Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 compositions and methods for controlling plant pathogens

Abstract

The present application discloses a method for controlling plant pathogens such as fungal and bacterial pathogens on plants, wherein a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited under ATCC No. PTA-122162 is applied to the plant, in particular to the aerial part of the plant. The composition may comprise iturin and fengycin in a relative weight ratio of 1.3:1.0 to 3.0:1.0. The present application also discloses an agricultural composition and a corresponding concentrate, the composition comprising the strain, a carrier, a surfactant and optionally a buffer.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with a filing date of September 27, 2019, application number 201980077543.4, and title “Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 composition and method for controlling plant pathogens”. Technical Field

[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to compositions comprising an isolated strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256, which are applied to plants or soil surrounding plants to treat plant diseases caused by plant pathogens. Background of the Invention

[0003] Fungal plant pathogens (plant pathogens), including but not limited to Botrytis spp., Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., are a type of plant pests that cause serious economic losses in agriculture and horticulture. Chemicals can be used to control fungal plant pathogens, but the use of chemicals has disadvantages including high cost, low efficiency, the emergence of resistant fungal strains, and adverse environmental impacts. In addition, such chemical treatments are often indiscriminate and may adversely affect beneficial bacteria, fungi, and arthropods in addition to the targeted plant pathogens. The second type of plant pests are bacterial plant pathogens, including but not limited to Erwinia spp., Xanthomonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp., which cause serious economic losses in agriculture and horticulture. Similar to fungal pathogens, the use of chemicals to treat these bacterial pathogens also has disadvantages. Therefore, microorganisms that can be used as biopesticides to control pathogenic fungi and bacteria in plants are desirable and highly demanded to improve agricultural sustainability.

[0004] Several Bacillus species have been reported as biocontrol strains, and some have been used in commercial products. For example, strains currently used in commercial biocontrol products include: Bacillus velezensis QST713, used as a and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, used as the active ingredient in Double Nickel produced by Certis. In addition, Bacillus strains currently used in commercial biostimulant products include: Bacillus Velez FZB42, used as the active ingredient in 42 active ingredients.

[0005] Furthermore, WO 2016 / 109396 A1 discloses Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI472 for benefiting plant growth and for treating plant diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections.

[0006] Furthermore, WO 2016 / 109395 A1 discloses Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301 for promoting plant growth and for treating plant diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections.

[0007] Furthermore, WO 2015 / 023662 A1 discloses Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains for inhibiting the growth and / or activity of fungal plant pathogens.

[0008] However, despite the availability of certain biopesticides, there is still a need in the art to improve specificity for target diseases and their respective causative pathogens. In addition, there is a need to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of biopesticides that may be affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. The present invention satisfies this need in the art by providing novel microbial compositions and methods for controlling the growth of plant pathogens to reduce or prevent plant diseases. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is to isolate a new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain from strawberry plant soil. The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FCC1256 has been deposited in ATCC with patent registration number PTA-122162, see Example 1.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling plant pathogens on plants, said method comprising the step of applying a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to said plant, a part of said plant and / or a locus where said plant or plant part is growing or to be grown.

[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of controlling fungal plant pathogens and / or bacterial plant pathogens on plants, the method comprising the step of applying a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to the above-ground parts of the plant.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulated medium, for example comprising a suitable carrier, a surfactant and optionally a buffer. The agricultural composition is particularly suitable for protecting plants from pathogens or treating pathogen infections in susceptible plants, for example according to the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the composition comprises iturin and fengycin in a relative ratio of 1.3:1.0 to 3.0:1.0, such as 1.5:1.0 to 2.8:1.0, respectively.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a concentrate of an agricultural composition, the concentrate comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulated medium, for example comprising a suitable carrier, a surfactant and optionally a buffer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Having thus described the subject matter of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which are described below:

[0015] Figure 1 Shown are the results of a detached pepper leaf disk assay comparing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to an untreated control and to a commercial Optimum activity.

[0016] Figure 2 Shown are typical ratios of iturin, surfactin, fengycin and ericin A / S from FCC1256 and RTI472 cultures, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As used herein, the names "Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256" and "FCC1256" refer to a biologically pure culture of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 bacterial strain deposited under patent registration number PTA-122162, see Example 1. In the methods, compositions, etc. described herein, the strain may be present in one or a combination of the following forms: as isolated spores of the bacterial strain, as a fermentation broth comprising spores of the bacterial strain, as a processed fermentation product comprising spores of the bacterial strain, as isolated vegetative cells of the bacterial strain, as a fermentation broth comprising vegetative cells of the bacterial strain, and as a processed fermentation product comprising vegetative cells of the bacterial strain.

[0018] The term "biologically pure culture" refers to a laboratory or fermentation culture containing a single species of organism, i.e., in the present invention, only the bacterial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256. This means that any other microorganisms contained in the fermentation broth of the pure culture are considered contaminants, which are present only in negligible amounts and do not cause measurable changes to the physical and chemical composition of the fermentation broth.

[0019] The term "processed fermentation product" refers to a downstream processed form thereof, including but not limited to fermentation broth centrate, filtered fermentation broth solids, reconstituted fermentation broth centrate, and dried fermentation broth (eg, freeze-dried or spray-dried).

[0020] In some embodiments, FCC1256 is present as a fermentation broth comprising spores of FCC1256 or a processed fermentation product comprising spores of FCC1256, such as a concentrate of fermentation broth or spray-dried fermentation broth.

[0021] The fact that a biologically pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is included in the compositions and methods disclosed herein does not exclude that the compositions and methods, respectively, may include other defined microbial strains, in particular other biologically pure microbial strains.

[0022] When used in this application, including the claims, the terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more." Thus, for example, reference to "a plant" includes a plurality of plants unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this specification and claims, the term "comprising" is used in a non-exclusive sense unless the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term "include" and its grammatical variations are non-limiting, such that listing of items in a list does not exclude other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0024] For the purposes of this specification and claims, the term "about" when used in conjunction with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers within a range, and to modify the range by extending the upper and lower limits of the numerical values. Numerical ranges described with endpoints include all numbers within the range, such as integers, including fractions thereof (e.g., reference to 1-5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and fractions thereof such as 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, etc.) and any range within the range.

[0025] For the purpose of this specification and claims, the term "metabolite" is used in conjunction with a compound having antimicrobial activity, which is produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256, such as iturin, fengyrin and surfactant peptide. The metabolites referred to as iturin, fengyrin and surfactant peptide each represent a class of very similar molecular structures. When referring to the amount or ratio comprising iturin, fengyrin and surfactant peptide, the amount / ratio is relative to the total amount (weight) of the corresponding metabolite. The amount can be determined by HPLC analysis using a suitable commercial standard.

[0026] Invention Method

[0027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, compositions and methods comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 are provided, which are applied to plants to confer protection against pathogen infection on susceptible plants. Through the methods of the present invention, control of plant pathogens can be reflected in reduced pathogen infection, improved resistance to plant pathogens (e.g., resistance to subsequent attack), improved seedling vigor, improved root development, improved plant growth, improved plant health, increased yield, improved appearance, or a combination thereof.

[0028] Thus, the present invention relates to a method for controlling plant pathogens on plants, said method comprising the step of applying a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to said plant, a part of said plant and / or a locus where said plant or plant part is growing or to be grown.

[0029] As used herein, the term "plant pathogen" refers to an organism that causes infectious diseases in plants, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, oomycetes, phytoplasmas, protozoa, nematodes, and parasitic plants. In some embodiments, the plant pathogen is selected from fungi and bacteria. In one variation, the plant pathogen is selected from fungal plant pathogens. In another variation, the plant pathogen is selected from bacterial plant pathogens.

