WO2025157988A1 - Phytoprotective combinations of bacilli that thrive under low temperature conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

Bacilli and combinations of Bacilli capable of germinating and growing under low temperature conditions; of associating with plant roots; of enhancing plant health, growth, and yield; and of protecting plants against phytopathogenic pests, such as Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and Pythium.

Description

PHYTOPROTECTIVE COMBINATIONS OF BACILLI THAT THRIVE UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to EP24154158, filed January 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

REFERENCE TO DEPOSITS OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS

The present disclosure contains references to biological materials deposited under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure at Leibniz-Institut DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkurturen GmbH, InhoffenstraBe 7 B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany).

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 (hereinafter referred to as DSM34003 or B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003) was deposited on August 24, 2021, at Leibniz-Institut DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkurturen GmbH, InhoffenstraBe 7 B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany), under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure and under conditions that comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.801-1.809. A sample of the deposited microorganism may only be made available to an expert, subject to available provisions governed by Industrial Property Offices of States Party to the Budapest Treaty, until the date on which the patent is granted. It is to be understood that the availability of a deposit does not constitute a license to practice the subject invention(s) in derogation of patent rights granted by governmental action. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 was previously described in WO2024/046948 and W02024/046980. Derivatives of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 were previously described in WO2024/046962.

Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 (hereinafter referred to as DSM 34878 or B. velezensis DSM 34878) was deposited on December 12, 2023, at Leibniz-Institut DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkurturen GmbH, InhoffenstraBe 7 B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany), under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure and under conditions that comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.801-1.809. A sample of the deposited microorganism may only be made available to an expert, subject to available provisions governed by Industrial Property Offices of States Party to the Budapest Treaty, until the date on which the patent is granted. It is to be understood that the availability of a deposit does not constitute a license to practice the subject invention(s) in derogation of patent rights granted by governmental action.

BACKGROUND

Plant-beneficial microorganisms are well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S Patent Nos. 5,484,464; 5,586,411; 5,695,541; 5,804,208; 5,916,029; 6,569,425; 6,808,917; 6,824,772; 7,429,477; 8,148,138; 8,278,247; 8,445,256; 8,883,679; 8,921,089; 8,999,698; 9,017,442; 9,101,088; 9,234,251; 9,340,464; 9,365,464; 9,538,765; 9,586,870; 9,700,057; 9,732,007; 9,758,438; 9,975,816; 10,035,735; 10,308,561; 10,450,237; 10,820,594; 10,856,552; 10,874,109; 11,059,759; 11,076,603; 11,452,295; 11,464,230, 11,618,879. Nevertheless, because of burgeoning populations and increasing demands for more efficient and productive farms, there remains a need for new compositions and methods for protecting plants from phytopathogenic pests and abiotic stressors and for enhancing crop yields.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides Bacilli and combinations of Bacilli capable of germinating and growing under low temperature conditions; of associating with plant roots; of enhancing plant health, growth, and yield; and of protecting plants against phytopathogenic pests, such as Botrytis. Fusarium, Phytophthora and Pythium.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a Bacillus selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial extract derived from a Bacillus selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an inoculant composition comprising one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof in an agronomically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises one or more additional microorganisms, optionally one or more Bacilli selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a synthetic microbial consortium comprising one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and at least one additional microorganism, optionally one or more Bacill selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a plant or plant part, optinally a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber), that has been treated with (e.g., impregnated and/or coated with an inoculant composition comprising) one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof. In some embodiments, the plant or plant part has also been treated with one or more additional microorganisms, optionally one or more Bacilli selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a soil amendment (e.g., fertilizer) that has been treated with (e.g., impregnated and/or coated with an inoculant composition comprising) one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof. In some embodiments, the soil amendment has also been treated with one or more additional microorganisms, optionally one or more Bacilli selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for treating a plant growth medium (e.g., soil).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for treating a plant or plant part, optionaly a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for treating a soil amendment (e.g., a fertilizer).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing plant health and/or growth and/or yield.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for reducing the need for exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for mitigating the effects of one or more plant pests and/or abiotitc stressors.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for improving the germination and/or growth of a second microorganism, optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for improving root association/attachment/colonization of a second microogranism, optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing the ability of a second microorganism to enhance plant health and/or growth and/or yield, optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing the ability of a second microorganism to reduce the need for exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers), optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing the ability of a second microorganism to mitigate the effects of one or more plant pests and/or abiotic stressors, optionally a Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing the ability of a second microorganism to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a plant growth medium.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of applying one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a plant or plant part, optionally a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber). In some embodiments, one or more additional microorganisms is applied to the plant or plant part, optionally a Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of applying one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a soil amendment (e.g., fertilizer). In some embodiments, one or more additional microorganisms is applied to the soil amendment, optionally a Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a plant or plant part, optionally a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber), and one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil). In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more addtiional microorganisms, optionally a Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a soil amendment (e.g., fertilizer) and one or more Bacilli selected from B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil). In some embodiments, the soil amendment comprises one or more additional microorganisms, optionally a second Bacillus selected from B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

Combinations comprising a) one or more Bacilli selected from the group consisting of B. velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and b) one or more Bacilli selected from the group consisting of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof may be particularly useful for enhancing plant health/growth/yield and for protecting plants against phytopathogenic pests, such as Botrytis. Fusarium, Phytophthora and Pythium. In the interest of providing a more complete disclosure, and without intending to be bound by theory, Applicant respectfully submits the remarkable efficacy of such combinations arises from the unexpected nature of the relationship betwixt the strains — Bacillus velezensis strains of the present disclosure are capable of germinating and growing alongside Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains of the present disclosure, helping to improve the latter's association with plant roots without unduly compromising the latter's ability to produce bioactive metabolites, such as lipopeptides (e.g., iturins, fengycins, surfactins) and volatile compounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a graph comparing the abilities of cold-adaptive B. velezensis strains DSM 34878 and CAB22 to grow at 15°C or 30°C.

Figure 2 is a graph comparing the abilities of B. velezensis DSM 34878 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 to grow at 18°C or 25°C.

Figure 3 is a graph comparing the growth of monocultures of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22 or the B. velezensis parental strain with cocultures of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain.

Figure 4 contains pictures of agar plates comprising single-strain colonies of B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22 or the B. velezensis parental strain and agar plates comprising mixed- strain colonies comprising a GFP-tagged B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 variant and B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain.

Figure 5 is a graph comparing the fungal inhibition abilities of monocultures of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain and co-cultures comprising B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain.

Figure 6 is a graph comparing lipopeptide levels derived from monocultures of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain and co-cultures comprising B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain.

Figure 7 is graph comparing the abilities of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, and the B. velezensis parental strain to associate with plant roots when inoculated, alone and in combination, into a liquid medium comprising Arabidopsis thaliana.

Figure 8 is a graph comparing the root lengths of maize plants grown from seeds treated with spores of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain or with a combination of spores of B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and spores of B. velezensis DSM 34878, B. velezensis CAB22, or the B. velezensis parental strain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all the different ways in which the invention(s) may be implemented or of all the features that may be added to the instant invention(s). For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein, which do not depart from the instant invention(s), will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure. Hence, the following description is intended to illustrate some embodiments of the invention(s) and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention(s).

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the instant invention(s) belong(s). It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the sake of brevity and/or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "acaricide" and "acaricidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to an acarid (i.e., kills an acarid, inhibits the growth of an acarid and/or inhibits the reproduction of an acarid).

As used herein, the term "agronomically acceptable carrier" refers to a substance or composition that can be used to deliver a plant-beneficial agent to a plant, plant part or plant growth medium (e.g., soil) without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on plant growth and/or yield. As used herein, the term "foliar-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be foliarly applied to a plant or plant part without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on the plant, plant part, plant growth, plant health, or the like. As used herein, the term "seed-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be applied to a seed without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on the seed, the plant that grows from the seed, seed germination, or the like. As used herein, the term "soil-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be added to a soil without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on plant growth, soil structure, soil drainage, or the like.

As used herein, the term "and/or" is intended to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or"). Thus, the phrase "A, B and/or C" is to be interpreted as "A, A and B, A and B and C, A and C, B, B and C, or C."

As used herein, the term "aqueous" refers to a composition that contains more than a trace amount of water (i.e., more than 0.5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the terms "associated with," in association with," "associated therewith" and "associating with," when used in reference to a relationship between a microorganism (or formulation thereof) and a plant or plant part, refer to at least a juxtaposition or close proximity of the composition and the plant or plant part. Such a juxtaposition or close proximity may be achieved by contacting or applying the composition directly to the plant or plant part, by applying the composition to the plant growth medium (e.g., soil) in which the plant or plant part will be grown (or is currently being grown), etc. According to some embodiments, the composition is applied as a coating to the outer surface of the plant or plant part. According to some embodiments, the composition is introduced into the plant growth medium at, near or surrounding the site in which the plant or plant part will be grown (or is currently being grown).

As used herein, the term "biologically pure culture" refers to a microbial culture that is free or essentially free of biological contamination and that has genetic uniformity such that different subculutres taken therefrom will exhibit identicial or substantially identical genotyopes and phenotypes. In some embodiments, the biologically pure culture is 100% pure (i.e., all subcultures taken therefrom exhibit identical genotypes and phenotypes). In some embodiments, the biologically pure culture is at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9% pure (i.e., at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9% of the subcultures taken therefrom exhibit identical genotypes and phenotypes).

As used herein, the term "biostimulant" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which enhances one or more metabolic and/or physiological processes of a plant or plant part (e.g., carbohydrate biosynthesis, ion uptake, nucleic acid uptake, nutrient delivery, photosynthesis and/or respiration).

As used herein, the terms "colony forming unit" and "cfu" refer to a microbial cell/spore capable of propagating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and/or microbial growth.

As used herein, the term "consists essentially of," when used in reference to inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure, means that the compositions/methods may contain additional components/steps so long as the additional components/steps do not materially alter the composition/method. The term "materially alter," as applied to a composition/method of the present disclosure, refers to an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of the composition/method of at least 20%. For example, a component added to an inoculant composition of the present disclosure may be deemed to "materially alter" the composition if it increases or decreases the composition's ability to enhance plant yield by at least 20%.

As used herein, the term "diazotroph" refers to an organism capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that may be utilized by a plant or plant part (e.g., ammonia (NH₃), ammonium (NH4+), urea (CH4N2O), etc.).

As used herein, the term "dispersant" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which reduces the cohesiveness of like particles, the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids and/or the interfacial tension between or a liquid and a solid.

As used herein, the terms "effective amount," "effective concentration" and "effective amount/concentration" refer to an amount or concentration that is sufficient to cause a desired effect (e.g., enhanced crop yield). The absolute value of the amount/concentration that is sufficient to cause the desired effect may be affected by factors such as the type and magnitude of effect(s) desired; the type, size and volume of material to which Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure will be applied; the presence of other components; and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount/concentration using routine dose-response experiments.

As used herein, the terms "enhanc[e/ed/ing] growth" and "enhanc[e/ed/ing] plant growth" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant growth and/or development as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., a plant germinated from an untreated seed or an untreated plant). Exemplary plant growth/development characteristics include, but are not limited to, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, height, leaf canopy, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, lodging resistance, nutrient uptake and/or accumulation (e.g., ammonium, boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sulfur and/or zinc uptake/accumulation), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt tolerance, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stand, stomatai conductance and survival rate. Unless otherwise indicated, references to enhanced plant growth are to be interpreted as meaning that microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure enhance plant growth by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc. and are not to be interpreted as suggesting that microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

As used herein, the terms "enhanc[e/ed/ing] yield" and "enhanc[e/ed/ing] plant yield" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant yield as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary plant yield characteristics include, but are not limited to, biomass; bushels per acre; grain weight per plot (GWTPP); nutritional content; percentage of plants in a given area (e.g., plot) that fail to produce grain; yield at standard moisture percentage (YSMP), such as grain yield at standard moisture percentage (GYSMP); yield per plot (YPP), such as grain weight per plot (GWTPP); and yield reduction (YRED). Unless otherwise indicated, references to enhanced plant yield are to be interpreted as meaning that microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure enhance plant yield by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc. and are not to be interpreted as suggesting that microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

As used herein, the term "foliage" refers to those portions of a plant that normally grow above the ground, including, but not limited to, leaves, stalks, stems, flowers, fruiting bodies and fruits.

As used herein, the terms "foliar application" and "foliarly applied" refer to the application of one or more active ingredients to the foliage of a plant (e.g., to the leaves of the plant). Application may be affected by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, spraying the plant with a composition comprising the active ingredient(s). In some embodiments, the active ingredient(s) is/are applied to the leaves, stems and/or stalk of the plant and not to the flowers, fruiting bodies or fruits of the plant.

As used herein, the terms "fungicide" and "fungicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a fungus (i.e., kills a fungus, inhibits the growth of a fungus and/or inhibits the reproduction of a fungus).

As used herein, the term "fulvic acid" encompasses pure fulvic acids and fulvic acid salts (fulvates). Non-limiting examples of fulvic acids include ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate, sodium fulvate, etc. In some embodiments, the fulvic acid comprises, consists essentially of or consists of MDL Number MFCD09838488 (CAS Number 479-66-3).

As used herein, the terms "herbicide" and "herbicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a weed (i.e., kills a weed, inhibits the growth of a weed and/or inhibits the reproduction of a weed).

As used herein, the term "humic acid" encompasses pure humic acids and humic acid salts (humates). Non-limiting examples of humic acids include ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate, sodium humate, etc. In some embodiments, the humic acid comprises, consists essentially of or consists of one or more of MDL Number MFCDOO 147177 (CAS Number 1415-93-6), MDL Number MFCD00135560 (CAS Number 68131-04-4), MDL Number MFCS22495372 (CAS Number 68514- 28-3), CAS Number 93924-35-7 and CAS Number 308067-45-0. As used herein, the terms "inoculant" and "inoculum" refer to a composition comprising microbial cells and/or spores, said cells/spores being capable of propagating/germinating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and/or microbial growth.

As used herein, the terms "insecticide" and "insecticidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to an insect (i.e., kills an insect, inhibits the growth of an insect and/or inhibits the reproduction of an insect).

As used herein, the term "isolated microbial strain" refers to a microbe that has been removed from the environment in which it is normally found.

As used herein, the term "modified microbial strain" refers to a synthetically derived microbial strain. Modified microbial strains may be produced by any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, chemical or other form of induced mutation to a polynucleotide within any genome within the strain; the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides within any genome within the strain, or combinations thereof; an inversion of at least one segment of DNA within any genome within the strain; a rearrangement of any genome within the strain; generalized or specific transduction of homozygous or heterozygous polynucleotide segments into any genome within the strain; introduction of one or more phage into any genome of the strain; transformation of any strain resulting in the introduction into the strain of stably replicating autonomous extrachromosomal DNA; any change to any genome or to the total DNA composition within the strain isolated from nature as a result of conjugation with any different microbial strain; and any combination of the foregoing. The term modified microbial strains includes strains comprising (a) one of more heterologous nucleotide sequences, (b) non-naturally occurring copies of one or more homologous nucleotide sequences (i.e., additional copies of one or more nucleotide sequences that naturally occur in the microbial strain from which the modified microbial strain was derived), (c) a lack of one or more nucleotide sequences that would otherwise be present in the natural reference strain, and/or (d) added extrachromosomal DNA. In some embodiments, modified microbial strains comprise a non-naturally occurring combination of two or more nucleotide sequences (e.g., two or more naturally occurring genes that do not naturally occur in the same microbial strain). In some embodiments, modified microbial strains comprise a nucleotide sequence isolated from nature at a locus that is different from the natural locus.

As used herein, the term “naturally occurring” refers to anything (e.g., proteins, amino acids, or nucleic acid sequences) that is found in nature. Conversely, the term “non-naturally occurring” refers to anything that is not found in nature (e.g., recombinant nucleic acids and protein sequences produced in a laboratory, modification of a wild-type sequence, formulations comprising one or more synthetic components, formulations comprising an artificial combination of otherwise naturally occurring components).

As used herein, the terms "nematicide" and "nematicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a nematode (i.e., kills a nematode, inhibits the growth of a nematode and/or inhibits the reproduction of a nematode).

As used herein, the term "non-aqueous" refers to a composition that comprises no more than a trace amount of water (i.e., no more than 0.5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the term "nutrient" refers to a compound or element useful for nourishing a plant (e.g., vitamins, macrominerals, micronutrients, trace minerals, organic acids, etc. that are necessary for plant growth and/or development).

As used herein, the term "pest" includes any organism or virus that negatively affects a plant, including, but not limited to, organisms and viruses that spread disease, damage host plants and/or compete for soil nutrients. The term "pest" encompasses organisms and viruses that are known to associate with plants and to cause a detrimental effect on the plant's health and/or vigor. Plant pests include, but are not limited to, arachnids (e.g., mites, ticks, spiders, etc.), bacteria, fungi, gastropods (e.g., slugs, snails, etc.), invasive plants (e.g., weeds), insects (e.g., white flies, thrips, weevils, etc.), nematodes (e.g., root-knot nematode, soybean cyst nematode, etc.), rodents and viruses (e.g., tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), etc.).

As used herein, the terms "pesticide" and "pesticidal" refer to agents or combinations of agents the application of which is toxic to a pest (i.e., kills a pest, inhibits the growth of a pest and/or inhibits the reproduction of a pest). Non-limiting examples of pesticides include acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides, etc.

As used herein, the term "plant" includes all plant populations, including, but not limited to, agricultural, floricultural, horticultural and silvicultural plants. The term "plant" encompasses plants obtained by conventional plant breeding and optimization methods (e.g., marker-assisted selection) and plants obtained by genetic engineering, including cultivars protectable and not protectable by plant breeders' rights.

As used herein, the term "plant-beneficial" refers to a composition, method or use having at least one property/effect that is advantegous with respect to the cultivation of a plant in any field of agronomy, including, but not limited to, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture and silviculture.

As used herein, the term "plant cell" refers to a cell of an intact plant, a cell taken from a plant, or a cell derived from a cell taken from a plant. Thus, the term "plant cell" includes cells within seeds, suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue, leaves, shoots, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen and microspores.

As used herein, the term "plant growth regulator" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which accelerates or retards the growth/maturation rate of a plant through direct physiological action on the plant or which otherwise alters the behavior of a plant through direct physiological action on the plant. "Plant growth regulator" shall not be interpreted to include any agent or combination of agents excluded from the definition of "plant regulator" that is set forth section 2(v) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. § 136(v)). Thus, "plant growth regulator" does not encompass microorganisms applied to a plant, plant part or plant growth medium for the purpose of enhancing the availability and/or uptake of nutrients, nutrients necessary to normal plant growth, soil amendments applied for the purpose of improving soil characteristics favorable for plant growth or vitamin hormone products as defined by 40 C.F.R. § 152.6(f).

As used herein, the term "plant part" refers to any part of a plant, including cells and tissues derived from plants. Thus, the term "plant part" may refer to any of plant components or organs (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, etc.), plant tissues, plant cells and seeds. Examples of plant parts, include, but are not limited to, anthers, embryos, flowers, fruits, fruiting bodies, leaves, ovules, pollen, rhizomes, roots, seeds, shoots, stems and tubers, as well as scions, rootstocks, protoplasts, calli and the like.

As used herein, the term "plant propagation material" refers to a plant part from which a whole plant can be generated. Examples of plant propagation materials include, but are not limited to, cuttings (e.g., leaves, stems), rhizomes, seeds, tubers and cells/tissues that can be cultured into a whole plant.

As used herein, the term "progeny" refers to the descendent(s) of a given strain or pair of strains and encompasses both immediate offspring of said strain(s) and any decendants thereof. Progeny may be produced using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, protoplast fusion, traditional breeding programs and combinations thereof.

As used herein, the relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “sequence identity”.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the sequence identity between two amino acid sequences is determined as the output of “longest identity” using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, Trends Genet. 16: 276-277), preferably version 6.6.0 or later. The parameters used are a gap open penalty of 10, a gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix. In order for the Needle program to report the longest identity, the -nobrief option must be specified in the command line. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” is calculated as follows: (Identical Residues x 100)/(Length of Alignment - Total Number of Gaps in Alignment).

For purposes of the present disclosure, the sequence identity between two polynucleotide sequences is determined as the output of “longest identity” using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, supra) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, supra), preferably version 6.6.0 or later. The parameters used are a gap open penalty of 10, a gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EDNAFULL (EMBOSS version ofNCBI NUC4.4) substitution matrix. In order for the Needle program to report the longest identity, the nobrief option must be specified in the command line. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” is calculated as follows: (Identical Deoxyribonucleotides x 100)/(Length of Alignment - Total Number of Gaps in Alignment).

While certain aspects of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, except insofar as they contradict any disclosure expressly set forth herein.

The present disclosure provides Bacilli and combinations of Bacilli useful for a) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating infestations/infections of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; b) treating surfaces/substances that are susceptible to infestation/infection of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; c) cleansing infested/infected surfaces/substances; d) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected directly or indirectly by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; e) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; f) enhancing plant growth environments; g) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; h) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); i) improving nutrient stability in plant growth media (e.g., stabilizing levels of soluble phosphorous, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc in plant growth media); j) increasing nutrient uptake in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc uptake) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; k) increasing nutrient accumulation in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc accumulation) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; 1) increasing nutrient utilization in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc utilization) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; m) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); n) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); o) enhancing soil microbiomes; p) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of plant-beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); q) improving plant growth, development and yield characteristics; r) prolonging the shelf-life of harvested plants and plant parts; s) improving the efficacy of biological/chemical pesticides; t) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating pesticide- induced resistance/phytotoxicity; u) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or v) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. As will be made evident by the present disclosure, in some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are useful for enhancing the abilities of other microorganisms to provide such benefits.

The present disclosure encompasses DSM 34878, as well as Bacilli comprising a whole genome sequence that is about/at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% identical to that of DSM 34878.

It is to be understood the present disclosure encompasses close relatives of DSM 34878, including, but not limited to, naturally occurring mutants and variants of DSM 34878, progeny of DSM 34878, modified microbial strains derived from DSM 34878, naturally occurring mutants and variants of progeny of DSM 34878, naturally occurring mutants and variants of modified microbial strains derived from DSM 34878, modified microbial strains derived from naturally occurring mutants and variants of DSM 34878, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of DSM 34878 (e.g., naturally occurring mutants/variants, progeny, modified microbial strains, etc. having a whole genome sequence that is about/at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98 or 99.99% identical to the whole genome sequence of DSM 34878). In some embodiments, the variants of the present disclosure fall within a 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15,

96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15,

99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98 or 99.99% sequence cutoff when compared to DSM 34878 using the Bishop method described by Bishop et al., BMC Biol. 7(3) (2009), and/or the Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) method described by Konstantinidis et al., PNAS USA 102(7):2567 (2005). In some embodiments, the variant and DSM 34878 are separated by a Mash distance of less than (about) 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045 or 0.05 using the method set forth in Ondov et al., Genome Biol. 17: 132 (2016).

The present disclosure also encompasses DSM 34003, as well as Bacilli comprising a whole genome sequence that is about/at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% identical to that of DSM 34003.

It is to be understood the present disclosure encompasses close relatives of DSM 34003, including, but not limited to, naturally occurring mutants and variants of DSM 34003, progeny of DSM 34003, modified microbial strains derived from DSM 34003, naturally occurring mutants and variants of progeny of DSM 34003, naturally occurring mutants and variants of modified microbial strains derived from DSM 34003, modified microbial strains derived from naturally occurring mutants and variants of DSM 34003, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of DSM 34003 (e.g., naturally occurring mutants/variants, progeny, modified microbial strains, etc. having a whole genome sequence that is about/at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98 or 99.99% identical to the whole genome sequence of DSM 34003). In some embodiments, the variants of the present disclosure fall within a 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15,

96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15,

99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98 or 99.99% sequence cutoff when compared to DSM 34003 using the Bishop method described by Bishop et al., BMC Biol. 7(3) (2009), and/or the Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) method described by Konstantinidis et al., PNAS USA 102(7):2567 (2005). In some embodiments, the variant and DSM 34003 are separated by a Mash distance of less than (about) 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045 or 0.05 using the method set forth in Ondov et al., Genome Biol. 17: 132 (2016).

