Bacillus isolates and uses thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides isolated Bacillus strains, as well as compositions comprising one or more isolated strains, and methods of using these isolated strains and compositions to enhance crop growth / yield.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an application date of January 3, 2018, a priority date of January 4, 2017, an application number of 201880016001.1, and an invention name of “Bacillus isolates and their uses”.

[0002] Name of the parties to the joint research agreement

[0003] The inventive concepts described herein were developed as part of a joint research agreement between Monsanto Company and Novozymes BioAg A / S. The activities that gave rise to the claimed invention were performed within the scope of the joint research agreement, which was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made.

[0004] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0005] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 442,135, filed on January 4, 2017; and 62 / 442,525, filed on January 5, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0006] References to sequence listings

[0007] This application contains a Sequence Listing in computer readable form, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] Reference to deposits of biological material

[0009] This disclosure includes references to biological material deposited under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of Deposits of Microorganisms for Purposes of Patent Procedure with the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA. Background Art

[0010] Inoculant compositions comprising agriculturally beneficial microorganisms are well known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. 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.

[0011] However, due to growing populations and increasing demands for more efficient and productive farms, there remains a need for new compositions and methods for increasing crop yields.

[0012] Greenhouse testing conducted under controlled conditions, i.e., highly regulated soil, light and watering conditions and protection from realistic environmental stresses, may not accurately reflect the positive effects or benefits of microbial strains on crop plants under local farmland conditions. Therefore, Applicants tested thousands of microbial strains under local farmland conditions at multiple geographic locations over several years in an effort to identify microbial strains that could improve crop yields under a variety of growing conditions. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present disclosure provides isolated microbial strains capable of increasing crop yield, as well as compositions comprising the isolated strains and methods of using the isolated strains.

[0014] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an isolated Bacillus strain, deposited as NRRL B-67352 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352), NRRL B-67357 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357), NRRL B-67521 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521), NRRL B-67522 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522), NRRL B-67533 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533), NRRL B-67534 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534), NRRL B-67525 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525), NRRL B-67526 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526), ​​NRRL B-67527 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527), NRRL B-67528 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528), NRRL B-67529 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529) or NRRL B-67530 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530).

[0015] A second aspect of the disclosure is a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530.

[0016] A third aspect of the disclosure is an inoculant composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 in an agriculturally acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises one or more stabilizing compounds, one or more pesticides, one or more lipid-chitooligosaccharides, one or more chitooligosaccharides, one or more chitin compounds, one or more flavonoids, and / or one or more other microorganisms.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a coated plant propagation material comprising plant propagation material and a coating covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the plant propagation material, the coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the inoculant composition of the present disclosure.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a kit comprising the coated plant propagation material of the present disclosure and a container containing the coated plant propagation material.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a method of treating a plant seed comprising applying to the outer surface of the plant seed Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; ... Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; or a biologically pure culture comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; Inoculum compositions of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a method of enhancing plant growth and / or yield comprising applying to a seed Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; or a biologically pure culture comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530; The inoculum composition comprises Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 in an amount / concentration effective for enhancing the growth and / or yield of plants grown from said seeds when said seeds are planted in a plant growth medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Graph depicting the amount of free phosphate released from calcium phytate in vitro by Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, respectively. Each run represents one experiment. Negative control represents uninoculated culture medium. Bars represent mean μM ± SD of free phosphate (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (ɑ = 0.05, *p-value < 0.0001).

[0022] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Graph depicting the amount of free phosphate released from tricalcium phosphate in vitro by Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, respectively. Each run represents one experiment. Negative control represents uninoculated culture medium. Bars represent mean μM ± SD of free phosphate (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (ɑ = 0.05, *p-value < 0.0001). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This specification is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the different ways in which the present invention can be implemented or an exhaustive list of all the features that can be added to the present invention. For example, features shown in relation to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features shown in relation to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. In addition, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that many variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the following description is intended to illustrate some specific embodiments of the present invention, rather than to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and the relevant art, and should not be understood as idealized or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined as such herein. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0026] 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.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "acaricide" and "acaricidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents whose application is toxic to mites (ie, kills mites, inhibits the growth of mites, and / or inhibits the reproduction of mites).

[0028] As used herein, the term "agricultural beneficial agent" refers to any agent (e.g., a chemical or biological agent) or combination of agents whose application causes or provides a beneficial and / or useful effect in agriculture, including but not limited to agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, nutrients, pesticides (e.g., acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and nematicides), and plant signaling molecules.

[0029] As used herein, the term "agriculturally beneficial microorganism" refers to a microorganism having at least one agriculturally beneficial trait (eg, the ability to fix nitrogen, the ability to solubilize phosphate, and / or the ability to produce an agriculturally beneficial agent such as a plant signaling molecule).

[0030] As used herein, the term "agriculturally acceptable carrier" refers to a substance or composition that can be used to deliver agricultural beneficial agents to plants, plant parts, or plant growth media (e.g., soil) without causing / having excessive adverse effects on plant growth and / or yield. As used herein, the term "foliar compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be applied foliarly to plants or plant parts without causing / having excessive adverse effects on plants, plant parts, plant growth, plant health, etc. As used herein, the term "seed compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be applied to seeds without causing / having excessive adverse effects on seeds, plants grown from seeds, seed germination, etc. As used herein, the term "soil compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be added to soil without causing / having excessive adverse effects on plant growth, soil structure, soil drainage, etc.

[0031] 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 a combination when interpreted as an alternative ("or"). Thus, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" would be interpreted as "A, A and B, A and B and C, A and C, B, B and C, or C".

[0032] As used herein, the terms "associated with," "in association with," and "associated therewith," when used in reference to a relationship between a microbial strain or inoculant composition of the present disclosure and a plant or plant part, refer to at least one juxtaposition or close proximity of the microbial strain or inoculant composition and the plant or plant part. Such juxtaposition or close proximity can be achieved by directly contacting or applying the microbial strain or inoculant composition to the plant or plant part and / or by applying the microbial strain or inoculant composition to a plant growth medium (e.g., soil) in which the plant or plant part will grow (or is currently growing). According to some embodiments, the microbial strain or inoculant composition is applied to the outer surface of the plant or plant part as a coating. According to some embodiments, the microbial strain or inoculant composition is applied to soil at, near, or around the site in which the plant or plant part will grow (or is currently growing).

[0033] As used herein, the term "aqueous" refers to compositions that contain more than trace amounts of water (ie, more than 0.5% water by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

[0034] As used herein, the term "biologically pure culture" refers to a microbial culture that is free of or substantially free of biological contamination and has genetic uniformity such that different subcultures obtained therefrom will exhibit the same or substantially the same genotype and phenotype. In some embodiments, the purity of a biologically pure culture is 100% (i.e., all subcultures obtained therefrom exhibit the same genotype and phenotype). In some embodiments, a 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 subcultures obtained therefrom exhibit the same genotype and phenotype).

[0035] As used herein, the term "biostimulant" refers to an agent or combination of agents whose application enhances one or more metabolic and / or physiological processes (e.g., carbohydrate biosynthesis, ion uptake, nucleic acid uptake, nutrient transport, photosynthesis, and / or respiration) of a plant or plant part.

[0036] As used herein, the term "BRADY" should be construed as a shorthand replacement for the following phrases: "Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 501, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 587, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 5019, 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-50569), Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50591 (also deposited as NRRL B-59570), Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50592 (also deposited as NRRL B-59571), Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50608, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50609, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50610, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50611, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50612, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50726, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50727, B-50727, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50728, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50729, Bradyrhizobium sojae NRRL B-50730, Bradyrhizobium sojae SEMIA 566, Bradyrhizobium sojae SEMIA 5079, Bradyrhizobium sojae SEMIA5080, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 122, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 123, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 127, Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA 129 and / or Bradyrhizobium sojae USDA532C".

[0037] As used herein, the terms "colony forming unit" and "cfu" refer to microbial cells / spores that are capable of multiplying on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and / or microbial growth.

[0038] As used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" when used in reference to the inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure means that the composition / method may include additional components / steps, as long as these additional components / steps do not substantially alter the composition / method. The term "substantially alters" when applied to the compositions / methods of the present disclosure means that the effectiveness of the composition / method is increased or decreased by at least 20%. For example, a component added to the inoculant composition of the present disclosure may be considered to "substantially alter" the composition if it increases or decreases the ability of the composition to increase corn yield by at least 20%.

[0039] As used herein, the term "diazotrophic organism" refers to an organism that is capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that can be utilized by plants or plant parts (e.g., ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), etc.).

[0040] As used herein, the term "dispersant" refers to an agent or combination of agents, the application of which reduces the cohesion of like particles, the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, and / or the interfacial tension between a liquid and a solid.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "effective amount," "effective concentration," and "effective amount / concentration" refer to an amount or concentration sufficient to cause a desired effect (e.g., enhanced corn yield). The absolute value of an amount / concentration sufficient to cause a desired effect may be affected by factors such as the type and extent of the desired effect, the type, size, and volume of the material to which the inoculum composition will be applied, the type or types of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the inoculum composition, and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). One skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount / concentration using conventional dose-response experiments.

[0042] As used herein, the term "enhanced dispersion" refers to an improvement in one or more characteristics of microbial dispersion compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculum composition of the present disclosure except lacking one or more components found in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure). Exemplary microbial dispersion characteristics include, but are not limited to, the percentage of microorganisms present as single cells / spores when the inoculum composition is diluted in water. An inoculum composition that improves one or more microbial dispersion characteristics of one or more microorganisms contained therein compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculum composition except lacking one or more components found in the inoculum composition) provides enhanced dispersion and may be referred to as an "readily dispersible inoculum composition."

[0043] As used herein, the terms "enhanced growth" and "enhanced plant growth" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant growth and / or development compared to one or more control plants (e.g., plants germinated from untreated seeds or untreated plants). 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 weight, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, lodging resistance, nutrient absorption and / or accumulation (e.g., ammonium, boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphate, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur and / or zinc absorption / accumulation), one or more photosynthetic rates, root area, root diameter, root length, root mass, nodule formation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt tolerance, seed germination, emergence rate, bud diameter, bud length, bud mass, branch bud number, bud surface area, bud volume, spread, stand, stomatal conductance, and survival rate. Unless otherwise specified, references to enhanced plant growth should be interpreted to mean that the microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure enhance plant corn growth by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc., and are not to be interpreted as implying that the microbial strains, inoculant compositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "enhanced stability" and "enhanced microbial stability" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of microbial stability compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control composition identical to the inoculum composition of the present disclosure except lacking one or more components found in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure). Exemplary microbial stability characteristics include, but are not limited to, the ability to germinate and / or propagate after being coated on seeds and / or stored for a defined period of time and the ability to cause a desired effect (e.g., increased plant yield and / or increased pesticidal activity) after being coated on seeds and / or stored for a defined period of time. Microorganisms that exhibit improved one or more microbial stability characteristics show enhanced stability and can be referred to as "stable microorganisms" when each is subjected to the same conditions (e.g., seed coating and storage conditions) compared to the control microorganism. Inoculant compositions that improve one or more microbial stability characteristics of one or more microorganisms contained therein provide enhanced stability and can be referred to as "stable inoculant compositions" compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition identical to the inoculum composition except lacking one or more components found in the inoculum composition).

[0045] As used herein, the terms "increased survival rate" and "increased microbial survival rate" refer to an increase in the survival rate of one or more microorganisms in an inoculum composition as compared to one or more microorganisms in a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculum composition of the present disclosure except for the lack of one or more components found in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure). An inoculum composition that increases the survival rate of one or more microorganisms contained therein as compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculum composition except for the lack of one or more components found in the inoculum composition) provides an increased survival rate and can be referred to as a stable inoculum composition.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "increased yield" and "increased plant yield" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant yield compared to one or more control plants (e.g., control plants germinated from untreated seeds). Exemplary plant yield characteristics include, but are not limited to, biomass; bushels / acre; grain weight / plot (GWTPP); nutritional content; the percentage of plants that cannot produce grain within a given area (e.g., a plot); yield at standard moisture percentage (YSMP), such as grain yield at standard moisture percentage (GYSMP); yield / plot (YPP), such as grain weight / plot (GWTPP); and yield reduction (YRED). Unless otherwise specified, references to increased plant yield should be interpreted as meaning that the microbial strains, inoculant compositions, and methods of the present disclosure increase plant yield by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc., and are not to be interpreted as implying that the microbial strains, inoculant compositions, and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

[0047] As used herein, the term "foliage" refers to the parts of a plant that typically grow above the ground, including, but not limited to, leaves, stalks, stems, flowers, fruiting bodies, and fruits.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "foliar application" and "foliarly applied" refer to applying one or more active ingredients to the foliage of a plant (e.g., leaves of a plant). Application can be accomplished by any suitable means, including but not limited to spraying the plant with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients. In some embodiments, one or more active ingredients are applied to the leaves, stems, and / or stalks of a plant without applying to the flowers, fruiting bodies, or fruits of the plant.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "fungicide" and "fungicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents whose application is toxic to fungi (ie, kills fungi, inhibits fungal growth, and / or inhibits fungal reproduction).

[0050] As used herein, the term "fulvic acid" includes pure fulvic acid and fulvic acid salts (fulvate). Non-limiting examples of fulvic acid include ammonium fulvic acid, boron fulvic acid, potassium fulvic acid, sodium fulvic acid, etc. In some embodiments, fulvic acid comprises MDL No. MFCD09838488 (CAS No. 479-66-3), consists essentially of it, or consists of it.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "herbicide" and "herbicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents whose application is toxic to weeds (ie, kills weeds, inhibits weed growth, and / or inhibits weed reproduction).

[0052] As used herein, the term "humic acid" encompasses pure humic acid and humate salts (humic acid salt, humate). Non-limiting examples of humic acid include ammonium humate, humic acid boron, potassium humate, sodium humate, etc. In some embodiments, humic acid comprises one or more of MDL No. MFCD00147177 (CAS No. 1415-93-6), MDL No. MFCD00135560 (CAS No. 68131-04-4), MDL No. MFCS22495372 (CAS No. 68514-28-3), CAS No. 93924-35-7, and CAS No. 308067-45-0, is essentially composed of, or is composed of.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "inoculum composition" and "inoculum" refer to a composition comprising microbial cells and / or spores that are capable of multiplying / germinating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and / or microbial growth.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "insecticide" and "insecticidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents whose application is toxic to insects (ie, kills the insects, inhibits the growth of the insects, and / or inhibits the reproduction of the insects).

[0055] As used herein, the term "isolated microbial strain" refers to a microorganism that has been removed from the environment in which it is normally found.

[0056] As used herein, the term "isomer" includes all stereoisomers of the compounds and / or molecules to which it refers, including enantiomers and diastereomers, as well as all conformers, rotational isomers and tautomers, unless otherwise specified. The compounds and / or molecules disclosed herein include all enantiomers in substantially pure left-handed or right-handed form, or in racemic mixtures or in any proportion of enantiomers. Where an embodiment discloses a (D)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (L)-enantiomer; where an embodiment discloses a (L)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (D)-enantiomer. Where an embodiment discloses a (+)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (-)-enantiomer; where an embodiment discloses a (-)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (+)-enantiomer. Where an embodiment discloses an (S)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (R)-enantiomer; where an embodiment discloses an (R)-enantiomer, the embodiment also includes the (S)-enantiomer. The embodiments are intended to include any diastereomer of these compounds and / or molecules mentioned herein in diastereomerically pure form and in mixtures of all proportions. Unless stereochemistry is clearly indicated in a chemical structure or chemical name, the chemical structure or chemical name is intended to include all possible stereoisomers, conformers, rotational isomers, and tautomers of the depicted compounds and / or molecules.