[0030] In another embodiment, the method comprises applying a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to a plant, a part of a plant, and / or a locus where the plant or plant part is growing or to be planted, to control a plant pathogen selected from the group consisting of rust fungus, Botrytis spp. (e.g., Botrytis cinerea, Botrytis squamosal), Erwinia spp. (e.g., Erwinia carotovora, Erwinia amylovora), Dickea spp. (e.g., Dickea dadantii, Dickea solani), Agrobacterium spp. (e.g., Agrobacterium tumefaciens), Xanthomonas spp. (e.g., Xanthomonas spp.), axonopodis, Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae, Xanthomonas pruni, Xanthomonas arboricola, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae), Xylella spp. (e.g. Xylella fastidiosa), Candidatus spp. (e.g. Candidatus liberibacter), Fusarium spp. (e.g. Fusarium colmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense), Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.lycopersici, Fusarium virguliforme), Sclerotinia spp. (e.g. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia homeocarpa), Cercospora / Cercosporidium spp.), Uncinula spp. (e.g. Uncinula necator), Podosphaera spp. (e.g. Podosphaeraleucotricha, Podosphaera clandestine), Phomopsis spp. (e.g. Phomopsis viticola), Alternaria spp. (e.g. Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria porri, Alternaria alternate, Alternaria solani, Alternaria tenuis), Pseudomonas spp. (e.g. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato) pv.Tomato), Phytophthora spp. (e.g. Phytophthora rainfestans, Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora sojae, Phytophthora capsici, Phytophthora cinnamon, Phytophthora fragariae, Phytophthora ramorum, Phytophthora palmivara, Phytophthora nicotianae), Phakopsora spp. (e.g. Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Phakopsora meibomiae), Aspergillus spp.) (e.g., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger), Uromyces spp. (e.g., Uromyces appendiculatus), Cladosporium spp. (e.g., Cladosporium herbarum), Rhizopus spp.) (such as Rhizopus arrhizus), Rhizoctonia spp. (such as Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizoctonia zeae, Rhizoctonia oryzae, Rhizoctonia caritae, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Rhizoctonia crocorum, Rhizoctonia fragariae, Rhizoctonia ramicola, Rhizoctonia rubi, Rhizoctonia leguminicola), Macrophomina spp. (such as Macrophomina phaseolina), Magnaporthe spp. (such as Magnaporthe grisea, Magnaorthe oryzae), Mycosphaerella spp. (e.g. Mycosphaerella graminocola, Mycosphaerella fijiensis (Black sigatoga), Mycosphaerella pomi, Mycosphaerella citri), Monilinia spp. (e.g. Monilinia fruticola, Monilinia vacciniicorymbosi, Monilinia laxa), Colletotrichum spp. (e.g. Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes, Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum Candidum), Diaporthe spp. (Diaporthe citri), Corynespora spp. (e.g. Corynespora cassiicola), Gymnosporangium spp.) (e.g., Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae), Schizothyrium spp. (e.g., Schizothyrium pomi), Gloeodes spp. (e.g., Gloeodes pomigena), Botryosphaeria spp. (e.g., Botryosphaeria dothidea), Neofabraea spp., Wilsoninomyces spp. (e.g., Wilsoninomyces carpophilus), Sphaerotheca spp. (e.g., Sphaerotheca macularis, Sphaerotheca pannosa), Erysiphe spp., Stagonospora spp.) (e.g. Stagonosporanodorum), Pythium spp. (e.g. Pythium ultimum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium irregularum, Pythium ulosum, Pythium lutriarium, Pythium sylvatium), Venturia spp. (e.g. Venturia inaequalis), Verticillium spp., Ustilago spp. (e.g. Ustilago nuda, Ustilagomaydis, Ustilago scitaminea), Claviceps spp.) (e.g. Claviceps puprrea), Tilletia spp. (e.g. Tilletiatritici, Tilletia laevis, Tilletia horrid, Tilletia controversa), Phoma spp.) (e.g., Phomaglycinicola, Phoma exigua, Phoma lingam), Cocliobolus spp. (e.g., Cocliobolus sativus), Gaeumanomyces spp. (e.g., Gaeumanomyces gaminis), Colleototricum spp., Rhychosporium spp. (e.g., Rhychosporium secalis), Biopolaris spp., Helminthosporium spp. (e.g., Helminthosporium secalis, Helminthosporium maydis, Helminthosporium solai), Helminthosporium tritici-repentis) or a combination thereof, including any subspecies variants thereof.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method is suitable for controlling one or more plant pathogens selected from the group consisting of Botrytis cinerea, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium cladophora, Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora parasiticus, Phytophthora sojae, Phytophthora capsici, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora fragariae, Phytophthora quercetin, Phytophthora palmi, Phytophthora nicotianae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotinia microspores, Sclerotinia silverspotted, Aspergillus flavus, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, Erwinia amylovora, Rhizoctonia solani, Xanthomona sovesiculata, and any combination thereof, including any subspecies variants thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the methods of the invention utilize compositions comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to control diseases caused by plant pathogens such as pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), pepper blight (Phytophthora capsica), tomato Fusarium neck rot (Fusarium spp.), apple fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), tomato bacterial spot (Pseudomonas syringae), pepper bacterial spot (Xanthomonase uvesiculatoria), soybean damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).

[0033] As used herein, the phrase "controlling plant pathogens" used in the context of the methods and compositions of the present invention means that the growth of plant pathogens is reduced by at least 10%, such as at least 30%, or at least 50%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or substantially eliminated, compared to corresponding conditions where the method or composition is not used. In the latter case, the elimination of growth can result in visual elimination of the plant pathogen. Examples 3, 5, 6 and 7 demonstrate the type of methodology used to determine the degree of control of various plant pathogens using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256.

[0034] The methods and compositions according to the invention can be used to prevent or treat diseases caused by plant pathogens in a wide range of plants including, but not limited to, corn, sweet corn, seed corn, silage corn, field corn, rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, asparagus, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, loganberry, huckleberry, cranberry, gooseberry, elderberry, currant, cane berry, bush berry, berry), broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, kohlrabi, cucumber, cantaloupe, melon, cantaloupe, zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant, onion, garlic, shallots, orange, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, tangelo, pepper, tomato, gooseberry, jalapeno, okra, grapes, lettuce, celery, spinach, parsley, endive, beans, mung beans, green beans, shell beans, soybeans, dry beans, garbanzo beans, lima beans, peas, chickpeas, split peas, lentils, canola, castor, coconut, cotton, flax, oil palm, olive, peanut, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, sunflower, soybean, apple, crabapple, pear, quince, hawthorn (May hawthorn) haw), carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, beets, ginger, horseradish, radish, ginseng, turnips, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, black plums, strawberries, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, chestnuts, cashews, beech nuts, butternuts, macadamia nuts, kiwifruit, bananas, (blue) agave, pasture grass, lawn grass, poinsettia, chestnut, oak, maple, sugar cane, and sugar beets.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plant is soybean, bean, green bean, wheat, cotton, corn, pepper, tomato, potato, cassava, grape, strawberry, banana, peanut, zucchini, pumpkin, eggplant, and cucumber.

[0036] In other embodiments, the plant is selected from the group consisting of apple, asparagus, bayberry, bearberry, blackberry, high and low bush blueberry, American cherry, currant, elderberry, gooseberry, huckleberry, lingonberry, loganberry, mulberry, acerola, raspberry, Salaberry, Saskatoon berry, sea buckthorn and wild raspberry, blackberry or raspberry, grape, strawberry, kiwi, broccoli, kale, broccoli raab, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi, turnip, mustard greens, mustard spinach and rapeseed, onion, garlic, leek, shallot and chives, celery, cantaloupe, Chinese was gourd, cucumber, edible gourd, melon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, eggplant, gooseberry, okra, pepper, jalapeno and tomato.

[0037] In other embodiments, the plant is selected from peppers, cucumbers, apples, asparagus, bananas, citrus, kiwi, melon, peaches, pears, pineapples, pomegranates, celery, onions, garlic, grapes, leeks, shallots, chives, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, gourds, tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, rice, or soybeans.

[0038] In at least one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the composition is applied to a plant, a part of a plant and / or a location where a plant or a part of a plant grows or is to be planted, such as a plant leaf, a plant stem bark, a plant fruit, a plant flower, a plant seed, a plant root, a plant cutting, a plant graft, the soil or growth medium surrounding a plant; the soil or growth medium before sowing the seeds of a plant into the soil or growth medium; the soil or growth medium before planting a plant, a plant cutting or a plant graft in the soil or growth medium.

[0039] In one variation, the invention is directed to a method of controlling fungal plant pathogens and / or bacterial plant pathogens on plants, the method comprising applying to the above-ground parts of the plants a composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-122162.