Bacilli of the present disclosure exhibit improved germination and growth under low temperature conditions. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure exhibit enhanced germination and growth when inoculated into plant growth media under low temperature conditions (e.g., average daytime air temperatures below 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77°F; average nighttime air temperatures below 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70°F; average soil temperatures below 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 or 65°F).

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of improving th germination, growth, and performance of other microorganisms. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure enhance germination, growth and performance of other microorganisms under low temperature conditions by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200% or more when co-inoculated in suitable growth media (e.g., a plant growth medium, such as soil). As evidenced by the Examples set forth below, DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof may be particularly useful for enhancing the germination, growth, and performance of other plant-beneficial microorganisms, such as DSM 34003, under low temperature conditions.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of improving the root association/attachment/colonization of other microorganisms. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure enhance root association/attachment/colonization of other microorganisms under low temperature conditions by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,

29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,

56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,

83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135,

140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200% or more when co-inoculated in suitable growth media (e.g., a plant growth medium, such as soil). As evidenced by the Examples set forth below, DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof may be particularly useful for enhancing the root association/attachment/colonization of other plant-beneficial microorganisms, such as DSM 34003, under low temperature conditions.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing about/at least 1 x IO ²⁵, 1 x 10^-24, 1 x 10'²³, 1 x 10'²², 1 x IO’²¹, 1 x IO ²⁰, 1 x 10 ¹⁹, 1 x 10 ¹⁸, 1 x 10 ¹⁷, 1 x 10 ¹⁶, 1 x W ¹⁵, 1 x 10^-14, 1 x 10'¹³, 1 x 10'¹², 1 x 10'¹¹, 1 x 10'¹⁰ ormore mmol of phosphorous/phosphate per bacterial cell per hour.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of soluble phosphate. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate even in soils that comprise soluble phosphate at a concentration of about/at least 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 mM or more. In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of mineral phosphate. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate even in soils that comprise (or have been supplemented with) 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 or more pounds of mineral phosphate per acre.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of phosphorous fertilizer. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate even in soils that comprise (or have been supplemented with) 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 or more pounds of phosphrous fertilizer per acre.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate in sufficient quantities to allow farmers to reduce the amount of exogenous phosphorous/phosphate that must be added to a field in order to achieve a desired yield from that field. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing phosphorous/phosphate at a rate and in quantities sufficient to replace about/at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,

19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72,

73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% of the exogenous phosphorous/phosphate fertilizer that would otherwise be required to achieve a desired yield.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure comprise one or more genetic modifications that direct(s), modulate(s) and/or regulate(s) phosphorous/phosphate solubilization. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus comprises one or more insertions and/or deletions that lead to increased phosphorous/phosphate solubilzation, even in the presence of exogenous phosphorous/phosphate sources that would normally cause down-regulation of a strain's phosphorous/phosphate solubilization pathways.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing about/at least 1 x IO'²⁵, 1 x 10^-24, 1 x 10'²³, 1 x 10'²², 1 x IO’²¹, 1 x IO'²⁰, 1 x 10 ¹⁹, 1 x 10 ¹⁸, 1 x 10 ¹⁷, 1 x 10 ¹⁶, 1 x 10’ ¹⁵, 1 x 10'¹⁴, 1 x 10'¹³, 1 x 10'¹², 1 x 10 ¹¹, 1 x 10'¹⁰ or more mmol of potassium per bacterial cell per hour.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of soluble potassium. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing potassium even in soils that comprise soluble potassium at a concentration of about/at least 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 mM or more.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of mineral potassium (e.g., feldspar, mica). For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing potassium even in soils that comprise (or have been supplemented with) 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,

38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,

65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91,

92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 or more pounds of mineral potassium per acre.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of potassium fertilizer. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing potassium even in soils that comprise (or have been supplemented with) 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,

44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70,

71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,

98, 99, 100 or more pounds of potassium fertilizer per acre.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing potassium in sufficient quantities to allow farmers to reduce the amount of exogenous potassium that must be added to a field in order to achieve a desired yield from that field. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus is capable of solubilizing potassium at a rate and in quantities sufficient to replace about/at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% of the exogenous potassium fertilizer that would otherwise be required to achieve a desired yield.

In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure comprise one or more genetic modifications that direct(s), modulate(s) and/or regulate(s) potassium solubilization. For example, in some embodiments, the Bacillus comprises one or more insertions and/or deletions that lead to increased potassium solubilzation, even in the presence of exogenous potassium sources that would normally cause down-regulation of a strain's potassium solubilization pathways.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosure may be used in combination to achieve the desire outcome(s). The present disclosure thus extends to compositions comprising two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more Bacilli, cultures and/or microbial extracts of the present disclosure. Although certain combinations will be described in detail below, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those combinations but extends to all possible combinations of Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts and/or formulations described herein.

The present disclosure extends to cultures comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure (e.g., a culture comprising DSM 34878 and/or DSM 34003).

In some embodiments, atleast 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8,

96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% of subcultures taken from the culture exhibit a genotype that is at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8,

95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65,

96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8,

98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65,

99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% identical to that of DSM 34878.

In some embodiments, the culture is a biologically pure culture of DSM 34878.

In some embodiments, atleast 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8, 95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65, 96.7, 96.75, 96.8,

96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8, 98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65, 99.7, 99.75,

99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% of subcultures taken from the culture exhibit a genotype that is at least 95, 95.5, 95.55, 95.6, 95.65, 95.7, 95.75, 95.8,

95.85, 95.9, 95.95, 96, 96.05, 96.1, 96.15, 96.2, 96.25, 96.3, 96.35, 96.4, 96.45, 96.5, 96.55, 96.6, 96.65,

96.7, 96.75, 96.8, 96.85, 96.9, 96.95, 97, 97.5, 97.55, 97.6, 97.65, 97.7, 97.75, 97.8, 97.85, 97.9, 97.95, 98, 98.05, 98.1, 98.15, 98.2, 98.25, 98.3, 98.35, 98.4, 98.45, 98.5, 98.55, 98.6, 98.65, 98.7, 98.75, 98.8,

98.85, 98.9, 98.95, 99, 99.05, 99.1, 99.15, 99.2, 99.25, 99.3, 99.35, 99.4, 99.45, 99.5, 99.55, 99.6, 99.65,

99.7, 99.75, 99.8, 99.85, 99.9, 99.91, 99.92, 99.93, 99.94, 99.95, 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, 99.99 or 100% identical to that of DSM 34003.

In some embodiments, the culture is a biologically pure culture of DSM 34003.

It is to be understood that cultures of the present disclosure may comprise vegetative cells and/or dormant spores. According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more of the microbes in a culture of the present disclosure are present as vegetative cells. According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more of the microbes in a culture of the present disclosure are present as spores.

The present disclosure also extends to microbial extracts derived from Bacilli of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, extracts of fermentation media comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure (e.g., supernatant of a culture comprising DSM 34878 and/or DSM 34003).

The present disclosure also extends to synthetic microbial consortia comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of two or more Bacillus of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the synthetic microbial cortia comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more Bacilli selected from DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and one or more Bacilli selected from DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

In some embodiments, synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure and one or more additional plant-beneficial microorganisms. For example, in some embodiments, the synthetic microbial cortia comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more Bacilli selected from DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and at least one additional microorganism, optionally one or more of the plant- beneficial microorganisms described below.

Bacilli and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be cultured using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, liquid-state fermentation and solid-state fermentation. See, generally, Cunningham et al., CAN. J. BOT. 68:2270 (1990); Friesen et al., APPL. MICROBIOL. BIOTECH. 68:397 (2005).

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be harvested during any suitable growth phase. In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are allowed to reach the stationary growth phase and harvested as vegetative cells. In some embodiments, Bacilli of the present disclosure are harvested as spores.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be harvested and/or concentrated using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, centrifugation (e.g., density gradient centrifugation, disc stack centrifugation, tubular bowl centrifugation), coagulation, decanting, felt bed collection, filtration (e.g., drum filtration, sieving, ultrafiltration), flocculation, impaction and trapping (e.g., cyclone spore trapping, liquid impingement).

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be formulated into myriad compositions, including, but not limited to, fertilizers, foliar treatment formulations, seed treatment formulations, and soil inoculants. Microorganisms may be present in formulations of the present disclosure in any suitable form, including vegetative cells, spores and mixtures thereof.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be present in formulations of the present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). The absolute value of the amount(s)/concentration(s) that is/are sufficient to cause the desired effect(s) may be affected by factors such as the type and magnitude of effect(s) desired; the type, size and volume of material to which the composition will be applied; the type(s) of components included in the composition; and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount/concentration using routine dose-response experiments and the considerable guidance set forth hereinafter.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more Bacilli in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x 10¹⁵ colony-forming units (cfu) per gram and/or milliliter of said composition. For example, formulations of the present disclosure may comprise about 1 x 10¹, 1 x 10², 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹² or more cfu of Bacilli per gram and/or milliliter of said composition. In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise at least 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹² cfu of Bacilli per gram and/or milliliter of said composition.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure comprise(s) about 0.1 to about 95% (by weight) of the composition. For example, formulations of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of DSM 34003 and/or DSM 34878. In some embodiments, one or more Bacilli (or microbial extract(s) therefrom) comprise(s) about 1 to about 25%, about 5 to about 20%, about 5 to about 15%, about 5 to about 10% or about 8 to about 12% (by weight) of the composition.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure in an effective amount/concentration for a) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating infestations/infections of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; b) treating surfaces/substances that are susceptible to infestation/infection of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; c) cleansing infested/infected surfaces/substances; d) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected directly or indirectly by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; e) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; f) enhancing plant growth environments; g) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; h) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); i) improving nutrient stability in plant growth media (e.g., stabilizing levels of soluble phosphorous, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc in plant growth media); j) increasing nutrient uptake in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc uptake) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; k) increasing nutrient accumulation in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc accumulation) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; 1) increasing nutrient utilization in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc utilization) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; m) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); n) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); o) enhancing soil microbiomes; p) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of plant-beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); q) improving plant growth, development and yield characteristics; r) prolonging the shelf-life of harvested plants and plant parts; s) improving the efficacy of biological/chemical pesticides; t) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating pesticide- induced resistance/phytotoxicity; u) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or v) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures when the composition is applied to a plant propagation material, introduced into a plant growth medium (e.g., a soil), etc.

It is to be understood that formulations of the present disclosure may comprise myriad components in addition to Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, adhesives, anti-freezing agents, anti-settling agents, biostimulants, chemical actives, dispersants, drying agents, effect pigments, emulsifiers, growth media, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and feeding stimulants, pH control components, plant- beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, preservatives, rain fasteners, rhealogical agents, safeners, seed flowability agents, stabilizing compounds, and wetting agents.

Examples of adhesives (stickers) that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, disaccharides (e.g. maltose, sucrose, trehalose), gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), maltodextrins (e.g., maltodextrins having a DEV of about 10 to about 20), monosaccharides, oils (e.g., mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil and/or sunflower oil), oligosaccharides, and combinations thereof.

Examples of anti-freezing agents that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, and combinations thereof. Examples of anti-settling agents that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohols with different degrees of hydrolysis, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyacrylates, acrylate-, polyol- or polyester-based paint system binders which are soluble or dispersible in water, moreover copolymers of two or more monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, vinylpyrrolidone, ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as ethylene, butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, styrene, divinylbenzene, ot-methylstyrene or p-methylstyrene, further vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride, additionally vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or vinyl stearate, moreover vinyl methyl ketone or esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with monohydric alcohols or polyols such as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethylene methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, decyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylamino-ethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, furthermore diethyl esters or monoesters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, furthermore (meth)acrylamido-N -methylol methyl ether, amides or nitriles such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N- methylol(meth)acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and also N-substituted maleiraides and ethers such as vinyl butyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether or vinyl phenyl ether, and combinations thereof.

Examples of biostimulants that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, seaweed extracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum extracts, such as alginate, Ecklonia maxima extracts, etc.), myo-inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

Examples of carriers that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, liquids, gels, slurries and solids. Selection of appropriate carrier materials will depend on the intended application(s) and the components present in the composition.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more solid carriers. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more powders (e.g., wettable powders) and/or granules. Non-limiting examples of solid carriers include clays (e.g., attapulgite clays, montmorillonite clay, etc.), peat-based powders and granules, freeze-dried powders, spray -dried powders, spray-freeze-dried powders, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more liquid and/or gel carriers. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more non-aqueous solvents. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more aqueous solvents (e.g., water). According to some embodiments, an aqueous solvent, such as water, may be combined with a co-solvent, such as ethyl lactate, methyl soyate/ethyl lactate co-solvent blends (e.g., STEPOSOL™, Stepan), isopropanol, acetone, 1,2- propanediol, n-alkylpyrrolidones (e.g., AGSOLEX™ wetting agents; Ashland, Inc., Covington, KY ), petroleum based-oils (e.g., AROMATIC™ and SOLVESSO™ fluids; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), isoparrafmic hyydrocarbons (e.g., ISOPAR™ fluids; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), cycloparaffmic hydrocarbons (e.g., NAPPAR™ 6; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), mineral spirits (e.g., VARSOL™; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), and mineral oils (e.g., paraffin oil). According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more inorganic solvents, such as decane, dodecane, hexylether and nonane. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more organic solvents, such as acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, hexane, methanol, propan-2-ol and trichloroethylene. Non-limiting examples of liquid/gel carriers include oils (e.g., mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil), polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, etc.), propylene glycols (e.g., PPG-9, PPG-10, PPG-17, PPG-20, PPG-26, etc.), ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., TOMADOL® (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA), TERGITOL™ 15-S surfactants such as TERGITOL™15-S-9 (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), etc.), isoparrafinic hyydrocarbons (e.g., ISOPAR™, ISOPAR™ L, ISOPAR™ M, ISOPAR™ V; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), pentadecane, polysorbates (e.g. polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, etc.), silicones (siloxanes, trisiloxanes, etc.), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises, consists essentially of or consists of dodecane. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises, consists essentially of or consists of methyl soyate. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises, consists essentially of or consists of one or more paraffin oils and/or waxes.

Examples of chemical actives that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, acaracides and miticides (e.g., carvacrol, sanguinarine, azobenzene, benzoximate, benzyl benzoate, bromopropylate, chlorbenside, chlorfenethol, chlorfenson, chlorfensulphide, chlorobenzilate, chloropropylate, cyflumetofen, DDT, dicofol, diphenyl sulfone, dofenapyn, fenson, fentrifanil, fluorbenside, genit, hexachlorophene, phenproxide, proclonol, tetradifon, tetrasul, benomyl, carbanolate, carbaryl, carbofuran, methiocarb, metolcarb, promacyl, propoxur, aldicarb, butocarboxim, oxamyl, thiocarboxime, thiofanox, bifenazate, binapacryl, dinex, dinobuton, dinocap-4, dinocap-6, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulfon, dinoterbon, DNOC, amitraz, chlordimeform, chloromebuform, formetanate, formparanate, medimeform, semiamitraz, afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner, tetranactin “avermectin acaricides, abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin,, clofentezine, cyromazine, diflovidazin, dofenapyn, fluazuron, flubenzimine, fluey cloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexythiazox, bromocyclen, camphechlor, DDT, dienochlor, endosulfan, lindane, chlorfenvinphos, crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, heptenophos, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, TEPP, tetrachlorvinphos, amidithion, amiton, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, azothoate, benoxafos, bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, carbophenothion, chlorpyrifos, chlorthiophos, coumaphos, cyanthoate, demeton-O, demeton-S, demeton-O-methyl, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphon, dialifos, diazinon, dimethoate, dioxathion, disulfoton, endothion, ethion, ethoate-methyl, formothion, malathion, mecarbam, methacrifos, omethoate, oxydeprofos, oxydisulfoton, parathion, phenkapton, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phostin, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, prothidathion, prothoate, pyrimitate, quinalphos, quintiofos, sophamide, sulfotep, thiometon, triazophos, trifenofos, vamidothion, trichlorfon, isocarbophos, methamidophos, propetamphos, dimefox, mipafox, schradan,, azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide, phostin, dichlofluanid, dialifos, phosmet, cyenopyrafen, fenpyroximate, pyflubumide, tebufenpyrad, acetoprole, fipronil, vaniliprole,, acrinathrin, bifenthrin, brofluthrinate, cyhalothrin, alpha-cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, permethrin, halfenprox,, pyrimidifen, chlorfenapyr, sanguinarine, chinomethionat, thioquinox, bifujunzhi, fluacrypyrim, flufenoxystrobin, pyriminostrobin,, aramite, propargite, spirodiclofen, clofentezine, diflovidazin, flubenzimine, hexythiazox, fenothiocarb, chloromethiuron, diafenthiuron, acequinocyl, amidoflumet, arsenous oxide, clenpirin, closantel, crotamiton, cycloprate, cymiazole, disulfiram, etoxazole, fenazaflor, fenazaquin, fluenetil, mesulfen, MNAF, nifluridide, nikkomycins, pyridaben, sulfiram, sulfluramid, sulfur, thuringiensin, triarathene, and combinations thereof); fungicides (e.g., strobilurins, such as azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, trifloxystrobin, 2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxymethyl)- phenyl]-3-methoxy-acrylic acid methyl ester and 2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-l -methyl - allylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide; carboxamides, such as carboxanilides (e.g., benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fenhexamid, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, isopyrazam, isotianil, kiralaxyl, mepronil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam), ofurace, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, tecloftalam, thifluzamide, tiadinil, 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, N-(4'- trifluoromethylthiobiphenyl-2-yl)-3 -difluoromethyl- 1 -methyl- IH-pyra- zole-4-carboxamide, N-(2- ( 1 ,3 ,3 -trimethylbutyl)-phenyl)- 1 ,3 -dimethyl-5 -fluoro- lH-pyrazole-4-carboxamide), carboxylic morpholides (e.g., dimethomorph, flumorph, pyrimorph), benzoic acid amides (e.g., flumetover, fluopicolide, fluopyram, zoxamide), carpropamid, dicyclomet, mandiproamid, oxytetracyclin, silthiofam and N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid amide; azoles, such as triazoles (e.g., azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, paclobutrazole, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole) and imidazoles (e.g., cyazofamid, imazalil, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizol); heterocyclic compounds, such as pyridines (e.g., fluazinam, pyrifenox (cf.Dlb), 3-[5-(4- chloro-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine, 3-[5-(4-methyl-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl- isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine), pyrimidines (e.g., bupirimate, cyprodinil, diflumetorim, fenarimol, ferimzone, mepanipyrim, nitrapyrin, nuarimol, pyrimethanil), piperazines (e.g., triforine), pirroles (e.g., fenpiclonil, fludioxonil), morpholines (e.g., aldimorph, dodemorph, dodemorph-acetate, fenpropimorph, tridemorph), piperidines (e.g., fenpropidin), dicarboximides (e.g., fluoroimid, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin), non-aromatic 5-membered heterocycles (e.g., famoxadone, fenamidone, flutianil, octhilinone, probenazole, 5-amino-2-isopropyl-3-oxo-4-ortho-tolyl-2,3-dihydro- pyrazole-l-carbothioic acid S-allyl ester), acibenzolar-S-methyl, ametoctradin, amisulbrom, anilazin, blasticidin-S, captafol, captan, chinomethionat, dazomet, debacarb, diclomezine, difenzoquat, difenzoquat-methylsulfate, fenoxanil, Folpet, oxolinic acid, piperalin, proquinazid, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, triazoxide, tricyclazole, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one, 5-chloro-l-(4,6- dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2 -yl)-2 -methyl- IH-benzoimidazole and 5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-l-yl)-6- (2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[l,2,4]triazolo-[l,5-a]pyrimidine; benzimidazoles, such as carbendazim; and other active substances, such as guanidines (e.g., guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, guazatine, guazatine-acetate, iminoctadine), iminoctadine-triacetate and iminoctadine-tris(albesilate); antibiotics (e.g., kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride-hydrate, streptomycin, polyoxine and validamycin A); nitrophenyl derivates (e.g., binapacryl, dicloran, dinobuton, dinocap, nitrothal -isopropyl, tecnazen); organometal compounds (e.g., fentin salts, such as fentin-acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide); sulfur-containing heterocyclyl compounds (e.g., dithianon, isoprothiolane); organophosphorus compounds (e.g., edifenphos, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, iprobenfos, phosphorus acid and its salts, pyrazophos, tolclofos-methyl); organochlorine compounds (e.g., chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, flusulfamide, hexachlorobenzene, pencycuron, pentachlorphenole and its salts, phthalide, quintozene, thiophanate-methyl, thiophanate, tolylfluanid, N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4- methyl-benzene sulfonamide), inorganic active substances (e.g., Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, phosphite salt, sulfur, zinc sulfate), natamycin, and combinations thereof); gastropodicides (e.g., methiocarb, metaldehyde, carbaryl, spinosad, copper sulfate in combination with lime, boric acid, iron phosphate, and combinations thereof); herbicides (e.g., 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4,5 -trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5 -T), ametryn, amicarbazone, aminocyclopyrachlor, acetochlor, acifluorfen, alachlor, atrazine, azafenidin, bentazon, benzofenap, bifenox, bromacil, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butroxydim, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron, chlorotoluro, clethodim, clodinafop, clomazone, cyanazine, cycloxydim, cyhalofop, desmedipham, desmetryn, dicamba, diclofop, dimefuron, diuron, dithiopyr, fenoxaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, fluometuron, flufenpyr-ethyl, flumiclorac -pentyl, flumioxazin, fluoroglycofen, fluthiacet- methyl, fomesafe, fomesafen, glyphosate, glufosinate, haloxyfop, hexazinone, imazamox, imazaquin, imazethapyr, ioxynil, isoproturon, isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, mesotrion, metamitron, metazochlor, methibenzuron , metolachlor (and S- metolachlor ), metoxuron, metribuzin, monolinuron, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen, phenmedipham, pretilachlor, profoxydim, prometon, prometry, propachlor, propanil , propaquizafop, propisochlor, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazon, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyridate, quizalofop, quizalofop-P (e.g., quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl, clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop- methyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl), saflufenacil, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simetryn, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, tebuthiuron, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, thaxtomin (e.g., the thaxtomins described in USPatentNo.: 7,989,393), thenylchlor, tralkoxydim, triclopyr, trietazine, tropramezone, salts and esters thereof; racemic mixtures and resolved isomers thereof and combinations thereof); and insecticides and nematicides (e.g., antibiotic insecticides such as allosamidin and thuringiensin; macrocyclic lactone insecticides such as spinosad, spinetoram, and other spinosyns including the 21-butenyl spinosyns and their derivatives; avermectin insecticides such as abamectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin and selamectin; milbemycin insecticides such as lepimectin, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime and moxidectin; arsenical insecticides such as calcium arsenate, copper acetoarsenite, copper arsenate, lead arsenate, potassium arsenite and sodium arsenite; other biological insecticides, plant incorporated protectant insecticides such as CrylAb, CrylAc, Cry IF, Cry 1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry3A, mir Cry3A, Cry3Bbl, Cry34, Cry35, and VIP3A; botanical insecticides such as anabasine, azadirachtin, d-limonene, nicotine, pyrethrins, cinerins, cinerin I, cinerin II, jasmolin I, jasmolin II, pyrethrin I, pyrethrin II, quassia, rotenone, ryania and sabadilla; carbamate insecticides such as bendiocarb and carbaryl; benzofuranyl methylcarbamate insecticides such as benfiiracarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, decarbofuran and furathiocarb; dimethylcarbamate insecticides dimitan, dimetilan, hyquincarb and pirimicarb; oxime carbamate insecticides such as alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, methomyl, nitrilacarb, oxamyl, tazimcarb, thiocarboxime, thiodicarb and thiofanox; phenyl methylcarbamate insecticides such as allyxycarb, aminocarb, bufencarb, butacarb, carbanolate, cloethocarb, dicresyl, dioxacarb, EMPC, ethiofencarb, fenethacarb, fenobucarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, metolcarb, mexacarbate, promacyl, promecarb, propoxur, trimethacarb, XMC and xylylcarb; dinitrophenol insecticides such as dinex, dinoprop, dinosam and DNOC; fluorine insecticides such as barium hexafluorosilicate, cryolite, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate and sulfluramid; formamidine insecticides such as amitraz, chlordimeform, formetanate and formparanate; fumigant insecticides such as acrylonitrile, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, chloropicrin, paradichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloropropane, ethyl formate, ethylene dibromide, ethylene dichloride, ethylene oxide, hydrogen cyanide, iodomethane, methyl bromide, methylchloroform, methylene chloride, naphthalene, phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride and tetrachloroethane; inorganic insecticides such as borax, calcium polysulfide, copper oleate, mercurous chloride, potassium thiocyanate and sodium thiocyanate; chitin synthesis inhibitors such as bistrifluoron, buprofezin, chlorfluazuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, penfluoron, teflubenzuron and triflumuron; juvenile hormone mimics such as epofenonane, fenoxycarb, hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, pyriproxyfen and triprene; juvenile hormones such as juvenile hormone I, juvenile hormone II and juvenile hormone III; moulting hormone agonists such as chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide; moulting hormones such as .alpha.- ecdysone and ecdysterone; moulting inhibitors such as diofenolan; precocenes such as precocene I, precocene II and precocene III; unclassified insect growth regulators such as dicyclanil; nereistoxin analogue insecticides such as bensultap, cartap, thiocyclam and thiosultap; nicotinoid insecticides such as flonicamid; nitroguanidine insecticides such as clothianidin, dinotefiiran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam; nitromethylene insecticides such as nitenpyram and nithiazine; pyridylmethylamine insecticides such as acetamiprid, imidacloprid, nitenpyram and thiacloprid; organochlorine insecticides such as bromo-DDT, camphechlor, DDT, pp'-DDT, ethyl-DDD, HCH, gamma-HCH, lindane, methoxychlor, pentachlorophenol and TDE; cyclodiene insecticides such as aldrin, bromocyclen, chlorbicyclen, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, dilor, endosulfan, endrin, HEOD, heptachlor, HHDN, isobenzan, isodrin, kelevan and mirex; organophosphate insecticides such as bromfenvinfos, chlorfenvinphos, crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, dimethylvinphos, fospirate, heptenophos, methocrotophos, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, naftalofos, phosphamidon, propaphos, TEPP and tetrachlorvinphos; organothiophosphate insecticides such as dioxabenzofos, fosmethilan and phenthoate; aliphatic organothiophosphate insecticides such as acethion, amiton, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlormephos, demephion, demephion-O, demephion-S, demeton, demeton-O, demeton-S, demeton-methyl, demeton-O-methyl, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphon, disulfoton, ethion, ethoprophos, IPSP, isothioate, malathion, methacrifos, oxydemeton-methyl, oxydeprofos, oxydisulfoton, phorate, sulfotep, terbufos and thiometon; aliphatic amide organothiophosphate insecticides such as amidithion, cyanthoate, dimethoate, ethoate-methyl, formothion, mecarbam, omethoate, prothoate, sophamide and vamidothion; oxime organothiophosphate insecticides such as chlorphoxim, phoxim and phoxim-methyl; heterocyclic organothiophosphate insecticides such as azamethiphos, coumaphos, coumithoate, dioxathion, endothion, menazon, morphothion, phosalone, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion and quinothion; benzothiopyran organothiophosphate insecticides such as dithicrofos and thicrofos; benzotriazine organothiophosphate insecticides such as azinphos-ethyl and azinphos-methyl; isoindole organothiophosphate insecticides such as dialifos and phosmet; isoxazole organothiophosphate insecticides such as isoxathion and zolaprofos; pyrazolopyrimidine organothiophosphate insecticides such as chlorprazophos and pyrazophos; pyridine organothiophosphate insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl; pyrimidine organothiophosphate insecticides such as butathiofos, diazinon, etrimfos, lirimfos, pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, primidophos, pyrimitate and tebupirimfos; quinoxaline organothiophosphate insecticides such as quinalphos and quinalphos-methyl; thiadiazole organothiophosphate insecticides such as athidathion, lythidathion, methidathion and prothidathion; triazole organothiophosphate insecticides such as isazofos and triazophos; phenyl organothiophosphate insecticides such as azothoate, bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, carbophenothion, chlorthiophos, cyanophos, cythioate, dicapthon, dichlofenthion, etaphos, famphur, fenchlorphos, fenitrothion fensulfothion, fenthion, fenthion-ethyl, heterophos, jodfenphos, mesulfenfos, parathion, parathion- methyl, phenkapton, phosnichlor, profenofos, prothiofos, sulprofos, temephos, trichlormetaphos-3 and trifenofos; phosphonate insecticides such as butonate and trichlorfon; phosphonothioate insecticides such as mecarphon; phenyl ethylphosphonothioate insecticides such as fonofos and trichloronat; phenyl phenylphosphonothioate insecticides such as cyanofenphos, EPN and leptophos; phosphoramidate insecticides such as crufomate, fenamiphos, fosthietan, imicyafos, mephosfolan, phosfolan and pirimetaphos; phosphoramidothioate insecticides such as acephate, isocarbophos, isofenphos, methamidophos and propetamphos; phosphorodiamide insecticides such as dimefox, mazidox, mipafox and schradan; oxadiazine insecticides such as indoxacarb; phthalimide insecticides such as dialifos, phosmet and tetramethrin; pyrazole insecticides such as acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil, pyrafluprole, pyriprole, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad and vaniliprole; pyrethroid ester insecticides such as acrinathrin, allethrin, bioallethrin, barthrin, bifenthrin, bioethanomethrin, cyclethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta- cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, dimefluthrin, dimethrin, empenthrin, fenfluthrin, fenpirithrin, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, flucythrinate, fluvalinate, tau-fluvalinate, furethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, permethrin, biopermethrin, transpermethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, profluthrin, pyresmethrin, resmethrin, biopermethrin, cismethrin, tefluthrin, terallethrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin and transfluthrin; pyrethroid ether insecticides such as etofenprox, flufenprox, halfenprox, protrifenbute and silafluofen; pyrimidinamine insecticides such as flufenerim and pyrimidifen; pyrrole insecticides such as chlorfenapyr; tetronic acid insecticides such as spirodiclofen, spiromesifen and spirotetramat; thiourea insecticides such as diafenthiuron; urea insecticides such as flucofuron and sulcofuron; and unclassified insecticides such as AKD-3088, chlorantraniliprole, closantel, crotamiton, cyflumetofen, E2Y45, EXD, fenazaflor, fenazaquin, fenoxacrim, fenpyroximate, FKI-1033, flubendiamide, HGW86, hydramethylnon, IKI- 2002, isoprothiolane, malonoben, metaflumizone, metoxadiazone, nifluridide, NNI-9850, NNI-0101, pymetrozine, pyridaben, pyridalyl, pyrifluquinazon, Qcide, rafoxanide, Rynaxypyr.TM., SYJ-159, triarathene and triazamate, and combinations thereof).

