Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving plant quality through the foliar application of Chlorella cells to the plant. The composition consists of an effective amount of biomass obtained from Chlorella cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: Biosurfactants produced by microbes are used to control pests. The biosurfactants can be produced by cultivating a biosurfactant-producing microbe, producing a fermentation broth, and obtaining the biosurfactant from the fermentation broth. Alternately, the biosurfactants can be produced in situ in the environment of the pests by applying a carbon substrate to the pests' environment, which permits naturally-occurring biosurfactant-producing microbes to grow and to generate the biosurfactants. The biosurfactants have pesticidal qualities, and can be used to control a variety of pests, while being biodegradable and otherwise avoiding adverse environmental effects that have often been associated with conventional synthetic pesticides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a bacterium having an high indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content for solubilizing phosphate rock (PR) in the ground, wherein said bacterium is obtained by transformation with a gene encoding an agent able to increase the IAA content.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of bacterial ghosts as carrier and targeting vehicles for active substances.

Abstract: Methods of controlling plant diseases mediated by bacterial or fungal plant pathogens. The method comprises providing Streptomyces scopuliridis strain RB72 or an isolated protein or polypeptide comprising the amino acid of SEQ ID NO:1 and applying the Streptomyces scopuliridis strain RB72 or the isolated protein or polypeptide comprising the amino acid of SEQ ID NO:1 to plants or plant seeds under conditions effective to treat plant diseases mediated by bacterial or fungal plant pathogens. Also disclosed is a plant or plant seed treated by this method, a planting composition, and a method of enhancing growth.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to organic biostimulant compositions, including, for example, formulations comprising corn steep liquor (CSL) and water. In certain illustrative embodiments, the organic biostimulant composition further comprises from one to five microbial strains as an inoculant. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of cultivating plants that comprises the steps of preparing an organic biostimulant composition comprising water and CSL, and applying the organic biostimulant composition through a delivery system to a growth medium supporting plants.

Abstract: An inoculant composition comprising fungal spores applied to a carrier having a moisture content of not more than about 5% is provided. A method of inoculating a plant to promote growth, enhance resistance to adverse conditions or promote re-growth is also provided comprising applying the inoculant composition to the plant.

Abstract: A process and method for the production of endophytes as plant inoculant products, specifically Clonostachys rosea strain 88-710, for the promotion of plant vigor, health, growth and yield are disclosed. The endophyte, Clonostachys rosea strain 88-710 produces a fungal conidial preparation by utilizing a discrete solid substrate fermentation system, namely Potato Dextrose Agar or Malt Extract Agar. Additionally, the endophyte, Clonostachys rosea strain 88-710, can act as an inoculant to stimulate and have an additive effect with rhizobium bacteria on the production of nitrogen fixing nodules on legumes and growth enhancement e.g. beans, soybeans, peas and alfalfa. As well, Clonostachys rosea strain 88-710, can combine with rooting hormones, e.g. indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to provide inoculant and rooting benefits to cuttings/transplants of plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eco-friendly compositions and methods for providing plant growth enhancing formulations comprising mixtures of microbial isolates. The microbial consortium is developed for customized solution of soil health related problem such as with plant growth promoting properties including root and shoot length elongation, early and high germination rate, high yield, decrease in soil pathogenic load and increase soil micro and macronutrient status. These specifically designed polymicrobial formulations would further provide protection against plant pathogens lowering the need for nitrogen containing fertilizers, solubilize minerals, protect plants against pathogens, and make available to the plant valuable nutrients, such as phosphate, thus reducing and eliminating the need for using chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism. A method comprising contacting a seed with a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism, providing enhancement of at least one of nodulation, germination, emergence, root development, and nutrient uptake compared to seed not contacted with the first component or the at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processing method whereby microorganisms, particularly waste yeast, can be turned into a processed material having high added value. Also disclosed is said processed material. Further disclosed is a production method for a reducing mixture derived from microorganisms which has an oxidation-reduction potential of 0 mV or less, said method being characterized by processing microorganisms or components thereof with superheated steam in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: The objective of the current invention is the control of agricultural infestations based on alternative methods that are less aggressive to the environment and that are harmless to other invertebrates and to man; for instance biological control using bacterial strains belonging to species of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus. A first embodiment of the invention refers to compositions based on the systemic utilization of bacterial strains belonging to species of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus to protect plants by using the composition containing the above referred bacteria in wild-type, conjugated, mutant or transgenic forms and/or the substances produced by them. A second embodiment of the invention refers to a method of bioinsecticide application based on bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus.