[0040] As used herein, the phrase "applying ... to the above-ground parts of plants" and the like refers to applying the composition to the stems, leaves, flowers and / or fruits of plants. In other embodiments, the composition is applied to the site where the plant or plant part grows or is to be planted, for example, to the root system of the plant or the soil around the root system of the plant, or to the soil where the plant (or plant part) is to be planted; these are collectively referred to as "applying ... to the soil around the plant".

[0041] Applying the composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to the plant, a part of a plant and / or the locus where the plant or plant part is growing or to be planted can be accomplished by any conventional means, for example by spray application, drip irrigation, milling (powder application), applying a foam (foam application), etc.

[0042] For application to the above-ground parts of plants, spray application or powder application may prove to be of particular interest.

[0043] For application to the soil around the plants, spray application, drip application, powder application and foam application may be of interest. In a variation, application to the soil around the plants is by drip irrigation or foam application in conjunction with seed planting with in-furrow application.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pathogenic infection may be caused by one or a combination of:

[0045] The soybean rust fungus (Psora pachyrhizium, Psora pachyrhizium) and the plant is soybean;

[0046] Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and the plant is grapes, strawberries or peppers;

[0047] Alternaria (e.g. Alternaria solani) and the plant is tomato or potato;

[0048] Bean rust (Urus verrucosa) and the plant is Jack Bean;

[0049] Microsphaera diffusa (soybean powdery mildew) and the plant is soybean;

[0050] Mycosphaeria fijiensis (black leaf spot) or Fusarium oxysporum f. cubansis (wilt) and the plant is banana;

[0051] The genus Xanthomonas or Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the plant is rice;

[0052] Xanthomonas carpetgrass and the plant is cassava;

[0053] Xanthomonas campestris and the plant is tomato;

[0054] Powdery mildew as well as the plant is cucurbit ;

[0055] Southern white mold and plants including peanuts;

[0056] Leaf spot and the plant is peanut ;

[0057] Fusarium graminearum (wheat head blight) and the plant is wheat;

[0058] Mycosphaerella graminicola (Septoria tritici spot) and the plant is wheat;

[0059] Septoria nodorum (glume blight and Septoria nodorum spot) and the plant is wheat;

[0060] Erwinia amylovora and plants selected from apples, pears and other pome fruits;

[0061] Apple Venturia and plants selected from apples, pears and other pome fruits;

[0062] Sclerotinia (white mold) and the plant is green beans or potatoes;

[0063] Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Dollar spot) and plants including turf grasses;

[0064] or

[0065] The Rhizotonia solani and the plant are selected from wheat, rice, turf grass, soybean, corn, legumes and vegetable crops.

[0066] In a variation of the above embodiment, plant pathogens are controlled by applying the composition to the above-ground parts of plants.

[0067] In embodiments herein, the composition is applied in an effective amount. The term "effective amount" refers to an amount of the composition sufficient to control at least one plant pathogen.

[0068] In an embodiment, the composition is applied so that the ratio of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is between 4.0x10 9 CFU / ha to 4.0x10 17 CFU / ha, such as 4.0x10 10 CFU / ha to 4.0x10 16 CFU / ha. Typically, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is applied in the form of its spores rather than vegetative cells.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the composition is in liquid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / mL to 1.0x10 12 CFU / mL such as 1.0x10 7 CFU / mL to 1.0x10 11 The concentration of CFU / mL is present.

[0070] In embodiments where the composition to be administered is in liquid form, the composition may be in the form of a liquid formulation selected from the group consisting of a suspension, a suspension concentrate (SC), an oil dispersion (OD) and a foam.

[0071] In other embodiments of the method of the present invention, the composition is in solid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / g to 1.0x10 12 CFU / g such as 1.0x10 7 CFU / g to 1.0x10 11 The concentration of CFU / g is present.

[0072] In embodiments where the composition to be applied is in solid form, the composition may be in the form of a formulation selected from the group consisting of dustable powders (DP), water dispersible granules (WG) and wettable powders (WP).

[0073] In some embodiments, the composition administered comprises iturin and fengycin in a relative weight ratio of 1.3:1.0 to 3.0:1.0, such as 1.5:1.0 to 2.8:1.0, with all measured values ​​being within this range.

[0074] The properties, embodiments and variations of the compositions comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 used in the methods of the present invention are further described below in the section entitled "Agricultural Compositions of the Present Invention".

[0075] Agricultural composition of the present invention

[0076] The compositions described herein and the embodiments thereof further described below are particularly useful in the methods described above, but are not limited to such applications. The compositions described under this heading refer to ready-to-use compositions. In some embodiments, it is convenient to prepare a concentrated composition suitable for dilution before use to obtain a ready-to-use agricultural composition, for example to reduce transportation costs or extend shelf life, etc. Such concentrated preparations are further described in the section entitled "Concentrates of Agricultural Compositions" below.

[0077] Therefore, the present invention relates to an agricultural composition comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulation medium.

[0078] The term "agriculturally suitable" means that the formulation medium (i.e., without any intentional inclusion of other active ingredients) should not have a significant deleterious effect on the plant or plants to which the agricultural composition is intended to be applied. Thus, an "agriculturally suitable formulation medium" includes any such formulation medium into which Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 can be placed to facilitate transport of an effective amount for application to a plant part of interest, and which is otherwise suitable for agricultural applications.

[0079] The formulation medium may include a liquid or solid carrier, and one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of surfactants, preservatives, wetting agents, desiccants, defoamers, antifreeze agents, dispersants, binders, emulsifiers, dyes, UV protectants, drift control agents, spray deposition aids, free flow agents, buffers and thickeners, and combinations thereof.

[0080] Examples of liquid carriers include water, animal oils and their derivatives, mineral oils and their derivatives, vegetable oils and their derivatives, alcohols, polyols, triglycerides, natural and synthetic polymers and their nonionic derivatives. Examples of solid carriers include minerals, clays, silica, inorganic and organic salts, sugars, starches, waxes, ground animal shells, plant materials including fibers, husks shells and powders.

[0081] In an embodiment, the formulation medium comprises a suitable carrier and a surfactant. In a variation thereof, the formulation medium further comprises a buffer.

[0082] In some embodiments, the agricultural composition comprises iturin and fengycin in a relative weight ratio of 1.3:1.0 to 3.0:1.0, such as 1.5:1.0 to 2.8:1.0, with all measured values ​​being within this range.

[0083] In some embodiments, the composition may be in the form of a formulation selected from a suspension, a suspension concentrate (SC), an oil dispersion (OD), a foam, a dustable powder (DP), a water dispersible granule (WG) and a wettable powder (WP).

[0084] Typically, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is included in a suitable preparation in the form of its spores rather than vegetative cells. For example, the preparation may include an aliquot of a fermentation broth containing spores of FCC1256 or a processed fermentation product containing spores of FCC1256 such as a concentrate of the fermentation broth or a spray-dried fermentation broth.

[0085] In some embodiments, the agricultural composition is in liquid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / g to 1.0x10 12 CFU / g, such as 1.0x10 7 CFU / g to 1.0x10 11 The concentration of CFU / g is present.

[0086] In embodiments where the agricultural composition is in liquid form, the composition may be in the form of a formulation selected from the group consisting of a suspension, a suspension concentrate (SC), an oil dispersion (OD) and a foam.

[0087] In other embodiments, the agricultural composition is in solid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / g to 1.0x10 12 CFU / g, such as 1.0x10 7 CFU / g to 1.0x10 11 The concentration of CFU / g is present.

[0088] In embodiments where the agricultural composition is in solid form, the composition may be in the form of a formulation selected from dustable powders (DP), water dispersible granules (WG) and wettable powders (WP).

[0089] In methods of delivering FCC1256 in combination with a microbial, biological or chemical pesticide, fungicide, nematicide, bactericide or plant growth regulator, the composition may be in the form of a liquid, oil dispersion, powder, dry wettable powder, spreadable granules or dry wettable granules.