[0057] As used herein, the term "improved microbial strain" refers to a microbial strain improved from a strain isolated from nature. The improved microbial strain can be produced by any suitable one or more methods, including but not limited to chemical or other forms of induced mutation of polynucleotides in any genome in the strain; inserting or deleting one or more nucleotides in any genome in the strain, or a combination thereof; inverting at least one DNA segment in any genome in the strain; rearranging any genome in the strain; widely or specifically transducing homozygous or heterozygous polynucleotide segments into any genome in the strain; introducing one or more phages into any genome of the strain; transforming any strain, resulting in the introduction of stably replicated autonomous extrachromosomal DNA into the strain; any changes in any genome or total DNA composition in a strain isolated from nature as a result of mating with any different microbial strain; and any combination of the foregoing. The term modified microbial strain includes strains having: (a) one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences, (b) one or more non-naturally occurring copies of a nucleotide sequence isolated from nature (i.e., an extra copy of a gene naturally occurring in the microbial strain from which the modified microbial strain is derived), (c) lacking one or more nucleotide sequences that would otherwise be present in a natural reference strain by, for example, deletion of the nucleotide sequence, and (d) added extrachromosomal DNA. In some embodiments, the modified microbial strain comprises a 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), or comprises a nucleotide sequence isolated from nature at a locus different from the natural locus.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "nematicide" and "nematicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents whose application is toxic to nematodes (ie, kills nematodes, inhibits nematode growth, and / or inhibits nematode reproduction).

[0059] As used herein, the term "nitrogen-fixing organism" refers to an organism that is able to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that can be used by plants or plant parts (e.g., ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4 + ) etc.) organisms.

[0060] As used herein, the term "non-aqueous" refers to compositions that contain no more than trace amounts of water (ie, no more than 0.5% water by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

[0061] As used herein, the term "nutrient" refers to compounds or elements that can be used to nourish plants (eg, vitamins, macrominerals, micronutrients, trace minerals, organic acids, etc., necessary for plant growth and / or development).

[0062] As used herein, the term "PENI" should be interpreted as a shorthand replacement for the following phrases: "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 berei NRRL 50786, Penicillium berei NRRL 50787, Penicillium berei NRRL 50788, Penicillium berei RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18, Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC24692, Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694, Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170, Penicillium glabrum DAOM239074, Penicillium glabrum CBS229.28, 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.”

[0063] As used herein, the term "Penicillium bilaji" is intended to include all repetitions of the species name, such as "Penicillium bilaji" and "Penicillium bilaii".

[0064] As used herein, the terms "percent identity", "% identity" and "percent identical" refer to the relatedness of two or more nucleotide or amino acid sequences, which can be calculated by: (i) comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a comparison window, (ii) determining the number of positions at which the same nucleic acid base (for nucleotide sequences) or amino acid residue (for proteins) is present in the two sequences to produce the number of matched positions, (iii) dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the comparison window, and then (iv) multiplying the quotient by 100% to obtain the percent identity. If "percent identity" is calculated relative to a reference sequence without specifying a particular comparison window, the percent identity is determined by dividing the number of matched positions over the alignment area by the total length of the reference sequence. Therefore, for the purposes of the present invention, when two sequences (query and subject) are optimally aligned (gaps are allowed in the alignment), the "percent identity" of the query sequence is equal to the number of identical positions between the two sequences divided by the total number of positions in the query sequence over its length (or comparison window), and then multiplied by 100%.

[0065] As used herein, the term "harmful organism" 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 "harmful organism" covers organisms and viruses that are known to bind to plants and adversely affect the health and / or vitality of plants. 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 nematodes, soybean cyst nematodes, etc.), rodents, and viruses (e.g., tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), etc.).

[0066] As used herein, the terms "pesticide" and "pesticide" refer to an agent or combination of agents that is toxic to pests (i.e., kills pests, inhibits pest growth and / or inhibits pest reproduction) when applied. Non-limiting examples of pesticides include acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and the like.

[0067] As used herein, the term "phosphate solubilizing microorganism" refers to a microorganism that is capable of converting insoluble phosphate into a soluble form of phosphate.

[0068] As used herein, the term "plant" includes all plant populations, including but not limited to agricultural, 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 varieties that may be protected by plant breeders' rights and those that are not protected.

[0069] As used herein, the term "plant cell" refers to a cell of a whole 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 in seeds, suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue, leaves, buds, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen, and microspores.

[0070] As used herein, the term "plant growth regulator" refers to an agent or combination of agents that, when applied, accelerates or delays the growth / maturation rate of a plant by a direct physiological effect on the plant or otherwise alters the behavior of the plant by a direct physiological effect on the plant. "Plant growth regulator" should not be construed to include any agent or combination of agents excluded from the definition of "plant regulator" set forth in 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 plants, plant parts, or plant growth media to enhance the availability and / or uptake of nutrients, nutrients necessary for normal plant growth, soil amendments applied to improve soil characteristics conducive to plant growth, or vitamin hormone products defined in 40 CFR § 152.6(f).

[0071] As used herein, the term "plant part" refers to any part of a plant, including cells and tissues derived from a plant. Therefore, the term "plant part" can refer to any plant component or organ (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, buds, stems, and tubers, as well as scions, stock, protoplasts, callus, etc.

[0072] As used herein, the term "plant propagation material" refers to a plant part from which a complete 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 complete plant.

[0073] As used herein, the term "progeny" refers to one or more descendants of B. velezensis NRRL B-67354, and encompasses the direct descendants of B. velezensis NRRL B-67354 and any descendants thereof.

[0074] As used herein, the terms "spore" and "microbial spore" refer to a microorganism in its dormant, protected state.

[0075] As used herein, the term "stabilizing compound" refers to an agent or combination of agents whose administration enhances the survival and / or stability of the microorganisms in the inoculant composition.

[0076] As used herein with respect to inoculum compositions, the term "stable" refers to inoculum compositions in which microorganisms exhibit enhanced stability and / or enhanced survival. Generally, an inoculum composition can be labeled "stable" if it improves the survival of at least one microorganism contained therein and / or at least one microbial stability characteristic.

[0077] As used herein, the term "strain of the present disclosure" includes Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, and Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530, progeny of the foregoing strains, modified microbial strains derived from the foregoing strains, and modified microbial strains derived from progeny of the foregoing strains. Progeny can be produced using any suitable method or methods, including but not limited to protoplast fusion, traditional breeding procedures, and combinations thereof. Improved microbial strains can be produced using a suitable method or methods, including but not limited to chemically induced mutations of polynucleotides within any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides, or a combination thereof, within any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; inversion of at least one DNA segment within any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; rearrangement of any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; broad or specific transduction of homozygous or heterozygous polynucleotide segments into any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; introduction of one or more bacteriophages into any genome of one of the aforementioned strains; transformation of one of the aforementioned strains resulting in the introduction of stably replicating autonomous extrachromosomal DNA into one of the aforementioned strains; any change in any genome or total DNA composition of one of the aforementioned strains as a result of mating with any different microbial strain; and any combination of the foregoing.

[0078] As used herein with respect to microbial strains, the term "viability" refers to the percentage of microbial cells / spores that are viable (i.e., capable of propagating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and / or microbial growth) over a given period of time.

[0079] Although certain aspects of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled 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.

[0080] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless they contradict any disclosure expressly set forth herein.

[0081] The present disclosure provides isolated Bacillus strains, which are deposited under the following accession numbers: NRRL B-67352 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352), NRRL B-67357 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357), NRRL B-67521 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521), NRRL B-67522 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522), NRRL B-67533 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533), NRRL B-67534 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534), NRRL B-67525 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525), NRRL B-67526 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526), ​​NRRL B-67527 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527), NRRL B-67528 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528), NRRL B-67529 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529) or NRRL B-67530 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530), as well as progeny of the foregoing strains, improved microbial strains derived from the foregoing strains, and improved microbial strains derived from progeny of the foregoing strains.

[0082] The strains disclosed herein can be cultured using any one or more suitable methods, including but not limited to liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation. In general, see Cunningham et al., CAN. J. BOT. [Canadian Journal of Botany] 68: 2270 (1990); Friesen et al., APPL. MICROBIOL. BIOTECH. [Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology] 68: 397 (2005).

[0083] The strains of the present disclosure may be harvested during any suitable growth stage. In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure are allowed to reach a stable growth stage and harvested as vegetative cells. In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure are harvested as spores.

[0084] The strains of the present disclosure can be harvested and / or concentrated using any one or more suitable methods, including, but not limited to, centrifugation (e.g., density gradient centrifugation, disk stack centrifugation, tube bowl centrifugation), coagulation, decantation, felt bed collection, filtration (e.g., drum filtration, sieving, ultrafiltration), flocculation, compaction, and trapping (e.g., cyclonic spore trapping, liquid impingement).

[0085] The disclosure also provides cultures comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more strains of the disclosure. In some embodiments, at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, or 99.9% of the subcultures obtained from the culture exhibit a similar activity to Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 has a genotype that is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.55%, 99.6%, 99.65%, 99.7%, 99.75%, 99.8%, 99.85%, 99.9%, 99.95% or 100% identical. In some embodiments, the culture is a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530.

[0086] It should be understood that the culture of the present invention may include 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 microorganisms in the 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 microorganisms in the culture of the present disclosure are present as spores.

[0087] The strains of the present disclosure may be formulated into any suitable type of composition, including but not limited to foliar inoculants, seed coatings, and soil inoculants.

[0088] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides inoculant compositions comprising one or more strains of the present disclosure in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

[0089] The strains disclosed herein can be incorporated into the inoculum composition in any suitable amount / concentration. The absolute value of the amount / concentration sufficient to cause the desired effect may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of the material to which the composition will be applied, and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount / concentration using conventional dose response experiments.

[0090] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more strains of the present disclosure in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 15 Colony forming units (cfu) per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 1 , 1x 10 2 , 1x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12or more cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition.

[0091] In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure constitute about 0.1% to about 95% (by weight) of the inoculum composition. For example, the inoculum composition 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%, 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 %, 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 Bacillus megaterium NRRL Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. In some embodiments, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 comprise 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 inoculum composition.

[0092] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more strains of the present disclosure in an amount / concentration effective for enhancing corn growth / yield when the inoculant composition is introduced into a plant growth medium (eg, soil).

[0093] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more strains of the present disclosure in an amount / concentration effective for enhancing corn growth / yield when the inoculant composition is applied to a plant or plant part.

[0094] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more carriers, including but not limited to leaf compatible carriers, seed compatible carriers, and soil compatible carriers. The selection of a suitable carrier material will depend on the intended one or more applications and the one or more microorganisms present in the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, one or more carrier materials will be selected to provide the inoculum composition in liquid, gel, slurry, or solid form. In some embodiments, the carrier will consist essentially of or consist of one or more stabilizing compounds.

[0095] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more solid carriers. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more powders (e.g., wettable powders) and / or granules. Non-limiting examples of solid carriers include clays (e.g., attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, etc.), peat-based powders and granules, freeze-dried powders, spray-dried powders, spray-freeze-dried powders, and combinations thereof.

[0096] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more liquid and / or gel carriers. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more non-aqueous solvents. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more aqueous solvents (e.g., water). According to some embodiments, the aqueous solvent (e.g., water) may be combined with a co-solvent such as ethyl lactate, methyl soyate / ethyl lactate co-solvent blends (e.g., STEPOSOL TM , Stepan), isopropanol, acetone, 1,2-propylene glycol, n-alkyl pyrrolidones (e.g., AGSOLEX TM Wetting agents; Ashland, Inc., Covington, KY), petroleum-based oils (e.g., AROMATIC TM and SOLVESSO TM fluid; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), isoparaffins (e.g., ISOPAR TM fluids; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Springfield, TX), cycloalkanes (e.g., NAPPAR TM 6; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Springfield, Texas), mineral spirits (e.g., VARSOL TM; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Springfield, TX) and mineral oil (e.g., paraffin oil). According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more inorganic solvents, such as decane, dodecane, hexyl ether, and nonane. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more organic solvents, such as acetone, methylene chloride, 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 glycol (e.g., PPG-9, PPG-10, PPG-17, PPG-20, PPG-26, etc.), ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA), TERGITOL TM 15-S surfactants such as TERGITOL TM 15-S-9 (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), etc.), isoparaffins (e.g., ISOPAR TM 、ISOPAR TM L. ISOPAR TM M. ISOPAR TM V; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Springfield, 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 soy oleate. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more paraffin oils and / or waxes.

[0097] Other examples of carriers can be found in BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES and SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); Inoue and Horikoshi, J. FERMENTATION BIOENG. 71(3): 194 (1991).

[0098] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable stabilizing compound or compounds, including but not limited to maltodextrin, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acid, fulvic acid, malt extract, peat extract, betaine, proline, sarcosine, peptone, skim milk, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers, and UV protectants.

[0099] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises 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, the inoculum composition comprises 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, the inoculum composition comprises 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 M040 (DEV = 5; MW = 3600; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), M100 (DEV = 10; MW = 1800; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa), M150 (DEV = 15; MW = 1200; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa), M180 (DEV = 18; MW = 1050; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa), M200 (DEV = 20; MW = 900; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa), M250 (DEV = 25; MW = 720; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN M580 (DEV = 16.5-19.9; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN M585 (DEV = 15.0-19.9; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa); MALTRIN M600 (DEV = 20.0-23.0; Grain Processing Company, Muscatine, Iowa); Plus 15DE (Ingredion, Westchester, IL); and combinations thereof.

[0100] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more monosaccharides (e.g., allose, altrose, arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, gulose, idose, lyxose, mannose, ribose, talose, threose, and / or xylose). According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises glucose. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition does not comprise glucose.

[0101] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more disaccharides (e.g., cellobiose, chitobiose, gentiobiose, gentiodiketose, isomaltose, kojibiose, lactose, lactulose, laminaribiose, maltose (e.g., maltose monohydrate, anhydrous maltose), maltulose, mannobiose, melibiose, plantagobiose, nigerose, palatinose, rutinose, rutinulose, sophorose, sucrose, trehalose, turanose, and / or xylobiose). According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises maltose. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition does not comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises trehalose. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition does not comprise trehalose.

[0102] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more oligosaccharides (eg, fructooligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, manno-oligosaccharides, and / or raffinose).

[0103] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, erythritol, fucitol, dulcitol, glycerol, iditol, inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, maltotetraitol, maltotriitol, mannitol, polyglycanol, ribitol, sorbitol, threitol, heptanoic acid, and / or xylitol).

[0104] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more humic acids (e.g., one or more humic acids from lignocellulosic coal, lignite humic acids, peat humic acids, and water-extracted humic acids). In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises ammonium humate, humic acid boron, potassium humate, and / or sodium humate. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium humate, humic acid boron, potassium humate, and sodium humate are not included in the inoculum composition. Non-limiting examples of humic acids that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL No. MFCD00147177 (CAS No. 1415-93-6), MDL No. MFCD00135560 (CAS No. 68131-04-4), MDL No. MFCS22495372 (CAS No. 68514-28-3), CAS No. 93924-35-7, and CAS No. 308067-45-0.

[0105] In some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises one or more fulvic acids (e.g., one or more of fulvic acids from leonidite, lignite, peat, and / or water-extracted fulvic acids). In some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises ammonium fulvic acid, boron fulvic acid, potassium fulvic acid, and / or sodium fulvic acid. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium fulvic acid, boron fulvic acid, potassium fulvic acid, and sodium fulvic acid are not included in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure. Non-limiting examples of fulvic acids that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL No. MFCD09838488 (CAS No. 479-66-3).

[0106] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more betaines (eg, trimethylglycine).

[0107] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more peptones (eg, bacterial peptone, meat peptone, milk peptone, vegetable peptone, and yeast peptone).

[0108] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more oxidation control components (e.g., one or more antioxidants and / or oxygen scavengers). According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as ascorbic acid, ascorbate, catechol and / or sodium bicarbonate. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, carotenoids, lipoic acid, phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine), tocopherols, tocotrienols, ubiquinone and / or uric acid. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include those that are soluble in cell membranes (e.g., alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate) and those that are soluble in water (e.g., ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid isomers, sodium or potassium salts of ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid isomers, glutathione, sodium or potassium salts of glutathione). In some embodiments, the use of membrane-soluble antioxidants requires the addition of one or more surfactants to fully disperse the antioxidant in the inoculum composition. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition is / comprises ascorbic acid and / or glutathione.