Non-limiting examples of actives that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other compositions of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include, but are not limited to, commercial products sold under the tradenames ABACUS®, ACROBAT®, ACRONIS®, ADHERE®, ADMIRAL®, AGCELENCE®, AGMUSA®, ALLEGRO®, ALITE 27®, ALTREVIN®, AMP®, AMPLEXUS®, AMPLO®, ARMEZON®, ARESENAL®, ASSIST®, ATECTRA®, ATIVUM®, AUMENAX®, AURA®, BASAGRAN®, BELLIS®, BEYOND®, BLAVITY®, BLITZ®, B0MV0R0®, BRIO®, CABRIO®, CARAMBA®, CADRE®, CANTUS®, CAPACITY®, CARAMBA®, CAURIFIX®, CEPTIVA®, CEYVA®, CHOPPER®, CLARITY®, CLEARFIELD®, CLEARPATH®, CLEARSOL®, COLLIS®, COMET®, CONTAIN®, CONVEY®, COPEO®, CREDENZ®, CUPRODUL®, CYCOCEL®, DASH®, DELAN®, DISTINCT®, DORMEX®, DUETT®, DURAVEL®, ENDURA®, ENGENIA®, ENTIGRIS®, EXTREME®, F 500®, FACET®, FASTAC®, FENDONA®, FIBERMAX®, FINALE®, FORUM®, GELFIX®, GESTUS®, GLYTOL®, GRANOURO®, GREEN LAWNGER®, HEADLINE®, HEAT®, HERBADOX®, HI-LIGHT®, HICOAT®, HIDROCUP®, HISTICK®, ILEVO®, IMUNIT®, INITIUM®, INTERFIELD®, KIFIX®, KIXOR®, KUMULUS®, LACTOSILO®, LAWNGER®, LIBERTY®, LIBERTYLINK®, LIDERO®, LUPRO-GRAIN®, MEES®, MERIVON®, MUNEO®, NEALTA®, NEPAXIR®, NEWPATH®, NEXICOR®, NODULATOR®, NOMOLT®, OBVIUS®, ONDUTY®, ONLY®, OPERA®, OPTILL®, ORKESTRA®, ORQUESTA®, OUTLOOK®, PENDULUM®, PIRATE®, PIVOT®, PIX®, PLATEAU®, POAST®, POLYACER®, POLYRAM®, PONCHO®, PREMIS®, PRIAXOR®, PRISTINE®, PROVISIA®, PROVYSOL®, PROWL®, PURSUTI®, RAK®, RAPTOR®, REGENT®, RELENYA®, RELY®, RENESTRA®, REVYSOL®, REVYTEK®, RHIZO-FLO®, SEFINA®, SELTIMA®, SEPIRET®, SERIFEL®, SHARPEN®, SISTEMA®, SISTIVA®, SOYTECH®, SPHAEREX®, SPOT®, STAMINA®, STANDAK®, STATUS®, STORM®, STROBY®, SUNFIRE®, SYSTIVA®, TACAZO®, TAJ®, TERAXXA®, TREEVIX®, TUIT®, TUTOR®, TWINLINK®, VABORO®, VALEOS®, VARISTO®, VAULT®, VELTYMA®, VERDICT®, VERISMO®, VERSATILE®, VERSYS®, VIVANDO®, VOTIVO®, XANTHION®, XEMIUM®, ZAMPOR®, ZIDUA® and ZYNION® from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany); CORVUS®, POWERMAX®, DELARO®, PROSARO®, BAYTHROID®, SIVANTO®, FINISH®, GINSTAR®, ACCELERON®, RAXIL®, AERIS®, EVERGOL®, TRILEX®, ALLEGIANCE®, BUTEO, EMESTO®, GAUCHO® and THIRAM® from Bayer Crop Science (Creve Coeur, MO, USA); AGREE®, AGRIPHAGE™, AGSIL®, ANCORA, AZATIN®, BOTANIGARD®, BOTEGHA®, BUG-N-SLUGGO®, CARB-O-NATOR®, CRYMAX®, CUEVA®, CYD-X®, DEFGUARD®, DELIVER®, DES-X®, DOUBLE NICKEL®, FIREFIGHTER™, GEMSTAR®, GROTTO®, HOMEPLATE®, JAVELIN®, KALMOR®, KOCIDE®, LIFEGARD®, MADEX®, MELOCON®, MYCOTROL®, NEEMIX®, OSO™, PFR-97™, SEDUCE™, SIL-MATRIX®, SLUGGO®, SOILGARD®, THURICIDE®, TRIACT®, TRIATHLON® and TRILOGY® from Certis (Columbia, MD); ABUNDIT®, ACCENT®, AFFORIA®, APROACH®, BASIS®, BEXFOND®, BLACKHAWK®, CANOPY®, CINCH®, CLINHER®, CURTAIL®, CURZATE®, DELEGATE®, RAINSHIELD®, DITHANE®, FEXAPAN®, VAPORGRIP®, LANNATE®, TANOS®, DURANGO®, DMA®, ELEVORE®, EMBED®, ENABLE®, ENLIST DUO®, ENLIST ONE®, ENLITE®, ENTRUST®, ENVIVE®, EVERPLEX®, FONTELIS®, FULTIME®, GOLDSKY®, GRANDSTAND®, GRANITE®, GRASP®, HEARKEN®, INDAR®, NXTGEN®, INSTINCT®, INTREPID 2F®, INTREPID EDGE®, KERB®, KEYSTONE®, KYBER®, LEADOFF®, LOYANT®, MATRIX®, N-SERVE®, NOVIXID®, OPENSKY®, PERFECTMATCH®, PINDAR®, PIXXARO®, POWERFLEX®, QUELEX®, RADIANT®, RALLY®, REALM®, REBELEX®, RESICORE®, RESOLVE®, REVULIN®, REZUVANT®, RIDGEBACK®, SEQUOIA®, SIMPLICITY®, SONIC®, STARANE®, STEADFAST®, STINGER®, STRONGARM®, SUCCESS®, SURESTART®, SURPASS®, SURVEIL®, SYNCHRONY®, TARZEC®, TRANSFORM®, TRELLIS®, TRIVENCE®, UTRISHA®, VERTISAN®, VYDATE®, WIDEARMATCH®, WIDEMATCH® and ZEST® from Corteva Agroscience (Indianapolis, IN, USA); BIO-SAVE® from Decco U.S. Post-Harvest, Inc. (Monrovia, CA, USA); ACCUDO®, AFFINITY®, AGILITY®, AIM®, ALLY®, ALTACOR®, ANTHEM®, ATHENA®, AUTHORITY®, AVAUNT®, BEEEAF®, BRIGADE®, CADET®, CAPTURE®, CARBINE®, COMMAND®, CORAGEN®, DISPLAY®, ELEVEST®, ETHOS®, EXIREL®, EXPRESS®, FINESSE®, FIRSTSHOT®, FURAGRO®, GLADIATOR®, HARMONY®, HERO®, LUCENTO®, MARVEL®, MUSTANG®, OBEY®, PANOFLEX®, PRESENCE®, PREVATHON®, QUARTZO®, RHYME®, ROVRAL®, SEAMAC®, SHARK®, SOLIDA®, SPARTAN®, STEWARD®, TEMITRY®, TERRA®, TOPGUARD®, UPBEET®, VANTACOR®, VERIMARK®, XYWAY®, ZEUS® and ZIRONAR® from FMC Corporation (Philadelphia, PA, USA); PENTIA®, ABAMEX®, AGRI TIN®, CHAMP®, CHIPTOX®, GIN OUT®, KAISO®, MEPEX®, NUPRID®, RAPPORT®, TERMINATE®, THISTROL®, ULTRA FLOURISH®, GOAL®, GOALTENDER®, GRAPPLE®, TUSCANY®, CHAMPION++, AGRI-MYCIN®, PHOSTROL®, BLIGHTBAN®, CHEETAH®, MYCOSHIELD®, RITEWAY®, TAZER®, MYSTIC®, CUPROXAT® and TYPY® from Nufarm Limited (Victoria, Australia); BIOSPECTRA®, PACRITE®, EFOG®, SHIELD-BRITE®, FUNGAFLOR®, PENBOTEC, and SOPP from Pace International (Wapato, WA, USA); ACTARA®, ACTELLIC®, ACTIGARD®, ACURON™, ADVION®, AFLAGUARD®, AGRIPRO®, ALTO®, ALUMNI®, AMISTAR®, APIRO®, APRON®, AVICTA®, AWARD®, AXIAL™, AXORIS®, BANNER®, BANVEL®, BARRICADE®, BEACON®, BICEP II MAGNUM®, BION®, BONZI®, BOUNDARY®, BOXER®, BRAVO®, C. C. BENOIST®, CADENCE®, CALARIS®, CALLISTO®, CAMIX®, CAPTORA®, CASPER®, CELEST®, CHAIRMAN®, CHESS®, CITATION®, CLARIVA®, COLZOR®, CRUISER®, CULTAR®, CURACON®, DACONIL®, DISCOVER®, DIVIDEND®, DUAL®, DUAXO®, DURIVO®, DYNASTY®, EDDUS®, ELATIS®, ELUMIS®, ENDEAVOR®, ENVOKE®, EPERON®, EPIVO®, ERIIAN®, FARMORE®, FLAGSHIP®, FLEX®, FLEXSTAR®, FLORIPRO SERVICES®, FOLIO®, FORCE®, FORTENZA®, FUSIFLEX®, FUSILADE®, GESAGARD®, GESAPAX®, GESAPRIM®, GOLD®, GOLDEN HARVEST®, GRADUATE®, GRADUATEA+®, GRAMOXONE®, HALEX®, HERITAGE®, HILLESHOG®, HORIZON®, HYVIDO®, INSEGAR®, ISABION®, KARATE ZEON®, LENTAGRAN®, LISTEGO®, LOGRAN®, LUMAX®, MAAG®, MATCH®, MAXIM®, MAXX®, MENTOR®, MERTECT®, MILAGRO®, MINECTO®, MIRA VIS®, MODDUS®, NEMATHORIN®, NK®, ORDRAM®, ORONDIS®, PALISADE®, PEAK®, PEGASUS®, PIRIMOR®, POLO®, PREFIX®, PRIMO®, PROCLAIM®, QUANTIS®, REFLECT®, REFLEX®, REGLONE®, RESOLVA®, REVUS®, RIFIT®, ROGERS®, S&G®, SAKALIA®, SALTRO®, SCHOLAR®, SCIMITAR®, SCORE®, SEGURIS®, SEQUESTRENE®, SETOFF®, SOFIT®, SOLVIGO®, STADIUM®, SUPREN®, SWITCH®, SYMETRA®, SYNGENTA®, TAEGRO®, TAVIUM®, TERVIGO®, TILT®, TIMOREX®, TOPIK®, TOPREX®, TRIGARD®, TRIMMIT®, TOUCHDOWN®, UNIX®, VAYANTIS®, VERTIMAC®, VIBRANCE®, WEATHER STIK®, from Syngenta Crop Protection (Basel, Switzerland); and ASULOX®, BALISTIK®, BEETUP®, BELLMAC®, BETASANA®, BETTIX®, BUGUIS®, CENTURION®, CLIOPHAR®, COLZAMID®, CORZAL®, DEFIANT®, DEVRINOL®, MINSTREL®, AFFIX®, AXIDOR®, BUZZ®, MIMIX®, DIOZINOS®, DIPROSPERO®, EVITO®, MANZATE®, MICROTHIOL®, NAUTILE®, PENNCOZEB®, PROMESS®, PROPLANT®, PROXANIL®, PYRUS®, SACRON®, SYLLIT®, TEBUZOL®, THIOPRON®, TOKYO®, UNIZEB®, VACCIPLANT®, VIDEO®, ZOXIS®, CYTHRIN®, DIMILIN®, FORESTER®, FUMICYP®, TALISMA®, B-NINE®, FAZOR®, GYRO®, HIMALAYA®, ICENI®, TRINEXIS®, IODUS®, AUDIT®, BASAGRAN®, BATLIUM®, BOYCOTT®, BROADLOOM®, COYOTE®, COLLIDE®, DUET®, ETHOTRON®, EVEREST®, IMIFLEX®, LIFELINE®, METRICOR®, MOCCASIN®, MOTIF®, PRE-PARE®, SATELLITE®, SHADOW®, SHUTDOWN®, STAM®, SUPERWHAM! ®, SUPREMACY®, TRICOR®, TRIZENTA®, CUPROFIX®, DEXTER®, ELEVATE®, ELIXIR®, FORTIX®, FROGHORN®, METEOR®, MICROTHI®, ORANIL®, PH-D®, PROCURE®, RANCOVA®, TEPERA®, TERRAGUARD®, TERRAMASTER®, TERRAZOLE®, TOPSIN®, TRIONIC®, ZIRAM®, ZOLERA®, ADIOS®, GOLDWING®, OFF-SHOOT-T®, PACZOL®, ROYAL®, ROYALTAC®, ACENTHRIN®, ACEPHATE®, ACRAMITE®, ADEPT®, ARGYLE®, ASSAIL®, BANTER®, BIFENTURE®, BIOMITE®, COMITE®, DIMILIN®, ENKOUNTER®, INTRUDER®, KANEMITE®, LAMBDA-CY®, MICROMITE®, OMITE®, PEDESTAL®, PERM-UP®, RIMON®, STRAFER®, TURNSTYLE®, UP-CYDE®, VENDEX®, VIGILANT®, ZYLO®, ATTENDANT®, BEAN GUARD®, ALLEGIANCE®, BELMONT®, ENHANCE®, GRAINGUARD®, MESH®, PRO-GRO®, RANCONA®, STARTUP®, THIRAM®, VITAFLO®, VITAVAX®, MAGNAPHOS®, WEEVIL-CIDE®, AQUASTRIKE®, AQUATHOL®, PEGASUS, GOLIATH, POACONSTRICTOR, RAVEN, T-BIRD, UP-END®, UP-START®, ETHEPHON PEGASUS, GOLIATH, POACONSTRICTOR, RAVEN, T-BIRD, UP-END®, UP-START®, ZEBA® and FLORAMITE® from UPL Limited (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India).

Examples of dispersants that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more anionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl carboxylates (e.g., sodium stearate), alkyl sulfates (e.g., alkyl lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amido ether sulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acyl sarconsinates, acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, N-acyl-N- alkyltaurates, benzene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates, perfluorobutanesulfonate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phosphate ester, styrene acrylic polymers, toluene sulfonates and xylene sulfonates.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more cationic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyltrimethylammonium salts (e.g., cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride), cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 5 -Bromo-5 -nitro- 1,3 -dioxane, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/or octenidine dihydrochloride.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more nonionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., TERGITOL™ 15-S surfactants (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), such as TERGITOL™ 15 -S-9, alkanolamides, alkanolamine condensates, carboxylic acid esters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA, dodecyldimethylamine oxides, ethanolamides, ethoxylates of glycerol ester and glycol esters, ethylene oxide polymers, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, glucoside alkyl ethers, glycerol alkyl ethers, glycerol esters, glycol alkyl ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, poly oxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers), glycol alkylphenol ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers,), glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ethers, poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol poly ricinoleate, polysorbate, polyoxyethylenated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated mercaptans, polyoxyethylenated polyoxyproylene glycols, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyvinyl pynolidones, sugar-based alkyl polyglycosides, sulfoanylamides, sorbitan fatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester and/or tertiary acetylenic glycols.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of 3-[(3- cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-l-propanesulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and/or one or more sphingomyelins.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more soaps and/or organosilicone surfactants.

Non-limiting examples of dispersants that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other compositions of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include ATLOX™ (e.g., 4916, 4991; Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), ATLOX METASPERSE™ (Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), BIO-SOFT® (e.g., N series, such as Nl-3, Nl-7, Nl-5, Nl-9, N23-3, N2.3-6.5, N25-3, N25-7, N25-9, N91-2.5, N91-6, N91-8; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), MAKON® nonionic surfactants (e.g., DA-4, DA-6 and DA-9; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), MORWET® powders (Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Chicago, IL), MULTIWET™ surfactants (e.g., MO-85P-PW-(AP); Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), POWERBLOX™ (Dow, Midland, MI, USA), such as POWERBLOX™ ADJ-65 and POWERBLOX™ ADJ-65; SAFER® soaps (Woodstream Corporation, Inc., Lancaster, PA), SILWET® surfactants (Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., Niskayuna, NY), SPAN™ surfactants (e.g., 20, 40, 60, 65, 80 and 85; Croda Inc., Edison NJ), TAMOL™ dispersants (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI ), TERGITOL™ surfactants (e.g., TMN-6 and TMN-100X; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), TERSPERSE surfactants (e.g., 2001, 2020, 2100, 2105, 2158, 2700, 4894 and 4896; Hunstman Corp., The Woodlands, TX), TRITON™ surfactants (e.g., X-100; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), TWEEN® surfactants (e.g., TWEEN® 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), 21, 22, 23, 28, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81 and 85; Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), and combinations thereof.