[0090] In some embodiments, in addition to the formulation medium, the agricultural composition may also include one or a combination of microbial or chemical pesticides, fungicides, nematicides, bactericides, plant growth regulators or plant growth promoters, such as:

[0091] Pesticides: A0) Various pesticides, including agrigata, aluminum phosphide, amblyseius, aphelinus, aphidius, aphidoletes, artemisinin, Spodoptera exigua NPV, triazotin, Bacillus-subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis spp. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis spp. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis spp. thuringiensis), Beauveria bassiana, β-cyfluthrin, dimethoate, bromothrin, ethyl bromothion, bromomethin, capsaicin, cartap, Celastrus orbiculatus extract, chloranil, chloroxyfos, chlorfluazuron, osthole, cryolite, cyfluthrin, tricyclan, cypermethrin, dacnusa, DCIP, dichloropropylene, chlorfenapyr, diglyphus, diglyphus + dacnusa, methoxazole, imatin, encarsia, EPN, eretmocerus ), Ethylene dibromide, Eucalyptol, Quinazaquin, BPMC, Fenpyroximate, Flubrocythrinate, Flufenzine, Fentamethoxam, Angophos, Furoxil, Gamma-cyhalothrin, Garlic juice, Granulovirus, Harmonia, NPV of cotton bollworm, Indol-3-ylbutyric acid, Methyl iodide, Iron, Isocarbofos, Isofenphos-m, Isoprocarb, Isosulfuron, Lindane, Liuyangmycin, Matrine, Dimethoate, Metaldehyde, Metarhizium anisopliae, methamidophos, MTMC, mirex, m-isothiocyanate, chlorpyrifos, Myrothecium verrucaria, naled, Neochrysocharis formosa, nicotine, nicotine, omethoate, orius, oxymatrine, paecilomyces, parathion-e, pasteuria, pheromone, phosphoric acid, photorhabdus, phoxim, phytoseiulus, pirimiphos-e, Plutella xylostella GV, polyhedrosis virus,polyphenol extract, potassium oleate, profenofos, prosuler, profenofos, pyraclofos, pyrethrins, pyridaphenthion, pyrimidine, pyriproxifen, quillay-extract, quinaloxaline, rotenone, saponins, saponozit, sodium fluosilicate, sulfluramid, sulfur, tebupirimfos, tefluthrin, bispyribac, tetrachlorvinphos, chlorpyrifos, methyl sulfamethoxam, transgenic (e.g. Cry3Bb1), triazolam, Trichoderma, trichogramma, A1) Carbamates, including aldicarb, benfuracarb, carbaryl, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, methoxychlor, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, propoxur and thiodicarb; A2) Organophosphates, including acephate, azinphos-phos, azinphos-phos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos / DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, ethiophos, ethion, fenitrothion, fenthion, isoxazophos, malathion, methamidaphos, methidathion, mefenphos, monocrotophos, oxymethoate, sulfoxide, parathion, parathion methyl, fenthion, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, pirimiphos-methyl, quinalphos, terbufos, chlorpyrifos, triazophos and trichlorfon; A3) cyclopentadiene organochlorine compounds, such as endosulfan; A4) phenylpyrazoles (fiproles), including ethiprole, fipronil, pyrafluprole and pyriprole ; A5) neonicotinoids, including: acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitrothionine, thiacloprid and cypermethrin; A6) spinosyns, such as spinosad and spinetoram; A7) chloride channel activators of the mectin class, including abamectin, emamectin, ivermectin, lepimectin and milbemectin; A8) juvenile hormone mimics, such as methoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen; A9) selective homopteran feeding blockers, such as pymetrozine,flonicamid and pyrifluquinazon; A10) mite growth inhibitors such as clofentezin, hexathiazolin and etoxazole; A11) inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase such as diafenthiuron, fenbutatin and cypermethrin; uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation such as cypermethrin; A12) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel blockers such as thiosulfuron, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam and cypermethrin; sodium); A13) type 0 chitin biosynthesis inhibitors from the phenylurea class, including bistrifluron, diflubenzuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, chlorfenuron, novaluron and flubenzuron; A14) type 1 chitin biosynthesis inhibitors, such as buprofezin; A15) molting disruptors, such as ciprofloxacin; A16) ecdysone receptor agonists, such as methoxyfenozide, fenthiocarb, halofenozide and chromafenozide. enozide); A17) octopamin receptor agonists, such as amitraz; A18) mitochondrial complex electron transfer inhibitors, such as pyridabenzyl, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, flufenerim, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, hydrazone or acequinocyl or fluacrypyrim; A19) voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, such as indoxacarb b) and metaflumizone; A20) lipid synthesis inhibitors, such as spirodiclofen, spiromesifen and spirotetramat; A21) ryanodine receptor modulators from the diamide class, including flubendiamide, the phthalamide compound (R)-3-chloro-N1-{2-methyl-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl}-N2-(1-methyl-2-methyl A22) Compounds with unknown or uncertain mode of action, such as azadirachtin, amidoflumet, bifenazate, fluensulfone,or A23) sodium channel modulators from the pyrethroid class, including acralthrin, allethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, cypermethrin, tau-cypermethrin, permethrin, cyper ...

