes applying the compositions to seeds and/or plants either concomitantly or sequentially.

Abstract: A process for liquid application of a dry microbial preparation to seeds is described wherein superior survival is obtained upon drying of the preparation on the seeds. The process for coating seeds with dry, dormant microorganisms according to the invention includes an initial step of forming the dry, dormant microorganisms. Seeds are then coated with a composition comprising the dry, dormant microorganisms, water, and an additive effective for enhancing survival of the microorganisms during exposure to the water used in the coating and subsequent drying process.

Abstract: A process for producing a dried bacterial agricultural product having superior viability initially involves culturing (fermenting) a species of microorganism in a growth medium to form a culture. The culture containing the microorganism plus the growth medium is then mixed with a carrier. The resulting mixture is incubated for at least one day to increase the microorganism count in the mixture. The mixture is then air dried slowly for at least about one day so the moisture level in the microorganisms is gradually reduced to form the dried composition. The process may further include steps of milling and then coating seeds with the composition. An inoculant composition according to the invention, which may be made by the foregoing process, consists essentially of a clay carrier and at least 10.sup.9 viable bacteria per gram of the composition. Compositions containing biocidal microbes which combat insects, fungi or the like, and other useful microbes, such as growth promoting bacteria, may also be prepared.