WO2025131903A1

WO2025131903A1 - Priestia megaterium and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2025131903A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/085592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raquel AZEVEDO; Cesar FONSECA; Stjepan KRACUN; Lorenzo FIMOGNARI
Original assignee: Chr Hansen AS
Current assignee: Chr Hansen AS
Priority date: 2023-12-21
Filing date: 2024-12-11
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-21

Abstract

Compositions and methods for solubilizing minerals, such as phosphorous and potassium; for increasing the availability of phosphorous, potassium and other minerals for plant uptake, accumulation, and utilization; for reducing the need for exogenous fertilizers; for mitigating the effects of pests and abiotitc stressors; and for improving plant health, growth, and yield.

Description

PRIESTIA MEGATERIUM AND USES THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to EP23219212.0, filed December 21, 2023, 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).

Priestia megaterium DSM 33601 (P. megaterium DSM 33601) was deposited on August 6, 2020, 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.

Priestia megaterium DSM 34851 (P. megaterium DSM 34851) was deposited on November 28, 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.

Priestia megaterium DSM 35259 (P. megaterium DSM 35259) was deposited on November 27, 2024, 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

Inoculant compositions comprising agriculturally 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 enhancing crop yield.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for solubilizing minerals, such as phosphorous and potassium; for increasing the availability of phosphorous, potassium and other minerals for plant uptake, accumulation, and utilization; for reducing the need for exogenous fertilizers; for mitigating the effects of pests and abiotitc stressors; and for improving plant health, growth, and yield.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial extract derived from a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an inoculant composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof in an agronomically acceptable carrier.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a synthetic microbial consortium comprising two or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a synthetic microbial consortium comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof, and at least one additional microorganism.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-naturally occurring composition comprising 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 Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a fertilizer that has been treated with (e.g., impregnated and/or coated with an inoculant composition comprising) one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant growth medium (e.g., soil).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant or plant part (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a fertilizer (e.g., a phosphate-containing granule).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for solubilizing minerals, such as phosphorous and potassium.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for increasing the availability of phosphorous, potassium and other minerals in a plant growth medium for plant uptake/accumulation/utilization.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing nutrient uptake and/or accumulation and/or utilization (e.g., phosphorous and/or potassium uptake and/or accumulation and/or utilization, in a plant or plant part (e.g., fruit, leaf, stalk).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for reducing the need for exogenous fertilizers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for mitigating the effects of pests and abiotitc stressors. Another aspect of the present disclosure is use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing plant health and/or growth and/or yield.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof into a plant growth medium.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of applying one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof to a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of applying one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof to a fertilizer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a plant propagation material (e.g., cutting, root, seed, tuber) and one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of introducing a non-naturally occurring composition comprising a fertilizer and one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a graph comparing the abilities of various Priestia megaterium to solubilize tricalcium phosphate.

Figure 2 is a graph comparing the abilities ofP. megaterium DSM 34851, P. megaterium SJ- 7, and a commercially available Bacillus megaterium to solubilize tricalcium phosphate. The experiment was performed in three bioligcal replicates, with 2 technical replicates each.

Figure 3 is a graph comparing the growth of P. megaterium DSM 34851 and a commercially available Bacillus megaterium at low temperature (12°C) at pH 5, pH7 or pH 8. Time in lag-phase relates to the time a strain needs for adaptation to its environment before exponential growth.

Figure 4 is a graph comparing the biomass (dry weight) of rapeseed plants grown in the presence of a complete fertilizer or a modified, phosphate-limiting fertilizer. Rapeseed plants grown from seeds inoculated with P. megaterium DSM 34851 prior to planting (DSM 34851 CaP) were significantly less affected by the modified, phosphate-limiting fertilizer than control plants grown from uninoculated control seeds (Control CaP).

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 "active variant" refers to a variant of . Priestia megaterium expressly disclosed herein that retains the ability to facilitate/mediate the conversion of insoluble forms of phosphorous and/or potassium (e.g., inorganic phosphates, feldspars, and micas) into soluble forms that may be utilized by plants. In some embodiments, the active variant falls 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 the Priestia megaterium expressly disclosed herein 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 active variant and the Priestia megaterium that is expressly disclosed herein (e.g., P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, or P. megaterium DSM 35259) 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).

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" and "associated therewith," when used in reference to a relationship between a Priestia megaterium (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 Priestia megaterium will be applied; the presence of other components 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.

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 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 of NCBI 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 Priestia megaterium useful for a) enhancing plant growth environments; b) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; c) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); d) 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); e) 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; f) 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; g) 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; h) enhancing plant health; i) enhancing plant growth; j) enhancing plant yield; k) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous fertilizer needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); 1) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); m) enhancing soil microbiomes; n) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); o) enhancing the abilities of plants and plant parts to resist infestations/infections of/by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; p) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; q) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; r) reducing detrimental effects of pesticide-induced phytotoxicity; s) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or t) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures.

The present disclosure encompasses P. megaterium DSM 33601 or P. megaterium DSM 34851 and P. megaterium DSM 35259, as well as Priestia megaterium 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and/or P. megaterium DSM 35259.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses close relatives of P. megaterium DSM 33601, including, but not limited to, naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 33601, progeny of P. megaterium DSM 33601, modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 33601, naturally occurring mutants and variants of progeny of P. megaterium DSM 33601, naturally occurring mutants and variants of modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 33601, modified microbial strains derived from naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 33601, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of P. megaterium DSM 33601 (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 P. megaterium DSM 33601).

It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses close relatives of P. megaterium DSM 34851, including, but not limited to, naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 34851, progeny of P. megaterium DSM 34851, modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 34851, naturally occurring mutants and variants of progeny of P. megaterium DSM 34851, naturally occurring mutants and variants of modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 34851, modified microbial strains derived from naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 34851, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of P. megaterium DSM 34851 (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,

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,

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 P. megaterium DSM 34851).