Abstract: A method for inducing resistance to abiotic stress is provided, comprising applying to the plant an amount of a composition comprising a yeast cell wall effective to prevent or reduce harmful effects of the pathogen. The composition may further include a plant extract derived from Yucca.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing a transgenic cell with increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type cell.

Abstract: The invention induces an increase in the resistance of potato plants, without apparent toxicity for the plant. Preliminary experiments indicate that the increase in metabolism of plants efficiently fosters (above 60%) the reduction of the development of the pathogenic phytobacteria, Erwinia carotovora, one of the principal agents in causing diseases in potatoes.

Abstract: Methods of inducing systemic acquired resistance to infection in a plant by applying a composition comprising a Bacillus control agent to said plant wherein said plant is capable of producing defense proteins.

Abstract: Agent for the agronomic treatment of a living plant supported by a moist substrate, for example a soil, wherein said agent is in the solid and divided state, and comprises solid particles containing at least one active entity for the agronomic treatment, characterized in that each particle comprises:—a nucleus consisting of a grain of a solid material which is inert with respect to the substrate, comprising an inner developed surface area which is greater than its apparent surface area and, as a result, suitable for adsorption and/or absorption, —the active entity for agronomic treatment, absorbed into the grain and/or adsorbed at the surface of said grain, —a membrane encapsulating the nucleus comprising the active entity, consisting of at least one hydrophilic polymer which is permeable to the outside with respect to the active entity, when it is in direct or indirect contact with the moist substrate.

Abstract: A method of introducing a symbiotic fungus producing one chanoclavine as a final metabolic product into a plant, includes the steps of isolating symbiotic fungi from naturally existing plants, artificially cultivating the isolated symbiotic fungi, introducing the cultivated symbiotic fungi into target plants, infecting the target plants with the introduced symbiotic fungi, determining whether the introduced symbiotic fungi infecting the target plants produce the chanoclavine as the final metabolic product, and selecting the target plants which produce the chanoclavine as the final metabolic product.

Abstract: Methods for producing greater biomass in a plant, increasing the drought tolerance of a plant, producing a decreased lignin concentration in a plant, producing a greater iron concentration in a plant, or inhibiting fungal infection in a plant comprise administering Bacillus subtilis FB17 to the plant, the seed of the plant, or soil surrounding the plant or the seed in an amount effective to produce greater biomass, increase the drought tolerance, produce a decreased lignin concentration, produce a greater iron concentration, or inhibit fungal infection in the plant compared to an untreated plant, respectively. Agricultural carriers and seed coatings comprising Bacillus subtilis FB17 are provided. The biomass of a plant which has been administered Bacillus subtilis FB17 can be converted to a biofuel or can be used as a food crop or in other uses.

Abstract: A species of Burkholderia sp with no known pathogenicity to vertebrates but with pesticidal activity (e.g., plants, insects, fungi, weeds and nematodes) is provided. Also provided are natural products derived from a culture of said species and methods of controlling pests using said natural products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the detection of genetic differences among soybeans. More particularly, the invention relates to soybean quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance or sensitivity to HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, such as mesotrione and isoxazole herbicides, to soybean plants possessing these QTLs, which map to a novel chromosomal region, and to genetic markers that are indicative of phenotypes associated with tolerance, improved tolerance, susceptibility, or increased susceptibility. Methods and compositions for use of these markers in genotyping of soybean and selection are also disclosed, as are methods and compositions for use of these markers in selection and use of herbicides for weed control. Also disclosed are isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to such tolerance or sensitivity and methods of introgressing such tolerance into a plant by breeding or transgenically or by a combination thereof. Plant cells, plants, and seeds produced are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delaying a plant development process comprising exposing a plant or plant part to one or more bacteria or enzymes. In specific embodiments, the one or more bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Rhodococcus spp., Pseudomonas chloroaphis, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, and a mixture comprising any combination of these bacteria. Apparatuses for delaying a plant development process comprising a catalyst that comprises one or more of the above bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for increasing the yield of a plant grown under conditions that cause periodic oxidative stress in said plant, comprising the step of growing a seedling, tissue culture or plantlet into a plant, and further comprising the step of manipulating said plant or the environment of said plant such that an increase in the rate of respiration and/or protein turnover in said plant due to said periodic oxidative stress is intentionally prevented during the early ontogeny of said plant.