Examples of drying agents that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, calcium stearate, clay (e.g., attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay), graphite, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica, precipitated silica), soy lecithin, talc, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of drying agents that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other formulations of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include, but are not limited to, commercial products sold under the tradenames AEROSIL® and SIPERNAT® from Evonik Corporation (Parsippany, NJ), BENTOLITE® from BYK- Chemie GmbH (Wesel, Germany), and INCOTEC® from INCOTEC Inc. (Salinas, CA).

Examples of emulsifiers that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, lecithins, phospholipids, polysorbates, saponins, sorbitan esters, and combinations thereof.

Examples of growth media hat may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, Czapek-Dox medium, glycerol yeast extract, mannitol yeast extract, potato dextrose broth, YEM media, and combinations thereof.

Examples of microbial extracts that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, bacterial extracts, fungal extracts, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more extracts of media comprising one or more diazotrophs, mycorrhizae, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and/or biopesticides.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise a microbial extract of media comprising one or more of the following: Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5, Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V6, Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az-39, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1OOO, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS27 (deposited as NRRL B-5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6506), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SB3778, Bacillus cereus 1-1562, Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus licheniformis DSM 17231, Bacillus licheniformis DSM 17236, Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33110, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33111, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33112, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33113, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33114, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33115, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33116, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33117, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33238, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33239, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33240, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33241, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33242, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33243, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33244, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B 21662, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus sp. AQ175 (deposited as ATCC 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (deposited as ATCC 55609), Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (deposited as NRRL B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (deposited as NRRL B-21665), Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324, Bacillus subtilis DSM 33113, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060, Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilis QST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillus subtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus subtilis RTI477, Bacillus thuringiensis AQ52 (deposited as NRRL B-21619), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC 13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRL B-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN 401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG- 6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346, Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA- 12, Bacillus thuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillus thuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-176, Bacillus thuringiensis RTI545, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34004, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34005, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34006, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34007, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34317, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34318, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34319, Bradyrhizobium spp. 8A57, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 501, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 587, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 5019, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A227, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A228, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A273, Bradyrhizobium japonicum E-109, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50589 (also deposited as NRRL B-59568), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50590 (also deposited as NRRL B-59569), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50591 (also deposited as NRRL B-59570), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B- 50592 (also deposited as NRRL B-59571), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50608, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50609, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50610, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50611, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50612, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50726, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50727, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50728, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50729, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50730,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 566, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5079, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5080, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 122, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 123, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 127, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 129, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 532C, Erwinia billingiae NRRL B-67766, Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL- 21, Glomus intraradices RTI-801, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67350, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67351, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67486, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Paenibacillus graminis NRRL B-68249, Paenibacillus kribbensis NRRL B-68250, Paenibacillus peoriae NRRL B-67884, Paenibacillus peoriae NRRL B-67885, Paenibacillus sonchi NRRL B-68251, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 18309, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50162, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50776, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67154, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67155, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67156, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67157, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67158, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67159, Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18, Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692, Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694, Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170 , Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074, Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455, Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836, Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicillium radicum N93/47267, Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490, Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67352, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67357, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67521, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67522, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67533, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67534, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67525, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67526, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67527, Priestia megaterium NRRL B- 67528, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67529, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67530, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Pseudomonas koreensis NRRL B-67883, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (ID AC 080305-01), Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Streptomyces sp. NRRL B-30145, Streptomyces sp. Ml 064, Streptomyces WYE 53, Streptomyces glabus NRRL 30232, Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 (deposited as ATCC 55445), Streptomyces violaceusniger YCED 9, Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1, Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atroviride LC52, Trichoderma atroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R, Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichoderma harzianum ATCC 52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichoderma harzianum T-22, Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T- 39, Trichoderma harzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma virens GI-3, Trichoderma virens GI-21, Trichoderma virens GL-21, Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, Trichoderma viride TV1, Yersinia entomophaga DSM 18238, Yersinia entomophaga MH96, Yersinia entomophaga RL B-67598, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67599, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67600 and Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67601.

Examples of nutrients that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, taurine, etc.), macrominerals (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, etc.), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, etc.), vitamins, (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin Bi, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₇, vitamin B₈, vitamin B₉, vitamin BI₂, choline) vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotenoids (a-carotene, -carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, etc.), and combinations thereof.

Examples of pest attractants and feeding stimulants that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, brevicomin, ceralure, codlelure, cue-lure, disparlure, dominicalure, eugenol, frontalin, gossyplure, grandlure, hexalure, ipsdienol, ipsenol, japonilure, latitlure, lineatin, litlure, looplure, medlure, megatomic acid, methyl eugenol, moguchun, a- multistriatin, muscalure, orfalure, oryctalure, ostramone, rescalure, siglure, sulcatol, trimedlure, trunc- call, and combinations thereof. Examples of pH control components that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limite to, phosphates and other salts capable of buffering at the desired pH, and having an aqueous solubility of more than 1% w/w. A preferred pH control component is a phosphate buffer containing the ionic species HPOy and/or H2PO4 .

A pH control component may be a single ionic species that can maintain a constant pH but only provide a buffering effect towards either acidification or basification. An example of such, is HPO4² which can ensure an alkaline pH (of approximately 9) and provide a buffering effect against acidification. This may be beneficial in an agricultural setting to keep the pH constant at an alkaline pH, as most environmental factors will cause acidification of the droplet and deposit.

In some embodiments, the pH control component does not significantly change pH (+/- 0.5 pH units) or change in a desired direction upon drying when the solvent evaporates from the droplet on the leaf surface. Some buffers will, upon drying, change pH because of differences in solubility of the buffer components. As an example, the pH of a sodium phosphate buffer constituting of Na2HPO4 and NaH2PC>4 can reduce to pH 4 or lower upon drying since the dibasic form (Na2HPO4) will crystallize to a larger degree. On the contrary, the pH of a potassium phosphate buffer constituting of K2HPO4 and KH2PO4 will approach pH 9 upon drying since the monobasic form (KH2PO4) has the lowest solubility (Sarciaux 1999).

A pH control component is most effective (highest buffer capacity) when the pKa is close to the desired pH of the composition. This will reduce the amount of buffer needed to maintain a desired pH. In an embodiment, the buffer includes salts having a neutral/alkaline pKa, such as a pKa in the range of 6.5 to 10.

As a rule of thumb, pH control components can be used to control the pH of a solution at a pH +/- 1 pH-unit from its pKa value. pH control components with a pKa value above 6.5 are useful for controlling the pH at 7.5 or above. Examples of suitable pH control component include, but are not limited to: sodium/potassium phosphate (pKai 2.12, pKa2 7.21, pKas 12.67), sodium/potassium carbonate (pKai 6.37, pKa2 10.32), 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-l,3-propanediol (TRIS) (pKa 8.1), [Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]acetic acid (Bicine) (pKa 8.35), N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine) (pKa 8.15), 4-(2 -hydroxyethyl)- 1 -piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (pKai 3.0, pKa2 7.5), N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]- 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (TES) (pKa 7.55), 3-(N- morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) (pKa 7.2), tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propanesulfonic acid (TAPS) (pKa 8.44), N- [tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl] -3 -amino-2 -hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (TAPSO) (pKa 7.6), glycylglycine (pKai 3.14 pKa2 8.17), 2-(N-cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES) (pKa 9.3), sodium/potassium borate (pKai 9.24, pKa2 12.4, pKas 13.3), 2-amino-2 -methyl- 1,3 -propanediol (ammediol) (pKa 8.8), triethanol amine (pKa 7.74), 2 -amino-2 -methyl- 1 -propanol (pKa 9.7), glycine (pKai 2.34, pKa2 9.6), histidine (pKai 1.82, pKa2 6.00, pKas 9.17), and other amino acid buffers. Non-preferred pH control components include, but are not limited to, pH control components with an unfavorable pKa (pKa <6.5 for an enzyme that requires an alkaline pH), volatile pH control component, pH control component that display significant phytotoxicity (this may sometimes include the above-mentioned “suitable” pH control components, as phytotoxicity is depended on buffer concentration, pH and target crop), and pH control components that are unwanted in the environment and therefore regulated by authorities (this may sometimes include the above-mentioned “suitable” pH control component, as regulations varies throughout the world).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more pH control components in an amount of about/at least 0.01-10% w/w, preferably about/at least 0.05-5% w/w.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure can maintain an alkaline pH. pH control components may be used to obtain such compositions. For example, in some preferred embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more pH control components selected to provide a composition having an alkaline pH within the operable pH range(s) of each enzyme in the formulation, most preferably within +/- 1 pH-unit from the optimal pH value of each enzyme in the formulation. Thus, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise a pH control component, such as a buffer, where an 1 % w/w aqueous solution of the pH control component (buffer) has an alkaline pH in which each enzymne in the formulation is operable.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure can maintain an acidic pH. pH control components may be used to obtain such compositions. For example, in some preferred embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more pH control components selected to provide a composition having an acidic pH within the operable pH range(s) of each enzyme in the formulation, most preferably within +/- 1 pH-unit from the optimal pH value of each enzyme in the formulation. Thus, in some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise a pH control component, such as a buffer, where an 1 % w/w aqueous solution of the pH control component (buffer) has an acidic pH in which each enzyme in the formulation is operable.

Examples of plant-benefical microorganisms that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, diazotrophs, mycorrhizae, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, biopesticides, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more of the following: Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5, Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V6, Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az-39, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TH 000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS27 (deposited as NRRL B- 5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA- 6506), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B- 50509), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B- 50633), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SB3778, Bacillus cereus I- 1562, Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus licheniformis DSM 17231, Bacillus licheniformis DSM 17236, Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33110, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33111, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33112, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33113, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33114, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33115, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33116, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33117, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33238, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33239, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33240, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33241, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33242, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33243, Bacillus paralicheniformis DSM 33244, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B- 30087, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B 21662, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus sp. AQ175 (deposited as ATCC 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (deposited as ATCC 55609), Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (deposited as NRRL B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (deposited as NRRL B-21665), Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324, Bacillus subtilis DSM 33113, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060, Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilis QST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillus subtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus subtilis RTI477, Bacillus thuringiensis AQ52 (deposited as NRRL B-21619), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC 13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRL B-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN 401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346, Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA-12, Bacillus thuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillus thuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-176, Bacillus thuringiensis RTI545, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34004, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34005, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34006, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34007, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34317, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34318, Bacillus velezensis DSM 34319, Bradyrhizobium spp. 8A57, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 501, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 587, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 5019, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A227, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A228, Bradyrhizobium japonicum 61A273, Bradyrhizobium japonicum E-109, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B- 50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50589 (also deposited as NRRL B-59568), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50590 (also deposited as NRRL B-59569), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50591 (also deposited as NRRL B-59570), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-

50592 (also deposited as NRRL B-59571), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493),

Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50608, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50609,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50610, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50611,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50612, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50726,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50727, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50728,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50729, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50730,

Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 566, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5079, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5080, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 122, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 123, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 127, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 129, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 532C, Erwinia billingiae NRRL B-67766, Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL- 21, Glomus intraradices RTI-801, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67350, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67351, Lysinibacillus sphaericus NRRL B-67486, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Paenibacillus graminis NRRL B-68249, Paenibacillus kribbensis NRRL B-68250, Paenibacillus peoriae NRRL B-67884, Paenibacillus peoriae NRRL B-67885, Paenibacillus sonchi NRRL B-68251, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 18309, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348,

Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50162, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50776, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67154, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67155, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67156, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67157, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67158, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 67159, Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18, Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692, Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694, Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170 , Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074, Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455, Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836, Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicillium radicum N93/47267, Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490, Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67352, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67357, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67521, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67522, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67533, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67534, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67525, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67526, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67527, Priestia megaterium NRRL B- 67528, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67529, Priestia megaterium NRRL B-67530, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Pseudomonas koreensis NRRL B-67883, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (ID AC 080305-01), Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Streptomyces sp. NRRL B-30145, Streptomyces sp. M1064, Streptomyces WYE 53, Streptomyces glabus NRRL 30232, Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 (deposited as ATCC 55445), Streptomyces violaceusniger YCED 9, Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1, Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atroviride LC52, Trichoderma atroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R, Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichoderma harzianum ATCC 52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichoderma harzianum T-22, Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T- 39, Trichoderma harzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma virens GI-3, Trichoderma virens GI-21, Trichoderma virens GL-21, Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, Trichoderma viride TV I, Yersinia entomophaga DSM 18238, Yersinia entomophaga MH96, Yersinia entomophaga RL B-67598, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67599, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67600 and Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67601.

Non-limiting examples of plant-benefical microbial compositions that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other compositions of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include, but are not limited to, commercial products sold under the tradenames SERIFEL® from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany); VOTIVO® from Bayer Crop Science (Creve Coeur, MO, USA); AGREE®, AGRIPHAGE™, AGSIL®, ANCORA, AZATIN®, BOTANIGARD®, BOTEGHA®, BUG-N-SLUGGO®, CARB-O-NATOR®, CRYMAX®, CUEVA®, CYD-X®, DEFGUARD®, DELIVER®, DES-X®, DOUBLE NICKEL®, FIREFIGHTER™, GEMSTAR®, GROTTO®, HOMEPLATE®, JAVELIN®, KALMOR®, KOCIDE®, LIFEGARD®, MADEX®, MELOCON®, MYCOTROL®, NEEMIX®, OSO™, PFR- 97™, SEDUCE™, SIL-MATRIX®, SLUGGO®, SOILGARD®, THURICIDE®, TRIACT®, TRIATHLON® and TRILOGY® from Certis (Columbia, MD); BEXFOND™ and HEARKEN® from Corteva Agroscience (Indianapolis, IN, USA); ACCUDO®, FURAGRO®, PRESENCE®, QUARTZO®, SEAMAC® and ZIRONAR® from FMC Corporation (Philadelphia, PA, USA); B.SUB™, BAM™, BIO-N™, BIO-P™, BIO-PLEX™, MICRO-FORCE™, MYCO-FORCE™, PLATFORM™, ROOT-GUARD™, and TRICHO-SHIELD™ from Nutri-Tech Solutions Pty Ltd. (Yandina, Queensland, Australia); PROVEN® and RETURN® from Pivot Bio (Berkeley, CA); ACTINOVATE®, AZOMAX®, B300®, B360®, BIONIQ®, CELL-TECH®, CTS-200®, CTS-400®, CTS-500®, CUE®, GLYCIMAX®, JUMPSTART®, LEGUMAX®, MYCOPLEX®, NITRAGIN®, NODPRO®, OPTIMIZE®, QUICKROOTS®, RATCHET®, REW®, RHIZOMAX®, RHIZOMYCO®, TAEGRO®, TAGTEAM®, TORQUE® and WAVE® from Novozymes.

It is to be understood that plant-benefical microorganisms in formulations of the present disclosure may comprise vegetative cells and/or dormant spores. According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more plant-benefical microorganisms are present in formulations of the present disclosure as vegetative cells. According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more plant-benefical microorganisms are present in formulations of the present disclosure as spores.

Examples of plant signal molecules that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), chitin oligomers, chitosan oligomers, chitinous compounds, flavonoids, non-flavonoid nod-gene inducers, jasmonic acid or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid or derivatives thereof, linolenic acid or derivatives thereof, karrikins, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of plant signal molecules that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other compositions of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include, but are not limited to, commercial products sold under the tradenames B360®, LEGUMAX®, NODPRO®, NITRAGIN®, OPTIMIZE®, RATCHET®, TAGTEAM® and TORQUE® from Novonesis.

Examples of preservatives that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, benzoates (e.g., sodium benzoate), benzoic acid, methyl paraben, phenoxy ethanol, proprionates (e.g., ammonium proprionate, calcium proprionate, sodium proprionate), proprionic acid, sorbates (e.g., potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate), l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (PROXEL®; Basel, Switzerland) , and combinations thereof.

Examples of rain fasteners that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, organo-modified siloxanes (organosiloxanes), such as organo-modified trisiloxanes (e.g., polyether-modified trisiloxanes, such as polyalkyleneoxide -modified heptamethyltrisiloxane), organo-modified polysiloxanes (e.g., poly ether-modified polysiloxanes) , and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of rain fasteners that may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure — or into which Bacilli and other compositions of the present disclosure may be incorporated — include, but are not limited to, commercial surfactants sold under the tradenames BIOSPREAD® (Grosafe Chemicals Ltd., New Zealand); BREAK-THRU® (Evonik Operations Gmbh, Essen, Germany), such as BREAK-THRU® AF 5503, BREAK-THRU® AF 9902, BREAK-THRU® AF 9903, BREAK-THRU® OE 440, BREAK-THRU® OE 444, BREAK-THRU® OE 446, BREAK- THRU® S 200, BREAK-THRU® S 233, BREAK-THRU® S 240, BREAK-THRU® S 255, BREAK- THRU® S 279, BREAK-THRU® S 301, BREAK-THRU® SD 260, and BREAK-THRU® UNION; BYK® (BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, Germany), such as BYK® -348; ECOSPREAD® (Grosafe Chemicals Ltd., New Zealand); HI-WETT® (Loveland Products, Inc., Greeley, CO, USA); and SILWET™ (Momentive, Inc., Waterford, NY, USA), such as SILWET™ L-77, SILWET™ HS-312, SILWET™ 408, SILWET™ 618, SILWET™ 625, SILWET™ 636, SILWET™ 641, SILWET™ 806, SILWET™ DA-40, SILWET™ DRS-60, SILWET™ ECO, SILWET™ FUSION, SILWET™ HS 312, SILWET™ HS 604, SILWET™ HSEC, SILWET™ LF, SILWET™ OC, and SILWET™ STIK 2.

Examples of rhealogical agents that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, attapulgites, sepiolites, and combinations thereof.

Examples of safeners that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, napthalic anhydride.

Examples of seed flowability agents that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, lubricants such as fats and oils, natural and synthetic waxes, graphite, talc, fluoropolymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), solid lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide, and combinations thereof. In some instances, the flowability agent comprises a wax material. Non-limiting examples of wax materials that can be incorporated into the liquid seed treatment composition include plant and animal-derived waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricury wax, beeswax, spermaceti, and petroleum derived waxes, such as paraffin wax. For example, in some instances, the flowability agent comprises carnauba wax. In some instances, the flowability agent comprises an oil. For example, the flowability agent may comprise soybean oil. Nonlimiting examples of commercially available wax materials suitable for use as flowability agents include AQUAKLEAN 418 supplied by Micro Powders, Inc. (an anionic aqueous emulsion comprising extra light carnauba wax at 35% solids content).

Examples of stabilizing compounds that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, maltodextrins, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acids, fulvic acids, malt extracts, peat extracts, betaines, prolines, sarcosines, peptones, skim milks, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers, UV protectants, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent value (DEV) of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25). According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise a combination of maltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. Non-limiting examples of maltodextrins include MALTRIN® M040 (DEV = 5; molecular weight = 3600; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M100 (DEV = 10; molecular weight = 1800; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M150 (DEV = 15; molecular weight = 1200; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M180 (DEV = 18; molecular weight = 1050; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M200 (DEV = 20; molecular weight = 900; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M250 (DEV = 25; molecular weight = 720; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M580 (DEV = 16.5-19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M585 (DEV = 15.0-19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M600 (DEV = 20.0-23.0; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); GLOBE® Plus 15 DE (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL); and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more monosaccharides (e.g., allose, altrose, arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, gulose, iodose, lyxose, mannose, ribose, talose, threose and/or xylose). According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprisegluscose. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure does not comprise glucose.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more disaccharides (e.g., cellobiose, chitobiose, gentiobiose, gentiobiulose, isomaltose, kojibiose, lactose, lactulose, laminaribiose, maltose (e.g., maltose monohydrate, anhydrous maltose), maltulose, mannobiose, melibiose, melibiulose, nigerose, palatinose, rutinose, rutinulose, sophorose, sucrose, trehalose, turanose and/or xylobiose). According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure does not comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise trehalose. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure does not comprise trehalose.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more oligosaccharides (e.g., fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, mannon-oligosaccharides and/or raffinose).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, erythritol, fucitol, galactitol, glycerol, iditol, inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, maltotetraitol, maltotriitol, mannitol, polyglycitol, ribitol, sorbitol, threitol, volemitol and/or xylitol).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more humic acids (e.g., one or more leonardite humic acids, lignite humic acids, peat humic acids and water-extracted humic acids). In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate and/or sodium humate. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate and sodium humate is/are excluded from the inoculant composition. Nonlimiting examples of humic acids that may be useful in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL Number MFCD00147177 (CAS Number 1415-93-6), MDL Number MFCD00135560 (CAS Number 68131-04-4), MDL Number MFCS22495372 (CAS Number 68514- 28-3), CAS Number 93924-35-7, and CAS Number 308067-45-0.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more fulvic acids (e.g., one or more leonardite, lignite, peat and/or water-extracted fulvic acids). In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate and/or sodium fulvate. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate and sodium fulvate is/are excluded from formulations of the present disclosure. Nonlimiting examples of fulvic acids that may be useful in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL Number MFCD09838488 (CAS Number 479-66-3).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more betaines (e.g., trimethylglycine).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more peptones (e.g., bacterial peptones, meat peptones, milk peptones, vegetable peptones and yeast peptones).

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more oxidation control components (e.g., one or more antioxidants and/or oxygen scavengers). According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more oxygen scavengers, such as ascrobic acid, ascorbate salts, catechol and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate. According to some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, carotenoids, lipoic acid, phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine), tocopherols, tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include those that are soluble in the cell membrane (e.g., alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate) and those that are soluble in water (e.g., ascorbic acid and isomers or ascorbic acid, sodium or potassium salts of ascorbic acid or isomers or ascorbic acid, glutathione, sodium or potassium salts of glutathione). In some embodiments, use of a membranesoluble antioxidant necessitates the addition of one or more surfactants to adequately disperse the antioxidant within the inoculant composition. According to some embodiments, the inoculant composition is/comprises ascorbic acid and/or glutathione.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more hygroscopic polymers (e.g., hygroscopic agars, albumins, alginates, carrageenans, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycaprolactones, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches). Non-limiting examples of polymers include AGRIMER™ polymers (e.g., 30, AL-10 LC, AL-22, AT/ATF, VA 3E, VA 31, VA 5E, VA 51, VA 6, VA 6E, VA 7E, VA 71, VEMA AN-216, VEMA AN-990, VEMA AN-1200, VEMA AN-1980, VEMA H-815MS; Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, DE), EASYSPERSE™ polymers (Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, DE); DISCO™ AG polymers (e.g., L-250, L-280, L-285, L-286, L-320, L-323, L-517, L-519, L-520, L800; Incotec Inc., Salinas, CA), KELZAN® polymers (Bri-Chem Supply Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, CA), SEEDWORX™ polymers (e.g., Bio 200; Aginnovation, LLC, Walnut Groove, CA), TICAXAN® xanthan powders, such as PRE-HYDRATED® TICAXAN® Rapid-3 Powder (TIC Gums, White Marsh, MD) and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more UV protectants (e.g., one or more aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine), carotenoids, cinnamates, lignosulfonates (e.g., calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate), melanins, mycosporines, polyphenols and/or salicylates). Non-limiting examples of UV protectants include BORREGAARD LIGNOTECH™ lignosulfonates (e.g., Borresperse 3A, Borresperse CA, Borresperse NA, Marasperse AG, Norlig A, Norlig 11D, Ufoxane 3A, Ultrazine NA, Vanisperse CB; Borregaard Lignotech, Sarpsborg, Norway) and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable wetting agents include, but are not limited to, naphthalene sulfonates, such as alkyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate), isopropyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate), butyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium n- butyl naphthalene sulfonate), and combinations thereof.