[0109] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more hygroscopic polymers (e.g., hygroscopic agar, albumin, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose, gum (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum arabic, xanthan gum), methylcellulose, nylon, pectin, polyacrylic acid, polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polylactide, polymethacrylate (PMA), polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), propylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and / or starch). Non-limiting examples of polymers include AGRIMER TM Polymers (e.g., 30, AL-10LC, 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 TM Polymers (Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, Delaware); DISCO TMAG polymers (e.g., L-250, L-280, L-285, L-286, L-320, L-323, L-517, L-519, L-520, L800; Incotec, Salinas, CA), Polymers (Bri-ChemSupply Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, CA), SEEDWORX TM polymers (e.g., Bio 200; Aginnovation, Walnut Groove, CA), Xanthan gum powder (such as PRE- Rapid-3 powder (TIC Gums, White Marsh, MD) and combinations thereof. Other examples of polymers can be found in Pouci et al. Am. J. Agric. Biol. Sci. 3(1): 299 (2008).

[0110] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more UV protectants (e.g., one or more aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine), carotenoids, cinnamate, lignin sulfonate (e.g., calcium lignin sulfonate, sodium lignin sulfonate), melanin, mycosporin, polyphenols, and / or salicylates). Non-limiting examples of UV protectants include Borregaard LignoTech TMLignin sulfonates (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. Other examples of UV protectants can be found in Burges, Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides: Beneficial Microorganisms, Nematodes and Seed Treatments (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012).

[0111] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable biostimulant(s), including but not limited to seaweed extracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum extracts, such as alginate, Ecklonia maxima extracts, etc.), inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

[0112] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more microbial extracts, including but not limited to bacterial extracts, fungal extracts, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure includes one or more culture medium extracts, the culture medium extracts including one or more nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, and / or biocides. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure includes a culture medium extract, the culture medium extract including one or more microbial strains included in Appendix A.

[0113] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more nutrients, including but not limited to organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, taurine, etc.), macrominerals (e.g., phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, etc.), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, etc.), vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B10, vitamin B11, vitamin B12, vitamin B13, vitamin B14, vitamin B15, vitamin B16, vitamin B17, vitamin B18, vitamin B19, vitamin B20, vitamin B21, vitamin B22, vitamin B23, vitamin B24, vitamin B25, vitamin B26, vitamin B27, vitamin B28, vitamin B29, vitamin B30, vitamin B31, vitamin B32, vitamin B33, vitamin B34, vitamin B35, vitamin B36, vitamin B37, vitamin B38, vitamin B39, vitamin B40, vitamin B41, vitamin B42, vitamin B43, vitamin B44, vitamin B45, vitamin B46, vitamin B47, vitamin B48, vitamin B49, vitamin B50, vitamin B51, vitamin B52, vitamin B53, vitamin B54, vitamin B55, vitamin B56, vitamin B57, vitamin B58, vitamin B59, vitamin B6 12, choline), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, etc.) and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises phosphorus, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and / or zinc.

[0114] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable pest attractant(s) and / or feeding stimulant(s), including but not limited to beetle sex pheromones, ceralure, codlelure, fly attractant, gypsy moth sex attractant, dominicalure, eugenol, southern pine beetle attractant, pink bollworm sex attractant, cotton weevil sex attractant, hexalure, cyperdiol, cyperdiol, Japanese arc liba, latitlure, lineatin, (9Z,12E)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (litlu re), cabbage looper attractant, medlure, (3E,5Z)-tetradecadienoic acid, methyl eugenol, moguchun, α-multistriatin, housefly attractant, orfalure, oryctalure, ostramone, rescalure, siglure, trimedlure, Mediterranean fruit fly attractant, and / or trunc-call pheromone attractant.

[0115] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more pesticides, including but not limited to miticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides.

[0116] The fungicide may be selected to provide effective control of a broad spectrum of plant pathogenic fungi (and fungus-like organisms), including, but not limited to, soil fungi from the Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Deuteromycetes (synonymous with Fungiimperfecti), Peronosporomycetes (synonymous with Oomycetes), Plasmodium, and Zygomycetes. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises a fungicide (or combination of fungicides) that is toxic to one or more strains of: Albugo (e.g., A. candida), Alternaria (e.g., A. alternata), Aspergillus (e.g., A. candidus, A. clavatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. parasiti cus), A. restrictus, A. sojae, A. solani), Blumeria (e.g. B. graminis), Botrytis (e.g. B. cinerea), Cladosporum (e.g. C. cladosporioides), Colletotrichum (e.g. C. acutatum), , C.boninense, C.capsici, C.caudatum, C.coccodes, C.caudatum, C.dematium, C.destructivum, C.fragariae, C.gloeosporioides, C.graminicola, C.kehaw ee), bean anthracnose (C.lindemuthianum), banana anthracnose (C.musae), cucurbit anthracnose (C.orbiculare), spinaceae (C.spinaceae), sublineolum (C.sublineolum), clover anthracnose (C.trifolii), bean anthracnose (C.truncatum), Fusarium (e.g., F.graminearum), F.moniliforme, F.oxysporum), roseum, F. tricinctum), Helminthosporium, Magnaporthe (e.g., M. grisea, M. oryzae), Melamporora (e.g., M. lini), Mycosphaerella (e.g., M. graminicola), Nematospora, Penicillium (e.g., P. rugulosum, P. verrucosum), Phakopsora (e.g., P. pachyrhizi), Phomopsis (e.g., P. pachyrhizi), Phomopsis), Phytiphtoria (e.g., P. infestans), Puccinia (e.g., P. graminis, P. striiformis, P. tritici, P. triticina), Pucivinia (e.g., P. graministice), Pythium, Pytophthora, Rhizoctonia (e.g., R. solani), Scopulariopsis, Selerotinia, Thielaviopsis, and / or Ustilago (e.g., U. maydis). Other examples of fungi can be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008).

[0117] The herbicide can be selected to provide effective control of a broad spectrum of plants, including, but not limited to, plants from the Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae, and Polygonaceae. According to some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises an herbicide (or combination of herbicides) that is toxic to one or more strains of Echinochloa (e.g., E. brevipedicellata), E. callopus, E. chacoensis, E. colona, ​​E. crus-galli, E. crus-pavonis, E. elliptica, E. esculenta, E. frumentacea, E. glabrescen s, E. haploclada, E. helodes, E. holciformis, E. inundata, E. jaliscana, E. Jubata, E. kimberleyensis, E. lacunaria, E. macrandra, E. muricata, E. obtusiflora, E. oplismenoides, E. orzyoides, Paludiji E. paludigena, E. picta, E. pithopus, E. polystachya, E. praestans, E. pyramidalis, E. rotundiflora, E. stagnina, E. telmatophila, E. turneriana, E. ugandensis, E. walteri), Fallopia (e.g. F. baldschuani ca), F. japonica, F. sachalinensis), Stellaria (e.g. S. media) and / or Taraxacum (e.g. Taraxacum albidum, T. aphrogenes, T. brevicorniculatum, T. californicum, T. centrasiatum, T. ceratophorum, T. rubrum).Other plant species that can be targeted by the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be found in Hager, Weed Management, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008) and Loux et al., Weed Control Guide for Ohio, Indiana and Illinois (2015).

[0118] Insecticides can be selected to provide effective control of a broad spectrum of insects, including, but not limited to, insects from the orders Coleoptera, Dermoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera. For example, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more insecticides toxic to insects from the following families: Acrididae, Aleyrodidae, Thielaphidae, Folium, Aphididae, Glechomaeidae, Glechomaeidae, Cerambycidae, Cicadidae, Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, Glechomaeidae, Platybeidae, Curculionidae, Dermestidae, Percidae, Lycopodidae, Penicidae, Membranidae, Miridae, Noctuidae, Pentatomidae, Pyralidae, Scarabidae, Saw-beetle, Sphingidae, Tenebrionidae, and / or Thripidae. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises an insecticide (or combination of insecticides) that is toxic to one or more of the following species: Acalymma, Acanthaoscelides (e.g., A. obtectus), Anasa (e.g., A. tristis), Anastrepha (e.g., A. ludens), Anoplophora (e.g., A. glabripennis), Anthonomus (e.g., A. eugenii), Acyrthosiphon (e.g., A. pisum), Bactrocera (e.g., B. dosalis), Bemisia (e.g., B. argentifolii, B. tabaci), Short Brevicoryne (e.g. B. brassicae), Bruchidius (e.g. B. atrolineatus), Bruchus (e.g. B. atomarius, B. dentipes, B. lentis, B. pisorum and / or B. rufipes), Callosobruchus (e.g. C. chinensis, C. maculatus, C. rhodesianus, C. subinnotatus, C. theobromae), Caryedon (e.g. C. serratus), Cassadinae, Ceratitis (e.g. C. mediterranean fruit fly (C.capitata), Chrysomelinae, Circulifer (e.g., C. capitata), Criocerinae, Cryptocephalinae, Cryptolestes (e.g., C. ferrugineus, C. pusillis, C. pussilloides), Cylas (e.g., C. formicarius), Delia (e.g., C. ferrugineus), D.antiqua), Diabrotica, Diaphania (e.g. D.nitidalis), Diaphorina (e.g. D.citri), Donaciinae, Ephestia (e.g. E.cautella, E.elutella, E.keuhniella), Epilaxna (e.g. E.varivestris), Epiphyas (e.g., apple brown moth (E. postvittana)), Eumolpinae, Galerucinae, Helicoverpa (e.g., corn earworm (H. zea)), Heteroligus (e.g., H. meles), Iobesia (e.g., grape moth (I. botrana)), Lamprosomatinae, Lasioderma (e.g., tobacco beetle (L. serricorne)), Leptinotarsa ​​(e.g., potato beetle (L. dactylorhinus)), ecemlineata), Leptoglossus, Liriomyza (e.g. L. trifolii), Manducca, Melittia (e.g. M. cucurbitae), Myzus (e.g. M. persicae), Nezara (e.g. N. viridula), Orzaephilus (e.g. O. meerator, O. surinamensis), Ostrinia (e.g. Ostrinia nubilalis),nubilalis), Phthorimaea (e.g., potato tuber moth (P. operculella), Pieris (e.g., cabbage worm (P. rapae), Plodia (e.g., Indian meal moth (P. interpunctella), Plutella (e.g., diamondback moth (P. xylostella)), Popillia (e.g., Japanese beetle (P. japonica)), Prostephanus (e.g., Indian meal moth (P. interpunctella)), s) (e.g. P. truncates), Psila, Rhizopertha (e.g. R. dominica), Rhopalosiphum (e.g. R. maidis), Sagrinae, Solenopsis (e.g. S. Invicta), Spilopyrinae, Sitophilus (e.g. S. granaries, S. oryzae) and / or or corn weevil (S. zeamais)), Sitotroga (e.g. S. cerealella), Spodoptera (e.g. S. frugiperda), Stegobium (e.g. S. paniceum), Synetinae, Tenebrio (e.g. T. males and / or T. molitor), Thrips (e.g. tabaci), Trialeurodes (e.g. T. vaporariorum), Tribolium (e.g. T. castaneum and / or T. confusum), Trichoplusia (e.g. T. ni), Trogoderma (e.g. T. granarium) and Trogossitidae (e.g. T. castaneum and / or T. confusum),mauritanicus)). Additional insect species that can be targeted by the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be found in Capinera, Handbook of Vegetable Pests (2001) and Steffey and Gray, Managing Insect Pests, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008).

[0119] Nematicides can be selected to provide effective control of a broad spectrum of nematodes, including but not limited to plant parasitic nematodes from the classes of Chromatiaceae and Rhizoctonia. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises a nematicide (or combination of nematicides) toxic to one or more strains of: Aglaonema, Aphelenchus, Aphidida, Aphidida, Ditylenchus, Globodera, Heliconema, Heterodera, Root-knot nematode, Pearl nematode, Pratylenchus, Penetrate, Renoid, Burr, Penetrate, and / or Xiphinema. Other species that can be targeted by the inoculum composition of the present disclosure can be found in Capinera, Handbook of Vegetable Pests (2001) and Niblack, Nematodes, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008).

[0120] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more chemical fungicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical fungicides include strobilurins such as azoxystrobin, cypermethrin, thymol, pyraclostrobin, oxazolidinone, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin, fenoxystrobin, oxazolidinone, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, 2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxymethyl)-phenyl]-3-methoxy-acrylic acid methyl ester and 2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-allylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide; formamides such as formanilides. (e.g., bensulfuron, bensulfuron-M, mefenamic acid, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, furamide, fenhexamid, flutolanil, fluopyram, furazolidone, pyraclostrobin, isothiopyrad, kiralaxyl, mefenamic acid, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (metalaxyl-M), furamide, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, trifloxystrobin, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, chloranil, thiopyrad, thiopyrad, 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide , N-(4'-trifluoromethylthiobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide), formic acid morpholines (e.g., oxazolidinone, flumorph, butylpyromorph), benzoic acid amides (e.g., fluopyram, fluopyram, fluopyram, zoxamide), cyproconazole, dichloropyram, fenexamid, dimethomorph, oxytetracycline, silthiopyram, spiroxabiocin and N- (6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid amide; azoles, for example triazoles (for example azaconazole, bifenthrin, oxadiazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, oxadiazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imipenem, methiconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxamidazole, paclobutrazol, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, silyfloxacin, tebuconazole, fluconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triclosan, uniconazole) and imidazoles (for example cyazofamid, imazalil, pyraclostrobin, prochloraz, triflumizol);Heterocyclic compounds, for example pyridines (e.g. fluazinam, pyridoxine (cf. D1b), 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. pyrimidinesulfonate, cyprodinil, diflunisal, chlorfenapyr, pyrimidine, trichloromethylpyridine, fluazinam, pyrimidine), piperazines (e.g. trimethoprim-butyl), pyrroles (e.g. fenpiclonil, fludioxonil), morpholines (e.g. 4-dodecyl-2,6-dimethylmorpholine (aldimorph) , morpholinium, morpholinium-acetate, fenpropimorph, tridecanol), piperidines (e.g., fenpropidin), dicarboximides (e.g., flumorphanil, isoprodinil, procymidone, vinclozolin), non-aromatic 5-membered heterocyclics (e.g., oxadiazon, fenamidone, flutianil, octhilone, thiabendazole, 5-amino-2-isopropyl-3-oxo-4-o-tolyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrazole-1-carboxythioic acid S-allyl ester), acibenzolar-S-methyl, sinamidil, indazolesulfamide, anilazin, blasticidin-S, captan, captan, mite-killing agent, cotton chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil methyl sulfate, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil, chloranil octane acetate, fentin acetate), fentin triacetate and fentin trioctane alkylbenzene sulfonate (iminoctadine-tris (albesilate)); antibiotics (e.g. kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride-hydrate, streptomycin, polyoxin and jinggangmycin A); nitrophenyl derivatives (e.g. binachlor, chlordiamidate, difenac, difenoc, nitrothal-isopropyl, tecnazen); organometallic compounds (e.g. triphenyltin salts, such as fentin-acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide); sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds (e.g. dithianon, fosetyl); organophosphorus compounds (e.g. fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, isothiocyanate, phosphoric acid and its salts, fenthiophos, methyl tolclofos);Organochlorine compounds (e.g., chlorothalonil, dichlorophen, sulfamethoxam, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol and its salts, tetrachlorophthalide, pentachloronitrobenzene, thiophanate-methyl, thiophanate-methyl, tolylfluanid, N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide) and inorganic active substances (e.g., Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur) and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise activated ester-S-methyl, azoxystrobin, bensulfuron, bixafen, boscalid, carbendazim, cyproconazole, dimethomorph, epoxiconazole, fludioxonil, fluopyram, fluoxastrobin, flutolanil, flutolanil, flutoxapyram, fosetyl-aluminum, ipconazole, pyraclostrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metalaxyl-M, metalaxyl, metconazole, myclobutanil, orysastrobin, flutoxapyram, penthiopyrad, picoxystrobin, propiconazole, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, flutoxapyram, thiophanate-methyl, tebuconazole, thiabendazole, thiofuran, thiophanate-methyl, trifloxystrobin, and trichlorfon. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, prothioconazole, flutoxacillin, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, thiabendazole, flutoxacillin and / or fluopyram. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more aromatic hydrocarbons, benzimidazoles, benzothiadiazoles, formamides, carboxylic acid amides, morpholines, phenylamides, phosphonates, quinone external inhibitors (e.g., strobilurins), thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophenecarboxamides and / or triazoles. ;