Abstract: Products are provided that improve overall plant vigor and yield by combining agriculturally effective amounts of at least one spore-forming bacterium and at least one optional insect control agent to a genetically modified plant, plant part, or seed. This product is particularly effective in the presence of plant parasitic nematode and fungal species. Use of the product leads to an overall reduction in crop losses caused by either plant parasitic nematodes or fungi and this reduction is much greater than using genetically modified seed with just an insect control agent. According to some embodiments, the use of the product results in about a 2%-10% increase in soybean bushel yield, 3%-6.5% increase in cotton yield, and 3%-8% in corn bushel yield. Methods for utilizing and manufacturing the combination are also provided.

Abstract: A new Streptomyces beta-vulgaris strain that is deposited at the CNCM under number I-3639, and the use of this strain or a mutant strain for obtaining a composition (culture filtrate) and active compounds (secondary metabolites) by fermentation. Also, the use of the new strain, a mutant strain, the culture filtrate, or active compounds for the protection of plants and the biological struggle against phytopathogenic agents and/or for stimulating the growth of plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delaying a plant development process comprising exposing a plant or plant part to one or more bacteria or enzymes. In specific embodiments, the one or more bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Rhodococcus spp., Pseudomonas chloroaphis, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, and a mixture comprising any combination of these bacteria. Apparatuses for delaying a plant development process comprising a catalyst that comprises one or more of the above bacteria.

Abstract: A process for the production of organic and combination formulation of bio-pesticide containing Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens comprising preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of T. harzianum, preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of P. fluorescens separately, followed by mixing both the bio-pesticides in the proportion of 1-2: 1-2: preferably 1:1 to get the final combination, formulation.

Abstract: Bacterial compositions effective for inhibiting fungal diseases of potatoes and/or potato sprouting are produced by co-culture of two or more of Pseudomonas fluorescens (NRRL B-21133), Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar (NRRL B-21053), Pseudomonas fluorescens (NRRL B-21102) and Enterobacter cloacae (NRRL B-21050). Compositions produced by co-culture of these bacteria together in the same culture medium are significantly more effective for inhibiting fungi-induced diseases of potatoes and/or inhibiting sprouting of potatoes, than blends or mixtures of the same bacteria cultured separately.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel biological fertiliser, a method for obtaining same and the use thereof as a plant growth stimulator, said fertiliser comprising a pure culture of strain C3 of Pantie dispersal, a pure culture of strain M3 of Azospirillum brasilense and indole-3 acetic acid, all of which are immobilised in a single solid medium acting as a slow release system. The method includes the following main steps: culture of the microorganisms; immobilisation of the cells, nutrients and other substances in the medium; and a single fluid bed drying step which enables lower temperatures to be used and lower moisture contents to be obtained, thereby providing the fertiliser with greater stability. The action of the fertiliser commences upon contact with the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed are bacteria and methods for promoting growth of Racomitrium canescens, tobacco, barley and soybean. The bacteria are selected from the methanol-utilizing bacteria deposited under Accession numbers FERM BP-11078, FERM BP-11079, FERM BP-11080 and FERM BP-11071, respectively which bacteria belong to the genus Methylobacterium. The methods are a method for promoting growth of protonemata of Racomitrium canescens which method is characterized by culturing the protonemata in the presence of the bacteria and a method for promoting growth of a seed plant selected from the group consisting of tobacco, barley and soybean which method is characterized by culturing seeds of the seed plant while contacting the seeds with the bacterium deposited under Accession number FERM BP-11078 which is one of the above-mentioned bacteria.

Abstract: Method for reducing weed on a weed-infested turfgrass. Said method comprising applying to the turfgrass an effective amount of a herbicidal fungus formulated into particles, most of the particles having a particle size of less than about 1.7 mm of diameter, whereas the herbicidal fungus decreases weed growth and/or increases weed disease development in the weed-infested turfgrass as compared to in the absence thereof; other embodiments of the methods comprising applying to the turfgrass an effective amount of a herbicidal fungus formulated into particles, and covering the weed-infested turfgrass with a ground cover sheet, whereas the herbicidal fungus and the ground cover sheet decrease weed growth and/or increases weed disease development in the weed-infested turfgrass as compared to in the absence thereof. Herbicidal fungus and kits therefore.

Abstract: Provided is a plant growth regulator composition. The plant growth regulator composition contains phenyllactic acid or a salt thereof and tryptophan or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Trichoderma atroviride strains and their use as biological control agents or plant growth promoters. Methods and compositions for biological control of soil borne plant pathogens, and increasing plant yield using T. atroviride are also provided.