It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses close relatives of P. megaterium DSM 35259, including, but not limited to, naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 35259, progeny of P. megaterium DSM 35259, modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 35259, naturally occurring mutants and variants of progeny of P. megaterium DSM 35259, naturally occurring mutants and variants of modified microbial strains derived from P. megaterium DSM 35259, modified microbial strains derived from naturally occurring mutants and variants of P. megaterium DSM 35259, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of P. megaterium DSM 35259 (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,

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 P. megaterium DSM 35259).

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing about/at least 1 x IO ²⁵, 1 x 10 ²⁴, 1 x IO ²³, 1 x IO 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 IO'¹⁵, 1 x 10'¹⁴, 1 x 10'¹³, 1 x 10'¹², 1 x 10'¹¹, 1 x IO ¹⁰ or more mmol of phosphorous/phosphate per bacterial cell per hour.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of soluble phosphate. For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of mineral phosphate. For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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 ormore pounds of mineral phosphate per acre.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing phosphorous/phosphate in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of phosphorous fertilizer. For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing 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 Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilizing about/at least 1 x KF²⁵, 1 x I0’²⁴, 1 x IO’²³, 1 x KF²², 1 x IO’²¹, 1 x KF²⁰, 1 x KF¹⁹, 1 x KF¹⁸, 1 x KF¹⁷, 1 x KF¹⁶, 1 x KF¹⁵, 1 x 10^-14, 1 x IO ¹³, 1 x KF¹², 1 x 10 ¹¹, 1 x KF¹⁰ ormore mmol of potassium per bacterial cell per hour.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of soluble potassium. For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of mineral potassium (e.g., feldspar, mica). For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing potassium in environments comprising a significant amount/concentration of potassium fertilizer. For example, in some embodiments, the Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are capable of solubilzing 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 Priestia megaterium is capable of solubilzing 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, Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium and compositions described herein.

The present disclosure extends to cultures comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure.

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 P. megaterium DSM 33601 .

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,

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 P. megaterium DSM 34851.

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 P. megaterium DSM 35259.

In some embodiments, the culture is a biologically pure culture of P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 or P. megaterium DSM 35259.

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 Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, extracts of fermentation media comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure (e.g., supernatant of a culture comprising P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 and/or P. megaterium DSM 35259).

Priestia megaterium 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).

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

Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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, fdtration (e.g., drum filtration, sieving, ultrafiltration), flocculation, impaction and trapping (e.g., cyclone spore trapping, liquid impingement).

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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. In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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). In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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). In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more genetically modified plants. In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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 Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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. In some embodiments, Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to any part/portion of a plant. In some embodiments, Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds and tubers In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts are applied to the roots of a plant. In some embodiments, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts are applied to the foliage of a plant. In some embodiments, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts are applied to both the roots and the foliage of a plant. In some embodiments, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts 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, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts 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.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be applied (and may be formulated for application) to any fertilizer, including, but not limited to, controlled-releasese fertilizers, dry fertilizers, granular fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and combinations thereof.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts 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, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts 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. In some embodiments, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure are formulated as fertilizers or fertilizer additives.

In some embodiments, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts 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, Priestia megalerium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time of planting. For example, one or more Priestia megalerium. cultures and/or microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be applied directly to plant propagation materials during the planting process or may be added as a separate side-dress application during planting. In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) after planting but before germination. For example, one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures and/or microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be introduced into soil surrounding the plant propagation materials after planting.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure are applied to plants following emergence. For example, one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures and/or microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be introduced into soil surrounding the plants throughout the growing season.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts 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 and soaking.

Priestia megaierium. cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be formulated into myriad compositions, including, but not limited to, fertilizers, foliar treatment compositions, seed treatment compositions, and soil inoculants.

Priestia megaterium may be present in compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form, including vegetative cells, spores and mixtures thereof.

Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure may be present in compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more Priestia megaterium 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, compositions 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 Priestia megaterium per gram and/or milliliter of said composition. In some embodiments, compositions 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 Priestia megaterium per gram and/or milliliter of said composition.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts of the present disclosure comprise(s) about 0.1 to about 95% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 and/or P. megaterium DSM 35259. In some embodiments, one or more Priestia megaterium (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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure (or microbial extract(s) therefrom) in an effective amount/concentration for a) enhancing plant growth environments; b) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; c) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); d) 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); e) 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; f) 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; g) 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; h) enhancing plant health; i) enhancing plant growth; j) enhancing plant yield; k) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous fertilizer needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); 1) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); m) enhancing soil microbiomes; n) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); o) enhancing the abilities of plants and plant parts to resist infestations/infections of/by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; p) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; q) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; r) reducing detrimental effects of pesticide-induced phytotoxicity; s) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or t) 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 compositions of the present disclosure may comprise myriad components in addition to Priestia megaterium, cultures and microbial extracts 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more solid carriers. According to some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more liquid and/or gel carriers. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more non-aqueous solvents. According to some embodiments, compositions 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), isoparrafinic 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more inorganic solvents, such as decane, dodecane, hexylether and nonane. According to some embodiments, compositions 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 compositions 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-l-methyl-lH-pyra- zole-4-carboxamide, N-(2- (l,3,3-trimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-l,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- 1 -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, poly oxine 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 benfuracarb, 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 andtebufenozide; 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, dinotefuran, 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 compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia megaterium 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®, BOMVORO®, 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®, BELEAF®, 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® fromNufarm 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®, ELAHS®, ELUMIS®, ENDEAVOR®, ENVOKE®, EPERON®, EPIVO®, ERIJAN®, 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 compositions of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more cationic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, compositions 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-I,3-dioxane, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/or octenidine dihydrochloride.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more nonionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, compositions 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, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers), glycol alkylphenol ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers,), glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ethers, poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of 3-[(3- cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-l -propane sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and/or one or more sphingomyelins.