Additional examples of adhesives, anti-freezing agents, anti-settling agents, biostimulants, carriers, chemical actives, dispersants, drying agents, effect pigments, emulsifiers, growth media, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and feeding stimulants, pH control components, plant- beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, preservatives, rain fasteners, rhealogical agents, safeners, seed flowability agents, stabilizing compounds, wetting agents and other components that may be included in formulations of the present disclosure can be found throughout the relevant art. See, e.g. , BAIRD & ZUBLENA, SOIL FACTS: USING WETTING AGENTS (NONIONIC SURFACTANTS) ON SOIL (North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publication AG-439-25) (1993); BRADLEY, Managing Diseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); D'Haeze et al., GLYCOBIOL. 12(6):79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., PLANT PHYSIOL. 120(1): 83 (1999); Denarie, et al., ANN. REV. BlOCHEM. 65:503 (1996); HAGER, Weed Management, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Hamel, et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Inoue & Horikoshi, J. FERMENTATION BlOENG.71(3): 194 (1991); LOUX et al., WEED CONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015); MCCARTY, WETTING AGENTS (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Publication) (2001); Muller et al., PLANT PHYSIOL.124:733 (2000); NIBLACK, Nematodes, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Pouci, et al. AM. J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008); Prome, et al., PURE & APPL. CHEM. 70(l):55 (1998); Robina et al., TETRAHEDRON 58:521-530 (2002); ROUGE et al., Docking of Chitin Oligomers and Nod Factors on Lectin Domains of the LysM-RLK Receptors in the Medicago-Rhizohium Symbiosis, in THE MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY OF COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES-3 (Springer Science, 2011); STEFFEY & GRAY, Managing Insect Pests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Van der Holst et al., CURR. OPIN. STRUC. Biol. 11:608 (2001); Wan et al., PLANT CELL 21: 1053 (2009); EP 0245970; EP0563963; US2003/082164; US2005/187107; US2006/243009; US2006/258534; US2008/320615; US2011/154873; US2011/230345; US2012/247164; US2014/235447; US2016/345588; US2016/355443; US2017/088474; US2018/168168; U2018/201549; US2018/279624;

US2019/014786; US2019/014787; US2019/345572; US2020/000098; US2020/055794; US2020/093125; US2020/085065; US2020/148605; US2020/263734; US2021/300837; US4510133; US5290556; US5401506; US5496568; US5607684; US60774634; US6773727; US8420070; US10820594; US10856552; US10874109; US11076603; WO 92/08355; WO92/11856; WOOO/28824; W02003/000051; W02003/016510; W02003/020030; W02005/062899; WO2007/142543;

W02008/085958; W02008/144024; W02009/135049; W02009/015266; W02010/037228;

WO2011/126832; WO2011/140051; WO2012/020014; WO2012/135704; WO2013/036922;

W02013/040366; W02013/044208; WO2013/044214; W02013/090884; WO2013/164384;

WO2014/078647; W02015/003908; W02015/069708; WO2016/000671; WO2016/014386;

WO2016/044542; WO2016/109424; WO2016/201284; WO2017/027821; WO2017/044473;

WO2017/044545; WO2017/077104; W02017/083049; WO2017/083623; WO2017/087674;

WO2017/116837; WO2017/116846; WO2017/131971; WO2017/205258; W02017/205800;

W02017/210163; W02017/210166; WO2018/067815; WO2018/118740; W02018/129016;

WO2018/118740; W02018/129016; W02018/129018; WO2018/175677; WO2018/175681;

WO2018/183491; WO2018/186307; WO2018/218008, W02018/218016; WO2018/218035;

WO2019/135972; WO2019/136198; W02020/061326; W02020/068654; WO2020/225276;

WO2020/239936; WO2021/018321; W02021/038072; WO2021/055316; W02021/101937;

W02021/101949; WO2021/247915; WO2021/255118; WO2022/029221; WO2022/029224;

WO2022/051661; WO2022/096688; WO2022/096691; WO2022/096692; WO2022/096693;

WO2022/096694; WO/2022/096695; WO2022/096696; WO2023/225459; WO2023/232685;

WO2023/288294; WO2024/046948; WO2024/046962; W02024/046980; W02024/047002;

W02024/047025; WO2024/160932.

It is to be understood that formulations of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable combination of adhesives, anti-freezing agents, anti-settling agents, biostimulants, carriers, chemical actives, dispersants, drying agents, effect pigments, emulsifiers, growth media, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and feeding stimulants, pH control components, plant-beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, preservatives, rain fasteners, rhealogical agents, safeners, seed flowability agents, stabilizing compounds, etc. and may therefore comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more of the components described above. Conversely, in some embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more of the aforementioned components are expressly excluded from formulations of the present disclosure.

Adhesives, anti-freezing agents, anti-settling agents, biostimulants, carriers, chemical actives, dispersants, drying agents, effect pigments, emulsifiers, growth media, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and feeding stimulants, pH control components, plant-beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, preservatives, rain fasteners, rhealogical agents, safeners, seed flowability agents, stabilizing compounds, wetting agents and other components may be incorporated into formulations of the present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). The absolute value of the amount(s)/concentration(s) that is/are sufficient to cause the desired effect(s) may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of material to which the composition will be applied; the type(s) of components included in the composition; the number of Bacilli (and other microorganisms) in the composition, the stability of the Bacilli (and other microorganisms) in the composition; and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select effective amounts/concentrations/combinations using routine dose-response experiments and the guidance set forth herein. Additional guidance for the selection of appropriate amounts/concentrations/combinations can be found throughout the relevant art. See, e.g., BAIRD & ZUBLENA, SOIL FACTS: USING WETTING AGENTS (NONIONIC SURFACTANTS) ON SOIL (North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publication AG-439-25) (1993); BRADLEY, Managing Diseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); D'Haeze et al., GLYCOBIOL. 12(6):79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., PLANT PHYSIOL. 120(l):83 (1999); Denarie, et al., ANN. REV. BlOCHEM. 65:503 (1996); HAGER, Weed Management, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Hamel, et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Inoue & Horikoshi, J. FERMENTATION BIOENG.71(3): 194 (1991); Loux et al., WEED CONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015); MCCARTY, WETTING AGENTS (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Publication) (2001); Muller et al., PLANT PHYSIOL.124:733 (2000); NIBLACK, Nematodes, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Pouci, et al. AM. J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008); Prome, et al., PURE & APPL. CHEM. 70(l):55 (1998); Robina et al., TETRAHEDRON 58:521-530 (2002); ROUGE et al., Docking of Chitin Oligomers and Nod Factors on Lectin Domains of the LysM-RLK Receptors in the Medicago-Rhizobium Symbiosis, in THE MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY OF COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES-3 (Springer Science, 2011); STEFFEY & G A , Managing Insect Pests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Van der Holst et al., CURR. OPIN. STRUC. Biol. 11:608 (2001); Wan et al., PLANT CELL 21: 1053 (2009); EP 0245970; EP0563963; US2003/082164; US2005/187107; US2006/243009; US2006/258534; US2008/320615; US2011/154873; US2011/230345;

US2012/247164; US2014/235447; US2016/345588; US2016/355443; US2017/088474;

US2018/168168; U2018/201549; US2018/279624; US2019/014786; US2019/014787;

US2019/345572; US2020/000098; US2020/055794; US2020/093125; US2020/085065;

US2020/148605; US2020/263734; US2021/300837; US4510133; US5290556; US5401506; US5496568; US5607684; US60774634; US6773727; US8420070; US10820594; US10856552; US10874109; US11076603; WO 92/08355; WO92/11856; WOOO/28824; W02003/000051; W02003/016510; W02003/020030; W02005/062899; WO2007/142543; W02008/085958;

W02008/144024; W02009/135049; W02009/015266; WO2010/037228; WO2011/126832;

WO2011/140051; WO2012/020014; WO2012/135704; WO2013/036922; WO2013/040366; W02013/044208; WO2013/044214; W02013/090884; WO2013/164384; WO2014/078647;

W02015/003908; W02015/069708; WO2016/000671; WO2016/014386; WO2016/044542;

WO2016/109424; WO2016/201284; WO2017/027821; WO2017/044473; WO2017/044545;

WO2017/077104; W02017/083049; WO2017/083623; WO2017/087674; WO2017/116837;

WO2017/116846; WO2017/131971; WO2017/205258; WO2017/205800; W02017/210163;

W02017/210166; WO2018/067815; WO2018/118740; W02018/129016; WO2018/118740;

W02018/129016; W02018/129018; WO2018/175677; WO2018/175681; WO2018/183491;

WO2018/186307; WO2018/218008, W02018/218016; WO2018/218035; WO2019/135972;

WO2019/136198; W02020/061326; W02020/068654; WO2020/225276; WO2020/239936;

WO2021/018321; W02021/038072; WO2021/055316; W02021/101937; W02021/101949;

WO2021/247915; WO2021/255118; WO2022/029221; WO2022/029224; WO2022/051661;

WO2022/096688; WO2022/096691; WO2022/096692; WO2022/096693; WO2022/096694;

WO/2022/096695; WO2022/096696; WO2023/225459; WO2023/232685; WO2023/288294;

WO2024/046948; WO2024/046962; W02024/046980; W02024/047002; W02024/047025;

WO2024/160932.

It is to be understood that the components to be included in the inoculant composition and the order in which components are incorporated into the inoculant composition may be chosen or designed to maintain or enhance the dispersion, stability and/or survival of the Bacilli during storage, distribution, and/or application of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, formulations of the present disclosure comprise one or more commercial adhesives, anti-freezing agents, anti-settling agents, biostimulants, carriers, chemical actives, dispersants, drying agents, effect pigments, emulsifiers, growth media, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and feeding stimulants, pH control components, plant-beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, preservatives, rain fasteners, rhealogical agents, safeners, seed flowability agents, stabilizing compounds and/or wetting agents used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations .

In some embodiments, one or more Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosure is incorporated into an ACCELERON®, ACTINOVATE®, ALICERCE®, ATAPLAN®, ATTIS®, B300®, B360®, CELL-TECH®, INTENSE®, JUMPSTART®, MET52®, NEMASTRIKE™, NEMIX®, NIMAXXA®, NITRAGIN®, OPTIMIZE®, PRESENCE®, PROVILAR®, QUARTZO®, QUICKROOTS®, RATCHET®, TAGTEAM®, TORQUE® or ZOATIN® product. Bacilli of the present disclosure may also be beneificially incorporated into AVAIL®, BAR MAX NORTE, BAR MAX SUR, BIOBOOST®, BIOPOWER, BIOSINC®, COMO PLATINUM, CROP+®, DEFENDR™, DIAMONBRAND®, DYNA-START™, EXCALIBRE-SA™, EXCEED®, EXCELLORATE™, FIRST UP®, FLEXCONNECT™, FORZA™, FUNGI -PHITE®, GRAPH-EX®, GRAPH-EX SA®, GUARD N®, HEADSUP®, ILEVO®, INTRACEPT™, LAUNCHER™, LEGACY™, MARAUDER®, MASTERFIX L PREMIER, MAXIMIZE™, MEGAPACK™, MICRO AZ-IF LIQUID™, MICRO AZST DRY™, MICROSTAR®, MICROSYNC™, MORE THAN MANURE®, NATURALL™, N- CHARGE®, N-DURE™, N-FORCE, N-TAKE™, NODULATOR®, NUE CHARGE G™, NUTRIGROW®, NUTRIPACTION®, NUTRI-PHITE®, NUTRISPHERE-N®, OBVIUS®, PBX™, PONCHO®, PREMAX®, PREMAXR®, PRE-VAIL™, PRESIDE CL®, PRESIDE ULTRA®, PRIMACY ALPHA®, PRIMO, PROSURGE™, PULSERHIZO®, RECOVER®, SABREX®, RILEGUM®, RIZOFOS®, RIZOLIQ®, SAFE ZONE™, SEED+™, SIGNUM®, SIMBIOSE®, SOYRHIZO®, SOYSUPERB®, STAMINA®, STATUS®, STERICS®, STIMUCONTROL®, SYSTIVA®, TAKE OFF®, TAKE OFF ST®, TERRAMAX DRY™, TERRAMAX LIQUID-IF, TRIDENT™, TUXEDO®, VAULT®, VERTEX-IF, VIGOR®, VIGOR SEED, VOTIVO®, WUXAL TERIOS and XITEBIO® YIELD+ products.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are amorphous solids.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are wettable powders.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are granules.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are liquids.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are liquids that are (or may be) subsequently dried to produce a powder or granule. For example, in some embodiments, liquid compositions of the present disclosure are/may be drum dried, evaporation dried, fluidized bed dried, freeze dried, spray dried, spray-freeze dried, tray dried and/or vacuum dried to produce powders/granules. Such powders/granules may be further processed using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, flocculation, granulation and milling, to achieve a desired particle size or physical format. The precise method(s) and parameters of processing dried powders/granuales that are appropriate in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the desired particle size(s), the type, size and volume of material to which the composition will be applied, the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select appropriate methods and parameters using routine experiments.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are (or may be) frozen for cryopreservation. For example, in some embodiments, liquid compositions of the present disclosure are flash-frozen and stored in a cryopreservation storage unit/facility. The precise method(s) and parameters of freezing and preserving compositions of the present disclosure that are appropriate in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select appropriate methods and parameters using routine experiments. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure and one or more stabilizing components (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 15 to about 20) is freeze- spray- or spray-freeze-dried, mixed with a drying powder (e.g., a drying powder comprising calcium stearate, attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica) and/or talc), then coated on plant seed that was been pre-treated with one or more adhesives (e.g., an adhesive composition comprising one or more maltodextrins, one or more mono-, di- or oligosaccharides, one or more peptones, etc.), one or more pesticides and/or one or more plant signal molecules (e.g., one or more LCDs).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as claimed in US10820594, US10856552, US10874109, or US12077746.

It is to be understood that compositions of the present disclosure may be aqueous or nonaqueous. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise no water. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise a trace amount of water. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition.

It is to be further understood that compositions of the present disclosure may have any desired pH. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 4.5 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 6 to about 7.5. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 or 8.5.

It is to be further understood that Bacilli, cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be formulated as non-naturally occurring compositions. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more non-naturally occurring components. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise a non- naturally occurring combination of naturally occurring components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, such non-naturally occurring combinations may exhibit one or more markedly different characteristics when compared to naturally occurring counterparts. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli in compositions of the present disclosure exhibit markedly different physical and/or functional properties, such as increased viability, enhanced ability to solubilize inorganic phosphates, etc., when compared to their naturally occurring counterparts.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure have many uses, including, but not limited to a) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating infestations/infections of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; b) treating surfaces/substances that are susceptible to infestation/infection of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; c) cleansing infested/infected surfaces/substances; d) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected directly or indirectly by phytopathogenic pests, such as bacteria, fungi and oomycetes; e) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; f) enhancing plant growth environments; g) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; h) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); i) improving nutrient stability in plant growth media (e.g., stabilizing levels of soluble phosphorous, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc in plant growth media); j) increasing nutrient uptake in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc uptake) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; k) increasing nutrient accumulation in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc accumulation) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; 1) increasing nutrient utilization in plants and plant parts (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and/or zinc utilization) by, for example, increasing the availability of nutrients in plant growth media; m) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); n) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); o) enhancing soil microbiomes; p) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of plant-beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); q) improving plant growth, development and yield characteristics; r) prolonging the shelf-life of harvested plants and plant parts; s) improving the efficacy of biological/chemical pesticides; t) preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating pesticide- induced resistance/phytotoxicity; u) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or v) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to enhance plant health, growth, and yield. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure enhance one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more characertistics of plant growth and/or yield by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,

31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57,

58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84,

85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140,

145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200% or more when applied to a plant, a plant part and/or a plant growth medium.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to reduce the need for exogenous soil amendments. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure reduce the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that must be added to a field in order to achieve a desired yield from that field by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% when applied to a plant, a plant part and/or a plant growth medium.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to mitigate the effects of plant pests and abiotic stressors. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure mitigate the negative effects of plant pests and abiotic stressors by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% when applied to a plant, a plant part and/or a plant growth medium.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to reduce the need for chemical pesticides. For example, in some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure reduce the need for chemical pesticides by about/at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,

26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52,

53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,

80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% when applied to a plant, a plant part and/or a plant growth medium.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for protecting plants from environmental pathogens.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are useful for preventing, treating, suppressing, eliminating and/or reducing the severity of bacterial infestations/infections by, for example, inhibiting adhesion of a bacterium to a surface, inhibiting entry of a bacterium into a material, inhibiting habitation by a bacterium, inhibiting the growth of a bacterium, inhibiting the reproduction and/or proliferation of a bacterium, degrading on one or more structural components of a bacterium (e.g. cell wall components, such as peptidoglycans and lipopolysaccharides), killing a bacterium, and/or reducing one or more symptoms of a bacterial infestation/infection. In some embodiments, such inhibition is complete or substantially complete, such that the bacterium fails to inhabit/feed/grow/reproduce/proliferate at a rate effective to initiate and/or sustain an appreciable infestation/infection. For example, spraying a plant with a composition of the present disclosure may inhibit a bacterium's ability to adhere to the surface of a plant, inhibit a bacterium's ability to enter into the plant, inhibit a bacterium's ability to inhabit the plant, inhibit growth of a bacterium on/in the plant, inhibit the reproduction and/or proliferation of a bacterium on/in the plant, degrade one or more structural components of a bacterium (e.g. one or more peptidoglycans and/or one or more lipopolysaccharides) on/in the plant, and/or kill a bacterium, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of infestation and/or enhancing one or more characteristics of growth and/or yield in the plant, as compared to an untreated control plant.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to prevent, treat, suppress, eliminate and/or reduce the severity of infestations/infections of/by myriad phytopathogenic bacteria, including, but not limited to, phytopathogenic Erwiniaceae and Xanthomonadales. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used to prevent, treat, suppress, eliminate and/or reduce the severity of an infestation/infection of a plant or plant part by one or more Agrobacterium (e.g., A. rhizogenes, A. tumefaciens, A. vitis), Burkholderia (e.g., B. gladioli), Clostridium, Dickeya (e.g., D. dadantii, D. solani), Erwinia (e.g., E. amylovora, E. aphidicola, E. carotovora, E. chrysanthemi, E. papayae, E. persicina, E. psidii, E. pyrifoliae, E. rhapontici, E. tracheiphila), P ectobacterium (e.g.. /< atrosepticum, P. carotovorum), Pseudomonas (e.g., P. agarici, P. amygdali, P. avellanae,P. cannabina, P. caricapapayae, P. cichorii, P. coronafaciens, P. costantinii, P. ficuserectae, P. fuscovaginae, P. helianthin, P. meliae, P. savastanoi, P. syringae, P. tolaasii, P. tomato, P. turbinellae, P. viridiflava), Ralstonia (e.g., R. solanacearum), Xanthomonas (e.g., X. alfalfae, X. ampelina, X. arboricola, X. axonopodia, X. boreopolis, X. badrii, X. bromi, X. campestris, X. cassavae, X. citri, X. cucrurbitae, X. cyanopsidis, X. cynarae, X.euvesicatoria , X. frageriae, X.gardneri, X. holcicola, X. hortorum, X. hyacinthi, X. maliensis, X. malvacearum, X. manihotis, X. melonis, X. oryzae, X. papavericola, X. perforans, X. phaseoli, X. pisi, X. populi, X. sacchari, X. theicola, X. translucens, X. vasicola, X. vesicatoria), and/or Xylella (e.g.. J . fastidiosa).

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are useful for preventing, treating, suppressing, eliminating and/or reducing the severity of fungal infestations/infections by, for example, inhibiting adhesion of a fungus to a surface, inhibiting entry of a fungus into a material, inhibiting habitation by a fungus, inhibiting production of one or more amino acids, degrading one or more amino acids, inhibiting the growth of a fungus, inhibiting the reproduction and/or proliferation of a fungus, degrading on one or more structural components of a fungus (e.g. cell wall components, such as chitins, glucans and mannans, and cell membrane components, such as ergosterols), killing a fungus, and/or reducing one or more symptoms of a fungal infestation/infection. In some embodiments, such inhibition is complete or substantially complete, such that the fungus fails to inhabit/feed/grow/reproduce/proliferate at a rate effective to initiate and/or sustain an appreciable infestation/infection. For example, spraying a plant with a composition of the present disclosure may inhibit a fungus' ability to adhere to the surface of a plant, inhibit a fungus' ability to enter into the plant, inhibit a fungus' ability to inhabit the plant, inhibit the ability of a fungus to produce one or more amino acids, degrade one or more amino acids, inhibit growth of a fungus on/in the plant, inhibit the reproduction and/or proliferation of a fungus on/in the plant, degrade one or more structural components of a fungus (e.g. one or more chitins, one or more glucans and/or one or more mannans) on/in the plant, and/or kill a fungus, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of infestation and/or enhancing one or more characteristics of growth and/or yield in the plant, as compared to an untreated control plant.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to prevent, treat, suppress, eliminate and/or reduce the severity of infestations/infections of/by myriad phytopathogenic fungi, including, but not limited to, phytopathogenic Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Chytridiomycota, Deueromycota, Peronosporomycota, Plasmodiophoromycota and Zygomycota, such as blasts, blights, bunts, galls, mildews, molds, rots, rusts, scabs, smuts and wilts. In some embodiments, enzymes of the present disclosure are used to prevent, treat, suppress, eliminate and/or reduce the severity of an infestation/infection of a plant or plant part by one or more Aecidium (e.g., A. aechmantherae, A. amaryllidis, A. breyniae, A. campanulastri, A. cannabis, A. cantensis, A. capsicum, A. foeniculi, A. narcissi)'. Aliernaria (e.g., A. alternata, A. alternantherae, A. arachidis, A. arborescens, A. arbusti, A. blumeae, A. brassicae, A. brassicicola, A. burnsii. A. carotiincultae, A. carthami, A. celosiae, A. cinerariae, A. citri, A. conjuncta, A. cucumerina, A. dauci, A. dianthi, A. dianthicola, A. eichhorniae, A. euphorbiicola, A. gaisen, A. helianthi, A. helianthicola, A. hungarica, A. infectoria, A. japonica, A. leucanthemi, A. linicola, A. longipes, A. mali, A. molesta, A. padwickii, A. panax, A. perpunctulata, A. patroselini, A. porri, A. quericola, A. radicina, A. raphani, A. saponariae, A. selini, A. senecionis, A. smyrnii, A. solani, A. sonchi, A. tenuissima, A. iriiicina. A. ventricosa, A. zinniae). Ascochyta (e.g., A. asparagina, A. bohemica, A., caricae, A. doronici, A. fabae, A. gossypii, A. graminea, A. hordei, A. humuli, A. medicaginicola, A. pinodes, A. pisi, A. prasadii, A. rabiei, A. rhei, A. sorghi, A. sorghinia,

A. spinaciae, A. tarda, A. tritici, A. viciae, A. vindobonensis), Ascospora (e.g., A. ruborum), Aspergillus (e.g., A. aculeatus, A. Candidas. A. clavatus, A. fisherianus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, A. restrictus, A. sojae, A. solani), Asteroma (e.g., A. caryae), Austropuccinia (e.g., A. psidii), Bipolaris (e.g., B. cactivora, B. cookei, B. incurvata, B. sacchari, B. sorghicola, B. sorokiniana,