[0092] Fungicides / bactericides: B0) benzovindiflupyr, anitiperonosporic, ametoctradin, amisulbrom, copper salts (e.g. copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper persulfate), boscalid, thiflumazide, flutianil, furalaxyl, thiabendazole, malpighiacil, sulfamethoxam, isofetamid, furamide, bixafen, fluxapyroxad, penflufen, sedaxane, coumostrobin xystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, pyribencarb, meptyldinocap, triphenyltin acetate, triphenyltin chloride, triphenyltin hydroxide, oxytetracycline, ethoxybacterium, chlorpyrifos, tetrachloronitrobenzene, thiabendazim, iodocarb, thiocarb, Bacillus subtilis, Melaleuca alternifolia extract, Lupinus albus doce extract, BLAD peptide, pyrisoxazole, oxpoconazole, ethoconazole, fenpyrazamine, naftifine, terbinafine, validamycin, pyrimorph, valifenalate, fthalide, thiabendazole, isotianil, laminarin, Reynoutria cuspidatum sachalinensis extract, phosphoric acid and phosphates, teclofthalam, imidazolin, pyriofenone, organic oil, potassium bicarbonate, thiophanate-methyl, fluoroimide; B1) azoles, including: bifenthrin, cyproconazole, fenpropimorph, diniconazole, enilconazole, epoxiconazole, fluquinconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imipenem, cyproconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, silyfloxacin, triadimenol, triadimenol, tebuconazole, flufenconazole, trichlorfon, prochloraz, prochloraz, pyrifos, imazalil, triflumizole, cyazofamid, benomyl, carbendazim, thiabendazole, oxathiapiprolin,B2) strobilurins, including: azoxystrobin, fenthionyl, oxazolidinone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, methomyl, pyraclostrobin, ibuprofen, fenthionyl, methyl (2-chloro-5-[1-(3-methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]phenyl)carbamate, methyl (2-chloro-5-[1-(3-methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]phenyl)carbamate, methyl (2-chloro-5-[1-(3-methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]phenyl)carbamate, methyl (2-chloro-5- methyl [1-(6-methylpyridin-2-ylmethoxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate and methyl 2-(o-(2,5-dimethylphenoxymethylene)-phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate, 2-(2-(6-(3-chloro-2-methyl-phenoxy)5-fluoro-pyrimidin-4-yloxy-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide and methyl 3-methoxy-2-(2-(N-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-cyclopropanecarboximido-thiomethyl)-phenyl)-acrylate; B3) carboxamides, including: carboxin, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, fenhexamid, flutolanil, forabimid, rust-reducing Amine, metalaxyl, mefenoxam, furamide, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, penthiopyrad, isopyrazam, thiofuran, tiadinil, 3,4-dichloro-N-(2-cyanophenyl)isothiazole-5-carboxamide, flumorph, flumetover, picobenzamid, zoxamide, carpropamid, diclocymet, mandip ropamid), N-(2-(4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)-2-methanesulfonyl-amino-3-methylbutyramide, N-(2-(4-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl)-2-ethanesulfonylamino-3-methylbutyramide, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-isopropoxycarbonyl-amino-3-methyl-butyrylamino)propionic acid methyl ester, N-(4'-bromobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-methylthiazole-δ-carboxamide, N-(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methylthiazole-5-carboxamide,N-(4'-chloro-3'-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxamide, N-(3\4'-dichloro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoro-methyl-1-methyl-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-cyano-phenyl)-3,4-dichloroisothiazole-5-carboxamide, 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, 2-chloro-N-(1,1,3-trimethyl-indan-4-yl)-nicotinamide, N-(2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4 -carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-3',5-difluoro-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-3',5-difluoro-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5-fluoro-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',5-difluoro-4'-methyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',5-difluoro-4'-methyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide amine, N-(cis-2-dicyclopropyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(trans-2-dicyclopropyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, fluopyram, N-(3-ethyl-3,5-5-trimethyl-cyclohexyl)-3-formylamino-2-hydroxy-benzamide, oxytetracyclin, silthiofam, N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide, 2-iodo-N-phenyl-benzamide, N-(2-dicyclo-propyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3-difluoromethyl B4) heterocyclic compounds, including: fluazinam, pyrimidine oxime, pyrimidine sulfonate, cyprodinil, chlorfenapyr, pyrimidine, pyrimidine, flufenapyr, pyrimidine, trimethoprim, fluazifop, fludioxonil, aldimorph, dodecanol, fenpropimorph, tridecanol, fenpropidin, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, famoxadone, fenamidone, octhiocarb, allylthiazole, 5-chloro-7-(4-methyl-piperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, difop-butyl,Dazolin, pyroquilone, proquinazid, tricyclazole, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromogen-4-one, acibenzolar-S-methyl, captol, captan, dazomethane, folpet, fenoxanil, quinoxyfen, N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-bromo-6-fluoro-2-methylindole-1-sulfonyl)-[1,2,4]triazole-1-sulfonamide, 5-ethyl-6-octyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2,7-diamine, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-methanesulfonyl-pyridine, 3,4,5-trichloro- Pyridine-2,6-dicarbonitrile, N-(1-(5-bromo-3-chloro-pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl)-2,4-dichloro-nicotinamide, N-((5-bromo-3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-methyl)-2,4-dichloro-nicotinamide, diflumetorim, trichloromethylpyridine, morphine acetate, fluoroimid, blasticidin S, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin-methylsulfate, oxolinic acid and piperalin; B5) Carbamates, including: mancozeb, maneb, metam, methasulphocarb, metiram, ferbam, propineb, thiram, zineb, Ziram, ethoprofen, iprovalicarb, benthiavalicarb, propamocarb, propamocarb hydrochloride, 4-fluorophenyl N-(1-(1-(4-cyanophenyl)-ethylsulfonyl)butan-2-yl)carbamate, 3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-(2-isopropoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-butyrylamino)propionic acid methyl ester; or B6) other fungicides including: guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, biguanide octylamine, biguanide salts, kasugamycin, oxytetracycline and its salts, streptomycin, polyoxin, validamycin A, binachlor, chloranil, chloranil, dithianon, rice blast, triphenyltin salt, dichlorvos, isothiocyanate, triethyl phosphine, triethyl phosphate aluminum, Phosphoric acid and its salts, pyraclofos, tolclofos-methyl, diflunisal, sulfaquinoxaline, hexachlorobenzene, tetrachlorophthalide, pencuron, pentachloronitrobenzene, thiophenate, methyl thiophenate, tolylfluanid, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, mefenamic acid, ethidol, furalaxyl, mefenoxam and spiroxanil, iminoctadine-acetate, iminoctadine-triacetate, iminoctadine-tris(albesilate), kasugamycin hydrochloride hydrate, dichlorophen, pentachlorophenol and its salts, N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, chloranil, phthalocyanine,Tetrahydronitrobenzene (tecnazen), biphenyl, bronopol, diphenylamine, mefenamic acid, quinoline copper, prohexadione calcium, N-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino-(6-difluoromethoxy-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)methyl)-2-phenylacetamide, N'-(4-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methylformamidine, N'-(4-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methylformamidine, N'-(2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-propoxy)-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methylformamidine, N'-(5-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-propoxy)-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methylformamidine and fluindapyr.

[0093] Nematicides: C1) benomyl, dimethoate, almethosulfuron, cyclamic acid, diamidafos, fenamiphos, cadasphos, dimethoate, ethoprophos, fenthiophos, thiothioate, heterophos, isamidophos, chlorfenapyr, phosphocarb, phosphothioate, imicyafos, methyl methamidophos, acetoprole, benclothiaz, chloropicrin, dazomethon, fluensulfone, 1,3-dichloropropylene (telone), dimethyl disulfide, metam sodium, metam potassium, metam salts (all MITC generators), methyl bromide, biological soil conditioners (e.g. mustard seed, mustard seed extract), soil steam fumigation, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), dimethyl sulfate, furfual (aldehyde).

[0094] Plant growth regulators: D1) anti-auxins, such as clofibric acid, 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid; D2) auxins, such as 4-CPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4-DEP, 2,4-dichlorprop, 2,4,5-t-propionic acid, IAA, IBA, naphthylacetamide, α-naphthylacetic acid, 1-naphthol, naphthoxyacetic acid, potassium cyclopentaneate, sodium cyclopentaneate, 2,4,5-T; D3) cytokinins, such as 2iP, benzyl adenine, 4-hydroxyphenylethanol, kinetin, zeatin; D4) defoliants, such as calcium cyanamide, thiamethoxam, thiocarb, ethephon, defoliant phosphorus, methoxuron, pentachlorophenol, thidiazuron, defoliant phosphorus (tribufos); D5) ethylene inhibitors D6) ethylene releasers, such as ACC, vinylsilane, ethephon, glyoxime; D7) gametocides, such as fenridazon, maleic acid hydrazide; D8) gibberellins, such as gibberellins, gibberellic acid; D9) growth inhibitors, such as abscisic acid, cyprodinil, butarin, carbaryl, dwarf phosphorus, chlorpromazine, furan, flumetralin, glucosamine, phosphinothricin, glyphosate, isopyrimol, jasmonic acid, maleic acid hydrazide, mepiquat, piproctanyl, propyl jasmonate ... ohydrojasmon), fenpropimorph, tiaojiean, 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid; D10) morphogens, such as chlorfluren, chlorflurenol, dichlorflurenol, chlorfenapyr; D11) growth retardants, such as chlormequat, butyric acid hydrazide, fluazifop, fluazifop, paclobutrazol, tetracyclazole, uniconazole; D12) growth stimulants, such as brassinolide, ethyl brassinolide, DCPTA, chlorforamide, oxadiazine, prosuler, triacontanol; D13) unclassified plant growth regulators, such as bachmedesh, benzof luor, buminafos, carvone, choline chloride, ciobutide, clofencet, cyanamide, cycloalkylanilide, cycloheximide, cyprosulfamide, epocholeone, indole, ethylene, fuphenthiourea, furane, yield-increasing oxime, holosulf, antinepside, karetazan, lead arsenate, sulfamethoxazole, prohexadione, pydanon, sintofen, imazalil, trinexapac.

[0095] Plant growth promoter: E1).

[0096] Concentrates of agricultural compositions

[0097] The present invention also relates to a concentrate of an agricultural composition, the concentrate comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulation medium, for example comprising a suitable carrier, a surfactant and optionally a buffer.

[0098] Agricultural formulations can be obtained by appropriately diluting the concentrate with a suitable liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, as further specified above for agricultural compositions. The term "aqueous carrier" is intended to mean a liquid carrier that is mainly based on water and contains up to 5% by weight of non-aqueous ingredients. In some embodiments, dilution is performed only with water.

[0099] Typically, the dilution is a concentrate to carrier weight ratio of 1:10 to 1:5000, such as 1:20 to 1:1000.

[0100] In an embodiment, the concentrate is a formulation selected from a suspension concentrate (SC or SD), an ultra low volume suspension (SU), a seed treatment suspension (FS), an oil dispersion (OD), a paste (PA), a gel (GD), a water dispersible granule (WG), a dustable powder (DP), a water dispersible tablet (WT), a water dispersible powder for slurry treatment (WS) and a wettable powder (WP).

[0101] Typically, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is included in a suitable preparation in the form of its spores rather than vegetative cells. For example, the preparation may include an aliquot of a fermentation broth containing spores of FCC1256 or a processed fermentation product containing spores of FCC1256, such as a concentrate of the fermentation broth or a spray-dried fermentation broth.