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

Non-limiting examples of dispersants that may be incorporated into compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia megaterium 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 (polyoxyethylenesorbitan 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 compositions 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 compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia megaterium and other compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, bacterial extracts, fungal extracts, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions 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 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 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 mycoides NRRL B-21664, 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 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 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,

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 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 (IDAC 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 TV1, Yersinia entomophaga MH96, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL 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 compositions 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 Be, vitamin B7, vitamin Bs, vitamin B ,. vitamin B12, 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 as a result 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, a pH control component 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 includes, but are not limited to: Sodium/potassium phosphate (pKai 2.12, pKa₂ 7.21, pl<a₂ 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)-l -piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (pKai 3.0, pKa₂ 7.5), N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]- 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (TES) (pKa 7.55), 3-(N- morpholino)propane sulfonic 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, pKa₂ 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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 compositions of the present disclosure include, but not are not limited to, diazotrophs, mycorrhizae, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, biopesticides, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, compositions 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 TH 000, 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 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 mycoides NRRL B-21664, 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 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 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, 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 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 (IDAC 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 violaceusni ger 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 MH96, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL 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 compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia strains 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®, IAVELIN®, 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®, IUMPSTART®, 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions of the present disclosure as spores.

Examples of plant signal molecules that may be included in compositions 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 compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia strains 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 poly siloxanes) , and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of rain fasteners that may be incorporated into compositions of the present disclosure — or into which Priestia strains 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 compositions of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, attapulgites, sepiolites, and combinations thereof.

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

Examples of seed flowability agents that may be included in compositions 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 compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprisegluscose. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure does not comprise glucose.

In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure does not comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise trehalose. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure does not comprise trehalose.

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

In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure compriseammonium 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, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more fillvic acids (e.g., one or more leonardite fulvic acids, lignite fulvic acids, peat fulvic acids and/or water-extracted fulvic acids). In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure compriseammonium 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 compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more betaines (e.g., trimethylglycine). In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more peptones (e.g., bacterial peptones, meat peptones, milk peptones, vegetable peptones and yeast peptones).

In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone or more oxygen scavengers, such as ascrobic acid, ascorbate salts, catechol and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone 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, compositions of the present disclosure compriseone 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, compositions 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 compositions 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, WLTTING 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. BIOI. 11:608 (2001); Wan et ai., 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 compositions 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 Priestia megaterium (and other microorganisms) in the composition, the stability of the Priestia megaterium (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(1): 83 (1999); Denarie, et al., ANN. REV. BIOCHEM. 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(I):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 & 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; WO2015/069708;

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; WO2017/210166; 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 Priestia megaterium during storage, distribution, and/or application of the inoculant composition.

In some embodiments, compositions 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 Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure is incorporated into an ACCELERON®, ACTINOVATE®, ATTIS®, B300®, B360®, CELL-TECH®, INTENSE®, JUMPSTART®, MET52®, NEMASTRIKE™, NEMIX®, NITRAGIN®, OPTIMIZE®, PRESENCE®, QUARTZO®, QUICKROOTS®, RATCHET®, TAGTEAM®, or TORQUE® product. Priestia megaterium 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™, MICROAZ-IF LIQUID™, MICROAZ-ST DRY™, MICROSTAR®, MICROSYNC™, MORE THAN MANURE®, NATURALL™, N-CHARGE®, N-DURE™, N- FORCE, N-TAKE™, NODULATOR®, NUE CHARGE G™, NUTRI-GROW®, 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 Priestia megaterium 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 LCOs). 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,

O.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 compositions of the present disclosure encompass synthetic microbial consortia comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the synthetic microbial consortia comprise two or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure. For example, synthetic microbial cortia may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of two or more Priestia megaterium selected from /< megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and

P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

In some embodiments, the synthetic microbial consortia comprise one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure and one or more plant-beneficial microorganisms. For example, synthetic microbial cortia may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof, and at least one additional microorganism selected from the plant-beneficial microorganisms described above.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, compositions of the present disclosure have many uses, including, but not limited to a) enhancing plant growth environments; b) producing/releasing soluble forms of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, in plant growth media; c) increasing nutrient availability in plant growth media (e.g., e.g., phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc availability); d) 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); e) 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; f) 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; g) 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; h) enhancing plant health; i) enhancing plant growth; j) enhancing plant yield; k) reducing the amount(s) of exogenous fertilizer needed to achieve a desired result (e.g., the amount of exogenous phosphorous required to produce X bushels of com); 1) reducing nutrient washout/runoff from plant growth media (e.g., phosphorous washout/runoff from field soil); m) enhancing soil microbiomes; n) stimulating growth and/or proliferation of beneficial microorganisms in plant growth media (e.g., growth and/or proliferation of beneficial diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizers and/or mycorrhizae); o) enhancing the abilities of plants and plant parts to resist infestations/infections of/by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; p) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by pests, such as arachnids, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, protozoa, viruses and weeds; q) reducing phytopathogen loads in plant growth media; r) reducing detrimental effects of pesticide-induced phytotoxicity; s) enhancing the abilities of plant and plant parts to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures; and/or t) reducing disease severity in plants and plant parts affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures.

It is to be understood that Priestia megaterium 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, Priestia megaterium 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.