B. zeae). Blumeria (e.g., B. graminis). Boeremia (e.g., B. lycopersici). Botrytis (e.g., B. allii, B. anthophila, B. cinerea, B. citricola, B. citrina, B. elliptca, B. fabae, B. fabiopsis, B. galanthina, B. gladioli, B. gossypina, B. hormini, B. hyacinthi, B. isabellina, B. latebricola, B. liliorum, B. limacidae, B. luteobrunnea, B. lutescens, B. mali, B. monilioides, B. narcissicola, B. necans, B. paeoniae, B. peronosporoides, B. pistiae, B. platensis, B. pruinosa, B. pseudocinerea, B. pyramidalis, B. rivoltae, B. rosea, B. rubescens, B. rudiculoides, B. sekimotoi, B. septospora, B. setuligera, B. sinoallii, B. sonchina, B. splendida, B. squamosa, B. taxi, B. terrestris, B. tracheiphila, B. trifolii, B. tulipae, B. viciae-hirsutae, B. yuae), Calonectria (e.g., C. ilicicola, C. indusiate, C. kyotensis, C. pteridis, C. pyrochroa, C. quinqueseptata), Camarotella (e.g., C. acrocomiae, C. costaricensis), Candida (e.g., C. albicans), Capnodium (e.g., C. theae), Cephalosporium (e.g., C. gramineum), Ceratocystis (e.g., C. fimbriata), Ceratobasidium (e.g., C. cereale), Cercoseptoria (e.g., C. ocellala). Cercospora (e.g., C. angreci, C. apii, C. apiicola, C. arachidicola, C. asparagi, C. atrofiliformis, C. beticola, C. bolleana, C. brachypus, C. brassicola, C. brunkii, C. canescens, C. cannabis, C. cantuariensis, C. capsid, C. caribaea, C. carotae, C. circumscissa, C. citrulline, C. clemensiae, C. coffeicola, C. coryli, C. corylina, C. eleusine, C. fragariae, C. fuchsiae, C. fusca, C. fusimaculans, C. gerberae, C. halstedii, C. handelii, C. hayi, C. hydrangeae, C. kaki, C. kikuchii, C. lends, C. liquidambraris, C. longipes, C. longissima, C. malloti, C. mamaonis, C. mangiferae, C. medicaginis, C. melongenae, C. minima, C. minuta, C. musae, C. nicotianae, C. odontoglossi, C. oryzae, C. papayae, C. penniseti, C. personata, C. piaropi, C. pisa- sativae, C. platanicola, C. puderii, C. pulcherrima, C. rhapidicola, C. rosicola, C. rubrotincta, C. sojina, C. solani, C. solani-tuberosi, C. sorghi, C. theae, C. tuberculans, C. vexans, C. vicosae, C. zeae- maydis, C. zebrina, C. zonata), Cercosporella (e.g., C. rubi , Choanephora (e.g., C. cucurbitarum), Cladosporium (e.g., C. arthropodii, C. brassicae, C. brassicola, C. chrysanthemi, C. citri, C. cladosporioides, C. cucumerinum, C. fulvum, C. gossypiicola, C. herbarum, C. hydrangeae, C. leguminicola, C. musae, C. oncobae, C. orchidis, C. pisi, C. rhododendri, C. salinae, C. spharospermum, C. sorghi, C. syringae, C. syringicola, C. yuccae, C. zeae), Claviceps (e.g., C. africana, C. fusiformis, C. paspali, C. purpurea, C. sorghi, C. zizaniae), Clitocybe (e.g., C. parasitica), Coccidioides (e.g., C. immitus), Cochliobolus (e.g., C. carbonum, C. cymbopogonis, C. hawaiiensis, C. heterostrophus, C. lunatus, C. miyabeanus, C. ravenelii, C. sativus, C. setariae, C. spicifer, C. stenospilus, C. tuberculatus, C. victoriae), Coleosporium (e.g., C. helianthi, C. ipomoeae, C. madiae, C. pacificum, C. tussilaginis), Colletotrichum (e.g., C. acutatum, C. agaves, C. arachidis, C. boninense, C. brasiliense, C. brassicola, C. brevisporum, C. cacao, C. capsid, C. caudatum, C. cereale, C. citri, C. citricola, C. coccodes, C. coffeanum, C. crassipes, C. curcumae, C. dematium, C. derridis, C. destrudivum, C. fioriniae, C. fragariae, C. frudi, C. fruticola, C. frudivorum, C. gloeosporioides, C. glycines, C. graminicola, C. gossypii, C. hanaui, C. higginsianum, C. jacksonii, C. kahawae, C. lentis, C. limonicola, C. lindemuthianum, C. lint, C. lupini, C. mangenotii, C. melonis, C. miscanthi, C. musae, C. nicholsonii, C. nigrum, C. orbiculare, C. orchidis, C. paspali, C. pisi, C. pisicola, C. radicis, C. roseum, C. serranegrense, C. sojae, C. spinaceae, C. sublineolum, C. sublineola, C. tabacum, C. trichellum, C. trifolii, C. truncatum, C. zoysiae), Coniella, Coniothecium (e.g., C. chomatosporum), Coniothyrium (e.g., C. henriquesii, C. rosarum, C. wernsdorffiae), Coprinopsis (e.g., C. psychromorbida), Cordana (e.g., C. johnstonii, C. musae), Corticum (e.g., C. theae), Cryphonedria (e.g., C. parasitica), Cylindrocarpon (e.g., C. ianthothele, C. magnusianum, C. musae), Cylindrocladiella (e.g., C. camelliae, C. parva), Cylindrocladium (e.g., C. lanceolatum, C. peruvianum), Cylindrosporium (e.g., C. cannabinum, C. juglandis, C. rubi), Cymadothea (e.g., C. trifolii), Cytospora (e.g, C. palmarum, C. personata, C. sacchari, C. sacculus, C. terebinthi), Cytosporina (e.g., C. ludibunda), Diaporthe (e.g., D. arctii, D. asparagi, D. capsid, D. citri, D. coffeae, D. dulcamarae, D. eres, D. helianthi, D. lagunensis, D. lokoyae, D. melonis, D. musae, D. orthoceras, D. perniciosa, D. phaseolorum, D. rudis, D. tanakae, D. vilicola). Diplodia (e.g., D. gossypina), Dreschlera (e.g., D. avenacea, D. campanulata, D. dematioidea, D. gigantea, D. glycines, D. graminea, D. hawaiiensis, D. musae, D. poae, D. teres, D. wirreganensis), Eremothcium (formerly Ne matos pora) (e.g., E. gossypii), Erysiphe (e.g., E. betae, E. cichoracearum, E. communis, E. cruciferarum, E. flexuosa, E. heraclei, E. necator, E. pisi, E. polygoni, E. robiniae, E. syringae), Exserohilum (e.g., E. oryzicola, E. oryzinum), Fusarium (e.g., F. affine, F. arthrosporioides, F. avenaceum, F. circinatum, F. crookwellense, F. culmorum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. incarnatum, F. langsethiae, F. mangiferae, F. merismoides, F. moniliforme. F. oxys porum. F. pallidoroseum, F. poae, F. proliferatum, F. redolens, F. roseum, F. sacchari, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides, F. sterilihyphosum, F. subglutinans,

F. sulphureum, F. tricinctum, F. verticillioides, F. virguliforme)', Gaeumannomyces (e.g., G. graminis). Geotrichum (e.g., G. candidum), Gibberella (e.g., G. fujikuroi, G. pulicaris, G. stilboides, G. tricincta,

G. xylarioides, G. zeae). Gilbertella (e.g., G. persicaria), Glomerella (e.g., G. cingulate). Gymnosporangium (e.g., G. juniperi-virginianae). Helminthosporium (e.g., H. oryzae, H. solani), Hemileia (e.g., H. coffeicola, H. vastatrix), Laetisaria (e.g., E fucif onus)' , Leptosphaeria (e.g., L. acuta, L. asparagi, L. cannabina, L. coffaeicida, L. coniothyrium, L. glyceriae, L. gossypii, L. grisea, L. korrae,

L. longispora, L. maculans, L. maydis, L. musae, L. oryzicola, L. oryzina, L. pini, L. platanicola, L. pratensis, L. raphani, L. saccharicola, L. solani, L. solanicola, L. trifolii, L. viciae, L. woroninii, L. zeae, L. zeae-maydis), Macrophomina (e.g., M phaseolina), Magnaporthe (e.g., M grisea, M. oryzae,

M. poae), Melamspora (e.g., M lini), Microdochium (e.g., M nivale), Monilinia (e.g., M fructicola), Mucor (e.g., M piriformis), Mycosphaerella (e.g., M fijiensis, M. graminicola, M. tassiana, M. zeae- maydis), Neofabraea (e.g., N. malicorticus), Ophiostoma (e.g., O. novo-ulmi, O. ulmi), Paracoccidioides (e.g., P. braziliensis), Penicillium (e.g., P. digitatum, P. expansum, P. italicum, P. rugulosum, P. verrucosum), Phakopsora (e.g., P. gossypii, P. meibomiae, P. pachyrhizi), Phialophora (e.g., P. gregata), Phoma (e.g., P. glycinicola), Phomopsis (e.g., P. asparagi, P. coffeae, P. logicolla, P. mangiferae, P. obscurans, P. perseae, P. purnorum, P. sojae, P. sclerotioides, P. tanakae, P. theae, P. vitcola), Phymatotrichopsis (e.g., P. omnivora), Physalospora (e.g., P. obtusa), Phytomyxea, Pneumocystis (e.g., P. carinii), Podosphaera (e.g., P. oxyacanthae), Pseudocercosporella, Puccinia (e.g. , P. asparagi, P. cacahata, P. coronata, P. graminis, P. kuehnii, P. melanocephala, P. porri, P. punctiformis, P. recondita, P. schedonnardii, P. sessilis, P. sorghi, P. striiformis, P. tritici, P. triticina), Pyrenophora (e.g., P. tritici-repentis), Pyricularia (e.g., P. grisea), Rhizoctonia (e.g., R. cerealis, R. solani), Rhizopus (e.g., R. nigricans, R. stolonifer), Rhynchosporium, Sclerotinia (e.g., .S', borealis, S. bulborum, S. homoeocarpa, S. libertiana, S. minor, S. ricini, S. sclerotiorum, S. spermophila, S. trifoliorum), Sclerotium (e.g., .S', rolfsii), Scopulariopsis (e.g., .S', brevicaulis), Septoria (e.g., .S', apiicola, S. aciculosa, S. ampelina, S. avenae, S. azalea, S. bataticola, S. campanulae, S. caryae, S. citri, S. cucurbitacearum, S. cytisi, S. dianthi, S. eumusae, fragariae, S. fragariaecola, S. glycines, S. helianthin, S. humuli, S. hydrangea, S. lactucae, S. lycopersici, S. malagutii, S. menthae, S. musiva, S. ostryae, S. passerinii, S. pisi, S. pistaciae, S. platanifolia, S. rhododendri, S. secais, S. selenophomoides), Sporisorium (e.g., .S' scitamineum), Synchytrium (e.g., .S' endobioticum), Taphrinci (e.g., T, deformans), Thielaviopsis (e.g., T. basicola, T. ceremica), Tilleda (e.g., T. barclayana, T. caries, T. controversa, T. foetida, T. indica, T. laevis, T. tritici), Typhula (e.g., T. incarnata, T. ishikariensis), Uncinula, Urocystis (e.g., U. agropyri), Uromyces (e.g., U. melanocephala), Ustilago (e.g., U. esculenta, U. maydis, U. nuda, U. scitaminea, U. siriiformis. U. tritici, U. Virens)' , Venturia, Verticillium (e.g., V. alfalfae, V. dahliae, V. isaacii, V. longisporum, V. theobromae, V. zaregamsianum), Waitea (e.g., W. circinata) and/or Zymoseptoria (e.g., Z. tritici). Additional examples of fungi that may be targeted using proteins, formulations, polynucleotides and organisms of the present disclosure may be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008).

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are useful for preventing, treating, suppressing, eliminating and/or reducing the severity of oomycete infestations/infections by, for example, inhibiting adhesion of an oomycete to a surface, inhibiting entry of an oomycete into a material, inhibiting habitation by an oomycete, inhibiting production of one or more amino acids, degrading one or more amino acids, inhibiting the growth of an oomycete, inhibiting the reproduction and/or proliferation of an oomycete, degrading on one or more structural components of an oomycete (e.g. cell wall components, such as celluloses and other beta-glucans), killing an oomycete, and/or reducing one or more symptoms of an oomycete infestation/infection. In some embodiments, such inhibition is complete or substantially complete, such that the oomycete fails to inhabit/feed/grow/reproduce/proliferate at a rate effective to initiate and/or sustain an appreciable infestation/infection. For example, spraying a plant with a composition of the present disclosure may inhibit an oomycete's ability to adhere to the surface of a plant, inhibit an oomycete's ability to enter into the plant, inhibit an oomycete's ability to inhabit the plant, inhibit production of one or more amino acids, degrade one or more amino acids, inhibit growth of an oomycete on/in the plant, inhibit the reproduction and/or proliferation of an oomycete on/in the plant, degrade one or more structural components of an oomycete (e.g. one or more beta-glucans) on/in the plant, and/or kill an oomycete, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of infestation and/or enhancing one or more characteristics of growth and/or yield in the plant, as compared to an untreated control plant.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be used to prevent and/or treat infestations/infections of myriad phytopathogenic oomycetes, including, but not limited to, phytopathogenic Albuginaceae, Peronosporaceae and Pythiaceae, such as blights, mildews, molds, root rots and rusts In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used to prevent, treat, suppress, eliminate and/or reduce the severity of an infestation/infection of a plant or plant part by one or more Achlya, Albugo (e.g., A. Candida), Aphanomyces (e.g., A. cochlioides, A. euteiches, A. invadans, A. iridis, A. rapham), Bremia (e.g., B. lactucae), Hyaloperonospora (e.g., H. arabidopsidis), Peronospora (e.g., P. belbahrii, P. destructor, P. effusa, P. farinose, P. fulva, P. lotorum. P. manshurica, P. parasitica, P. potentillae, P. rubi, P. schachtii, P. sparsa, P. tabacina, P. trifolii, P. viciae), Phytophthora (e.g., P. agathidicia, P. boehmeriae, P. cactorum, P. cambivora, P. capsica, P. cinnamomi, P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P. cryptogea, P. drechsleri, P. erythroseptica, P. fragariae, P. heveae, P. infestans, P. kernoviae, P. lateralis, P. megakaryam P. megasperma, P. nicotianae, P. palmivora, P. parasitica, P. ramorum, P. sojae, P. syringae), Plasmopara (e.g., P. halstedii, P. viticola), Pseudeoperonospora (e.g., P. cubensis, P. humuli), Pseudosclerospora (e.g., P. Philippine sis, P. sacchari, P. sorghi). Pythium (e.g., P. acanthicum, P. aphanidermatum, P. aristosporum, P. arrhenomanes, P. butleri, P. chondricola, P. citrinum, P. cucurbitacearum, P. debaryanum, P. delicense, P. emineosum, P. graminicola, P. heterothallicum, P. hypogynum, P. insidiosum, P. irregulare, P. iwayamae, P. middletonii, P. myriotylum, P. okanoganense, P. oopapillum, P. paddicum, P. paroecandrum, P. perniciosum, P. porphyrae, P. rostratum, P. scleroteichum, P. spinosum, P. splendens, P. sulcatum, P. tardicrescens, P. tracheiphilum, P. ultimum, P. violae, P. volutum), Saprolegnia (e.g., .S', parasitica), Sclerophthora (e.g., .S', macrospora, S. rayssiae) and/or Sclerospora (e.g., .S', graminicola)' . Additional examples of fungi that may be targeted using proteins, formulations, polynucleotides and organisms of the present disclosure may be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for preventing, treating, suppressing, eliminating and/or reducing the severity of infestations/infections of/by phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes, such as Albugo (e.g., A. Candida, A. occidentalis),Alternaria (e.g., A. alternata, A. alternantherae, A. arachidis, A. arborescens, A. arbusti, A. blumeae, A. brassicae, A. brassicicola, A. burnsii. A. carotiincultae, A. carthami, A. celosiae, A. cinerariae, A. citri, A. conjuncta, A. cucumerina, A. dauci, A. dianthi, A. dianthicola, A. eichhorniae, A. euphorbiicola, A. gaisen, A. helianthi, A. helianthicola, A. hungarica, A. infectoria, A. japonica, A. leucanthemi, A. linicola, A. longipes, A. mali, A. molesta, A. padwickii, A. panax, A. perpunctulata, A. patroselini, A. porri, A. quericola, A. radicina, A. raphani, A. saponariae,

A. selini, A. senecionis, A. smyrnii, A. solani, A. sonchi, A. tenuissima, A. triticina, A. ventricosa, A. zinniae), Blumeria (e.g., B. graminis), Botrytis (e.g., B. aclada, B. allii, B. cinerea, B. elliptica, B.fabae,

B. squamosa), Ceratocystis (e.g., C. fimbriata), Colletotrichum, Diplodia (e.g., D. gossypina), Erwinia (e.g., E. amylovora, E. aphidicola, E. carotovora, E. chrysanthemi, E. papayae, E. persicina, E. psidii,

E. pyrifoliae, E. rhapontici, E. tracheiphila), Fusarium (e.g., F. graminearum, F. oxysporum, F. solani,

F. virguliforme), Geotrichum (e.g., G. candidum), Gibberella (e.g., G. fujikuroi, G. pulicaris, G. zeae), Gilbertella (e.g., G. persicaria), Glomerella (e.g., G. cingulata), Hyaloperonospora (e.g., H. arabidopsidis), Macrophomina (e.g., M. phaseolina), Magnaporthe (e.g., M. grisea, M. oryzae), Melampsora (c.g.. M lini),Monilinia (c.g.. M fructicola),Mucor (c.g.. M piriformis), Mycosphaerella (c.g.. M graminicola), Neofabraea (e.g.,N. malicorticus), Penicillium (e.g.. // digitatum,P. expansum, P. italicum, P. rugulosum, P. verrucosum), Phakopsora (e.g., P. pachyrhizi), Physalospora (e.g., P. obtusa), Phytophthora (e.g., P. capsid, P. cinnamomi, P. infestans, P. parasitica, P. ramorum, P. sojae), Plasmopara (e.g., P. viticola), Pseudoperonospora (e.g., P. cubensis), Puccinia (e.g. , P. asparagi. P. cacahata, P. graminis, P. kuehnii, P. melanocephala, P. porri. P. punctiformis , P. recondite. P. schedonnardii, P. sessilis, P. sorghi, P. striiformis, P. tritici, P. triticina), Pythium (e.g., P. butleri, P. ultimum), Rhizoctonia (e.g., R. solani). Rhizopus (e.g., R. nigricans, R. stolonifer), Sclerotinia (e.g., .S', borealis, S. bulborum, S. homoeocarpa, S. libertiana, S. minor, S. ricini, S. sclerotiorum, S. spermophila, S. trifoliorum), Septoria (e.g., .S', cucurbitacearum, S. glycines, S. lycospersici), Ustilago (e.g., U. esculenta, U. maydis, U. nuda), Zymoseptoria (e.g., Z. tritici .

The present disclosure extends to kits comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more compositions of the present disclosure and instructions for using said composition(s).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are housed within one or more containers for storage and/or transport. For example, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts and/or synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be housed in separate containers for longterm storage, then combined prior to applying the final composition to a plant, plant propagation material, plant growth medium, or soil amendment (e.g., fertilizer). Optional constituents, such as stabilizing compounds, pesticides and plant signaling molecules, may be added to either of the two containers or housed in one or more separate containers for long-term storage. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, mixtures of ferrous carbonate and metal halide catalysts, sodium chloride and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The containers may comprise any suitable material(s), including, but not limited to, materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture and/or oxygen that contact the material(s) therein when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the containers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a material having light permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%. In some embodiments, the containers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm³/m² day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient light that reaches the material(s) therein by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient moisture that reaches the material(s) therein by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches the material(s) therein by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be used (and may be formulated for use) in association with any plant type, including, but not limited to, agricultural, floricultural, horticultural and silvicultural plants. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more plants selected from the families Amaranthaceae (e.g., chards, spinaches, sugar beets, quinoas), Asteraceae (e.g., artichokes, asters, chamomiles, chicorys, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrods, guayules, lettuces, marigolds, safflowers, sunflowers, zinnias), Brassicaceae (e.g., arugulas, broccolis, bok choys, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, canolas, collard greens, daikons, garden cresses, horseradishes, kales, mustards, radishes, rapeseeds, rutabagas, turnips, wasabis, watercresses, Arabidopsis thaliana), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupes, cucumbers, honeydews, melons, pumpkins, squashes (e.g., acorn squashes, butternut squashes, summer squashes), watermelons, zucchini)s, Fabaceae (e.g., alfalfas, beans, carobs, clovers, guars, lentils, mesquites, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarinds, tragacanths, vetches), Malvaceae (e.g., cacaos, cottons, durians, hibiscuses, kenafs, kolas, okras), Poaceae (e.g., bamboos, barleys, coms, fonios, lawn grasses (e.g., Bahia grasses, Bermudagrasses, bluegrasses, Buffalograsses, Centipede grasses, Fescues, or Zoysias), millets, oats, ornamental grasses, rices, ryes, sorghums, sugar canes, triticales, wheats and other cereal crops, Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheats), Rosaceae (e.g., almonds, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, strawberries), Rutaceae (e.g., grapefruits, lemons, limes, mandarins, oranges, pomelos), Solanaceae (e.g., bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplants, petunias, potatoes, tobaccos, tomatoes) and Vitaceae (e.g., grapes). According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more plants with which the strain(s) is/are not naturally associated (e.g., one or more plants that does not naturally exist in the geographical location(s) from which the strain(s) was/were isolated). According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more genetically modified plants. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more acaricide-, fungicide-, gastropodicide-, herbicide-, insecticide-, nematicide-, rodenticide- and/or virucide-resistant plants (e.g., one or more plants resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors (e.g., imidazolinone, pryimidinyoxy(thio)benzoates, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone, sulfonylurea, triazolopyrimidines), bialaphos, glufosinate, glyphosate, hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenase inhibitors and/or phosphinothricin).

Non-limiting examples of plants that may be treated with Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure include plants sold under the ACREMAX®, AGRISURE®, AGROESTE®, ASGROW®, ARTESIAN®, BOLERO Fl®, BOLLGARD®, CHANNEL®, CLEARFIELD®, DEKALB®, DELTAPINE®, DERUITER®, DROUGHTGARD®, DURACADEVIPTERA®, ENOGEN®, GENUITY®, GOLDENHARVEST®, KAMELEON®, LONGPING®, MARATHON Fl®, NK®, PIONEER®, OPTIMUM®, RGT PLANET®, RIB COMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, ROUNDUP READY 2 XTEND™, SALANOVA®, SEMESTES AGROCERES®, SEMINIS®, SMARTSTAX®, TRUFLEX®, VIPTERA®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, YIELDGARD®, YIELDGARD VT R00TW0RM/RR2®, YIELDGARD VT TRIPLE® and/or XTENDFLEX™ tradenames.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be used (and may be formulated for use) in various geographical regions, including, but not limited to, agronomic regions in Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe (e.g., agricultural regions in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and/or the United Kingdom), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, lapan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States (e.g., agricultural regions in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and/or Wisconsin), Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and/or Zimbabwe. According to some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure are formulated for use in a geographical region that encompasses multiple agricultural regions (e.g., agricultural regions in Illinois, Iowa, southern Minnesota and eastern Nebraska). Examples of such geographical regions include, but are not limited to, a northern com region encompassing agricultural regions in Iowa (e.g., northern Iowa), Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and/or Wisconsin; a central com region encompassing agricultural regions in Illinois (e.g., northern and/or central Illinois), Indiana (e.g., northern Indiana), Iowa (e.g., southern Iowa), Kansas (e.g., northern Kansas), Missouri (e.g,, northern Missouri), Nebraska (e.g., northern and/or southern Nebraska) and/or Ohio; a southern com region encompassing agricultural regions in Alabama (e.g., northern and/or southern Alabama), Arkansas, Georgia (e.g., northern and/or southern Georgia), Illinois (e.g., southern Illinois), Indiana (e.g., southern Indiana), Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri (e.g., central and/or southern Missouri), Mississippi (e.g., northern and/or southern Mississippi), Nebraska (e.g., southern Nebraska), North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and/or Virginia; a northern wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Minnesota, Montana (e.g., eastern Montana), Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and/or Wyoming (e.g., eastern Wyoming); a northern wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Idaho, Oregon and/or Washington; a central wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and/or Wyoming (e.g., eastern Wyoming); a central wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and/or Ohio; a central wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Kansas, Oklahoma and/or Texas; and a southern wheat region encompassing agricultural regions in Oklahoma and/or Texas.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to any part/portion of a plant.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds and tubers). According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are soaked in a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure for at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 36, 48 hours. According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are coated with a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure. Plant propagation materials may be coated with one or more additional layers (e.g., one or more protective layers that serves to enhance the stability and/or survival of the strain(s) of the present disclosure and/or one or more sequestration layers comprising substances that may reduce the stability and/or survival of the Bacilli if included in same layer as the Bacilli). In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an inoculant composition of the present disclosure and a drying powder.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are applied to the roots of a plant. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to the foliage of a plant. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to both the roots and the foliage of a plant.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials and to the plants that grow from said plant propagation materials.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to any plant growth medium, including, but not limited to, field soil, hydroponic growth media, potting soil, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are introduced directly into a plant growth medium (e.g., a soil). According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is introduced into a plant growth medium in the vicinity of a plant propagation material (e.g., a seed). According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is introduced into a plant growth medium in the root zone of a plant. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is introduced into a plant growth medium using an irrigation system (e.g., drip, drench, spray, etc.).