[0102] In some embodiments, the concentrate is in liquid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in the concentrate at 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / mL to 1.0x10 14 CFU / mL such as 1.0x10 9 CFU / mL to 1.0x10 13 The concentration of CFU / mL is present.

[0103] In embodiments where the concentrate is in liquid form, the concentrate may be in the form of a formulation selected from a suspension concentrate (SC or SD), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), a seed treatment suspension (FS), an oil dispersion (OD), a paste (PA), a gel (GD), in particular a suspension concentrate (SC) and an oil dispersion (OD).

[0104] In other embodiments, the concentrate is in solid form, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is concentrated at 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / g to 1.0x10 14 CFU / g such as 1.0x10 9 CFU / g to 1.0x10 13 The concentration of CFU / g is present in the concentrate.

[0105] In embodiments where the concentrate is in solid form, the concentrate may be in the form of a formulation selected from water dispersible granules (WG), dustable powders (DP), water dispersible tablets (WT), water dispersible powders, water dispersible powders for slurry treatment (WS) and wettable powders (WP), in particular wettable powders (WP) and water dispersible granules (WG).

[0106] In some embodiments, the concentrate comprises iturin and fengycin in a relative weight ratio of 1.3:1.0 to 3.0:1.0, such as 1.5:1.0 to 2.8:1.0, with all measured values ​​being within this range. Example

[0107] The following examples are included to provide guidance to those skilled in the art for practicing representative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. According to the present invention and the general skill level in the art, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following examples are for illustration only and that various changes, modifications and variations may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0108] method

[0109] Identification of iturin, fengycin and surfactant peptides

[0110] The samples were analyzed by reversed-phase LC–DAD using a C18 column with gradient screening, allowing for the simultaneous detection of all three lipopeptide families. The mobile phase consisted of water and acetonitrile premixed with 0.1% formic acid. Compounds were identified based on their retention times and UV spectra compared with authentic standards.

[0111] Determination of colony forming units (CFU)

[0112] The CFU of a sample (expressed as CFU / mL for liquid samples and CFU / g for solid samples) can be determined according to BS EN 15784:2009 (Animal feeding stuffs. Isolation and enumeration of presumptive Bacillus spp.).

[0113] Example 1

[0114] Identification of a bacterial isolate as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by sequence analysis

[0115] A plant-associated bacterial strain was isolated from soil of strawberry plants in Autryville, North Carolina, USA, and is referred to herein as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC 1256. The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC 1256 strain was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) in Manassas, Virginia, USA, on May 12, 2015, under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure, and has patent accession number PTA-122162.

[0116] Initially, the whole genome sequence data of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 was extracted to identify the core phenotypic marker genes routinely used for phylogenetic distribution analysis. The genes selected for this analysis are all single copies, and the genes described in the genome have only one copy, and have the core housekeeping function of the cell. The six genes selected from the RAST annotation file are the RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB) directed by DNA, DNA repair recombinase A (recA 2), DNA mismatch repair protein S (mutS), glycerol uptake facilitating protein (glpF), DNA gyrase subunit B (gyrB) and DNA chaperone K (dnaK). For each gene selected, the representative genome strains (Bacillus subtilis cluster and Bacillus cereus (Bacillus cereus) cluster) of Bacillus are used to compare. For this reason, by the sequence analysis of highly conservative 16S rRNA and rpoB genes, FCC1256 is identified as a new strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

[0117] Each gene also includes an outgroup sequence extracted from the genomes of phylogenetically divergent bacteria to provide an indication of the robustness of the phylogenetic calculations.

[0118] First, each reference genome was downloaded from NCBI and annotated in the RAST annotation pipeline. Each annotation table generated was then searched to identify each selected housekeeping gene, and then the sequence of each gene was copied and pasted into a new nucleotide alignment in the MEGA5.2 software program. Once each gene sequence has been loaded into the alignment, all specific gene sequences are aligned using the ClustalW alignment algorithm. After aligning each group of genes, the sequences were trimmed to ensure that each sequence had the same number of nucleotides. After the trimming step, the aligned sequences were used to create a phylogenetic tree.

[0119] Each phylogenetic tree was repeated 1000 times to assess the robustness of the phylogenetic grouping. For each tree, FCC1256 was compared and a tree was generated with other Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains such as DSM7, RTI301, and RTI472. These results showed with high confidence that FCC1256 was indeed Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

[0120] The antagonistic effect of FCC1256 on a number of pathogens was also determined. Table 1 below provides a summary of the results.

[0121] Table 1. Antagonistic properties of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 against major plant pathogens

[0122] Antimicrobial assay FCC1256 <![CDATA[ Fungal pathogens: ]]> Aspergillus flavus ++ Botrytis cinerea +++ Fusarium graminearum +++ Fusarium oxysporum ++ Fusarium cladosa + Phytophthora capsici + Rhizoctonia solani ++ <![CDATA[ Bacterial pathogens: ]]> Erwinia amylovora ++ Xanthomonas euvesicatoria ++

[0123] +++Very active, ++Strong active, +Active, +-Weak active, -No active observed

[0124] In addition, experiments were performed to determine the antagonistic activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 in vitro and in various plants under different conditions. The experimental results are provided in Examples 3, 5, 6 and 7 below.

[0125] The experiment showed that the commercially available (Bayer CropScience, Inc.), the ability of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 to confer protection against or control infection by plant pathogens.

[0126] Example 2

[0127] Fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0128] First, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 was taken out of the glycerol stock and streaked on solid 869 medium, which contained (in 1 L): 10 g peptone, 5 g yeast extract, 1 g D-glucose, 0.3 g CaCl2 and 15 g powdered agar. After incubation at 30°C overnight, a colony was picked and inoculated into a 250 mL shake flask with 50 mL of medium, which contained (1 L): 10 g peptone, 6 g yeast extract, 2 g KCl and 0.1 g MgSO4·7H2O. After autoclaving, the following solution was added to the medium: 5 mL of 20% glucose, 1 mL of 1 M CaCl2, 1 mL of 0.1 M MnCl2 and 10 μL of 0.1 M FeSO4. The shake flask was incubated in a shake flask incubator at 30°C and 200 rpm until OD600 reached 1.0. The cell pellet was collected for inoculation of a fermenter (working volume 1.5 L, Bioflo 320, Eppendorf). The fermentation was carried out at 30 ° C, with a stirring speed of 800 rpm and an air supply rate of 2 L / min. Samples were taken during the fermentation to monitor cell growth, cell spore formation and metabolite concentrations. After 168 hours of fermentation, most of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 cells had formed spores and the entire culture mixture was harvested.

[0129] Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 and reference strain QST713 (obtained from commercial The biomass level during the fermentation was measured using OD600 measurement. Comparison of the metabolite profiles of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 strain and QST713 showed that under the same conditions, FCC1256 produced significantly more iturin than QST713.

[0130] Further evaluation of the metabolite concentrates showed that FCC1256 had an iturin:fengycin:surfactant weight ratio of approximately 3.3:1.4:1, which may contribute to the strain's antagonistic activity against plant pathogens.

[0131] Example 3

[0132] Antimicrobial properties of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0133] Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 and QST713 were plated in TSA plates and grown overnight (16-18 hours) at 30°C. Subsequently, a single colony was transferred to a culture medium (growth medium H2O, 914.3 mL; NH4NO3, 8 g; Na2HPO4, 7.15 g; KH2PO4, 6.8 g; yeast extract 0.5 g; adjusted to pH 7.5 with 4 mL 4M KOH; 45 mL of growth medium was transferred to a 250 mL baffled culture bottle and autoclaved at 121°C for 15 minutes. After autoclaving, the following solutions were added to each culture bottle: 0.1 M CaCl2 5 μL, 0.1 M MnCl2 5 μL, 0.1 M FeSO4 35 μL, 0.1 M ZnCl2 5 μL, 1 M MgSO4 100 μL, glucose 50% sol (final concentration 40 g / L) 4 mL) and incubated at 30°C with continuous stirring (220 rpm) for 168 hours. The strain was grown in a GL 45 threaded ( Germany) in 250 mL baffled flasks with a final working volume of 50 mL.