The present disclosure extends to kits comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of two or more containers, each comprising one or more components of a composition of the present disclosure . For example, one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure and an agronomically acceptable carrier may be housed in separate containers for long-term storage, then combined prior to applying the composition to a plant, plant propagation material, plant growth medium, or 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, compositions of the present disclosure may be used in association with any plant type, including, but not limited to, agricultural, floricultural, horticultural and silvicultural plants. In 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). In 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). In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure are used in association with one or more genetically modified plants. In 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 compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure may be used 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, Japan, 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. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are used 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, compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any part/portion of a plant.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied directly to plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds, tubers). According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are soaked in a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium if included in same layer as the Priestia megaterium). 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, compositions of the present disclosure are applied directly to plants. According to some embodiments, compositions 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. According to some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are sprayed and/or sprinkled on the plant(s) to be treated.

In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any plant growth medium, including, but not limited to, field soil, hydroponic growth media, potting soil, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, compositions 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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, compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any fertilizer, including, but not limited to, controlled-releasese fertilizers, dry fertilizers, granular fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and combinations thereof.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, compositions of the present disclosure may be applied 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. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as fertilizers or fertilizer additives.

In some embodiments, compositions 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, compositions of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time of planting. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure is applied directly to plant propagation materials during the planting process. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure is applied as a side- dress application during planting.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are associated with plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) after planting but before germination. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure is introduced into soil surrounding the plant propagation materials after planting.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plants following emergence. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure is introduced into soil surrounding the plants throughout the growing season.

As those skilled in the art will further appreciate, compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant propagation materials, plant growth media, etc. by any feasible method, including, but not limited to, coating, dripping, dusting, encapsulating, immersing, spraying 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.

Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant propagation materials, plant growth media, fertilizers, etc. in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s) .

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x 10²⁰ cfu per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium is applied to each seed.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium (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 Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium is applied to each plant.

In some embodiments Priestia megaterium (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 Priestia megaterium 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, 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 Priestia megaterium. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium is applied to each acre of treated crops.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaterium (and formulations thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x 10²° cfu per acre of plant growth media. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 10¹¹, 1 x 10¹², 1 x 10¹³, 1 x 10¹⁴, 1 x 10¹⁵ cfu of Priestia megaterium. According to some embodiments, a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 Priestia megaterium 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.

Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and 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 species/varieties may have different preferences and requirements.

In some embodiments, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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 Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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 ormore 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure are applied to 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 ormore plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants grown in the presence of said fertilizers 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 fertilizer comprising an alternative microbial strain). According to some embodiments, one or more Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure is/are applied to fertilizers 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure are applied to fertilizers 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, Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure are applied to fertilizers 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or compositions of the present disclosure, to plants that grow from plant propagation materials that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or compositions of the present disclosure, to plant parts harvested from plants that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or compositions of the present disclosure, to processed products derived from plants that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or compositions of the present disclosure, to crops comprising a plurality of plants that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaierium, cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaterium 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 an inoculant 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 an inoculant 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 one or more plants and/or plant parts (e.g., plant propagation materials) that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaterium, cultures, mirobial extracts and/or 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 Priestia megaierium. cultures, microbial extracts and compositions of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, methods of applying them to 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 Priestia megaterium 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 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 Priestia megaterium 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 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 Priestia megaterium extracts (e.g., supernatants of Priestia megaterium 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 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 compositions comprising one or more Priestia megaterium 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 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 synthetic microbial consortia comprising two or more Priestia megaterium 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 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 synthetic microbial consortia comprising one or more Priestia megaterium of the present disclosure and one or more additional microorganisms 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 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 Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and/or compositions 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, superphosphate, 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 Priestia megaterium, cultures, microbial extracts and/or compositions 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, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, 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 fertilizers that have been treated with one or more Priestia megaterium. cultures, microbial extracts and/or compositions 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.

Specific, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. An isolated Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

2. A biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

3. An inoculant composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof. 4. The inoculant composition of paragraph 3, said composition comprising about 1 x 10³ to about 1 x 10¹² colony-forming units (cfu) of said one or more Priestia megaterium per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition, optionally 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, or 1 x 10¹² cfu of said one or more Priestia megaterium per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition.

5. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-4, said composition further comprising one or more stabilizing compounds.

6. The inoculant composition of paragraph 5, said one or more stabilizing compounds comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: one or more monosaccharides, optionally arabinose, fructose and/or glucose; one or more disaccharides, optionally maltose, sucrose and/or trehalose; one or more maltodextrins, optionally one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20; one or more sugar alcohols, optionally arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and/or xylitol; one or more humic acids, optionally potassium humate and/or sodium humate; one or more fulvic acids, optionally potassium fulvate and/or sodium fulvate; one or more hygroscopic polymers, optionally one or more albumins, alginates, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches; one or more oxidation control components, optionally one or more antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, one or more carotenoids, lipoic acid, one or more phenolic compounds (e.g., one or more flavonoids, flavones and/or flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, one or more thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid and/or N-acetyl cysteine), one or more tocopherols, one or more tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid) and/or one or more oxygen scavengers, optionally ascorbic acid and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate; and/or one or more UV protectants, optionally one or more lignosulfites.

7. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 5-6, said one or more stabilizing compounds comprising about 0.0001 to about 10% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 2 to about 6% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 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, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (by weight) of said composition.

8. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 5-7, wherein said one or more stabilizing compounds is/are present in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure said Priestia megaterium remain(s) viable in compositions of the present disclosure following: storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 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 or more; application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed); application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; foliar application; foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

9. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 5-7, wherein said one or more stabilizing compounds is/are present in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% of sa Priestia megaterium remains viable following: storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,

10. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 5-7, wherein said one or more stabilizing compounds is/are present in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 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 10¹⁰ or more colony-forming units of said Priestia megaterium per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition remain viable following: storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 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 or more; application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed); application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 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 or more; foliar application; foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

11. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-10, said composition further comprising one or more biostimulants, optionally one or more seaweed extracts, myo-inositol and/or glycine.

12. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-11, said composition further comprising one or more microbial extracts, optionally one or more of the microbial extracts expressly disclosed above.

13. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-12, said composition further comprising one or more nutrients, optionally one or more 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 and/or choline) vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and/or vitamin K), carotenoids (a-carotene, P-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and/or zeaxanthin), macrominerals (e.g., calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and/or sodium), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and/or zinc) and/or organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic aclid and/or taurine).

14. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-13, said composition further comprising one or more pest attractant and/or feeding stimulants, optionally 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 and/or trunc-call.

15. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-14, said composition further comprising one or more pesticides, optionally: one or more fungicides, optionally one or more of the fungicides expressly disclosed above; one or more herbicides, optionally one or more of the herbicides expressly disclosed above; one or more insecticides, optionally one or more of the insecticides expressly disclosed above; and/or one or more nematicides, optionally one or more of the nematicides expressly disclosed on above.

16. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-15, said composition further comprising one or more lipo-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of the lipo- chitooligosaccharides represented by formulas I-IV as set forth in International Patent Publication No. WO2019/136198.

17. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-15, said composition further comprising one or more of the lipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by structures V-XXXIII as set forth in International Patent Publication No. WO2019/136198.

18. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-17, said composition further comprising one or more chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of the chitin oligosaccharides represented by formulas XXXIV-XXXV as set forth in International Patent Publication No. WO2019/136198.

19. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-17, said composition further comprising one or more of the chitin oligosaccharides represented by structures XXXVI-LXXXIII as set forth in International Patent Publication No. WO2019/136198.

20. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-19, said composition further comprising one or more chitinous compounds, optionally one or more chitins and/or one or more chitosans.

21. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-20, said composition further comprising one or more flavonoids, optionally one or more anthocyanidins, such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin; anthoxanthins, such as flavones (e.g., apigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate, 6 — hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin) and/or flavonols (e.g., amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein, fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3 -hydroxyflavone, hyperoside,icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain, pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhamnazin, rhamnetin, robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin); flavanones, such as butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin; flavanonols, such as dihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin; flavans, such as flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechins (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3- gallate (ECg), epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol, gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol, mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin- 3'-gallate, theflavin-3, 3 '-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforol and/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin, leucopeonidin, leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin); and/or isoflavonoids, such as isoflavones (e.g, biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein), isoflavanes (e.g., equol, ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavenes (e.g., glabrene, haginin D and/or 2-methoxyjudaicin), coumestans (e.g., coumestrol, plicadin and/or wedelolactone), pterocarpans and/or roetonoids; and/or one oor more analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof, such as neoflavonoids (e.g, calophyllolide, coutareagenin, dalbergichromene, dalbergin and/or nivetin) and/or pterocarpans (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A, erybraedin B, erythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1, ery cristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol, maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin, striatine and/or trifolirhizin).

22. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-21, said composition further comprising jasmonic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

23. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-22, said composition further comprising linoleic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

24. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-23, said composition further comprising linolenic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

25. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-24, said composition further comprising one or more karrakins, optionally one or more karrakins represented by formula LXXXIV as set forth in International Patent Publication No. WO2019/136198.

26. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-25, said composition further comprising gluconolactone.

27. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-26, said composition further comprising one or more additional microorganisms.

28. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, said one or more additional microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more plant-beneficial microorganisms, optionally one or more diazotrophs and/or mycorrhizae and/or phosphate-solubilixing microorganisms.

29. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, said one or more additional microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of 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 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 cereus 1-1562, Bacillus firmus 1-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, 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 subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55079, 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 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, 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-

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, Mesorhizobium huakii LL32, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162BB1, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162P17, Rhizobium leguminosarum 175G10b, Rhizobium leguminosarum D36, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Rhizobium loti 95C11, Rhizobium loti 95C14, Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F34a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F51a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F77b, Sinorhizobium meliloti

B401, Yersinia entomophaga MH96, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67598, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67599, Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67600 and Yersinia entomophaga NRRL B-67601.

30. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, said/or one or more additional microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus intraradices RYI-8Q1, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, 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 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, 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 Gl-3, Trichoderma virens GL- 21, Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, and/or Trichoderma viridae TV 1.

31. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, said one or more additional microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more biopesticides, optionally one or more acaricidal, insecticidal and/or nematicidal microorganisms and one or more fungicidal microorganisms.

32. The inoculant composition of any one of claims 27-31, said composition comprising about 1 x 10³ to about 1 x 10¹² colony-forming units (cfu) of said one or more additional microorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition, optionally 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, or 1 x 10¹² cfu of said one or more additional microorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition.

33. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-32, wherein said composition is non-aqueous.

34. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-32, wherein said composition is aqueous.

35. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-32, wherein said composition comprises 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).

36. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-35, wherein said composition is an amorphous liquid.

37. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-35, wherein said composition is an amorphous solid.

38. The inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-35, wherein said composition is a freeze-, spray- or spray-freeze-dried composition, optionally a freeze-, spray- or spray-freeze-dried powder.

39. A non-naturally occurring composition, comprising the isolated strain of paragraph 1 and a plant or plant part to which the isolated strain of paragraph 1 has been applied.

40. A non-naturally occurring composition, comprising the isolated strain of paragraph 1 and a plant or plant part infected with the isolated strain of paragraph 1.

41. A non-naturally occurring composition, comprising the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 and a plant or plant part to which the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 has been applied. 42. A non-naturally occurring composition, comprising the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 and a plant or plant part to which the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 has been applied.

43. The non-naturally occurring composition of paragraph 42, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a plant propagation material, optionally a seed; and a coating that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of said plant propagation material, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the inoculation composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38.

44. The non-naturally occurring composition of paragraph 43, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an inner coating layer that comprises Priestia megaterium and an outer coating layer that is devoid (or essentially devoid) of Priestia megaterium.

45. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of paragraphs 43-44, wherein said coating comprises about 1 x 10¹ to about 1 x 10¹⁵ colony-forming units of Priestia megaterium, optionally 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷ or more colony-forming units.

46. A plant germinated from the plant part of any one of paragraphs 39-45.

47. A plant part harvested from the plant of any one of paragraphs 39-42 and 46.

48. A processed product produced from the plant part of paragraph 47.

49. A crop comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a plurality of the plant of any one of paragraphs 39-42 and 47.

50. A kit, comprising: the plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs any one of paragraphs 39-45; and a container housing said plant or plant part.

51. The kit of claim 50, said container reducing the amount of ambient light that reaches said coated plant propagation material 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.

52. The kit of any one of paragraphs 50-51, said container reducing the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches said plant propagation material 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.

53. The kit of any one of paragraphs 50-52, said container comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting 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%.

54. The kit of any one of paragraphs 50-53, said container comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting 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).

55. The kit of any one of paragraphs 50-54, said kit furthering comprising one or more oxygenabsorbing compound, optionally activated carbon, iron powder, sodium chloride, ferrous carbonate, one or more metal halide catalysts and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

56. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: applying the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant or plant part, optionally a seed.

57. The method of paragraph 56, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is applied to the plant or plant part in an effective amount/concentration for enhancing growth and/or yield; chlorophyll production/accumulation/content; nutrient uptake/accumulation/content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake/accumulation/content; heme production/accumulation/content; and/or root growth, in/of said plant or plant part.

58. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: applying the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, at the time of planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

59. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: applying the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48 hours or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

60. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: applying the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, 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 or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

61. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: applying the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, 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, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

62. The method of any one of paragraphs 58-61, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is applied to the plant propagation material in an effective amount/concentration for enhancing growth and/or yield; chlorophyll production/accumulation/content; nutrient uptake/accumulation/content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake/accumulation/content; heme production/accumulation/content; and/or root growth, of a plant that grows from said plant propagation material.

63. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: introducing the isolated strain of paragraph 1, the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2 or the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 3-38 into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

64. The method of paragraph 63, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into said plant growth medium about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48 hours or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

65. The method of paragraph 63, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into said plant growth medium 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 or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

66. The method of paragraph 63, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into said plant growth medium 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, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

67. The method of paragaph 63, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into said plant growth medium at the time of planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

68. The method of paragaph 63, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into said plant growth medium after planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

69. The method of any one of paragraphs 63-68, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture or inoculant composition is introduced into the plant growth medium in an effective amount/concentration for enhancing growth and/or yield; chlorophyll production/accumulation/content; nutrient uptake/accumulation/content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake/accumulation/content; heme production/accumulation/content; and/or root growth, of a plant or plant part grown therein.

70. The method of any one of paragraphs 56-69, in which one or more symbiotic diazotrophs is/are applied to the plant, plant part or plant growth medium.

71. The method of any one of paragraphs 56-69, in which Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az- 39, 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, Me sorhizobium huakii LL32, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162BB1, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162P17, Rhizobium leguminosarum 175G10b, Rhizobium leguminosarum D36, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Rhizobium loti 95C11, Rhizobium loti 95C14, Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F34a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F51a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F77b, and/ or Sinorhizobium meliloti B401 is/are applied to the plant, plant part or plant growth medium.

72. The method of any one of paragraphs 56-71, in which one or more phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms is/are applied to the plant, plant part or plant growth medium.

73. The method of any one of paragraphs 56-71, in which 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 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 and/ or Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490is/are applied to the plant, plant part or plant growth medium.

74. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: introducing the non- naturally occurring composition of any one of paragraphs 39-45 into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

75. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: introducing the non- naturally occurring composition of any one of paragraphs 39-45 into soil in which plants of the same genus as said plant or plant part were cultivated in at least one of the three years prior to said introducing, optionally in each of the one, two or three years immediately preceding said introducing.

76. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-75, further comprising introducing one or more sources of phosphorous, optionally rock phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, super phosphate, triple super phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate and/or one or more fertilizers comprising phosphorus, into said plant growth medium.

77. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-76, in which said one or more Priestia megaterium is present in said non-naturally occurring composition in an effective amount/concentration for enhancing growth and/or yield; chlorophyll content; nutrient uptake/accumulation/content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake/accumulation/content; heme production/accumulation/content; and/or root growth, of the plant or plant part in said non-naturally occurring composition following introduction into said plant growth medium.

78. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-77, in which one or more symbiotic diazotrophs is/are introduced into the plant growth medium.

79. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-77, in which Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az-

39, 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, Me sorhizobium huakii UU32, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162BB1, Rhizobium leguminosarum 162P17, Rhizobium leguminosarum 175G10b, Rhizobium leguminosarum D36, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Rhizobium loti 95C11, Rhizobium loti 95C14, Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F34a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F51a, Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F77b, and/ or Sinorhizobium meliloti B401 is/are introduced into the plant growth medium.

80. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-79, in which one or more phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms is/are introduced into the plant growth medium.

81. The method of any one of paragraphs 74-79, in which 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 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 and/ or Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490 is/are introduced into the plant growth medium.

82. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant and/or plant part and/or plant growth medium and/or fertilizer.

83. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing plant growth and/or yield.

84. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing nutrient uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, in a plant or plant part.

85. Use of a biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant and/or plant part and/or plant growth medium and/or fertilizer.

86. Use of a biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing plant growth and/or yield.

87. Use of a biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing nutrient uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, optionally optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, in a plant or plant part.

88. Use of a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant and/or plant part and/or plant growth medium and/or fertilizer.