[0121] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more chemical herbicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical herbicides include 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), azomethine, amitriptyline, cyproconazole, acetochlor, fluazifop-butyl, alachlor, atrazine, azopyralid, bentazon, pyraclostrobin, cyproconazole, chlorpyrifos, bromocriptine, butachlor, fluazifop-butyl, butoxycycline, chlorpyrifos, chlorsulfuron, chlormyuron, clethodim, clodinafop-butyl, isocyanate, cyanazine, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, betaine, dichlorvos, dicamba, dimethomorph, pyrifos, oxazole , diuron, fluthiopyra, ethiopyra, oxazolidinone, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-butyl, flufenacet-butyl, flumethalin, flupyridazine, flufenacet-butyl, flufenacet-butyl, fluazifop-butyl, flufenacet-butyl, flusulfuron, flusulfuron-butyl, flusulfuron-butyl, glyphosate, glufosinate, fluazifop-butyl, hexazinone, imazamox, imazaquin, imazethapyr, indazine fluazifop-butyl, iodosulfuron, ioxynil, isoproturon, isoxathiocarb, lactofen, linuron, mecoprop, mecoprop, mecoprop oprop-P), mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metamitron, pyraclostrobin, alamethoxam, isopropylamine (and isopropylamine), methoxuron, metribuzin, chlorothiazide, oxadiazine, oxadiazine, oxadiazine, oxyfluorfen, betaine, pretilachlor, clomiphenesulfuron, promethazine, proline assay, promethazine, propanil, cypermethrin, isopropylamine, propanil, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline, pyrazoline The invention relates to the invention to a pharmaceutical composition comprising acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, fluazifop-p-butyl, fluazifop-p-butyl), benzasulfuron, sethoxydim, cypermethrin, simazine, cypermethrin, sulfotrione, mesotrione, butyric acid, cypermethrin, pyraclostrobin, terbuthion, terbuthion, terbuthion, thaxtomin (e.g., thaxtomin described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,989,393), methoxyfenthiocarb, methylthiocarb-sulfuron, oxaflutole, triclopyr, tropramezone, salts and esters thereof; racemic mixtures thereof and resolved isomers thereof and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, fluazifop-p-butyl, sulfotrione, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, quizalofop-p-butyl, benzasulfuron, sulfotrione, S-3100 and / or 2,4-D.In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D, acetochlor, isopropylamine, roxasulfone, fluazifop-butyl, fomesafen, lactofen, metribuzin, mesotrione, and / or ethyl 2-((3-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3-dihydropyrimidin-1(6H)-yl)phenoxy)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetate. In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors, photosystem II inhibitors, photosystem I inhibitors, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO or Protox) inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, enolpyruvyl-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitors, glutamine synthetase inhibitors, dihydropteroate synthase inhibitors, mitosis inhibitors, 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibitors, synthetic auxins, auxin herbicide salts, auxin transport inhibitors, nucleic acid inhibitors, and / or one or more salts, esters, racemic mixtures, and / or resolved isomers thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more chemical insecticides and / or nematicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical insecticides and nematicides include avermectins, acralthrin, aldicarb, aldicarb, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, efendrost, cyproconazole, cypermethrin, flucythrin, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, permethrin, tau-cypermethrin, transfluthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, silanol, benzyl methacrylate, pyrethrin, resmethrin , imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, flufluanid, diflubenzuron, chlorfenuron, flubenzuron, triflumuron, flufenoxuron, flufenoxuron, bistrifluoroacetic acid, polyflumuron, buprofezin, cypermethrin, methoxyfenozide, fenpyroximate, chlorfenoxazine, chlorfenoxazine, cyclic fenpyroximate, endosulfan, fipronil, ethiprole, pyrazine fipronil, pyridine fipronil, flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, cyanamide, emamectin, methylamino avermectin benzoate, abamectin, ivermectin, mitramectin, lepidomectin, pyraclostrobin Amine, cypermethrin, pyridaben, quinazoline, pyrimidine, tolfenpyrad, Kailesan, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, bifenazate, cypermethrin, etoxazole, clofenazine, spinosad, triaraene, trichloroacetin, propargite, hexythiazox, bromocriptine, mitoxantrone, amitraz, amitraz, flubendiamide, pyrimidine, pyrimidine, flonicamid, pyrimidine, chlorpyrifos, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, pyridalyl, dermatophagoides, acephate, triazophos, profenofos, oxamyl, ethyl Spinosad, fenamiphos, fenamitclothiahos, 4-{[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one, 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds, 3-phenyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole, cadusafos, carbaryl, carbofuran, ethanosulfuron, thiodicarb, aldicarb, aldicarb, methamidophos, methiocarb, sulfoxaflor, methamidophos, cyantraniliprole and tioxazofen and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise abamectin, aldicarb, aldisulfuron, bifenthrin, carbofuran, chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyantraniliprole, deltamethrin, dinotefuran, avermectin, ethiprole, fenamiphos, fipronil, flubendiamide, fosthiazate, imidacloprid, ivermectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, mibemycin, nitenpyram, cyamectin, permethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, spiroclofen, spirotetramat, tefluthrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and / or thiodicarb.In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more carbamates, diamides, macrolides, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins, spinosads, synthetic pyrethroids, tetronicacids and / or tetramic acids. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises an insecticide selected from the group consisting of clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, fluopyram and tioxazafen.

[0123] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include one or more biopesticides (e.g., one or more biofungicides, bioinsecticides, and / or bionematicides). Examples of microbial strains that exhibit biopesticide activity and strains that exhibit nitrogen fixation activity, phosphate solubilization activity, etc. are included in Appendix A. Other examples of pesticides can be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008); Hager, Weed Management, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008); Loux et al., Weed Control Guide for Ohio, Indiana and Illinois (2015); Niblack, Nematodes, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008); and Steffey and Gray, Managing Insect Pests, in Illinois Agronomy Handbook (2008).

[0124] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more plant signaling molecules, including but not limited to lipid-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), chitin oligomers, chitosan oligomers, chitin compounds, flavonoids, non-flavonoid nodulation gene inducers, jasmonic acid or its derivatives, linoleic acid or its derivatives, linolenic acid or its derivatives, and karrikins.

[0125] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more LCOs. LCOs, sometimes referred to as symbiotic nodulation (Nod) signals or Nod factors, consist of an oligosaccharide backbone of β-1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine ("GIcNAc") residues with N-linked acyl chains condensed at the non-reducing end. Each LCO differs in the number of GIcNAc residues in the backbone, the length and degree of saturation of the acyl chains, and the substitution of reducing and non-reducing sugar residues. See, e.g., Denarie et al., Ann. Rev. Biochem. 65:503 (1996); Hamel et al., Planta 232:787 (2010); Prome et al., Pure & Appl. Chem. 70 (1):55 (1998).

[0126] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by Formula I:

[0127]

[0128] wherein G is a hexosamine which may be substituted by, for example, an acetyl group on nitrogen, a sulfate group, an acetyl group and / or an ether group on oxygen; R1, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7 which may be the same or different represent H, CH3 CO--, C x H y CO-- (wherein x is an integer between 0 and 17 and y is an integer between 1 and 35), or any other acyl group (such as, for example, carbamoyl); R4 represents a saturated or mono-, di- or tri-unsaturated aliphatic chain containing at least 12 carbon atoms; and n is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0129] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by Formula II:

[0130]

[0131] wherein R represents H or CH3CO-- and n is equal to 2 or 3. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,718. A number of Bradyrhizobium japonicum-derived LCOs have also been described, including BjNod-V (C 18:1 )、BjNod-V(A C ,C 18:1 )、BjNod-V(C 16:1 ) and BjNod-V(A C ,C 16:0) ("V" indicates the presence of five N-acetylglucosamines, "Ac" indicates acetylation, the number after the "C" indicates the number of carbons in the fatty acid side chain, and the number after the ":" indicates the number of double bonds). See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,175,149 and 5,321,011. Other LCOs obtained from bacterial strains include NodRM, NodRM-1, and NodRM-3. When acetylated (R = CH3 CO--), they become AcNodRM-1 and AcNodRM-3, respectively (U.S. Patent No. 5,545,718).

[0132] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by Formula III:

[0133]

[0134] wherein n=1 or 2; R1 represents C16, C16:0, C16:1, C16:2, C18:0, C18:1Δ9Z or C18:1Δ11Z; and R2 represents hydrogen or SO3H.

[0135] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by Formula IV:

[0136]

[0137] wherein R1 represents C14:0, 3OH-C14:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0, 3-OH-C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:1, C16:2, C16:3, iso-C17:0, iso-C17:1, C18:0, 3OH-C18:0, C18:0 / 3-OH, C18:1, OH-C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C18:4, C19:1 carbamoyl, C20:0, C20:1, 3-OH-C20:1, C20:1 / 3-OH, C20:2, C20:3, C22:1 and C18-26(ω-1)-OH (which is according to D'Haeze et al., Glycobiology [Glycobiology], 19:1). [J]. Chemistry 12:79R-105R (2002), including C18, C20, C22, C24 and C26 hydroxylated substances and C16:1Δ9, C16:2 (Δ2,9) and C16:3 (Δ2,4,9)); R2 represents hydrogen or methyl; R3 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R4 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R5 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R6 represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, SO3H, sulfate, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0-MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R7 represents hydrogen, mannosyl or glycerol; R8 represents hydrogen, methyl, or -CH2OH; R9 represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, or fucosyl; R 10 represents hydrogen, acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3. A naturally occurring LCO encompassed by this structure is described in D'Haeze et al. (supra).

[0138] Other examples of LCOs (and derivatives thereof) that can be used in the compositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below as structures V-XXXIII:

[0139]

[0140]

[0141]

[0142]

[0143]

[0144]

[0145]

[0146]

[0147]

[0148]

[0149] LCOs may be obtained from any suitable source. In some embodiments, LCOs are obtained (i.e., isolated and / or purified) from bacterial strains. For example, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs obtained from nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., Bradyrhizobium sojae), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., Rhizobium leguminosarum), or Sinorhizobium (e.g., Sinorhizobium alfalfa). In some embodiments, LCOs are obtained (i.e., isolated and / or purified) from mycorrhizal fungi. For example, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs obtained from Glomerocycota strains (e.g., Glomus intraradicus). See, e.g., WO 2010 / 049751 (wherein LCOs are referred to as "Myc factors"). In some embodiments, LCOs are synthetic. For example, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more synthetic LCOs described in WO 2005 / 063784, WO 2007 / 117500, and / or WO 2008 / 071674. In some embodiments, the synthetic LCOs contain one or more modifications or substitutions as described in Spaink, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 54:257 (2000) and D'Haeze (supra). LCOs and precursors for constructing LCOs (e.g., chitin oligomers that can themselves be used as plant signaling molecules) can be synthesized by genetically engineered organisms. See, e.g., Samain et al., Carbohydrate Res. 302:35 (1997); Cottaz et al., Meth. Eng. 7(4):311 (2005); and Samain et al., J. Biotechnol. 72:33 (1999).

[0150] It should be understood that the compositions and methods of the present disclosure may include analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and / or solvates of LCOs. Thus, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more LCOs represented by one or more of Formulas I-IV and / or Structures V-XXXIII and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and / or solvates of LCOs represented by one or more of Formulas I-IV and / or Structures V-XXXIII.

[0151] LCO (and its derivatives) can be used in various forms of purity and can be used alone or in the form of a culture of bacteria or fungi that produces the LCO. In some embodiments, the purity of one or more LCOs included in the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure is at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or more.

[0152] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable chitin oligomer(s) and / or chitosan oligomer(s). See, e.g., D'Haeze et al., Glycobiol. 12(6):79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., Plant Physiol. 120(1):83 (1999); Hanel et al., Planta 232:787 (2010); Muller et al., Plant Physiol. 124:733 (2000); 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); Van der Holst et al., Curr. Opin. Struc. Biol. 11:608 (2001); Wan et al., Plant Cell 21:1053 (2009); and PCT / F100 / 00803 (2000).

[0153] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by Formula XXXIV:

[0154]

[0155] wherein R1 represents hydrogen or methyl; R2 represents hydrogen or methyl; R3 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R4 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R5 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R6 represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, sulfate, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0-MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R7 represents hydrogen, mannosyl or glycerol; R8 represents hydrogen, methyl or -CH2OH; R9 represents hydrogen, arabinosyl or fucosyl; R 10 represents hydrogen, acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3.

[0156] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by Formula XXXV:

[0157]

[0158]

[0159] wherein n=1 or 2; R1 represents hydrogen or methyl; and R2 represents hydrogen or SO3H.

[0160] Other examples of oligosaccharides (and derivatives thereof) that can be used in the compositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below as structures XXXVI-LXXXIII:

[0161]

[0162]

[0163]

[0164]

[0165]

[0166]

[0167]

[0168]

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172]

[0173] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more oligosaccharides as shown in structures XXXVI-LXXXIII above in deacetylated form (e.g., an oligosaccharide corresponding to structure XXXVI above, except that one or more acetyl groups have been removed, optionally replaced with hydrogen or methyl groups).

[0174] Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides can be obtained from any suitable source. Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides can be harvested from chitin / chitosan (see, for example, Aam et al., Mar. Drugs [Marine Drugs] 8: 1482 (2010); D'Haeze et al., Glycobiol. [Sugar Biology] 12 (6): 79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., Plant Physiol. [Plant Physiology] 120 (1): 83 (1999); Hanel et al., Planta [Plant] 232: 787 (2010); Limpanavech et al., Scientia Horticulturae 116:65 (2008); Lodhi et al., BioMed Res. Intl. 2014, 654913 (March 2014); Mourya et al., Polymer Sci. 53(7):583 (2011); Muller et al., Plant Physiol. 124:733 (2000); Robina et al., Tetrahedron 58:521 (2002); Rouge et al., The Molecular Immunology of Complex Carbohydrates, in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (Springer Science, 2011); Van der Holst et al., Curr. Opin. Struc. Biol. [Current Opinion in Structural Biology] 11:608 (2001); Wan et al., Plant Cell [Plant Cell] 21:1053 (2009); Xia et al., Food Hydrocolloids [Food Hydrocolloids] 25:170 (2011); PCT / F100 / 00803 (2000)). They can also be produced synthetically (see, e.g., Cottaz et al., Meth. Eng. [Mathematical Engineering] 7(4):311 (2005); Samain et al., Carbohydrate Res. [Carbohydrate Research] 302:35 (1997); Samain et al., J. Biotechnol. [Journal of Biotechnology] 72:33 (1999)). In some embodiments, they are derived from naturally occurring LCO.For example, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin / chitosan oligosaccharides derived from an LCO obtained (i.e., isolated and / or purified) from a strain of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., Bradyrhizobium sojae), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., Rhizobium leguminosarum), Sinorhizobium (e.g., Sinorhizobium meliloti), or a mycorrhizal fungus (e.g., Glomus intraradices). In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharides and / or chitosan oligosaccharides derived from an LCO obtained (i.e., isolated and / or purified) from a strain of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., Bradyrhizobium sojae), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., Rhizobium leguminosarum), Sinorhizobium (e.g., Sinorhizobium meliloti), or a mycorrhizal fungus (e.g., Glomus intraradices). In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and / or chitosan oligosaccharides are derived from LCOs represented by one or more of Formulas I-IV and / or Structures V-XXXIII. Thus, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by one or more of Formulas I-IV and / or Structures V-XXXIII, except that the side chain fatty acids are replaced by hydrogen or methyl groups.