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to any soil amendment, including, but not limited to, composts, kelps, seaweeds, manures, controlled- releasese fertilizers, dry fertilizers, granular fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and combinations thereof.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be used (and may be formulated for use) at any time(s) throughout the relevant agronomical processes, such as prior to planting, at the time of planting, after planting, prior to germination, after germination, prior to seedling emergence, at the time of seedling emergence, after seedling emergence, prior to the vegetative stage, during the vegetative stage, after the vegetative stage, prior to the reproductive stage, during the reproductive stage, after the reproductive stage, prior to flowering, at the time of flowering, after flowering, prior to fruiting, at the time of fruiting, after fruiting, prior to ripening, at the time of ripening, after ripening, prior to harvesting, at the time of harvesting and after harvesting. Accordingly, compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated for any suitable method of application, including, but not limited to, on- seed application, in-furrow application and foliar application. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers or fertilizer additives).

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks prior to planting.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time of planting. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied directly to plant propagation materials during the planting process. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are added as a separate side-dress application during planting.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) after planting but before germination. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are introduced into soil surrounding the plant propagation materials after planting.

In some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure are applied to plants following emergence. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are introduced into soil surrounding the plants throughout the growing season.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, and synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to plants, plant propagation materials, plant growth media, etc. by any feasible method, including, but not limited to, coating, dripping, dusting, encapsulating, immersing, spraying, sprinkling, and soaking. Batch systems, in which predetermined batch sizes of material and inoculant composition are delivered into a mixer, may be employed. Continuous treatment systems, which are calibrated to apply inoculant composition at a predefined rate in proportion to a continuous flow of material, may also be employed.

Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant propagation materials, plant growth media, soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers), etc. in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, Bacilli (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x IO²⁰ cfu per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure the plant propagation materials are coated with about/at least 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli is applied to each seed.

In some embodiments, Bacilli (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x IO²⁰ cfu per plant. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each plant is treated with about/at least 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli is applied to each plant.

In some embodiments Bacilli (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x IO²⁰ cfu per acre of treated crops. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of treated crops is treated with about/at least 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, l x 10⁸, l x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli is applied to each acre of treated crops.

In some embodiments, Bacilli (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x IO²⁰ cfu per acre of plant growth media. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of plant growth media is treated with about/at least 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x IO¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x IO¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, 1 x 10⁸, 1 x 10⁹, 1 x IO¹⁰, 1 x 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Bacilli is applied to each acre of plant growth media.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.05 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure the plant propagation materials are coated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3,

3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each seed.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per plant. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each plant is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each plant.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per acre of treated crops. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of treated crops is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1,

1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average ofabout/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each acre of treated crops.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per acre of plant growth media. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of plant growth media is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average ofabout/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each acre of plant growth media.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be used to enhance numerous aspects of plant development/growth/yield under various growth conditions, including, but not limited to, nutritional deficits (e.g., calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and/or sulfur deficiencies), humidity extremes, pH extremes, temperature extremes, (e.g., average daytime temperatures below 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 74 or 75°C, average daytime temperatures above 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100°C or more, average nighttime temperatures below 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70°C, average nighttime temperatures above 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85°C or more, etc.) and drought conditions (e.g., less than 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 inches of rainfall during the growing season). It is to be understood that any determination of what constitutes a nutritional deficit, temperature extreme, drought condition, etc. must account for the plant species/variety being grown, as different specie s/varieties may have different preferences and requirements.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials at a rate sufficient to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and/or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants grown from said plant propagation materials by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250% or more as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., plants grown from untreated plant propagation materials and/or plants grown from plant propagation materials treated with an alternative microbial strain). According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present disclosure is/are applied to plant propagation materials in an amount sufficient to enhance the yield of plants grown therefrom by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0,

3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to cereal and pseudocereal seeds, such as barley, buckwheat, com, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum and wheat, in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance yield by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0,

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. Similarly, in some embodiments, Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure are applied to leguminous seeds, such as alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth and vetch, in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance yield by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 or more bushels per acre.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant growth media at a rate sufficient to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and/or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants grown in said plant growth media by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250% or more as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., corresponding plants grown in untreated plant growth media and/or corresponding plants grown in plant growth media treated with an alternative microbial strain). According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present disclosure is/are applied to plant growth media in an amount sufficient to enhance the yield of plants grown therein by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant growth media in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance the yield of cereals and pseudocereals, such as barley, buckwheat, com, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum and wheat, grown therein by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. Similarly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant growth media in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance the yield of legumes, such as alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth and vetch, grown therein by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0,

2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 or more bushels per acre.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plants at a rate sufficient to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and/or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250% or more as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., untreated plants and/or treated with an alternative microbial strain). According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present disclosure is/are applied to plants in an amount sufficient to enhance the yield of said plants by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre . For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to cereals and pseudocereals, such as barley, buckwheat, com, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum and wheat, in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance yield by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3,

3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. Similarly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to leguminous plants, such as alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth and vetch, in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance yield by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 or more bushels per acre.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) at a rate sufficient to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and/or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants grown in the presence of said soil amendments by at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250% or more as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., corresponding plants grown in untreated plant growth media and/or corresponding plants grown in plant growth media treated with a soil amendment comprising an alternative microbial strain). According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present disclosure is/are applied to soil amendments in an amount sufficient to enhance the yield of plants grown therewith by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,

2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6,

4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to soil amendments in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance the yield of cereals and pseudocereals, such as barley, buckwheat, com, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum and wheat, grown therewith by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6,

1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 or more bushels per acre. Similarly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to soil amendments in an amount/concentration sufficient to enhance the yield of legumes, such as alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth and vetch, grown therewith by about/at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,

2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 or more bushels per acre. The present disclosure extends to plants and plant parts (e.g., plant propagation materials) that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to plants that grow from plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to plant parts harvested from plants that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to plant parts harvested from plants that grow from plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to processed products derived from plants that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to processed products derived from plants that grow from plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, to crops comprising a plurality of plants that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure, and to crops comprising a plurality of plants that grow from plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides coated plant propagation materials comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a plant propagation material and a coating that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the plant propagation material, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more compositions of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments, the coating comprises two, three, four, five or more layers. According to some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer that contains one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure and one or more outer layers free or substantially free of microorganisms.

According to some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer that is an inoculant composition of the present disclosure and an outer layer that is equivalent to an inoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it does not contain the strain(s) of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition of the present disclosure and a drying powder. Drying powders may be applied in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). The absolute value of the amount/concentration that is/are sufficient to cause the desired effect(s) may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of material to which the composition will be applied, the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount/concentration using routine dose-response experiments. In some embodiments, the drying powder is applied in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 10 grams of drying powder per kilogram of plant propagation material. For example, in some embodiments, about 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 grams or more of drying powder (e.g., drying powder comprising magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica, soy lecithin and/or talc) is applied per kilogram of seed. In some embodiments, a drying powder comprising calcium stearate, attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica) and/or talc is applied to seeds coated with a composition of the present disclosure at a rate of about 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 grams per kilogram of seed.

According to some embodiments, the coating completely covers the outer surface of the plant propagation material.

According to some embodiments, the average thickness of the coating is at least 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 pm or more. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the coating is about 1.5 to about 3.0 pm.

The present disclosure also extends to kits comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of plants and/or plant parts (e.g., plant propagation materials) that have been treated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure and a container housing the treated plant(s) and/or plant part(s). In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, mixtures of ferrous carbonate and metal halide catalysts, sodium chloride and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The container may comprise any suitable material(s), including, but not limited to, materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture and/or oxygen that contact the treated plant/plant part when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having light permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm³/m² day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient light that reaches the treated plant/plant part by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient moisture that reaches the treated plant/plant part by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches the treated plant/plant part by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, kits of the present disclosure comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more additional containers. The additional containers may comprise any suitable component(s) or composition(s), including, but not limited to, biostimulants, chemical actives, plant-beneficial microorganisms, plant signal molecules, and oxidation control components.

The present disclosure encompasses numerous methods for utilizing Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts and/or formulations of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, methods of applying them to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers), plant growth media, plant propagation materials, living plants, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of applying one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure to plant propagation materials and/or to plants grown from said plant propagation materials and/or to plant growth media into which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced and/or to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that are being (or will be) introduced into plant growth media in which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of applying one or more Bacilli cultures of the present disclosure to plant propagation materials and/or to plants grown from said plant propagation materials and/or to plant growth media into which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced and/or to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that are being (or will be) introduced into plant growth media in which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of applying one or more Bacilli extracts (e.g., supernatants of Bacilli cultures) of the present disclosure to plant propagation materials and/or to plants grown from said plant propagation materials and/or to plant growth media into which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced and/or to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that are being (or will be) introduced into plant growth media in which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of applying a synthetic microbial consortia of the present disclosure to plant propagation materials and/or to plants grown from said plant propagation materials and/or to plant growth media into which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced and/or to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that are being (or will be) introduced into plant growth media in which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of applying an inoculant composition comprising one or more Bacilli of the present disclosure to plant propagation materials and/or to plants grown from said plant propagation materials and/or to plant growth media into which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced and/or to soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that are being (or will be) introduced into plant growth media in which said plant propagation materials and/or plants have been (or are being) (or will be) introduced.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of introducing plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosure into a plant growth media (e.g., field soils). Such methods may further comprise introducing one or more nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and/or phosphorous) into said plant growth media. Any suitable nutrient(s) may be added to the growth media, including, but not limited to, rock phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, super phosphate, triple super phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, fertilizers comprising one or more phosphorus sources, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of introducing plants that have been treated with one or more Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosureinto a plant growth media (e.g., field soils). Such methods may further comprise introducing one or more nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and/or phosphorous) into said plant growth media. Any suitable nutrient(s) may be added to the growth media, including, but not limited to, rock phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, super phosphate, triple super phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, fertilizers comprising one or more phosphorus sources, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of introducing soil amendments (e.g., fertilizers) that have been treated with one or more Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosure into a plant growth media (e.g., field soils). Such methods may further comprise introducing one or more plants into said plant growth media. Any suitable plant(s) may be added to the growth media, including, but not limited to, cereals and pseudocereals, such as barley, buckwheat, com, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum and wheat, leguminous plants, such as alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth and vetch, and combinations thereof.

It is to be understood that compositions and methods of the present disclosure may be combined with known compositions and methods, such as fertilization compositions/methods, inoculant compositions/methods, pesticide compositions/methods, and post-harvest compositions/methods.

In some instances, compositions and methods of the present disclosure are used as part of an Integrated Pest Management program/strategy. According to some embodiments, one or more Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia and/or formulations of the present disclosure is/are applied to a plant, plant part or plant growth medium as part of an Integrated Pest Management program/strategy comprising one or more biological pesticides and/or one or more chemical pesticides.

It is to be understood that compositions and methods of the present disclosure are not limited to agicultural/floricultural/horticultural/silvicultural uses. The same activities that make Bacilli, cultures, microbial extracts, synthetic microbial consortia, and formulations of the present disclosure useful for preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminating infestations/infections of/by phytopathogenic pests, such as Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and Pythium, likewise render them useful for preventing/treating/suppressing/eliminating/reducing the detrimental effects of infestations/infections in and on myriad surfaces/substances, such as food storage containers, animal bedding/feed, clothing, hard surfaces, medical instruments, etc. Thus, it is to be understood that compositions and methods of the present disclosure may be modified for use in any other industry or endeavor in which such prevention/treatment/suppression/elimination/reduction may be of benefit.

For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure extends to animal feed compositions comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a food component and one or more compositions of the present disclosure.

Animal feed compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable food component, including, but not limited to, fodder (e.g., grains, hay, legumes, silage and/or straw) and forage (e.g., grass).

Animal feed compositions of the present disclosure may be fed to any suitable animal, including, but not limited to, farm animals, zoo animals, laboratory animals and/or companion animals. In some embodiments, the animal feed composition is formulated to meet the dietary needs of birds (e.g., chickens, ducks, quails and/or turkeys), bovids (e.g., antelopes, bison, cattle, gazelles, goats, impala, oxen, sheep and/or wildebeests), canines, cervids (e.g., caribou, deer, elk and/or moose), equines (e.g., donkeys, horses and/or zebras), felines, fish, pigs, rabbits, rodents (e.g., guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and/or rats) and the like.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the present disclosure may be implemented or of all the features that may be added to the instant invention(s). Subjects skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some embodiments of the invention(s) and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

Example 1

Adaptive Laboratory Evolution Produced Cold-Adapted B. velezensis Strain

We performed an adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) campaign to develop derivatives of B. velezensis with improved growth rates at cold temperatures. See generally W02021038072. In short, initial cultures were inoculated with a B. velezensis parental strain, and serial subcultures were taken daily and inoculated into fresh growth media, gradually decreasing incubation temperatures from 25°C to 18°C throughout the ALE campaign. Final samples from the evolution experiment were serially diluted and plated on LB agar plates to obtain isolated colonies. Example 2

DSM 34878 Exhibited Improved Spore Germination and Growth

Because many important commercial crops are sown under relatively low temperature conditions (e.g., 12-18°C), the abilities of DSM 34878 spores and its sister strains to germinate and grow under various environmental conditions were tested alongside the B. velezensis parental strain from which they were derived. In short, spore suspensions were introduced into surrogate root exudate medium and incubated at various temperatures for a total of 140 hours, monitoring both spore germination and outgrowth (time to increase OD₆oo by 0.5). DSM 34878 and sister strain B. amyloliquefaciens CAB22 exhibited improved growth relative to the parental strain at both low and high temperatures. Figure 1.

Example 3

DSM 34003 Exhibited Improved Spore Germination and Growth at Low Temperatures

The ability of DSM 34003 to germinate and grown at low temperatures was compared to that of DSM 34878. Spore suspensions were introduced into surrogate root exudate medium and incubated at various temperatures, as described in Example 1 above. DSM 34003 exhibited germination and growth at low temperatures that was comparable to that of DSM 34878. Figure 2.

Example 4

Co-Culture of DSM 34878 with DSM 34003 Did Not Inhibit Growth of DSM 34003

Individual and dual-strain cultures of DSM 34003, DSM 34878, sister strain B. amyloliquefaciens CAB22, and the parental strain from which DSM 34878 and B. amyloliquefaciens CAB22 were grown in liquid LB medium under shaking conditions at 24 °C, 120 rpm for about 18 hrs. Serial dilution series of the cell cultures were prepared in PepSal and plated on LB agar plates. After overnight incubation, the colony forming units (CFU) were counted and used for the calculations of the total CFU/ml numbers. A logarithmic scale was used to improve the visualization of the results. Figure 3.

For assessing the co-growth in a mixed strain colony, the strains were cultivated as monocultures in LB medium until they reached mid-exponential growth phase. Then either 5 pl of the monocultures or the same amount of a 1 : 1 mix of the different B. velezensis strains with a GFP-labelled DSM 34003 variant were dropped on biofilm inducing MSgg agar plates. After incubation, colony pictures were taken with a Leica Stereomicroscope with and without detection of GFP fluorescence to assess the presence of the B. velezensis strain DSM 34003 in co-culture with different B. velezensis strains. Figure 4.

These co-cultivation experiments revealed that both the B. velezensis parental strain and sister strain B. velezensis CAB22 outcompeted DSM 34003 in liquid co-culture and as mixed colonies on agar plates, whereas the cold-adapted derivative DSM 34878 did not outcompete DSM 34003. Example 5

Co-Culture of DSM 34878 with DSM 34003 Maintained Pesticidal Activity

Dilution serieses of cell-free bacterial supernatants of individual and dual-strain cultures of DSM 34003, DSM 34878, sister strain B. amyloliquefaciens CAB22, and the B. velezensis parental strain were grown in MOLP medium at 30°C were performed. In short, supernatants were added to 48- well microtiter plates containing PDB medium and a fixed fungal spore concentration. The plates were incubated at 25°C without shaking for 60 h (under dark), and fungal growth was measured by spectrophotometry at 600 nm. The dilution factor at which each strain inhibits 50% of the maximal fungal growth (ID50) was used as a measure of inhibition potency. ID50 values were determined by sigmoid regression of experimental data obtained from in-vitro fungal inhibition assays with different dilution factors.

Biocontrol product samples were first thoroughly mixed by vortexing. After, 75 pL of culture broth was transferred to a 1.4 mb Micronics tube already containing 25 pL of 13C-labeled secondary metabolites and 400 pL of methanol. The mixture was ultrasonicated for 10 min on ice and mixed in a rotatory mixer for 20 min to ensure an effective extraction of the metabolites. Samples were centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 3 min at 4°C and 100 pL of supernatant was used for LC-MS analysis to quantify and compare the concentrations of the three families of lipopeptides (surfactins, iturins and fengycins), polyketides (bacillaenes, macrolactins, difficidins), bacteriocins and other relevant antimicrobial compounds.

Figure 5 depicts the F. culmorum growth inhibition profiles of the cell-free bacterial supernatants of monocultures and co-cultures of DSM 34003, the B. velezensis parental strain, and cold- adapted derivatives DSM 34878 and B. velezensis CAB22. The fungal inhibition potential of DSM 34003 and the combination of DSM 34003 with DSM 34878 was the same as the inhibition potential of DSM 34003 alone. This is in line with the finding that DSM 34878 does not inhibit the growth of DSM 34003.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, quantification of three lipopeptide families, fengycins, surfactins and iturins, revealed that a higher level of these antifungal metabolites was produced by DSM 34003 in monoculture, followed closely by the co-culture combination of DSM 34003 with the cold- adapted derivative DSM 34878.

The higher bioactivity values (ID50) quantified in monocultures of DSM 34003 and in cocultures with DSM 34878 were directly correlated with higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, namely the lipopeptides fengycins, surfactins and iturins.

The combination of DSM 34003 with the cold-adapted derivative DSM 34878 rendered an equivalent biocontrol effect as compared to the DSM 34003 monoculture. Pairings with the cold- adapted sister strain or the B. velezensis parental strain did not result in the same biocontrol efficacy. Example 6

Combination of DSM 34878 and DSM 34003 Enhanced in vitro Root Attachment

Efficient root attachment and colonization can provide a significant layer of protection from soil-borne pathogens. We therefore assessed root attachment of DSM 34003, DSM 34878, sister strain B. amyloliquefaciens CAB22, the B. velezensis parental strain, and combiations thereof. Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings (five days old) were transferred to A Murashige and Skoog liquid medium and inoculated with vegetative Bacillus cells to a final concentration of 1 x 10⁴ CFU/ml. Dual-strain inoculations were performed at a 1: 1 ratio (i.e., 5 x 10³ CFU/mL each). Experiments were performed in triplicate. The combination of DSM 34003 with the cold-adapted derivative DSM 34878 exhibited the highest root attachment efficiency. Figure 7.

Example 7

Co-Culture of DSM 34878 with DSM 34003 Enhanced Root Length under Pythium Challenge

Maize seeds were coated with DSM 34003 or DSM 34878 spores at a rate of 1 x 10⁷ spores per seed. A combined treatment of both strains was tested using half the dose for each strain (i.e., 5 x 10⁶ of each strain) in a composition. Treated maize seeds were sown in 0.5 L pots filled with a mixture of sand, sandy soil, peat, and dried rice colonized by Pythium irregulare as inoculum (14 days of growth in incubator, dried and ground to fine powder) at a rate of 2 g dried rice per kg of sand. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under constant 16-23°C cycles and 16 h of light per day for 21 days. At harvest, plants were dug out, roots were washed, and pictures were taken for root length assessment using image analysis. Data was extracted using Image J software. Root length was measured from the seed to the tip of the longest/primary root.

Root length was increased when plants were inoculated with 1 x 10⁷ spores per seed of either DSM 34003 or DSM 34878, as compared to the / /w/m-inoculatcd control (i.e., infected with Pythium and not treated with Bacillus). The seed coating with the composition comprising a combination of the two strains (DSM 34003 + DSM 34878) increased root length to a greater extent than when only one of the strains was applied. Figure 8.

Example 8

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, Alone and Collectively, Enhance Organic Phytate and Inorganic Phosphate Solubilization, Mediate the Negative Effects of Low-Phosphorous Environments, and Enhance Growth and Yield of Corn, Soybean and Wheat

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are grown in liquid R2B medium (HiMedia, Cat. n. M1687) for three days at 30°C. Following incubation, 20 pl of Bacillus culture or uninoculated culture media is added to 180 pl of filter sterilized NBRIP buffer (glucose 10 g/1; magnesium chloride hexahydrate 5 g/1; magnesium sulfate heptaydrate 0.25 g/1; potassium chloride 0.2 g/1; ammonium sulfate 0.1 g/1) containing previously washed calcium phytate (5 g of phytate is added to 1 liter of distilled water in a sterile disposable bottle; the solution is then fdtered through a 0.7 pm fdter; calcium phytate is collected and washed twice in distilled water). Tubes are incubated for 48 hours at 30°C in a plastic container in the presence of wet paper towel to prevent evaporation. At the end of the incubation, each tube is centrifuged at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes and 10 pl of supernatant is diluted 1:500 by performing three successive 1: 10 dilutions and a 1:5 dilution (10 pl of concentrated culture in 90 pl of filter sterilized water, followed by 10 pl of 1: 10 diluted culture in 90 pl of filter sterilized water, followed by 20 pl of 1: 100 diluted culture in 80 pl of filter sterilized water) into three separate tubes. A standard curve is performed to quantify free phosphate in the solution. Eight samples are used that contain 100 pl of phosphate standard (phosphate colorimetric assay kit K410, BioVision Inc., Milpitas, CA) in filter sterilized water at the following concentrations: 50 pM, 25 pM, 12.5 pM, 6.25 pM, 3.125 pM, 1.56 pM, 0.78 pM, 0 pM. 20 pl of phosphate reagent (phosphate colorimetric assay kit K410, BioVision Inc., Milpitas, CA) is added into each tube containing bacterial samples, standard curves, or media samples. Solutions are mixed and, after 30 minutes of incubation at room temperature, the absorbance is recorded at ODeso. The experiment is conducted using 5 technical and 2 biological replicates for each sample and is repeated three times. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each significantly increase phosphate release as compared to uninoculated media, indicating they may be individually useful for solubilizing organic phytate in agricultural settings. Furthermore, the combination of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 enhances phosphate release to an unexpected degree, surpassing the numberical sum of the increases for DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 individually.