89. Use of a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing plant growth and/or yield.

90. Use of a composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from P. megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; P. megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and P. megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing nutrient uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, optionally calcium, copper, iron, manganese, mangenisum, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and/or zinc uptake and/or accumulation and/or content, in a plant or plant part.

91. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of claims 39-45, plant of paragraph 46, plant part of paragraph 47, processed product of paragraph 48, crop of paragraph 49, kit of any one of paragraphs 50-55, method of any one of claims 56- 81, or use of any one of claims 82-96, in which said plant or plant part is a monocot.

92. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of claims 39-45, plant of paragraph 46, plant part of paragraph 47, processed product of paragraph 48, crop of paragraph 49, kit of any one of paragraphs 50-55, method of any one of claims 56- 81, or use of any one of claims 82-96, in which said plant or plant part is a dicot.

93. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of claims 39-45, plant of paragraph 46, plant part of paragraph 47, processed product of paragraph 48, crop of paragraph 49, kit of any one of paragraphs 50-55, method of any one of claims 56- 81, or use of any one of claims 82-96, in which said plant or plant part is leguminous.

94. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of claims 39-45, plant of paragraph 46, plant part of paragraph 47, processed product of paragraph 48, crop of paragraph 49, kit of any one of paragraphs 50-55, method of any one of claims 56- 81, or use of any one of claims 82-96, in which said plant or plant part is non-leguminous.

95. The non-naturally occurring composition of any one of claims 39-45, plant of paragraph 46, plant part of paragraph 47, processed product of paragraph 48, crop of paragraph 49, kit of any one of paragraphs 50-55, method of any one of claims 56- 81, or use of any one of claims 82-96, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Amaranthaceae, optionally chard, spinach, sugar beet, or quinoa; of the family Asteraceae, optionally artichoke, aster, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlia, daisy, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigold, safflower, sunflower, or zinnia;of the family Brassicaceae, optionally arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprout, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard green, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, or Arabidopsis thaliana; of the family Cucurbitaceae, optionally cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, or zucchini; of the family Fabaceae, optionally alfalfa, bean, carob, clover, guar, lentil, mesquite, pea, peanut, soybean, tamarind, tragacanth, or vetch; of the family Malvaceae, optionally cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, or okra; of the family Poaceae, optionally bamboo, barley, com, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oat, ornamental grass, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, or wheat; of the family Polygonaceae, optionally buckwheat; of the family Rosaceae, optionally almond, apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, plum, quince, raspberry, rose, or strawberry; of the family Rutaceae, optionally grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, or pomelo; of the family Solanaceae, optionally bell pepper, chili pepper, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, or tomato; or of the family Vitaceae, optionally grape.

96. A method of making a seed treatment, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of: inoculating a culture medium with the Priestia megaterium of paragraph 1 or the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2, incubating the inoculated culture medium at a temperature of about 4 to about 37°C until the Priestia megaterium density therein is about 1 x 10³ to about 1 x 10¹² colony-forming units (cfu) per milligram and/or milliliter of inoculated culture medium, optionally 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, or 1 x 10¹² colony forming units per milligram/milliliter, and collecting Priestia megaterium from the inoculated culture medium under conditions suitable for producing a seed treatment.

97. A synthetic microbial consortium, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the Priestia megaterium of paragraph 1 and one or more additional microorganisms, optionally one or more symbtiotic diazotrophs and/or one or more mycorrhizae and/or one or more phosphate- solubilizing microorganisms.

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

DSM 34851 Solubilizd More Phosphate than Other P. Megaterium Strains

Priestia megaterium strains were grown individually in National Botanical Research Institute's phosphate growth medium (NBRIP) supplemented with tri-calcium phosphate at 28°C, 200 rpm for 3 days. Phosphate solubilization was quantified in cell-free supernatants of the respective cultures. In brief, cultures were centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 10 minutes, and the cell-free supernatants were transferred to Eppendorf tubes. Each supernatant was diluted 1/5 and mixed with an ammonium molybdate solution. Each reaction was incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes, then absorbance was measured in a spectrophotometer at 415 nm. As shown in Figure 1, Priestia megaterium DSM 34851 was the most efficient phosphate solubilizer of the strains tested.

Example 2

DSM 34851 Solubilized More Phosphate Than Publicly Available Strains

P. megaterium DSM 34851 was compared to P. megaterium SJ-7 (described in CN103320360A and deposited as CGMCC 7169 at the Common Microorganism Center of the China Commitee for Culture Collection of Microorganisms on January 18, 2013) (hereinafter "reference strain") and to a commercially available Bacillus megaterium strain (hereinafter "commercial strain") using the phosphate solubilization assay described in Example 1 above. As shown in Figure 2, P. megaterium DSM 34851 solubilized significantly more phosphate (193.0 ± 14.8 pg/ml) than both the reference strain (126.7 ± 39.4 pg/ml) and the commercial strain (127.3 ± 23.4 pg/ml).

Example 3

DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Solubilized More Potassium Than Publicly Available Strain

P. megaterium DSM 34851 and P. megaterium DSM 35259 were compared to the reference strain using a potassium solubilization assay. In brief, each strain was grown in potassium solubilization media (PSM) supplemented with potassium feldspar at 28°C, 200 rpm for 7 days, then cultures were centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 10 minutes, and the cell-free supernatants were filtered (0.2 pm) and transferred to Eppendorf tubes. Soluble potassium was quantified by inductively couple plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Both P. megaterium DSM 34851 and and P. megaterium DSM 35259 solubilized more potassium than the reference strain.