[0175] It should be understood that the compositions of the present disclosure may include analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and / or solvates of chitin oligosaccharides and / or chitosan oligosaccharides. Thus, in some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by one or more of Formulas XXXIV-XXXV and / or Structures XXXVI-LXXXIII, and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by one or more of Formulas XXXIV-XXXV and / or Structures XXXVI-LXXXIII.

[0176] Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and their analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and / or solvates) can be used in various purity forms and can be used alone or in the form of a culture of CO-producing bacteria or fungi. In some embodiments, the chitin oligosaccharides and / or chitosan oligosaccharides contained in the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure have a purity of at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or more.

[0177] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more chitin compounds, including but not limited to chitin (IUPAC: N-[5-[[3-acetylamino-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2yl]methoxymethyl]-2-[[5-acetylamino-4,6-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]methoxymethyl]-4-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]acetamide), chitosan (IUPAC: 5-amino-6-[5-amino-6-[5-amino-4,6-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-2(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4-diol), and isomers, salts, and solvates thereof.

[0178] Chitin and chitosan, major components of the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, are composed of GlcNAc residues.

[0179] Chitin and chitosan are commercially available or prepared from insects, crustacean shells or fungal cell walls. Methods for preparing chitin and chitosan are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,536,207 (prepared from crustacean shells) and 5,965,545 (prepared from crab shells and prepared by hydrolysis of commercial chitosan); Pochanavanich, et al., Lett. Appl. Microbiol. [Applied Microbiology Express] 35: 17 (2002) (prepared from fungal cell walls).

[0180] Deacetylated chitin and chitosan are available with deacetylation ranging from less than 35% to greater than 90% and covering a wide spectrum of molecular weights, e.g., low molecular weight chitosan oligomers less than 15 kD and chitin oligomers from 0.5 to 2 kD; "practical grade" chitosan having a molecular weight of about 15 kD; and high molecular weight chitosan up to 70 kD. Chitin and chitosan compositions formulated for seed treatment are commercially available. Commercial products include, e.g., (PlantDefense Boosters, Inc.) and BEYOND TM (Agrihouse Company).

[0181] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more flavonoids, including but not limited to anthocyanidins, flavonoids, chalcones, coumarins, flavanones, flavanonols, flavans and isoflavonoids, as well as analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

[0182] Flavonoids are phenolic compounds with a general structure of two aromatic rings connected by a three-carbon bridge. Flavonoid species include those known in the art. See, for example, Jain et al., J. Plant Biochem. & Biotechnol. [Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology] 11: 1 (2002); Shaw et al., Environ. Microbiol. [Environmental Microbiology] 11: 1867 (2006). Flavonoid compounds can be purchased from, for example, Novozymes BioAg, Saskatoon, Canada; Natland International Corp., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (NC); MP Biomedicals, Irvine, California (CA); LC Laboratories, Woburn, Massachusetts (MA). Flavonoid compounds can be isolated from plants or seeds, for example, as described in U.S. Patents 5,702,752; 5,990,291; and 6,146,668. Flavonoid compounds can also be produced by genetically engineered organisms such as yeast, as described in Ralston et al., Plant Physiol. 137:1375 (2005).

[0183] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anthocyanidins. According to some embodiments, the inoculant compositions comprise cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and / or petunidin.

[0184] In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anthocyanins. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavopiprate, 6-hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarin, citrus flavonoids and / or wogonin) and / or flavonols (e.g., aquilin, astragalin, erioflavonoids, erioflavonoids, fisetin, furanoflavonol galangin, cotton pigment, 3-hydroxyflavone, hyperoside, icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricetin, naringenin, hornwort flavonol, pyranoflavonol quercetin, quercetin, rhamnosin, rhamnetin, robinin, rutin, meadowfoam glycosides, troxerutin and / or zanthorhamnin).

[0185] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more flavanones. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises butein, eriodictyol, hesperidin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuratin, naringenin, naringin, pinus, citrinin, sakuratin, sakurabin and / or sterubin.

[0186] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more flavanone alcohols. According to some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises dihydrokaempferol and / or taxifolin.

[0187] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more flavans. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg), epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCg)), epiafractin, fisetinol, gallocatechin (GC), gallocatechin 3-gallate (GCg), quinacitrin, mesquitetin, robintinol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3-gallate, The invention relates to a plurality of proanthocyanidin compounds, wherein the compounds are selected from the group consisting of leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, leucofesidine, leucomaldin, leucopelargonidin, leucopeonidin, leucorobindin, leucoacandin and / or teracacidin and / or dimers, trimers, oligomers and / or polymers thereof (e.g., one or more proanthocyanidins).

[0188] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more isoflavonoids. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more isoflavones (e.g., biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and / or glycitein), isoflavans (e.g., equol, ionchocarpane and / or laxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavanones (e.g., glabrigenin, haginin D and / or 2-methoxyartemisinin), coumarins (e.g., coumestrol, plicadin and / or wedelin), pterostilbene and / or roetonoid.

[0189] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable flavonoid derivatives, including but not limited to neoflavonoids (e.g., malvaceae, caltonin, calanin, calanin, nivetin) and pterostilbene (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A, erybraedin B, abyssinia tungia II, erthyrabissin-1, erythrin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glycyrrhizol, galanin, meditarostelbene, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisum, striatine, and pterostilbene).

[0190] Flavonoids and their derivatives can be incorporated into the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form, including but not limited to polymorphs and crystalline forms.

[0191] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable non-flavonoid nodulation gene inducer, including but not limited to jasmonic acid ([1R-[1α,2β(Z)]]-3-oxo-2-(pentenyl)cyclopentaneacetic acid; JA), linoleic acid ((Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid) and linolenic acid ((Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid), as well as analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

[0192] Jasmonic acid and its methyl ester (methyl jasmonate (MeJA)), collectively referred to as jasmonates, are naturally occurring octadecane-based compounds in some plants (e.g., wheat), fungi (e.g., Diplococcus theobroma, Gibberella fujikuroi), yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli). Linoleic acid and linolenic acid can be produced during the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid. Jasmonates, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid (and their derivatives) are reported to be inducers of rhizobacteria expressing nodulation genes or producing LCO. See, e.g., Mabood et al. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 44(11):759 (2006); Mabood et al., Agr. J. 98(2):289 (2006); Mabood et al., Field Crops Res. 95(2-3):412 (2006); Mabood and Smith, Linoleic and linolenic acid induce the expression of nod genes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 3, Plant Biol. (2001). Non-limiting examples of derivatives of jasmonic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid include esters, amides, glycosides, and salts. Representative esters are compounds in which the carboxyl group of linoleic acid, linolenic acid or jasmonic acid has been replaced by a --COR group, where R is --OR 1 Group, where R 1 is: an alkyl group, such as a C1-C8 unbranched or branched alkyl group, such as a methyl, ethyl or propyl group; an alkenyl group, such as a C2-C8 unbranched or branched alkenyl group; an alkynyl group, such as a C2-C8 unbranched or branched alkynyl group; an aryl group having, for example, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or a heteroaryl group having, for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatom in the heteroaryl group may be, for example, N, O, P or S. Representative amides are compounds in which the carboxyl group of linoleic acid, linolenic acid or jasmonic acid has been replaced by a --COR group, wherein R is NR 2 R 3 Group, where R 2 and R 3Independently: hydrogen; alkyl groups, such as C1-C8 unbranched or branched alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl or propyl groups; alkenyl groups, such as C2-C8 unbranched or branched alkenyl groups; alkynyl groups, such as C2-C8 unbranched or branched alkynyl groups; aryl groups with, for example, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or heteroaryl groups with, for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatoms in the heteroaryl groups can be, for example, N, O, P or S. Esters can be prepared by known methods, such as acid-catalyzed nucleophilic addition, wherein carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of a mineral acid. Amides can also be prepared by known methods, such as by reacting carboxylic acids with appropriate amines under neutral conditions in the presence of a coupling agent, such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). Suitable salts of linoleic acid, linolenic acid and jasmonic acid include, for example, base addition salts. Bases that can be used as reagents for preparing metabolically acceptable base salts of these compounds include those derived from cations such as alkali metal cations (e.g., potassium and sodium) and alkaline earth metal cations (e.g., calcium and magnesium). These salts can be readily prepared by mixing solutions of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid with a base solution. The salts can be precipitated from the solution and collected by filtration, or can be recovered by other means, such as by evaporation of the solvent.

[0193] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more carrigins, including but not limited to 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one and analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

[0194] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more carrigins represented by Formula LXXXIV:

[0195]

[0196] wherein Z is O, S or NR5; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, CN, COR6, COOR=, halogen, NR6R7, or NO2; and R5, R6 and R7 are each independently H, alkyl or alkenyl, or a biologically acceptable salt thereof.

[0197] Examples of biologically acceptable carrijin salts include acid addition salts formed with biologically acceptable acids, examples of which include hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulfates or bisulfates, phosphates or biphosphates, acetates, benzoates, succinates, fumarates, maleates, lactates, citrates, tartrates, gluconates; methanesulfonates, benzenesulfonates, and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Additional biologically acceptable metal salts may include alkali metal salts formed with bases, examples of which include sodium and potassium salts. Examples of compounds encompassed by formula XXXX and which may be suitable for use in the present disclosure include: 3-methyl-2H-furano[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1=CH3, R2, R3, R4=H), 2H-furano[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R2, R3, R4=H), 7-methyl-2H-furano[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R2, R3, R4=H), , R4=H, R3=CH3), 5-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R2, R3=H, R4=CH3), 3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R3=CH3, R2, R4=H), 3,5-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R4=C H3, R2, R3 = H), 3,5,7-trimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R3, R4 = CH3, R2 = H), 5-methoxymethyl-3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1 = CH3, R2, R3 = H, R4 = CH2OCH3), 4-bromo-3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2 ,3-c]pyran-2-one (wherein R1, R3=CH3, R2=Br, R4=H), 3-methylfuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(3H)-one (wherein Z=NH, R1=CH3, R2, R3, R4=H) and 3,6-dimethylfuro[2,3-c]pyridine-2(6H)-one (wherein Z=N--CH3, R1=CH3, R2, R3, R4=H). See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,576,213; Halford, Smoke Signals, in Chem. Eng. News (April 12, 2010) (reporting that carrigin or butenolide contained in smoke after forest fires acts as a growth stimulant and stimulates seed germination, and can make stored seeds (e.g., corn, tomatoes, lettuce and onions) robust).

[0198] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may comprise gluconolactone and / or one or more analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and / or solvates thereof.

[0199] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable excipient(s), including but not limited to dispersants, desiccants, antifreeze agents, seed flow agents, safeners, anti-settling agents, pH buffers, and binders.

[0200] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more agriculturally acceptable dispersants, including but not limited to surfactants and wetting agents. The selection of a suitable dispersant will depend on the intended one or more applications and the one or more microorganisms present in the inoculant composition. Typically, the one or more dispersants have low toxicity to the one or more microorganisms in the inoculant composition and to the one or more plant parts to which the inoculant composition is to be applied. In some embodiments, the one or more dispersants will be selected to wet and / or emulsify one or more soils. Non-limiting examples of dispersants include Atlox TM (e.g. 4916, 4991; Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), Atlox METASPERSE TM (Croda International, Edison, NJ), BIO- (e.g., N series, e.g., N1-3, N1-7, N1-5, N1-9, N23-3, N2.3-6.5, N25-3, N25-7, N25-9, N91-2.5, N91-6, N91-8; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), Nonionic surfactants (e.g., DA-4, DA-6, and DA-9; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), Powder (Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Chicago, IL), MULTIWET TM Surfactants (e.g., MO-85P-PW-(AP); Croda International, Edison, NJ), L-77 (Helena Chemical Company, Collierville, TN), SPAN TM Surfactants (e.g., 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, and 85; Croda International, Edison, NJ), TAMOL TMDispersants (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), TERGITOL TM surfactants (e.g., TMN-6 and TMN-100X; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan), TERSPERSE surfactants (e.g., 2001, 2020, 2100, 2105, 2158, 2700, 4894, and 4896; Huntsman Corp., The Woodlands, TX), TRITON TM Surfactants (e.g., X-100; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), Surfactants (e.g. 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81 and 85; Croda International, Inc., Edison, NJ) and combinations thereof. Other examples of dispersants can be found in Baird and Zublena. 1993. Soil Facts: Using wetting Agents (Nonionic Surfactants) on Soil (North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publication AG-439-25) (1993); Burges, Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides: Beneficial Microorganisms, Nematodes and Seed Treatments (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); McCarty, Wetting Agents (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Publication) (2001).

[0201] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more anionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more water-soluble anionic surfactants and / or one or more water-insoluble anionic surfactants, optionally comprising 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 amide ether sulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates. The invention also includes sulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, paraffinsulfonates, alkylsulfosuccinates, alkylethersulfosuccinates, alkylamidesulfosuccinates, alkylsulfosuccinamates, alkylsulfoacetates, alkylphosphates, alkyletherphosphates, acylsarcosinates, acylisothionates, N-acyltaurates, N-acyl-N-alkyltaurates, benzenesulfonates, cumenesulfonates, sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate, ethoxylatedsulfosuccinates, ligninsulfonates, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates, perfluorobutanesulfonates, perfluorooctanesulfonates, phosphate esters, styrene acrylic polymers, toluenesulfonates and xylenesulfonates.

[0202] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more cationic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more pH-dependent amines and / or one or more quaternary ammonium cations, optionally comprising one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyltrimethylammonium salts (e.g., hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride), hexadecylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and / or octenidine dihydrochloride.

[0203] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more nonionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more water-soluble nonionic surfactants and / or one or more water-insoluble nonionic surfactants, optionally comprising one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., TERGITOL TM 15-S surfactants, such as TERGITOL TM15-S-9 (Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.), alkanolamides, alkanolamine condensates, carboxylic acid esters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, ethanolamine, ethoxylates of glycerides 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 ), ethylene glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, poloxamer, polyamine, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate, polyoxyethylated fatty acids, polyoxyethylated thiols, polyoxyethylated polyoxypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ether, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycosyl alkyl polyglycosides, sulfonyl amides, sorbitan fatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and / or tertiary acetylene glycol.

[0204] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises at least one nonionic surfactant. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises at least one water-insoluble nonionic surfactant and at least one water-soluble nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises a combination of nonionic surfactants having hydrocarbon chains of substantially the same length.

[0205] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more zwitterionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more betaines and / or one or more sultaines, optionally comprising one or more zwitterionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylamino]-1-propane sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and / or one or more sphingomyelins.

[0206] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more soap and / or organosilicone surfactants. According to some embodiments, the inoculant composition comprises one or more alkali metal salts of fatty acids.

[0207] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more wetting agents. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises one or more naphthalene sulfonates, optionally one or more alkylnaphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate), one or more isopropylnaphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium isopropylnaphthalene sulfonate) and / or one or more butylnaphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium n-butylnaphthalene sulfonate).

[0208] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more desiccants, including but not limited to dry powders. Non-limiting examples of desiccants include Hydrophobic fumed silica powder (Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, NJ), Powder (BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, Germany), Powder (INCOTEC Inc., Salinas, CA), Silica powder (Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, NJ) and combinations thereof. Other examples of desiccants can be found in Burges, Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides: Beneficial Microorganisms, Nematodes and Seed Treatments (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012). In some embodiments, the inoculant composition of the present disclosure comprises calcium stearate, clay (e.g., attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay), graphite, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, milk powder, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically coated silica, precipitated silica), soy lecithin, and / or talc.

[0209] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable antifreeze agent(s), including but not limited to ethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and urea.