Abstract: A biological soil nutrient system that combines beneficial soil fungi and bacteria in a growth promoting nutrient medium, embedded in an inorganic porous ceramic particle for direct delivery during soil aerification to the rhizosphere of adventitious plants, including sports turf, landscape and agricultural applications.

Abstract: A biological soil nutrient system that combines beneficial soil fungi and bacteria in a growth promoting nutrient medium, embedded in an inorganic porous ceramic particle for direct delivery during soil aerification to the rhizosphere of adventitious plants, including sports turf, landscape and agricultural applications.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide methods for converting glucosinolate in a glucosinolate-containing plant material to glucosinolate breakdown products (GBPs), comprising: providing an amount of processed glucosinolate-containing plant material, the processed material being depleted of oil and glucosinolate converting enzyme activity by virtue of said processing; providing an amount of glucosinolate converting enzyme activity; mixing the processed material with the amount enzyme activity; hydrating the mixture; and incubating the hydrated mixture, wherein the glucosinolates are enzymatically converted to GBPs. Preferably, the processed plant material comprises a oilseed-derived seedmeal material (e.g., meadowfoam seedmeal) from which the oil has been removed by the processing (e.g., solvent extraction and/or heat treatment). In particular embodiments, the glucosinolate converting enzyme activity comprises at least one of a myrosinase activity and a nitrile-forming activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for producing crop plants that are resistant to herbicides. In particular, the present invention provides for sorghum plants, plant tissues and plant seeds that contain altered acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) genes and proteins that are resistant to inhibition by herbicides that normally inhibit the activity of the ACC protein.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to transformed plant cells and plants or parts thereof comprising an inactivated or down-regulated gene resulting an increased yield, in particular an increased yield-related trait, e.g. an increased nutrient use efficiency, such as an enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and/or increased biomass production as compared to, e.g. non-transformed, wild type cells and methods of producing such plant cells or plants or parts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof, wherein the groups R1 to R8 are defined as set forth in claim 1, optionally in the presence of additional agrochemical active ingredients, for selective weed control on turf or lawn.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing nematode resistance are provided. One aspect provides transgenic plants or cells comprising an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for one or more nematode esophageal polypeptides. Other aspects provide transgenic plants or cells resistant to at least two different root-knot nematode species.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing biopesticides based on Trichoderma harzianum, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens comprising preparing mass or stock culture of biocontrol fungi and bacteria on sawdust, soil and molasses mixture, and then immobilizing the bioagents in a flyable based carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that can improve biological activity or can increase population density of natural or beneficial microorganisms on surfaces. By proper use of the compositions, the present invention provides uses of protecting plants from plant pathogen, harmful insects or weedy plants or of promoting plant growth. By proper use of the compositions in the present invention, biological activity or population density of natural or beneficial microorganisms can be increased and the improved biological activity or population density of the microorganisms can protect plants from harmful organisms including plant pathogens, harmful insects or weedy plants or can promote plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses fungal isolates of Phoma macrostoma or extracts obtained therefrom, useful for the control of broad leaf weeds, including Canada thistle, perennial sowthistle, dandelion, scentless chamomile, false cleavers, chickweed, wild buckwheat, and field bindweed. The present invention also discloses biological control compositions comprising fungal isolates formulated in a growth medium for maintaining the viability of the fungal isolates when the biological control composition is applied to soil. The present invention also discloses a novel probe and primer pair sequence for use in detecting Phoma macrostoma isolates that exhibit biocontrol activity. The present invention also discloses methods of screening fungal isolates to determine if they exhibit biocontrol activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of enzyme which is able to degrade amine-containing herbicides such as glyphosate and glufosinate, as well as polynucleotides encoding these enzymes. The invention also relates to transgenic plants producing these enzymes which are resistant to an amine-containing herbicide activity. In addition, the present invention provides methods of bioremediation which rely on the activity of this new type of enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new fungicide product for the biological control of phytopathogenic fungi, which contains a new isolate of Bacillus velezensis strain AH2, deposited in the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT) as CECT-7221, which has a high antagonist activity against this type of pathogen, as well as the property of stimulating plant growth by different mechanisms. The invention also relates to a liquid formulation which has good stability at ambient temperature and is effective in the treatment of diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi and for the stimulation of plant growth.