[0134] In this study, a total of 14 foliar plant pathogens (12 fungi and 2 bacteria) were used. Table 2 shows a description of the pathogens, growth conditions, and culture media used. All foliar pathogens used in this experiment were tested on potato dextrose agar (PDA) solid media, except for Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas carpetgrass, which were tested on trypticase soy agar (TSA) solid media. The incubation time for each pathogen before treatment was 3-5 days. For Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas carpetgrass, where lawn plates were used for testing, overnight cultures were prepared on 869 medium, while Septoria tritici was cultured in potato dextrose broth for 5 days before preparing the lawn.

[0135] Activity was assessed by applying 20 μL of cells. All applications were performed in triplicate for all pathogens using unfiltered fermentation material. The rating timing for fungal pathogens varies depending on the species. The timing should correspond to the edge of the colony on the control spot plate reaching a radius of approximately 25 mm. For evaluation, a semi-quantitative method was used, see the following 4-level scale system (0-3), where: 0: no visible antimicrobial effect; 1: slight effect, but no obvious clear zone; 2: obvious clear zone; 3: large clear zone. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0136] Table 2. Antimicrobial properties of FCC1256 against leaf pathogens

[0137]

[0138]

[0139] Example 4

[0140] Phenotypic characteristics of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0141] In addition to the antagonistic properties, various phenotypic traits of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 were measured and the data are presented in Table 3. The assays were performed according to the procedures described in Table 3 below.

[0142] Table 3. Phenotypic assays: phytohormone production, acetoin and indoleacetic acid (IAA) and nutrient cycling by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256.

[0143] Characteristic determination FCC1256 Acetoin production (MR-VP) +++ Chitinase activity + Indole-3-acetic acid production - Protease activity ++ Phosphate dissolution +

[0144] +++Very strong, ++Strong, +Some, +-Weak, -Not observed

[0145] Acetoin detection. 20 μL of the starter culture in the medium was transferred to 1 mL of Methyl Red Voges Proskauer medium (Sigma Aldrich 39484). The culture was incubated at 30°C and 200 rpm for 2 days. 0.5 mL of the culture was mixed with 0.3 mL of 5% α-naphthol (Sigma Aldrich N1000) and then with 0.1 mL of 40% KOH. The samples were interpreted after 30 minutes of incubation. The red color indicated the production of acetoin. Uninoculated medium was used as a negative control (Sokol et al., 1979, Journal of Clinical Microbiology 9:538-540).

[0146] Chitinase activity. 10% wet weight colloidal chitin was added to modified PVK agar medium (per liter: 10 g glucose, 0.2 g potassium chloride, 0.5 g ammonium sulfate, 0.2 g sodium chloride, 0.1 g magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, 0.5 g yeast extract, 2 mg manganese sulfate, 2 mg iron sulfate and 15 g agar, pH 7, autoclaved). Bacteria were plated on these chitin plates; clear areas indicated chitinase activity (NKS Murthy & Bleakley, 2012. "Simplified Method of Preparing Colloidal Chitin Used for Screening of Chitinase Producing Microorganisms". The Internet Journal of Microbiology 10 (2)).

[0147] Indole-3-acetic acid. 20 μL of the starter culture in the culture medium was transferred to 1 mL of 1 / 10 869 medium supplemented with 0.5 g / L tryptophan (SigmaAldrich T0254). The culture was incubated at 30°C and 200 rpm in the dark for 4-5 days. The sample was centrifuged and 0.1 mL of the supernatant was mixed with 0.2 mL of Salkowski reagent (35% perchloric acid, 10 mM FeCl3). After incubation in the dark for 30 minutes, the sample that produced pink was recorded as positive for IAA synthesis. Dilutions of IAA (Sigma Aldrich I5148) were used as positive controls; uninoculated culture medium was used as negative controls (Taghavi, et al., 2009, Applied and Environmental Microbiology 75: 748-757).

[0148] Protease activity. Bacteria were plated on 869 medium supplemented with 10% milk. The clear zone indicates the ability to decompose proteins, indicating protease activity (Sokol et al., 1979, Journal of Clinical Microbiology 9: 538-540).

[0149] Phosphate solubilization test. The bacteria were plated on autoclaved Pikovskaya (PVK) agar medium (pH 7) consisting of 10 g glucose, 5 g tricalcium phosphate, 0.2 g potassium chloride, 0.5 g ammonium sulfate, 0.2 g sodium chloride, 0.1 g magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, 0.5 g yeast extract, 2 mg manganese sulfate, 2 mg iron sulfate, and 15 g agar per liter. Clear areas indicate phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Sharma et al., 2011, Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research 1:90-95).

[0150] Example 5

[0151] Antagonistic Effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 on Botrytis cinerea

[0152] Pepper was studied in a greenhouse to determine the effectiveness of FCC1256 in preventing and / or ameliorating the plant pathogen pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea).

[0153] preparation:

[0154] Isolated spores of FCC1256 were cultured in 100% spent fermentation broth (SFB) at a concentration of 1 × 10 8CFU / mL concentration formulation (ie reconstituted fermentation broth concentrate). A similar FCC1256 formulation was prepared but with the addition of nutrients (2 g sucrose + 1.5 g yeast extract + 0.2 g MgSO4·7H2O per liter).

[0155] Similarly, isolated spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI472 were cultured in 100% spent fermentation broth (SFB) at 1×10 8 CFU / mL concentration formulation. Similar RTI472 formulations were prepared by adding nutrients (as described above for FCC1256).

[0156] The spore concentration was 1x10 8 CFU / mL Application Optimum (Bayer CropScience, Inc.).

[0157] Horizon (Horizon AG-Products) was applied at a rate of 50 g ai / ha (Tebuconazole).

[0158] Treatment application method:

[0159] Each of the above formulations was inoculated on 28-day-old pepper plants in a greenhouse using a track sprayer. The track sprayer had an overhead nozzle (TeeJet SS8001E flat fan) at a pressure of 276 kPa (40 psi). The nozzle height was 36 cm (14 inches) above the pepper plant leaves. The application rate was 200 L / ha, and the number of replicates in the experiment was 6. The treated plants were inoculated once together with control plants that did not receive any treatment.

[0160] Infection rate:

[0161] One day after application of the treatment, the test plants were infested with Botrytis cinerea at an infection rate of 500,000 conidia / mL.

[0162] Three days after infection with pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), the percentage of disease control (mean) was evaluated for each of the above formulations.

[0163] The experimental results are shown in Table 4 below, showing the Superior control of pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) compared to Optimum when applied at the same rate.

[0164] Table 4. Results of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 in controlling pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) compared to Optimum and other references.

[0165]

[0166] Example 6

[0167] Antagonistic effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 on pepper blight

[0168] Pepper was studied in a greenhouse to determine the ability of FCC1256 to prevent and / or ameliorate the effects of the plant pathogen Phytophthora capsici (Phytophthora capsici).

[0169] preparation:

[0170] Isolated spores of FCC1256 were cultured in 100% spent fermentation broth (SFB) at a concentration of 1 × 10 8 CFU / mL concentration formulation (ie reconstituted fermentation broth concentrate). A similar FCC1256 formulation was prepared but with the addition of nutrients (2 g sucrose + 1.5 g yeast extract + 0.2 g MgSO4·7H2O per liter).

[0171] Similarly, isolated spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI472 were cultured in 100% spent fermentation broth (SFB) at 1×10 8 CFU / mL concentration formulation. Similar RTI472 formulations were prepared by adding nutrients (as described above for FCC1256).

[0172] The spore concentration was 1x10 8 CFU / mL Application Optimum (Bayer CropScience, Inc.).

[0173] Ridomil Gold (Syngenta, Inc.) was applied at a rate of 0.5 lb ai / acre.

[0174] Treatment application method:

[0175] The soil of 28-day-old pepper plants was drenched with 10 mL of water containing each of the above formulations. The number of replications for each experiment was equal to 6. The treated plants were inoculated once together with control plants that did not receive any treatment.

[0176] Infection rate:

[0177] For each study, test plants were infested with Phytophthora capsici FF157 at an infection rate of 1,000 zoospores / mL in 1 mL on the same day as treatment application.