[0210] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure can include any seed fluidity agent in order to improve the lubricity of the treated seed. The fluidity agent can include a suspension of one or more liquid lubricants, solid lubricants, liquid emulsions or solid lubricants. Non-limiting examples of fluidity agents include, for example, lubricants (such as fats and oils), natural waxes and synthetic waxes, graphite, talc, fluoropolymers (such as, polytetrafluoroethylene) and solid lubricants (such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide). In some cases, the fluidity agent includes 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, small crown coconut wax, beeswax, spermaceti) and petroleum derived waxes (such as paraffin). For example, in some cases, the fluidity agent includes carnauba wax. In some cases, the fluidity agent includes oil. For example, the fluidity agent can include soybean oil. A non-limiting example of a commercially available wax material suitable for use as a flow agent includes AQUAKLEAN 418 (an anionic aqueous emulsion of extra light carnauba wax containing 35% solids content) supplied by Micro Powders, Inc.

[0211]

[00136] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may include any suitable safener or safeners, including but not limited to naphthoic anhydride.

[0212] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more pH buffers, including but not limited to potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition includes one or more pH buffers selected to provide a composition having a pH of less than 10, typically about 4.5 to about 9.5, about 6 to about 8, or about 7.

[0213] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable anti-settling agent(s), including but not limited to polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol with varying degrees of hydrolysis, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylates, water-soluble or water-dispersible binders for coating systems based on acrylates, polyols or polyesters, 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, vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride, vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or vinyl stearate, vinyl methyl ketone or esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with monohydroxy alcohols or polyols such as methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethylene methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, decyl acrylate esters, 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-hydroxymethyl methyl ethers, amides or nitriles (for example acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-hydroxymethyl (meth)acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile and furthermore N-substituted maleimides), and ethers (for example vinyl butyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether or vinyl phenyl ether) and combinations thereof.

[0214] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable one or more binders, including but not limited to binder compositions comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: one or more disaccharides (e.g., maltose), gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum argyi, xanthan gum), maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (individually and / or collectively) 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), and / or oligosaccharides.

[0215] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include any suitable one or more effect pigments. Effect pigments, sometimes also referred to as "pearlescent pigments" in the art, are a class of materials that provide reflectivity, gloss and / or pearlescent effects when used as a coating. In some cases, the effect pigment is in the form of a powder comprising a matrix material and a metal oxide coating. For example, the effect pigment may include a matrix material, including but not limited to talc, silicate materials (e.g., mica), clay minerals, calcium carbonate, kaolin, phlogopite, aluminum oxide, and the like. In some cases, the matrix material comprises a hydrophilic material. The matrix material may be coated with a translucent layer of a metal oxide, including but not limited to titanium dioxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, or zirconium oxide. Alternatively, in some cases, the effect pigment comprises a metal powder or metal flake. The metal powder or metal flake may comprise a metal, including but not limited to aluminum, copper, silver, or bronze. In some cases, the effect pigment comprises a silicate-based matrix. Non-limiting examples of microparticle silicates that can be incorporated into the dry powder coating include mica coated with titanium dioxide (e.g., SUNMICA FINE WHITE 2800102, which is commercially available from Sun Chemical Corp.). Other non-limiting examples of commercially available effect pigments that can be incorporated into the dry powder include MAGNA PEARL, LUMINA, and MEARLIN pigments from BASF Corporation; PHIBROPEARL from PhibroChem; and IRIDESIUM 120 from Aakash Chemicals. In some cases, the dry powder has an average particle size of about 1 to about 25 microns.

[0216] The inoculum composition of the present disclosure can include any suitable growth medium suitable for culturing one or more microorganisms in the inoculum composition. For example, in some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure includes Czapek-Dox medium, glycerol yeast extract, mannitol yeast extract, potato dextrose broth and / or YEM medium.

[0217] Carriers, stabilizing compounds, biostimulants, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and / or feeding stimulants, pesticides, plant signaling molecules, dispersants, desiccants, safeners, flow agents, anti-settling agents, buffers, adhesives, etc. can be incorporated into the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable amount / concentration. The absolute value of the amount / concentration sufficient to cause one or more desired effects may be affected by factors such as the type, size, and volume of the material to which the composition is to be applied, the type or types 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 conventional dose response experiments. Guidance for selecting an appropriate amount / concentration can be found, for example, in International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2017 / 044473, WO 2017 / 044545, WO 2017 / 116837, WO 2017 / 116846, WO 2017 / 210163, and WO 2017 / 210166, International Patent Publication No. PCT / US2017 / 066929 filed December 18, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 511,408; 62 / 511,420, and 62 / 511,434.

[0218] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include one or more carriers in an amount / concentration of about 1% to about 99% or more (by weight, based on the total weight of the inoculum composition). For example, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may include about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% (by weight) of one or more non-aqueous carriers.

[0219] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 95% or more (by weight, based on the entire inoculant composition). For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise from about 0.0001% to about 0.001, from about 0.001% to about 1%, from about 0.25% to about 5%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 25% to about 50%, from about 30% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 75%, or from about 75 to about 95% by weight, 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%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, %, 8%, 90%, 95%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% of one or more maltodextrins, monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acid, betaine, proline, sarcosine, peptone, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers and / or UV protectants.

[0220] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds at a concentration of about 1 x 10 -20 M to about 1x 10 -1 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x 10 -2 M, optionally about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x10-19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 -16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 - 11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x 10 -7 M, 1x 10 -6 M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 - 2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more maltodextrin, monosaccharide, disaccharide, sugar alcohol, humic acid, betaine, proline, sarcosine, peptone, oxidation control component, hygroscopic polymer and / or UV protectant.

[0221] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more monosaccharides in an amount / concentration of about 0.005% to about 50% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about / at least / 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%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% (by weight) of one or more monosaccharides (e.g., arabinose, fructose and / or glucose). In some embodiments, the one or more monosaccharides are present in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10 -20 M to about 1x10 -1 For example, the one or more monosaccharides can be present at a concentration of about / at least / less than 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 -16 M, 1x 10-15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 The concentration of M is included.

[0222] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more disaccharides in an amount / concentration of about 0.005% to about 50% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure can comprise about / at least / 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%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% (by weight) of one or more disaccharides (e.g., maltose, sucrose and / or trehalose). In some embodiments, the one or more disaccharides are present in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10 -20 M to about 1x10 -1 For example, the one or more disaccharides can be present at a concentration of about / at least / less than 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 -16 M, 1x 10 - 15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 The concentration of M is included.

[0223] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more maltodextrins in an amount / concentration of about 0.001% to about 95% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, one or more maltodextrins constitute about 0.001% to about 1%, about 0.25% to about 5%, about 1% to about 10%, about 5% to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50% to about 75%, or about 75% to about 95% (by weight) of the inoculum composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about / at least / less than 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 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%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, , 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (individually and / or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20).

[0224] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include one or more sugar alcohols in an amount / concentration of about 0.001% to about 95% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and / or xylitol) comprise about 0.001% to about 1%, about 0.25% to about 5%, about 1% to about 10%, about 5% to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50% to about 75%, or about 75% to about 95% (by weight) of the inoculum composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about / at least / less than 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6.5%, 7.6%, 8.8%, 9.9%, 10.1%, 11.2%, 12.3%, 13.4%, 14.5%, 15.6%, 16.7%, 17.8%, 18.9%, 19.1%, 20.2%, 20.3%, 21.4%, 22. %, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and / or xylitol).

[0225] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more humic acids in an amount / concentration of about 0.001% to about 95% or more (by weight) of the inoculant composition. In some embodiments, one or more humic acids (e.g., potassium humate) comprise about 0.001% to about 1%, about 0.25% to about 5%, about 1% to about 10%, about 5% to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50% to about 75%, or about 75% to about 95% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about / at least / less than 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5. 5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more humic acids (e.g., potassium humate and / or sodium humate).

[0226] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure include one or more UV protectants in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculant composition. In some embodiments, one or more UV protectants (e.g., calcium lignin sulfonate and / or sodium lignin sulfonate) comprise about 0.0001% to about 0.001%, about 0.001% to about 1%, about 0.25% to about 5% (by weight) of the inoculant composition. For example, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure can include about / at least / less than 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%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more UV protectants (e.g., calcium lignin sulfonate and / or sodium lignin sulfonate).

[0227] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more oxidation control components in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. For example, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can contain about / at least / less than 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%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5% of one or more oxidation control components. In some embodiments, the amount / concentration of the oxidation control component is from about 0.005% to about 2% (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the one or more oxidation control components are present in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10 -20 M to about 1x10 -1 M. For example, one or more oxidation control components can be present at a concentration of about / at least / less than 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x10 -19 M, 1x10 -18 M, 1x10 -17 M, 1x10 -16M, 1x10 -15 M, 1x10 -14 M, 1x10 - 13 M, 1x10 -12 M, 1x10 -11 M, 1x10 -10 M is added at a concentration of . In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more commercial antioxidants used in amounts / concentrations recommended by the manufacturer. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more commercial oxygen scavengers used in amounts / concentrations recommended by the manufacturer.

[0228] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure that the strains of the present disclosure remain viable after: 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C. 5%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity for 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; dehydration of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or more relative humidity %, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; dehydrated by about 0%, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 5°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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 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 -80°C or below for 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, seeds); application to plant propagation material and dehydration by about 5%, 1 0%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; applied to plant propagation material and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 at 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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. , 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 dehydration of 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°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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 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. ;

[0229] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure that 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 the bacteria of the present disclosure are effectively stabilized. The strains remained viable after: 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 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. 2, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or longer; dehydration of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity. 4, 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 longer; cryopreserved at or below -80°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2 4, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more; applied to plant propagation material (optionally, seeds); applied to plant propagation material and dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 50%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, 60%, %, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity for 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 dehydration of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 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%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity %, 5%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; and / or foliar application and exposure to 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and relative humidity of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more for 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. ;

[0230] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure at least 1 x 10 1 , 1x 10 2 , 1x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5、1x 10 6 、1x 10 7 、1x 10 8 、1x10 9 、1x 10 10or more colony forming units of the strain per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition remain viable after: 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 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°C and / or 80°C 5%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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; dehydration of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 8 0%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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 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 -80°C or below for 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, seeds); application to plant propagation material and dehydration by about 5%, 1 0%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; applied to plant propagation material and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 at 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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. , 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 dehydration of 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°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C 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 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. ;

[0231] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure that the composition is stable at the temperature at which it is stored (e.g., 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, The deliquescent relative humidity (DRH) of the inoculum composition is less than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90° C. at 40° C., 25° C., 26° C., 27° C., 28° C., 29° C., 30° C., 31° C., 32° C., 33° C., 34° C., 35° C., 36° C., 37° C., 38° C., 39° C. and / or 40° C.

[0232] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise two or more stabilizing compounds that synergistically enhance the stability and / or survival of the strains of the present disclosure.

[0233] The stabilizing compound can be incorporated into the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable ratio or ratios.

[0234] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more maltodextrins and one or more monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols and / or humic acids in a maltodextrin:(monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols and / or humic acids) ratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5. For example, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (individually and / or collectively) having a DEV of about 15 to about 20) and one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol and / or xylitol) and / or humic acid (e.g., potassium humate) in a maltodextrin:(sugar alcohol / humic acid) ratio of about 5:95, about 15:85, about 25:75, or about 50:50.

[0235] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more biostimulants in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculant composition. In some embodiments, one or more biostimulants (e.g., glycine and / or seaweed extract) comprise about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025% of the inoculant composition. , 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.0095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0 .04%, 0.045%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1 to about 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% (by weight).For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 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. %, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more biostimulants (e.g., glycine and / or seaweed extract).

[0236] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microbial extracts in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the one or more microbial extracts constitute about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0. ... 35%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.0095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0.04%, 0.0 45%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% to about 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% (by weight).For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 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%, 0.9%, 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%, 7 %, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more microbial extracts.

[0237] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more nutrients in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, one or more nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and / or zinc) comprise about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.002 5%, 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.0095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0.04%, 0.045%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% to about 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% (by weight).For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 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%, 1.1%, 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% or more (by weight) of one or more nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and / or zinc).

[0238] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more pest attractants and / or feeding stimulants in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the one or more pest attractants and / or one or more feeding stimulants comprise about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0100%, 0.0111%, 0.0125%, 0.0130%, 0.0140%, 0.0151%, 0.0160%, 0.0170%, 0.0180%, 0.0190%, 0.1915%, 0.0200%, 0.0210%, 0.0220%, 0.0230%, 0.0240%, 0.0250%, 0.0260%, 0.0270%, 0.0280%, 0.0290%, 0.0310%, 0.0320%, 0.0330%, 0.0340%, 0.0350%, 0.0360%, 0.0370%, 0.0380%, 0.0390%, 0.0340%, 0.0350%, 0.0360%, 0.0370%, 0.0380%, 0.0390%, 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.0095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0. 0.04%, 0.045%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% to about 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% (by weight).For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 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%, 0.90%, 100%, 15 ... %, 0.9%, 0.95%, 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% or more (by weight) of one or more pest attractants and / or feeding stimulants.

[0239] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs at a concentration of about 1 x 10 - 15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x 10 -2 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 -16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x 10 - 7 M, 1x 10 -6 M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 -2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more LCOs (eg, one, two, three, four or more LCOs shown in structures V-XXXIII above).

[0240] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligomers at a concentration of about 1 x 10 -15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x10 -2 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x10 -16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x 10 -7 M, 1x 10 -6M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 -2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more chitin oligomers (eg, one, two, three, four or more chitin oligomers as shown in structures XXXVI-LXXXIII above).

[0241] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitosan oligomers at a concentration of about 1 x 10 -15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x10 -2 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x10 -16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x 10 -7 M, 1x 10 -6 M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 -2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more chitosan oligomers (eg, one, two, three, four or more deacetylated forms of the oligosaccharides shown in structures XXXVI-LXXXIII above).

[0242] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitins at a concentration of about 1 x 10 -15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x 10 -2 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 - 16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x10 -7 M, 1x 10 -6 M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 -2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more chitins.

[0243] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitosans at a concentration of about 1 x 10 -15 M to about 1x 10 -10 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -14 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -12M to about 1x 10 -8 M, about 1x 10 -12 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, about 1x 10 -10 M to about 1x 10 -6 M, or about 1x 10 -8 M to about 1x 10 -2 M. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may contain about 1 x 10 -20 M, 1x 10 -19 M, 1x 10 -18 M, 1x 10 -17 M, 1x 10 - 16 M, 1x 10 -15 M, 1x 10 -14 M, 1x 10 -13 M, 1x 10 -12 M, 1x 10 -11 M, 1x 10 -10 M, 1x 10 -9 M, 1x 10 -8 M, 1x10 -7 M, 1x 10 -6 M, 1x 10 -5 M, 1x 10 -4 M, 1x 10 -3 M, 1x 10 -2 M, 1x 10 -1 M or more of one or more chitosans.

[0244] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include one or more dispersants in an amount / concentration of about 0.001% to about 25% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the one or more dispersants constitute 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025%, 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.010%, 0.011%, 0.012%, 0.013%, 0.014%, 0.015%, 0.016%, 0.017%, 0.018%, 0.019%, 0.119%, 0.120%, 0.130%, 0.141%, 0.150%, 0.151%, 0.152%, 0.153%, 0.154%, 0.155%, 0.156%, 0.157%, 0.158%, 0.169%, 0.170%, 0.171%, 0.172%, 0.173%, 0.174%, 0.175%, 0.176%, 0.177%, 0.178%, 0.179%, 0.180%, 0.181%, 0.182%, 0.183%, 0.184%, 0.185%, 0.95%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0.04%, 0.045%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 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%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% to about 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% or 20% by weight. For example, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or more (by weight) of one or more dispersants (e.g., one or more surfactants and / or wetting agents).

[0245] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include one or more desiccants in an amount / concentration of about 0.001% to about 95% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the one or more desiccants constitute about 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025%, 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.010%, 0.011%, 0.012%, 0.013%, 0.014%, 0.015%, 0.016%, 0.017%, 0.018%, 0.019%, 0.119%, 0.120%, 0.130%, 0.141%, 0.151%, 0.152%, 0.153%, 0.154%, 0.155%, 0.156%, 0.157%, 0.158%, 0.169%, 0.170%, 0.181%, 0.182%, 0.183%, 0.184%, 0.185%, 0.186%, 0.187%, 0.188%, 0.189%, 0.200%, 0.201%, 0.202%, 0.203%, 0.204%, 0.205%, 0.206%, 0.207%, 0.208%, 0.209%, 0.209%, 0.2 0.095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0.04%, 0.045%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 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%, %, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19 or 20% by weight. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%. %, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more desiccant (e.g., lecithin and / or talc).