Example 4 DSM 34851 Improved Growth at Low-Temperature & Varied pH

Because pH conditions vary across regions and soil types, and because many important commercial crops are sown under relatively low temperature conditions (e.g., 12-18°C), the ability of P. megaterium DSM 34851 spores to germinate and grow under various environmental conditions was tested. Surrogate root exudates medium (sRE) pH adjusted to 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 was added to each well of a 48-well flower plate (M2P-Labs). Into each well was introduced a spore suspension of P. megaterium DSM 34851 or the commercial strain. Plates were loaded into a BioLector I (M2P-Labs) and incubated at 12°C, 1000 rpm, and light scatering was monitored every 5 minutes. Germination and outgrowth curves were analyzed, and relevant parameters were calculated. P. megaterium DSM 34851 exhibited improved growth under commercially relevant low-temperature conditions, as compared to the commercial strain. See Figure 3.

Example 5

P. megaterium DSM 34851 Improved Growth in a Low-Phosphorous Environment

Rapeseed seeds were inoculated with P. megaterium DSM 34851 by soaking them for one hour in a MgSCL solution containing 2.5 x 10⁵ to 2.5 x 10⁶ CFU/ml. Untreated control seeds were soaked in MgSCL solution alone. Seeds were transferred to small pots containing field soil and incubated at 16°C for one week in a growth chamber. Germinated seedlings were transferred to 500mL pots containing field soil (8 plants/treatment) and grown in a greenhouse for three weeks. Dry weight was 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 P. megaterium DSM 34851 and negative control plants (grown from untreated control seeds) received a modified fertilizer solution wherein the phosphorous source was replaced with tricalcium phosphate (CasP) and the pH was adjusted to 8. Negative control plants grown with the modified fertilizer solution (Control CaP) exhibited markedly decreased biomass relative to positive control plants grown with the complete fertilizer solution (Control full fertilizer). As shown in Figure 4, plants grown from seeds inoculated with P. megaterium DSM 34851 were significantly less affected by the modified fertilizer solution, exhibiting a significant 17% increase in biomas relative to negative control plants (p<0.005).

Example 6

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Organic Phytate Solubilization

P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 are grown in liquid R2B medium (HiMedia, Cat. n. M1687) for three days at 30°C. Following incubation, 20 pl ofP. megaterium DSM 33601 culture, P. megaterium DSM 34851 culture, P. megaterium DSM 35259 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 filtered through a 0.7 pm filter; 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 significantly increase phosphate release as compared to uninoculated media, indicating that P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 may be useful for solubilizing organic phytate in agricultural settings. Example 7

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Inorganic Phosphate Solubilization

P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 are grown in liquid R2B medium (HiMedia, Cat. n. M1687) for three days at 30°C. Following incubation, 20 pl ofP. megaterium DSM 33601 culture, P. megaterium DSM 34851 culture, P. megaterium DSM 35259 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 significantly increase phosphate release as compared to uninoculated media, indicating that P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 may be useful for solubilizing inorganic phosphate in agricultural settings.

Example 8

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Corn Growth and Yield

P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 are grown separately in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and applied (individually and in combination) to the surfaces of hybrid com 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 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 each enhance seedling emergence and root growth and increase yield by at least 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05).

Example 9

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Wheat Growth and Yield

P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 are grown separately in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and applied (individually and in combination) to the surfaces of wheat 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 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 each enhance seedling emergence and root growth and increase yield by 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05).

Example 10

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Soybean Growth and Yield

P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 are grown separately in liquid culture media, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and applied (individually and in combination) 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 each enhance seedling emergence and root growth and increase yield by 1-4 bushels per acre relative to the untreated controls (p < 0.05).

Example 11

DSM 33601, DSM 34851 and DSM 35259 Enhance Nutrient Accumulation and Root Growth

Hybrid com seeds are treated with P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 or P. megaterium DSM 35259 (1 x 10⁶ colony forming units per seed) or deionized water, planted in sandy loam soil (Table 2) 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 or P. megaterium DSM 35259 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851, and P. megaterium DSM 35259 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 P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 or P. megaterium DSM 35259 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).

Table 2. Analysis of Sandy Loam Soil Used to Grow Treated Seeds

Example 12

P. megaterium DSM 34851 Enhance Corn Shoot Biomass

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 bacteria 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 Latin 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 Latin 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. P. megaterium DSM 33601, P. megaterium DSM 34851 and P. megaterium DSM 35259 significantly increase plant biomass by 20-40% relative to the untrated controls (p <0.05).

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. An isolated Priestia megaterium strain selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

2. A biologically pure culture of a Priestia megaterium strain selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

3. A microbial extract, optionally a culture supernatant, derived from one or more Priestia megaterium selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

4. A composition comprising one or more Priestia megaterium selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof in an agronomically acceptable carrier.

5. A synthetic microbial consortium comprising a Priestia megaterium selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof and at least one additional microorganism, optionally, a second Priestia megaterium selected from the group consisting of Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof.

6. A composition comprising a plant propagation material and one or more Priestia megaterium selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

7. A composition comprising a fertilizer and one or more Priestia megaterium selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

8. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for inoculating a plant growth medium.

9. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for treating a plant or plant part.

10. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for solubilizing minerals.

11. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for increasing the availability of phosphorous, potassium and other minerals in a plant growth medium for plant uptake/accumulation/utilization.

12. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing nutrient uptake and/or accumulation and/or utilization in a plant or plant part.

13. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for reducing the need for exogenous fertilizers.

14. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for mitigating the effects of one or more pests and/or one or more abiotitc stressors.

15. Use of one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof for enhancing plant growth and/or yield.

16. A method comprising introducing one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof into a plant growth medium.

17. A method comprising applying one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a plant or plant part.

18. A method comprising applying one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof to a fertilizer.

19. A method comprising introducing into a plant growth medium a) a plant propagation material and b) one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.

20. A method comprising introducing into a plant growth medium a) a fertilizer and b) one or more Priestia megaterium strains selected from Priestia megaterium DSM 33601, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; Priestia megaterium DSM 34851, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and active variants thereof; and Priestia megaterium DSM 35259, strains having all the identifying characteristics thereof.