[0178] Eight days after infection of the plants with Phytophthora capsici (Phytophthora capsici), the percent disease control for each treatment was assessed. At 8 days post infection, the disease severity score was 9.8 (0 = healthy; 10 = dead).

[0179] The results show that FC1256 provided statistically superior control of pepper blight compared to Soil when applied at the same rate.

[0180] Table 5. The results of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 in controlling Phytophthora spp. in pepper compared to Optimum.

[0181]

[0182] Example 7

[0183] Comparison of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 with untreated controls and commercial products Optimum activity assay in isolated pepper leaf discs

[0184] Pepper (Piper capsicum) plants were grown in a greenhouse at 20-25°C with 14-16 hours of daylight for 6-7 weeks. Four fully expanded leaves from the middle part of each plant were collected and placed in a Petri dish with wet filter paper. Water (untreated control) or The leaves were sprayed with either Optimum suspension (positive control) or FCC1256 fermentation broth (two different batches). The lids were then placed on the petri dishes and incubated in a growth chamber set to approximately the same growth conditions as in a greenhouse.

[0185] The next day, the leaves were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension of Botrytis cinerea adjusted to 500,000 spores / mL. The plates were then returned to the growth chamber and evaluated after 4, 6 and 9 days to track the progression of the disease.

[0186] The results are shown in Figure 1 Column 1 shows Optimum reference group (application rate 2.8 kg / ha); the second column shows the untreated inoculated control group; the third column shows the untreated non-inoculated control group, and the fourth and fifth columns show two different fermentation batches of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256. Rows 1 and 2 show the results 4 days after inoculation. Rows 5 and 6 show the same leaves, but 6 days after inoculation, and rows 3 and 4 show the same leaves again, but 9 days after inoculation.

[0187] It can be clearly seen by visual inspection that the leaves of the untreated inoculated control (column 2) were severely damaged even after 4 days, while the leaves of the untreated non-inoculated control (column 3) remained fresh throughout the 9-day experiment. The Optimum reference showed some pathogen control after 3 days, as leaves were severely damaged after 6 and 9 days. On the other hand, the FCC1256 ferment showed very good pathogen control after 4 and 6 days and acceptable control after 9 days.

[0188] Example 8

[0189] (a) Concentrate of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0190] The concentrate of FCC1256 was prepared as follows: 20% FCC1256 fermentation concentrate, 45% water, 30% glycerol (86.5%), 5% Marasperse AG (sodium lignin sulfonate; anionic dispersant) were mixed and the pH was adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using HK2PO4·H2O / KH2PO4 buffer. The spore content (FCC1256) of the final composition was typically 1.0×10 10 CFU / mL to 1.0×10 12 The results were in the range of CFU / mL.

[0191] (b) Concentrate of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0192] The composition of FCC1256 was prepared as follows: 50% FCC1256 fermentation concentrate, 4.8% water, 40% glycerol (86.5%), 5% Marasperse AG (sodium lignin sulfonate; anionic dispersant), 0.1% defoamer and 0.1% Kelzan (thickener) were mixed and the pH was adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using HK2PO4·H2O / KH2PO4 buffer. The spore content (FCC1256) of the final composition was typically 1.0×10 10 CFU / mL to 1.0×10 12 The CFU / mL range.

[0193] (c) Agricultural composition of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256

[0194] The concentrate of (a) or (b) above is diluted with water at a ratio of 1:12 to produce an agricultural composition. The composition can be applied at an application rate of, for example, 200-600 L / ha.

[0195] Example 9

[0196] Comparison of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 with untreated control and other Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains against spicy Whole-plant pepper assay for antifungal activity against gray mold (Botrytis cinerea)

[0197] Four different strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, FCC1256, DSM7, RTI472 and RTI301, were fermented under similar conditions (see Example 2), except that the fermentation was performed on a smaller scale using 500 mL shake flasks with 60 mL of culture. The growth temperature was 28°C, the stirring speed was 200 rpm, and the incubation time was 144 hours. Each fermentation provided a spore concentration of 1x10 7 The order of CFU / mL.

[0198] Pepper plants (pepper variety Lamuyo F1) were produced in 7x7x7 cm plastic pots using Agrofino 201 soil substrate. They were 6 weeks old at the time of testing. Plants were watered every two days using N:P:K=20:20:20 fertilization at 160 ppm. Six replicates were used for each test pattern, each replicate containing 1 plant (1 pot).

[0199] Each plant was treated in a laboratory sprayer using a three-nozzle spray boom at an estimated volume of 1000 L / ha. Four different Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains FCC1256, DSM7, RTI472 and RTI301 were used, with a dose of 20 mL of fermentation broth diluted in 100 mL of demineralized water and mixed with 0.2% vol / vol of the adjuvant mixture. A fermentation medium with 0.2% vol / vol adjuvant mixture and no Bacillus strain was also evaluated as a reference.

[0200] After application, the plants were stored in a growth chamber at 20°C, 70% RH and a 16-hour photoperiod. 24 hours after the fungicide application, the treated plants were inoculated with Botrytis cinerea by manual spraying until runoff. The inoculation concentration was 50,000 spores / mL (Botrytis cinerea strain FF248) in PDB medium. After inoculation, the plants were kept in a dew chamber at 20°C (no light) for 48 hours to facilitate infection. The plants were then placed in a growth chamber at 20°C, 70% RH, 16-hour photoperiod until disease rating.

[0201] Disease assessments were made three days after inoculation by evaluating the % severity on four fully developed leaves per plant. The average % severity per pot was then calculated (listed in Table 6) and the efficacy of the test strain was calculated using the Abott formula:

[0202] % Control group A = 100 * ((% Severity A - % Severity of untreated group) / % Severity of untreated group)

[0203] Table 6. Control results of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 on pepper gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) compared with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains RTI301, DSM7 and RTI472.

[0204] strain Disease control percentage RTI301 26(±26) DSM7 72(±10) RTI472 83(±11) FCC1256 94(±6) Fermentation medium (reference) 3(±5) Untreated (control) 0(±0)

[0205] References

[0206] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0207] Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An agricultural composition comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited under ATCC No. PTA-122162, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulation medium.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a formulation selected from the group consisting of suspensions, oil dispersions, foams, dustable powders, water-dispersible granules and wettable powders.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a suspension concentrate.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in liquid form, and wherein Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present at 1.0×10 6 CFU / mL to 1.0×10 12 The concentration of CFU / mL is present in the composition.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in solid form, and wherein the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present at 1.0×10 6 CFU / g to 1.0×10 12 A concentration of CFU / g is present in the composition.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is 4.0×10 9 CFU / ha to 4.0×10 17 The application rate was 200 CFU / ha.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the agriculturally suitable formulation medium comprises a suitable carrier.

8. A concentrate for use in an agricultural composition, the concentrate comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited under ATCC No. PTA-122162, and b) an agriculturally suitable formulation medium.

9. The concentrate according to claim 8, which is in the form of a formulation selected from the group consisting of suspension concentrates, oil dispersions, pastes, gels, water-dispersible granules, dustable powders, water-dispersible tablets, water-dispersible powders for slurry treatment and wettable powders.

10. The concentrate according to claim 8, which is in the form of an ultra low volume suspension.

11. The concentrate of claim 8 in the form of a seed treatment suspension.

12. The concentrate according to claim 8, wherein the concentrate is in liquid form and wherein Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present in an amount of 1.0×10 8 CFU / mL to 1.0×10 14 The concentration of CFU / mL is present in the concentrate.

13. The concentrate according to claim 8, wherein the concentrate is in solid form and wherein Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 is present at 1.0×10 8 CFU / g to 1.0×10 14 The concentration of CFU / g is present in the concentrate.

14. The concentrate of claim 8, wherein the agriculturally suitable formulation medium comprises a suitable carrier.

15. An agricultural composition comprising: a) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited under ATCC No. PTA-122162, and b) one or a combination of microbial or chemical pesticides, fungicides, nematicides, or plant growth regulators.

16. The composition of claim 15 comprising a plant growth promoter.

17. The composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition further comprises a suitable carrier.

18. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, a powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule.

19. The composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition is in the form of an oil dispersion or a dry wettable powder.

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