[0246] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises about 0.5 to about 10 grams of dry powder per liter of inoculum composition. For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure can comprise 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 dry powder per liter of inoculum composition.

[0247] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more buffering agents in an amount / concentration of about 0.0001% to about 5% or more (by weight) of the inoculum composition. In some embodiments, the one or more buffering agents comprise about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.001%, 0.0015%, 0.002%, 0.0025%, 0.003%, 0.0035%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0059%, 0.0100%, 0.0111%, 0.0125%, 0.0130%, 0.0141%, 0.0152%, 0.0161%, 0.0170%, 0.0180%, 0.0190%, 0.1111%, 0.0192%, 0.1130%, 0.0193%, 0.1141%, 0.0194%, 0.1152%, 0.01161%, 0.0195%, 0.1152%, 0.01170%, 0.01180%, 0.01196%, 0.01197%, 0.0121 %, 0.004%, 0.0045%, 0.005%, 0.0055%, 0.006%, 0.0065%, 0.007%, 0.0075%, 0.008%, 0.0085%, 0.009%, 0.0095%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03%, 0.035%, 0.04%, 0.045 %, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.02%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% to about 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% (by weight).For example, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 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. %, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more buffers (e.g., monopotassium phosphate and / or dipotassium phosphate).

[0248] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more commercial carriers, antioxidants, oxygen scavengers, hygroscopic polymers, UV protectants, biostimulants, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and / or feeding stimulants, pesticides, plant signaling molecules, dispersants, desiccants, antifreeze agents, buffers, and / or binders used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts / concentrations.

[0249] In some embodiments, the strain of the present disclosure is the only microbial strain in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure.

[0250] In some embodiments, in addition to the strains disclosed herein, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure further comprises one or more microorganisms. Any suitable one or more microorganisms may be added, including but not limited to agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-dissolving microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, and biopesticides. In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises one or more microorganisms selected from the genus and species listed in Appendix A. The selection of other microorganisms, if any, will depend on the intended application or applications.

[0251] Non-limiting examples of bacteria that can be included in the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include: Azospirillum brasiliensis 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 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 I-1562, Bacillus firmus I-1582, Bacillus licheniformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus licheniformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B21662, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC55608, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus subtilis ATCC55078, 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 SAN401I, 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 EG2348, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillus thuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-176, BRADY, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Sinorhizobium freundii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium freundii USDA 205. Yersinia entomophaga O82KB8 and combinations thereof; and microorganisms having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or more identity with any of the above strains based on 16S rDNA sequence identity.

[0252] Non-limiting examples of fungi that can be included in the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include: Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus radicifolium RTI-801, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma aspergillus SKT-1, Trichoderma aspergillus ICC 012, Trichoderma acuminata LC52, Trichoderma acuminata CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma acrosporum JM41R, Trichoderma magamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hooked 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 reesei ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma viridae Gl-3, Trichoderma viridae GL-21, Trichoderma viridae G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, Trichoderma viridae TV1 and combinations thereof, and microorganisms having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or more identity with any of the above strains based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and / or cytochrome c oxidase (CO1) sequence identity.

[0253] Non-limiting examples of mycorrhizal fungi that can be included in the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include mycorrhizal strains such as Giant Sporangium, Glomus, Glomus braziliensis, Glomus luminifera, Glomus deserticola, Glomus nauplii, Glomus intraradical, Glomus monosporus, Glomus mosseae, L. bicolor, L. rubrum, L. braziliensis, Puffball, Rhizomucor, Rhizopogon fulvigleba, Rhizopogon, Rhizopogon villosuli, Scleroderma lucidum, and Scleroderma flavum, and combinations thereof.

[0254] Other examples of microorganisms that can be added to the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be found in Appendix A.

[0255] Other microorganisms can be incorporated into the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable amount(s) / concentration(s). The absolute value of an amount / concentration sufficient to cause one or more desired effects may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of the material to which the composition is to be applied, the 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). One skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount / concentration using conventional dose response experiments. Guidance for selecting an appropriate amount / concentration can be found, for example, in International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2017 / 044473, WO 2017 / 044545, WO 2017 / 116837, WO 2017 / 116846, WO 2017 / 210163, and WO 2017 / 210166, and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 296,798; 62 / 271,857; 62 / 347,773; 62 / 343,217; 62 / 296,784; 62 / 271,873; 62 / 347,785; 62 / 347,794; and 62 / 347,805.

[0256] In some embodiments, when the inoculant composition is introduced into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil), the one or more additional microorganisms are present in an amount / concentration effective to fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphate, control one or more plant pathogenic pests, enhance stress tolerance, and / or enhance plant growth / yield.

[0257] In some embodiments, when the inoculant composition is applied to a plant or plant part, the one or more additional microorganisms are present in an amount / concentration effective to fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphate, control one or more plant pathogenic pests, enhance stress tolerance, and / or enhance plant growth / yield.

[0258] In some embodiments, the one or more additional microorganisms are present at about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 12 The inoculum composition is present in an amount of about 1 x 10 colony forming units (cfu) per gram and / or milliliter. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises about 1 x 10 1 , 1x 10 2 , 1x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x10 12 or more cfu of one or more other microorganisms per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition (e.g., about 1 x 10 4 About 1x 10 9 cfu / g Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 (also known as 1BE, isolate ATCC BAA-390), BRADY, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma virens G1-3, and / or Yersinia entomophila O82KB8). In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure comprises at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 cfu of one or more other microorganisms per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition.

[0259] In some embodiments, spores from one or more other microorganisms comprise about 0.1% to about 90% (by weight) of the inoculum composition. According to some embodiments, the inoculum composition comprises 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%, 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%, %, 5%, 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) microbial spores from one or more other microorganisms (e.g., about 10% Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Penicillium bilainum ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilainum RS7B-SD1 and / or Trichoderma virens G1-3 spores). In some embodiments, the amount / concentration of microbial spores from one or more other microorganisms is from about 1% to about 25%, from about 5% to about 20%, from about 5% to about 15%, from about 5% to about 10%, or from about 8% to about 12% (by weight) of the inoculum composition.

[0260] It should be understood that the other microorganisms in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure may include 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 other microorganisms are present in the inoculum composition 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 of the other microorganisms are present as spores in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure.

[0261] The inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated into any suitable type of composition including, but not limited to, foliar inoculants, seed coatings, and soil inoculants.

[0262] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as an amorphous solid.

[0263] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as an amorphous liquid.

[0264] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as wettable powders.

[0265] In some embodiments, the inoculum composition of the present disclosure is formulated into a liquid composition that is subsequently dried to produce a powder or granules. For example, in some embodiments, the liquid inoculum composition of the present disclosure is drum dried, evaporatively dried, fluidized bed dried, freeze dried, spray dried, spray freeze dried, pan dried and / or vacuum dried to produce a powder / granule. Such powder / granules can be further processed using any suitable one or more methods, including but not limited to flocculation, granulation and grinding to obtain a desired particle size or physical form. The one or more exact methods and parameters for processing the dry powder / granule that is suitable in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the desired one or more particle sizes, the type, size and volume of the material to which the composition is to be applied, the one or more types 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 experimentation.

[0266] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are frozen for cryopreservation. For example, in some embodiments, the liquid inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are rapidly frozen and stored in a frozen storage unit / facility. The exact method or methods and parameters for freezing and storing the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure that are suitable in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the type or types 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 experimentation.

[0267] The inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated as aqueous or non-aqueous compositions. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure do not contain water. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure contain trace amounts of water. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure contain 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% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. %, 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.

[0268] In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are formulated to have a pH of about 4.5 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 6 to about 7.5. In some embodiments, the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, or 8.5.

[0269] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure are incorporated into NEMASTRIKE TM , or In product.

[0270] As described above, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may contain a variety of carriers, stabilizers, nutrients, pesticides, plant signaling molecules, dispersants, etc. It should be understood that the components included in the inoculant composition and the order in which the components are incorporated into the inoculant composition can be selected or designed to maintain or enhance the dispersion, stability and / or survival of the strains of the present disclosure during storage, distribution and / or application of the inoculant composition.

[0271] It should be understood that the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are non-naturally occurring compositions. According to some embodiments, the inoculum compositions comprise one or more non-naturally occurring components. According to some embodiments, the inoculum compositions comprise non-naturally occurring combinations of naturally occurring components.

[0272] The present disclosure extends to a test kit comprising two or more containers, consisting essentially of or consisting of, each container comprising one or more components of the inoculum composition of the present disclosure. For example, one or more strains of the present disclosure and an agriculturally acceptable carrier can be contained in a separate container for long-term storage and then combined before the inoculum composition is applied to a plant or plant propagation material. Optional ingredients (e.g., stabilizing compounds, pesticides, and plant signaling molecules) can be added to any one of the two containers, or contained in one or more separate containers for long-term storage. In certain embodiments, the test kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as a mixture of activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, ferrous carbonate, and a metal halide catalyst, sodium chloride, and / or sodium bicarbonate.

[0273] The container can include any suitable one or more materials, including but not limited to materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture, and / or oxygen that the coated plant propagation material contacts when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material with a light transmittance 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 an oxygen permeability 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 cm 3 / m 2

[0026] A material that is saturated with water (as measured according to ASTM D3985), consists essentially of, or consists of.

[0274] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient light reaching the 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%.

[0275] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient moisture reaching the 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%.

[0276] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygen reaching the 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%.

[0277] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to any plant type, including but not limited to row crops and vegetables. In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for treating one or more plants selected from the following families: Amaranthaceae (e.g., Swiss chard, spinach, beet, quinoa), Asteraceae (e.g., artichoke, aster, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemum, dahlia, daisy, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigold, safflower, sunflower, zinnia), Cruciferae (e.g., arugula, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, kale, radish, Lepidium, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, turnip, horseradish, watercress, Arabidopsis), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, zucchini, pumpkin (e.g., acorn squash, winter squash, summer squash), watermelon, zucchini), Leguminosae (e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentil, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, vetch), Malvaceae (e.g., cocoa, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra), Poaceae (e.g., bamboo, barley, corn, crabgrass, turf grasses (e.g., bahia grass, bermudagrass, bluegrass, buffalo grass, centipede grass, fescue, or zoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugarcane, triticale, wheat, and other cereal crops), Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheat), Rosaceae (e.g., almond, apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, plum, citrus, raspberry, rose, strawberry), Solanaceae (e.g., bell pepper, capsicum, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato), and Vitaceae (e.g., grape). In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for treating one or more plants with which the one or more strains are not naturally associated (e.g., one or more plants that do not naturally occur in one or more geographic locations from which the one or more strains have been isolated). In some embodiments, the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for treating one or more acaricide, fungicide, gastropodicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, rodenticide, and / or viricide resistant plants (e.g., one or more plants resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors (e.g., imidazolinone, pyrimidinyloxy(thio)benzoate, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone, sulfonylurea, triazolopyrimidine), bialaphos, glufosinate, glyphosate, hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors, and / or glufosinate). Non-limiting examples of plants that can be treated with the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure include the BOLLGARD® strains commercially available from Monsanto Company (St. Louis, Missouri) under the trademark BOLLGARD®. RIB ROUNDUP ROUNDUPREADY 2 ROUNDUP READY 2EXTEND TM , VT DOUBLE VTTRIPLE YIELDGARD VT YIELDGARD VT and / or XTENDFLEX TM Plants for sale.

[0278] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to any part of the plant. In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds, and tubers). In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to the roots of plants. In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to the foliage of plants. In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to the roots and foliage of plants. In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to plant propagation materials and plants grown by the plant propagation materials.

[0279] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to any plant growth medium, including but not limited to soil.

[0280] The strains of the disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the disclosure may be applied to plants, plant parts, and / or plant growth media in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, on-seed application, in-furrow application, and foliar application.

[0281] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure may be applied using any suitable method or methods, including but not limited to coating, dripping, dusting, encapsulating, dipping, spraying, and soaking. A batch system may be employed, in which predetermined batches of material and inoculum compositions are delivered to a mixer. A continuous processing system may also be used, which is calibrated to apply the inoculum composition at a predetermined rate proportional to the continuous flow of material.

[0282] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied directly to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds). According to some embodiments, the plant propagation material is soaked in a composition comprising one or more strains 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, the plant propagation material is coated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure). The plant propagation material may be coated with one or more additional layers (e.g., one or more protective layers for enhancing the stability and / or survival of one or more strains of the present disclosure and / or one or more isolation layers containing substances that can reduce the stability and / or survival of the strains of the present disclosure (if included in the same layer of the strains of the present disclosure)). In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an inoculant composition of the present disclosure and a dry powder.

[0283] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied directly to a plant growth medium (e.g., soil). According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied near plant propagation material (e.g., seeds). According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied to the root zone of a plant. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied using a drip irrigation system.

[0284] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are applied directly to plants. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are sprayed and / or sprinkled on the plants to be treated.

[0285] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are freeze spray dried or spray freeze dried and then applied to plants / plant parts. For example, in some embodiments, an inoculant composition comprising one or more strains 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 dried or spray freeze dried, mixed with a dry powder (e.g., a dry 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), and then coated on seeds that have been pretreated with one or more binders (e.g., a binder composition comprising one or more maltodextrins, one or more monosaccharides, disaccharides or oligosaccharides, one or more peptones, etc.), one or more pesticides, and / or one or more plant signaling molecules (e.g., one or more LCOs).

[0286] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to plants, plant parts and / or plant growth media in any suitable amount(s) / concentration(s).

[0287] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure are present at about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 20 According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that the plant propagation material is coated with about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per kg of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied to each seed.

[0288] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure are present at about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 20 According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that each plant is treated with about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 109 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied to each plant.

[0289] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure are present at about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 20According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more strains of the present disclosure is sufficient to ensure that about / at least 1 x 10 cfu / acre of treated crops are used. 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied per acre of crop treated.

[0290] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure are present at about 1 x 10 1 About 1x 10 20 According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains disclosed herein applied is sufficient to ensure that about / at least 1 x 10 cfu / acre of plant growth medium is used. 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more strains of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8, 1x10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 are applied per acre of plant growth medium.

[0291] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are applied at about 0.05 to about 100 milliliters and / or grams of inoculant composition per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that the plant propagation material is 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, 0.9, 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 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 inoculum composition per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is 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 inoculant composition is applied to each seed.

[0292] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and / or grams of inoculant composition per plant. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that 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 inoculum composition. According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is 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 inoculant composition is applied to each plant.

[0293] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and / or grams of inoculant composition per acre of crop treated. According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is sufficient to ensure that 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, 0.75, 0.85, 0.90, 0.100, 0.110, 0.120, 0.150, 0.170, 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, 0.75 5, 0.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and / or grams of inoculum composition. According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is 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 inoculant composition is applied per acre of crop treated.

[0294] In some embodiments, the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and / or grams of inoculant composition per acre of plant growth medium. According to some embodiments, one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that each acre of plant growth medium 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, 0.8, 0.9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 175, 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 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 inoculum composition. According to some embodiments, the amount of application of one or more inoculant compositions of the present disclosure is 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 inoculant composition is applied per acre of plant growth medium.

[0295] In some embodiments, the inoculant composition of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that the plant propagation material is coated with about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per kg of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculum compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied to each seed.

[0296] In some embodiments, the inoculant composition of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that each plant is treated with about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12, 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculum compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied to each plant.

[0297] In some embodiments, the inoculant composition of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 1010 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculum compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 were applied per acre of crop treated.