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are grown in liquid R2B medium (HiMedia, Cat. n. M1687) for three days at 30°C. Following incubation, 20 pl of Bacillus culture or uninoculated culture media is added to 180 pl of filter sterilized NBRIP buffer (glucose 10 g/1; magnesium chloride hexahydrate 5 g/1; magnesium sulfate heptaydrate 0.25 g/1; potassium chloride 0.2 g/1; ammonium sulfate 0.1 g/1) containing 5 g/1 tricalcium phosphate (CAS n. 7758-87-4). Tubes are incubated for 24 hours at 30°C in a plastic container in the presence of wet paper towel to prevent evaporation. At the end of the incubation, each tube is centrifuged at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes and 10 pl of supernatant is diluted 1: 100 by performing two successive 1: 10 dilutions (10 pl of concentrated culture in 90 pl of filter sterilized water, followed by 10 pl of 1: 10 diluted culture in 90 pl of filter sterilized water, followed by 20 pl of 1: 100 diluted culture in 80 pl of filter sterilized water) into three separate tubes. A standard curve is performed to quantify free phosphate in the solution. Eight samples are used that contain 100 pl of phosphate standard (phosphate colorimetric assay kit K410, BioVision Inc., Milpitas, CA) in filter sterilized water at the following concentrations: 50 pM, 25 pM, 12.5 pM, 6.25 pM, 3.125 pM, 1.56 pM, 0.78 pM, 0 pM. 20 pl of phosphate reagent (phosphate colorimetric assay kit K410, BioVision Inc., Milpitas, CA) is added into each tube containing bacterial samples, standard curves, or media samples. Solutions are mixed and, after 30 minutes of incubation at room temperature, the absorbance is recorded at ODeso. The experiment is conducted using 5 technical and 2 biological replicates for each sample and is repeated three times. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each significantly increase phosphate release as compared to uninoculated media, indicating they may be individually useful for solubilizing inorganic phosphate in agricultural settings. Furthermore, the combination of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 enhances phosphate release to an unexpected degree, surpassing the numberical sum of the increases for DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 individually.

Rapeseed seeds are inoculated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are by soaking them for one hour in a MgSCfi solution containing 2.5 x 10⁵ to 2.5 x 10⁶ CFU/ml. Untreated control seeds are soaked in MgSCh solution alone. Seeds are transferred to small pots containing field soil and incubated at 16°C for one week in a growth chamber. Germinated seedlings are transferred to 500mL pots containing field soil (8 plants/treatment) and grown in a greenhouse for three weeks. Dry weight is measured at harvest. Positive control plants (grown from untreated control seeds) received a complete fertilizer solution comprising plant-available phosphate. Plants grown from seeds treated with Bacillus and negative control plants (grown from untreated control seeds) receive a modified fertilizer solution wherein the phosphorous source is replaced with tricalcium phosphate (CasP) and the pH was adjusted to 8. Negative control plants grown with the modified fertilizer solution (Control CaP) exhibit markedly decreased biomass relative to positive control plants grown with the complete fertilizer solution (Control full fertilizer). Plants grown from seeds inoculated with DSM 34003 or DSM 34878 are significantly less affected by the modified fertilizer solution, exhibiting significant increases in biomas relative to negative control plants (p<0.05). Seeds inoculated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 are even less affected, indicating the combination provides unexpected synergistic benefits for plants grown in low-phosphorous environments.

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are grown in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and applied to the surfaces of hybrid com seeds in a rotating mechanical drum to promote even microbe distribution and to achieve a desired number of colonyforming units per seed. The treated seeds are tested alongside untreated control seeds in broad acre yield (BAY) trials in multiple years at 40-50 field locations each year across a variety of com-growing geographies within the United States utilizing a randomized complete block design — trials contain multiple control plots that are averaged by replicate (and by germplasm when more than one germplasm is used in a trial). The relative maturity of the germplasms tested in each year is matched to the geographical location. Multiple reps are conducted at each field location, with a total of 50-200 plots tested for each strain and each plot corresponding to two rows of about 15 feet in length and a row spacing of about 30-38 inches (i.e., a planting density of about 34,000-36,000 plants/acre). Growth and yield measurements from individual plots are combined and evaluated. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each enhance seedling emergence, root growth and plant biomass and increase yield by at least 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05). Seeds treated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 show unexpected results, with yield increases exceeding 8 bushels per acre.

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are grown in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and applied to the surfaces of wheat seeds in a rotating mechanical drum to promote even microbe distribution and to achieve a desired number of colonyforming units per seed. The treated seeds are tested alongside untreated control seeds in broad acre yield (BAY) trials at multiple years at 30-40 field locations each year across a variety of wheat-growing geographies within the United States utilizing a randomized complete block design — trials contained multiple control plots that are averaged by replicate (and by germplasm when more than one germplasm is used in a trial). Multiple reps are conducted at each field location, with a total of 50-200 plots tested for each strain and each plot corresponding to seven rows of about 15 feet in length, five feet in width and a row spacing of about 7.5 inches (i.e., a planting density of about 750,000-1,500,000 plants/acre). Growth and yield measurements from individual plots are combined and evaluated. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each enhance seedling emergence, root growth and plant biomass and increase yield by at least 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05). Seeds treated with the combination of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 show unexpected results, with yield increases exceeding 8 bushels per acre.

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are grown in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and to the surfaces of soybean seeds in a rotating mechanical drum to promote even microbe distribution and to achieve a desired number of colony-forming units per seed. The treated seeds are tested alongside untreated control seeds in broad acre yield (BAY) trials in multiple years at 50-60 field locations each year across a variety of soybean-growing geographies within the United States utilizing a randomized complete block design — trials contained multiple control plots that are averaged by replicate (and by germplasm when more than one germplasm is used in atrial). Multiple reps are conducted at each field location, with a total of 50-200 plots tested for each strain and each plot corresponding to two rows of about 15 feet in length and a row spacing of about 30 inches (i.e., a planting density of about 140,000 plants/acre). Growth and yield measurements from individual plots are combined and evaluated. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each enhance seedling emergence, root growth and plant biomass and increase yield by at least 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05). Seeds treated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 show unexpected results, with yield increases exceeding 8 bushels per acre.

Hybrid com seeds are treated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, (1 x 10⁶ colony forming units per seed) or deionized water, planted in a sandy loam soil and grown in a greenhouse under the following conditions: 16:8 (hours) daymight photoperiod with supplemental lighting to achieve 850 W/m²; day temperature of 28°C; nighttime temperature of 22°C. To assess the influence of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, on the early stages of plant development, plants are fertilized with 20-20-20 (120 ppm N) fertilizer at 3 weeks post-planting and harvested at 4 weeks. Plants grown from seeds treated with DSM 34003 or DSM 34878 exhibit significantly increased iron, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content relative to plants grown from seeds treated with deionized water (p < 0.05). To assess the influence of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, on the intermediate stages of plant development, plants are fertilized with 20-20-20 (120 ppm N) fertilizer at 3-, 4- and 5-weeks post-planting, with 15-7-25 (360 ppm N) fertilizer at 6 weeks post-planting and harvested at 9 weeks. Plants grown from treated with DSM 34003 or DSM 34878 exhibit significantly increased phosphorours, potassium and magnesium content and greater root biomass relative to plants grown from seeds treated with deionized water (p < 0.05). Seeds treated with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 show unexpected results, with nutrient increases surpassing the numberical sums of the increases for DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 individually.

Com is grown in a greenhouse in A-gallon (2.2L) pots containing a low-nutrient potting media consisting of 50% Turface MVP (Turface Athletics, II, USA), 25% Just Coir (Sungro Horticulture, MA, USA), and 25% vermiculite (super coarse; Whittemore Company Inc., MA, USA). All pots are treated with a base rate of 0.178g urea prior to planting. Seeds are planted approximately 2-3cm deep, and liquid cultures of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, alone and in combination, are applied to seeds at the time of planting using a minimum application rate of 1 x 10⁵ CFU/seed. Untreated seeds are also planted and serve a negative control, and untreated seeds with an additional 0.089 g urea per pot are planted to serve as a positive control. Treatments are arranged throughout the room using a modified Uatin square design, and environmental conditions are set as follows: 75°F day heating threshold, 80°F day cooling threshold, 65°F night heating threshold, 70°F night cooling threshold, 14.5h light per day, 9.5h dark per day. Plants are watered daily and grown for approximately five weeks until they reach the V6 growth stage at which point they are harvested. At the time of harvest, com plants are cut at the base of the stem, placed in a paper bag, and dried at a temperature of 80°C until leaves and stems become brittle to the touch. Each dry plant is weighed and the shoot biomass for each treatment is compared to that of the untreated control using a mixed effects model in which the row and column of the modified Uatin square are designated as random effects. Multiple studies repeating this experimental design are conducted, and the positive control consistently has higher shoot biomass than the UTC. DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 each significantly increase plant biomass by at least 10-40% relative to the untreated controls (p <0.05). Furthermore, the combination of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 enhances plant biomass to an unexpected degree, surpassing the numberical sum of the increases for DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 individually.

Example 9

DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 Significantly Inhibit Phytopathogens

In each of the experiments described herein, the following treatment compositions are utilized: sterile water comprising spores of DSM 34878, sterile water comprising spores of DSM 34003, sterile water comprising spores of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, a cell-free filtrate of culture media inoculated with DSM 34878, a cell-free filtrate of culture media inoculated with DSM 34003, a cell-free filtrate of culture media inoculated media inoculated media with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878, and uninoculated culture media. Powdery mildew-susceptible wheat plants (var. Anja) are grown in a greenhouse for approximately two weeks until reaching the two-leaf crop growth stage (BBCH12). Plants are then sprayed with treatment composition using a cabin sprayer (volume 600 mb; 150 L/ha, 3.6 km/hour, yellow nozzles 0.2). Six replicates are made for each condition. 24 hours after the initial spray application, the plants are sprayed with a Blumeria graminis spore suspension. After Blumeria graminis inoculation, the plants are kept under high relative humidity for 24 hours to ensure infection before being placed under normal greenhouse conditions. Percent leaf area attacked by powdery mildew is determined nine days after inoculation and again every two days until the full effects were found. For scoring, the standard EPPO scale is used (EPPO standards: Guidelines on good plant protection practice . Wheat. PP 2/10(1)). Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Blumeria graminis, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Tomato plants are grown in potting soil for 28 days. Leaf discs (diameter 20 mm) are cut from the 4th composite leaves using a cork bore. Only one disc is punched from each leaf. All leaf discs are kept in a water bath until use. One leaf disc is placed in each well of a 24-well microtiter plate. Leaf discs are painted with treatment composition and then air dried. Six replicates are made for each condition. After drying, discs are inoculated with two 5 pL drops of Botrytis cinerea spore suspension (106 spores per mL in 10 mM glucose, 0.067 mM K-phosphate buffer, pH 5) or with a corresponding solution comprising no Botrytis cinerea spores. Disease progression is monitored through multispectral imaging and visual inspection for water-soaked lesions. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Botrytis cinerea, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

GFP-transformed Fusarium graminearum strain PH-1 is grown on potato dextrose agar for seven days at 21 °C under a regime of 12 h dark and 12 h combined UVA and UVC light to induce sporulation. A working spore suspension is created by adding approx. 20 mL of phosphate buffered saline containing 0.01% TWEEN® 80, pH 7.2-7.4, to the petri dish, agitating the mycelium with a spatula, separating spores from mycelium using a sterile filter, and then diluting to a concentration of 0.5 x 10⁶ spores per mL. 3) Wheat plants are grown in potting soil for 10 days, after which leaves (approx. 6 cm) are detached and used in the bioassays described below. Detached leaves (leaf tops) are placed on their abaxial surface in rectangular petri dishes containing 0.5% (w/v) water agar supplemented with 40 mg benzimidazole per mL. The centers of the leaves are wounded with a scalpel by gently scraping the epidermal layer of the leaves. Wounded leaves are painted with treatment composition and then air dried. Six replicates are made for each condition. After drying, each leaf is inoculated with a 10 pl droplet of the Fusarium graminearum PH-1 spore suspension or with a corresponding solution comprising no Fusarium graminearum spores. Plates are sealed with parafilm and incubated at 18°C under a 16-hour light / 8-hour dark cycle. Disease progression is monitored through multispectral imaging and visual inspection. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spore s/extract) significantly inhibit Fusarium graminearum, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Asian soybean rust-susceptible soybean plants (Williams 82) are grown in a greenhouse to growth stage V2.5, at which point fully expanded trifoliate leaves are excised and used in the detach leaf assays described below. Detached leaves are placed, top (adaxial) side up, into clamshell incubation containers lined with moistened paper towels. Two leaves (six leaflets) are placed in each container. Each DLA experiment is repeated as two blocks (six leaflets per treatment in each block) for a total of four trifoliate leaves (12 leaflets) per treatment. Incubation containers are kept at room temperature, 21° C ± 1°, under 12-24 hours of natural and fluorescent light per day. On Day 1 of the assays, leaves are sprayed with treatment composition. The treatments are sprayed on the top side of the soybean leaves up to the point just before runoff, which is approximately 0.6 m per leaf. Separate, 2 fl. oz hand-pump sprayers (Hydior™) are used to make each application. On Day 2 of the assays, leaves are inoculated with a suspension of soybean rust spores collected on the day of the inoculation. The top side of each leaf is sprayed with 0.6 m of a Phakopsora pachyrhizi spore suspension (in water with 0.1% TWEEN). For the first experimental replicate, naturally occurring Phakopsora pachyrhizi spores are isolated directly from wild kudzu and suspended (1.62 x 10⁵ spores per mb). For the second experimental replicate, spores derived from the Phakopsora pachyrhizi strain are cultured on Williams 82 soybeans, then isolated and suspended (1.75 x 10⁶ spores per mb), heaves are maintained at room temperature and moisture levels are maintained as needed, heaves are examined using a dissecting microscope. The underside (abaxial side) of each leaflet is examined, where pustules (uredinia) develop. A 1.0 or 0.4 sq cm circle is placed on the leaflet and the number of ASR pustules and or lesions found within the circle are counted. Both sides of the leaflet (divided by the midvein) are counted and recorded for a total of two counts/leaflet. The counting circle is placed to avoid any areas of the leaflet with decaying tissue. A rating of leaflet decay (as % affected area) is also performed for each leaflet. For the first experimental replicate, sampling and rating of leaves occurrs from days 15 to 18 days postinfection. For the second experimental replicate, sampling and rating is conducted from days 12 to 16 days post-infection Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Phakopsora pachyrhizi, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Blight-susceptible tomato and potato plants are grown in a greenhouse for approximately three weeks, heaves are detached from the mid-region of each plant, and leaf discs are excised using a cork bore (diameter 14 mm) and randomized amongst treatments. One leaf disc is placed, adaxial side up, in each well of a 24-well microtiter plate comprising solidified 0.5% Butterfield's Buffer agar (5 g agar per liter of Butterfield's Buffer). Leaf discs are treated with treatment composition and then air dried. Enzyme solutions are applied using two different methods: A) 50 pL is pipetted onto the adaxial surface of leaf disc, spreading with sterile inoculation loop as necessary; B) enzyme solution is sprayed onto the adaxial surface of leaf disc using an atomizer spray bottle, two pumps each, which adequately covered the surface without pooling. After drying, discs are inoculated with 10 pL of Phytophthora infestans isolate US 23 spore suspension (1 x 10⁵ spores per mL in distilled water) or sterile water comprising no Phytophthora infestans spores. Plates are sealed with parafilm and incubated at 18°C under a 16-hour light / 8-hour dark cycle. Images of the leaf disk plates are captured and analyzed for disease at 6 days post-infection. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spore s/extract) significantly inhibit Phytophthora infestans, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Downy mildew-susceptible cucumber plants are grown in a greenhouse for approximately four weeks. Leaves are detached from the mid-region of each plant, and leaf discs are excised using a cork bore (diameter 8 mm). One leaf disc is placed, abaxial side up, in each well of a 48-well microtiter plate comprising solidified 1% water agar. Leaf discs are treated with treatment composition and then air dried. Six replicates are made for each condition. Treatments are applied by pipetting 15 pL of the treatment solution onto center of the abaxial surface of the leaf disc. After drying, discs are inoculated with 10 pL of Pseudoperonospora cuhensis spore suspension (1-3 x 105 spores per mL in distilled water) or sterile water comprising no Pseudoperonospora cuhensis spores. Plates are sealed with parafilm and incubated at 18°C under a 16-hour light / 8-hour dark cycle. Images of the leaf disk plates are captured and analyzed for disease five days post-infection. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spore s/extract) significantly inhibit Pseudoperonospora cuhensis, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Septoria tritici blotch-susceptible wheat plants (var. Hereford) are grown in a greenhouse for approximately two weeks until reaching the two-leaf crop growth stage (BBCH12). Plants are sprayed with treatment using a cabin sprayer (volume - 600 mL; 150 L/ha, 3.6 km/hour, yellow nozzles 0.2). Six replicates are made for each condition. 24 hours after the initial spray application, the plants are sprayed with a Zymoseptoria tritici spore suspension (2 x 10⁶ spores per mL in 0.1% TWEEN® 20). Two distinct Zymoseptoria tritici cultures are used: A) a culture comprising five isolates collected from naturally infected plant in Denmark in 2020 and B) a culture comprising five isolates collected from naturally infected plant in Denmark in 2021. After Zymoseptoria tritici inoculation, the plants are kept under high relative humidity for 24 hours to ensure infection before being placed under normal greenhouse conditions. Percent leaf area attacked by STB is determined 14 days after inoculation and again every three days until the full effects are found. Lor scoring, the standard EPPO scale is used (EPPO standards: Guidelines on good plant protection practice. Wheat. PP 2/10(1)). Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Zymoseptoria tritici, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Table grapes are cut into bunches containing 6 grapes. Bunches are washed for five minutes in tap water, two minutes in a 10% bleach solution, and one minute in DI water. Grapes are then allowed to dry for approximately 1-hour. A 10 pl droplet of Botrytis cinerea conidia suspension (1.5 x 10⁶ conidia per ml water) is pipetted onto the surface of each grape. The inoculum is dried for approximately 1-hour. The skin of each grape is then gently punctured at the site of dried inoculum using a sterile dissecting needle. Grapes are sprayed with treatment composition, adequately covering the fruit surface with no pooling, and then air dried onto the fruit for approximately three hours. Each grape bunch is stored in an individual plastic container with lid. Grapes are incubated at 20°C in the dark for a 14-day period. Disease progression is monitored for 14-days and expressed as a percentage of lesion area to total grape area on a 2D plane. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Botrytis cinerea, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Winter wheat kernels (var. Morocco) are sown 10 seeds/plants per pot in 0.5 L pots and allowed to germinate and grow in a greenhouse for approximately two weeks until reaching the two- leaf crop growth stage (BBCH12). Plants are then sprayed with treatment composition using a cabin sprayer (volume 600 mL; 150 L/ha, 5.5 km/hour, yellow nozzles 0.2; 2.24 bar). Six replicates are made for each condition. 24 hours after the initial spray application, the plants are sprayed with a Puccinia striiformis spore suspension (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Dk229/19). After Puccinia striiformis inoculation, the plants are kept under high relative humidity for 24 hours at 10- 12 °C to ensure infection before being placed under normal greenhouse conditions. Percent leaf area attacked by yellow rust is determined fifteen days after inoculation and again every two to three days until the full effects are found. For scoring, the standard EPPO scale (EPPO standards: Guidelines on good plant protection practice. Wheat. PP/26 (4)) was used. The area under the disease progress curve was calculated to summarize effects across the performed assessments. Treatments comprising DSM 34003 or DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 (spores/extract) significantly inhibit Puccinia striiformis, as compared to both untreated controls and uninoculated culture media, with DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 combination treatments surpassing the numberical sums of DSM 34003 and DSM 34878 treatments individually.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. An isolated Bacillus strain selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

2. A biologically pure culture of a Bacillus strain selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

3. A microbial extract, optionally a culture supernatant, derived from one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

4. A composition comprising one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof in an agronomically acceptable carrier.

5. A synthetic microbial consortium comprising a Bacillus selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof and at least one additional microorganism, optionally, a second Bacillus selected from the group consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

6. A composition comprising a plant propagation material and one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

7. A composition comprising a soil amendment (e.g., a fertilizer) and one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

8. Use of one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for inoculating a plant growth medium.

9. Use of one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for treating a plant or plant part.

10. Use of one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for enhancing one or more characteristics of plant growth and/or yield.

11. Use of one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for reducing an amount of exogenous soil amendment, optionally an exogenous fertilizer, needed to achieve a desired result.

12. A method comprising introducing one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

13. A method comprising applying one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a plant or plant part, optionally a plant propagation material.

14. A method comprising applying one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a soil amendment, optionally a fertilizer.

15. Use of one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for improving the capability of a second microorganism, optionally a second Bacillus selected from the group consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, to: a. germinate and/or grow under low temperature conditions, optionally average daytime air temperatures below 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77°F, average nighttime air temperatures below 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70°F, and/or average soil temperatures below 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 or 65°F; b. associate with plant roots; c. enhance one or more characteristics of plant growth and/or yield; d. prevent, treat, suppress and/or eliminate an infestation/infection of a plant or plant part by one or more phytopathogenic pests, optionally one or more fungi and/or oomycetes, optionally one or more Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pyihiunr. e. reduce disease severity in a plant or plant part affected directly or indirectly by one or more phytopathogenic pests, optionally one or more fungi and/or oomycetes, optionally one or more Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pythiunr, f. reduce one or more phytopathogen loads, optionally one or more fungal and/or oomycete loads, optionally one or more Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pythium loads, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; g. enhance a plant growth environment; h. produce/release soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; i. increase nutrient availability, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc availability, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; j . improve nutrient stability, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc stability, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; k. improve nutrient uptake, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc uptake, in a plant or plant part; l. improve nutrient accumulation, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc accumulation, in a plant or plant part; m. improve nutrient utilization, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc utilization, in a plant or plant part; n. reduce the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., exogenous fertilizers) needed to achieve a desired result; o. enhance a soil microbiome; p. stimulate growth and/or proliferation of one or more plant-beneficial microorganisms in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; q. improve the efficacy of a biological/chemical pesticide; and/or r. reduce disease severity in a plant or plant part affected by one or more abiotic stresses, optionally one or more of drought, salinity extremes and extreme temperatures.

16. A method comprising introducing one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a composition comprising an agronomically acceptable carrier and one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

17. A method comprising introducing into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil, a) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and b) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

18. A method comprising applying to a plant or plant part, optionally a plant propagation material, a) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and b) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

19. A method comprising applying to a soil amendment, optionally a fertilizer, a) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and b) one or more Bacilli selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

20. Use of a first Bacillus selected from Bacillus velezensis DSM 34878 and strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof and a second Bacillus selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 34003, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof for: a. enhancing one or more characteristics of plant growth and/or yield; b. preventing, treating, suppressing and/or eliminateing an infestation/infection of a plant or plant part by one or more phytopathogenic pests, optionally one or more fungi and/or oomycetes, optionally one or more Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pyihiunr. c. reducing disease severity in a plant or plant part affected directly or indirectly by one or more phytopathogenic pests, optionally one or more fungi and/or oomycetes, optionally one or more Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pythiunr, d. reducing one or more phytopathogen loads, optionally one or more fungal and/or oomycete loads, optionally one or more Botrytis, Fusarium, Phytophthora and/or Pythium loads, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; e. enhancing a plant growth environment; f. producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; g. increasing nutrient availability, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc availability, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; h. improving nutrient stability, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc stability, in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; i. improving nutrient uptake, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc uptake, in a plant or plant part; j. improving nutrient accumulation, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc accumulation, in a plant or plant part; k. improving nutrient utilization, optionally phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and/or zinc utilization, in a plant or plant part; l. reducing the amount(s) of exogenous soil amendments (e.g., exogenous fertilizers) needed to achieve a desired result; m. enhancing a soil microbiome; n. stimulating growth and/or proliferation of one or more plant-beneficial microorganisms in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil; o. improving the efficacy of a biological/chemical pesticide; and/or p. reducing disease severity in a plant or plant part affected by one or more abiotic stresses, optionally one or more of drought, salinity extremes and extreme temperatures.