[0298] In some embodiments, the inoculant composition of the present disclosure is applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that about / at least 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 107 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530. According to some embodiments, the amount of one or more inoculum compositions of the present disclosure applied is sufficient to ensure that an average of about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 13 , 1x 10 14 , 1x 10 15 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 are applied per acre of plant growth medium.

[0299] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to plants, plant parts and / or plant growth media at any time, including but not limited to before planting, at planting, after planting, before germination, at germination, after germination, before emergence, at emergence, after emergence, before the vegetative stage, during the vegetative stage, after the vegetative stage, before the reproductive stage, during the reproductive stage, after the reproductive stage, before flowering, at flowering, after flowering, before fruiting, at fruiting, after fruiting, before maturity, at maturity and after maturity. In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or an inoculant composition of the disclosure) are applied to plant propagation material (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 before planting.

[0300] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or an inoculant composition of the disclosure) are applied to plant propagation material (eg, seeds) at the time of planting.

[0301] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or an inoculant composition of the disclosure) are applied to plant propagation material (eg, seeds) after planting but prior to germination.

[0302] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or an inoculant composition of the disclosure) are applied to plants post-emergence.

[0303] The present disclosure extends to plants and plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure), to plants grown from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure), to plant parts harvested from plants that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure), to plants harvested from plants grown from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure). parts, to processed products obtained from plants that have been treated with one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure), to processed products obtained from plants grown from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure), to a variety of crops comprising plants that have been treated with one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure), and to a variety of crops comprising plants grown from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure).

[0304] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides coated plant propagation material, which comprises plant propagation material and a coating covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the plant propagation material, consisting essentially of, or consisting of; the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more strains of the present disclosure or the inoculum composition of the present disclosure.

[0305] In some embodiments, the coating comprises two, three, four, five or more layers. According to some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer comprising one or more strains of the present disclosure and one or more outer layers that are free of or substantially free of microorganisms. In some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer being the inoculum composition of the present disclosure, the outer layer being identical to the inoculum composition of the present disclosure, except that it does not contain one or more strains of the present disclosure.

[0306] In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the inoculant composition and dry powder of the present disclosure. The dry powder can be applied in any suitable amount or amounts / concentrations. The absolute value of the amount / concentration sufficient to cause one or more desired effects may be affected by factors such as the type, size, and volume of the material to which the composition is applied, one or more types 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 appreciate how to select effective amounts / concentrations using conventional dose response experiments. Guidance for selecting an appropriate amount / concentration can be found, for example, in International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2017 / 044473, WO 2017 / 044545, WO 2017 / 116837, WO 2017 / 116846, WO 2017 / 210163, and WO 2017 / 210166, and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 296,798; 62 / 271,857; 62 / 347,773; 62 / 343,217; 62 / 296,784; 62 / 271,873; 62 / 347,785; 62 / 347,794; and 62 / 347,805. In some embodiments, the dry powder is applied in an amount of about 0.5 to about 10 grams of dry 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 a dry powder (e.g., a dry powder comprising magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, milk powder, silicon dioxide, soy lecithin and / or talc) is applied per kilogram of seeds. In some embodiments, a dry 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 the 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 seeds.

[0307] In some embodiments, the coating completely covers the outer surface of the plant propagation material.

[0308] In some embodiments, the coating has an average thickness of 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 μm or more. In some embodiments, the coating has an average thickness of about 1.5 to about 3.0 μm.

[0309] The present disclosure extends to a kit comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more plants and / or plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation material) that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure or an inoculant composition of the present disclosure, and a container for holding the treated one or more plants and / or one or more plant parts. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, a mixture of ferrous carbonate and a metal halide catalyst, sodium chloride, and / or sodium bicarbonate.

[0310] The container can include any suitable one or more materials, including but not limited to materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture, and / or oxygen that the coated plant propagation material contacts when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material with a light transmittance 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 an oxygen permeability 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 cm 3 / m 2

[0026] A material that is saturated with water (as measured according to ASTM D3985), consists essentially of, or consists of.

[0311] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient light reaching the 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%.

[0312] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient moisture reaching the 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%.

[0313] In some embodiments, when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygen reaching the 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%.

[0314] In some embodiments, the kit of the present disclosure comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more additional containers. These additional containers may contain any suitable one or more components or compositions, including but not limited to agricultural beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, desiccants, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides. Examples of agricultural beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, desiccants, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides that may be included in additional containers are described above.

[0315] The present disclosure extends to animal feed compositions comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a food component and a microbial component comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more strains of the present disclosure and / or an inoculant composition of the present disclosure.

[0316] The animal feed compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable food component, including, but not limited to, feed (eg, grains, hay, legumes, silage, and / or straw) and forage (eg, grass).

[0317] The animal feed compositions of the present disclosure can be fed to any suitable animal, including but not limited to farm animals, zoo animals, laboratory animals and / or companion animals. In some embodiments, the animal feed compositions are formulated to meet the dietary needs of birds (e.g., chickens, ducks, quail and / or turkeys), bovines (e.g., antelopes, bison, livestock cattle, gazelles, goats, impalas, bulls, sheep and / or antelopes), canines, cervidae (e.g., reindeer, deer, elk and / or moose), equines (e.g., donkeys, horses and / or zebras), felines, fish, pigs, rabbits, rodents (e.g., guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and / or rats), etc.

[0318] The present disclosure extends to methods and uses of the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculum compositions of the present disclosure.

[0319] In some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise applying one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) to a plant or plant part (e.g., a plant propagation material), consisting essentially of, or consisting of. As described above, the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to any type of plant, any part of a plant, in any suitable manner, in any suitable amount or amounts / concentrations, and at any suitable time. According to some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise applying one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) to a monocotyledonous plant or plant part (e.g., a cereal or pseudocereal plant or plant part, optionally, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, or wheat), consisting essentially of, or consisting of.

[0320] In some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) applied to a plant growth medium. As described above, the strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to any plant growth medium in any suitable manner, in any suitable amount or amounts / concentrations, and at any suitable time.

[0321] In some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure include introducing, consisting essentially of, or consisting of plants or plant parts (e.g., plant propagation materials) that have been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculum compositions of the present disclosure) into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil). These methods may further include introducing one or more nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and / or phosphorus) into a plant growth medium. Any suitable one or more nutrients may be added to the growth medium, including but not limited to phosphate rock, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, fertilizers comprising one or more sources of phosphorus, and combinations thereof.

[0322] In some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise growing plants from plant propagation material that has been treated with one or more strains of the present disclosure (or an inoculant composition of the present disclosure), consisting essentially of the same, or consisting of the same.

[0323] The strains of the present disclosure can be used to enhance the growth and / or yield of a variety of plants, including but not limited to cereals and pseudocereals (e.g., barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, and wheat), and leguminous crops (e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentil, mesquite, pea, peanut, soybean, tamarind, tragacanth, and vetch). In some embodiments, application of one or more strains of the present disclosure enhances 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more growth characteristics and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more yield characteristics by about / at least 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 compared to one or more controls (e.g., untreated control plants and / or plants treated with alternative microbial strains). For example, in some embodiments, the yield of plants treated with Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 compared to untreated control plants and / or plants treated with alternative microbial strains. B-67530 increases cereal or pseudocereal yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 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, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or 4.6 bushels per acre.Similarly, in some embodiments, the yield of plants treated with Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 compared to untreated control plants and / or plants treated with alternative microbial strains. B-67530 increases bean yield by approximately / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 bushels per acre.

[0324] Inoculant compositions comprising one or more strains of the present disclosure can also be used to enhance the growth and / or yield of a variety of plants, including, but not limited to, cereals and pseudocereals (e.g., barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, and wheat), and leguminous crops (e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentil, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, and vetch). In some embodiments, application of the inoculum composition of the present disclosure enhances 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more growth characteristics and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more yield characteristics by about / at least 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 compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculum composition of the present disclosure but lacks at least one strain of the present disclosure found in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure). For example, in some embodiments, application of the inoculant composition of the present disclosure increases cereal or pseudocereal yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 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, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or 4.6 bushels per acre as compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition of the present disclosure but lacks at least one strain of the present disclosure found in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure). Similarly, in some embodiments, application of the inoculant composition of the present disclosure increases bean yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 bushels per acre compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition of the present disclosure but lacks at least one strain found in the inoculant composition).

[0325] Thus, in some embodiments, the methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise applying one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant composition of the present disclosure) to a cereal, pseudocereal or legume seed, to a plant growth medium in which the cereal, pseudocereal or legume seed is growing or is to grow, and / or to a plant grown from the cereal, pseudocereal or legume seed, consisting essentially of, or consisting of.

[0326] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure) are applied to cereal or pseudocereal seeds in an amount / concentration effective to reduce the number of plant growths in one, two, three, four, five or more plants grown from the seeds to one or more control plants (e.g., plants grown from untreated seeds and / or plants grown from corn seeds treated with a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition of the disclosure except for the lack of at least one strain of the disclosure found in the inoculant composition). %, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250% or more. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant composition of the present disclosure) are applied to a cereal or pseudocereal seed in an amount effective to increase yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 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, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or 4.6 bushels per acre.

[0327] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure) are introduced into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil) in an amount / concentration effective to increase 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more of a cereal or pseudocereal plant grown therein as compared to one or more controls (e.g., plants grown in untreated soil and / or plants grown in soil treated with an alternative microbial strain). %, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250% or more enhancement in 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) by at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250% or more. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant composition of the present disclosure) are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount effective to increase cereal or pseudocereal yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 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, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or 4.6 bushels per acre.

[0328] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure) are applied to legume seeds in an amount / concentration effective to reduce one, two, three, four, five or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., growth characteristics of plants grown from the seeds) compared to one or more control plants (e.g., plants grown from untreated seeds and / or plants grown from corn seeds treated with a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition of the disclosure except that it lacks at least one strain found in the inoculant composition). %, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250% or more. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant composition of the present disclosure) are applied to bean seeds in an amount effective to increase yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 bushels per acre.

[0329] In some embodiments, one or more strains of the disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the disclosure) are introduced into a plant growth medium (e.g., soil) in an amount / concentration effective to increase 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more of the plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) and / or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more of the plant growth characteristics (e.g., biomass) of a leguminous plant grown therein as compared to one or more controls (e.g., plants grown in untreated soil and / or plants grown in soil treated with an alternative microbial strain). %, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250% or more. According to some embodiments, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or the inoculant composition of the present disclosure) are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount effective to increase bean yield by about / at least 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 bushels per acre.

[0330] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be used to enhance plant growth and / or yield under a variety of growing conditions, including, but not limited to, nutrient deficiencies (e.g., calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and / or sulfur deficiencies), extreme humidity, extreme pH, extreme temperature (e.g., average daytime temperatures below 60°C, 61°C, 62°C, 63°C, 64°C, 65°C, 66°C, 67°C, 68°C, 69°C, 70°C, 71°C, 72°C, 73°C, 74°C, or 75°C, average daytime temperatures above 85°C, 86°C, 87°C, 88°C, 89°C, 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C, 94°C, 95°C, 96°C, 97°C, 98°C, 99°C, ℃, 100℃ or higher, 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℃, average nighttime temperatures above 70℃, 71℃, 72℃, 73℃, 74℃, 75℃, 76℃, 77℃, 78℃, 79℃, 80℃, 81℃, 82℃, 83℃, 84℃, 85℃, 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 will be appreciated that any determination of what constitutes nutrient deficiency, extreme temperatures, drought conditions, etc. must take into account the plant species / variety being grown, as different species / variety may have different preferences and requirements.

[0331] The strains of the present disclosure and the inoculant compositions of the present disclosure can be used to enhance plant growth and / or yield in a variety of geographic regions, including but not limited to Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe (e.g., agricultural regions of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and / or United Kingdom), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malawi, In some embodiments, the present invention relates to agricultural regions of the United States, such as agricultural regions of North Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and / or Wisconsin, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States (e.g., agricultural regions of 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, one or more strains of the present disclosure (or inoculant compositions of the present disclosure) are used to enhance plant growth and / or yield in a geographic region comprising multiple agricultural regions (e.g., agricultural regions of Illinois, Iowa, southern Minnesota, and eastern Nebraska).Examples of such geographic regions include, but are not limited to, a northern corn region including an agricultural region of Iowa (e.g., northern Iowa), Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and / or Wisconsin; an agricultural region including 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., central Missouri), and Kansas (e.g., northern Kansas). For example, northern and / or southern Nebraska) and / or central corn regions of the agricultural regions of Ohio; including 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., The southern corn region includes the agricultural regions of Minnesota, Montana (e.g., eastern Montana), Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and / or Wyoming (e.g., eastern Wyoming); the northern wheat region includes the agricultural regions of Idaho, Oregon, and / or Washington. The northern wheat region includes an agricultural region of Washington; a central wheat region includes an agricultural region of Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and / or Wyoming (e.g., eastern Wyoming); a central wheat region includes an agricultural region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and / or Ohio; a central wheat region includes an agricultural region of Kansas, Oklahoma, and / or Texas; and a southern wheat region includes an agricultural region of Oklahoma and / or Texas.

[0332] The following numbered paragraphs describe specific embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0333] 1. An isolated microbial strain, whose deposit accession number is NRRL B-67352 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352), NRRL B-67357 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357), NRRL B-67521 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521), NRRL B-67522 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522), NRRL B-67533 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533), NRRL B-67534 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534), NRRL B-67525 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525), NRRL B-67526 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526), ​​NRRL B-67527 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527), NRRL B-67528 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528), NRRL B-67529 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529), or NRRL B-67530 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530).

[0334] 2. A biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530.

[0335] 3. An inoculum composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 and an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

[0336] 4. The inoculum composition according to paragraph 3, comprising about 1 x 10 3 About 1x 10 12 1 x 10 colony forming units (cfu) of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition, optionally at least about 1 x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , or 1x 10 12 cfu of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per gram and / or milliliter of inoculum composition.

[0337] 5. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-4, further comprising one or more stabilizing compounds.

[0338] 6. The inoculum composition according to paragraph 5, wherein the one or more stabilizing compounds comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of:

[0339] one or more monosaccharides, optionally arabinose, fructose and / or glucose;

[0340] one or more disaccharides, optionally maltose, sucrose and / or trehalose;

[0341] one or more maltodextrins, optionally one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (individually and / or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20);

[0342] one or more sugar alcohols, optionally arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and / or xylitol;

[0343] one or more humic acids, optionally potassium humate and / or sodium humate;

[0344] one or more fulvic acids, optionally potassium fulvic acid and / or sodium fulvic acid;

[0345] one or more hygroscopic polymers, optionally one or more albumin, alginate, cellulose, gum (e.g. cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum arabic, xanthan gum), methylcellulose, nylon, pectin, polyacrylic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polylactide, polymethacrylate (PMA), polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), propylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and / or starch;

[0346] one or more oxidation controlling 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-acetylcysteine), 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 bicarbonate; and / or

[0347] One or more UV protectants, optionally one or more lignin sulfites.

[0348] 7. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 5-6, wherein the one or more stabilizing compounds constitute from about 0.0001% to about 10% (by weight) of the composition, optionally from about 2% to about 6% (by weight) of the composition, optionally about 0.0005%, 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.0075%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% of the composition. %, 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.

[0349] 8. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 5-7, wherein the one or more stabilizing compounds are present in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure that Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 remain viable in the inoculum composition of the present disclosure after:

[0350] At 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40°C 0%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0351] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0352] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C , 39°C 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 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;

[0353] Frozen at -80°C or below for 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 longer;

[0354] applying to plant propagation material (optionally, seeds);

[0355] applied to plant propagation material and dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0356] %, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C. 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0357] Foliar application;

[0358] Foliar application and dehydration of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; and / or

[0359] Foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10% or more. %, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity for 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.

[0360] 9. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 5-7, wherein the one or more stabilizing compounds 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 Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529, and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 remain viable after:

[0361] At 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40°C 0%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0362] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0363] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C , 39°C 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 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;

[0364] Frozen at -80°C or below for 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 longer;

[0365] applying to plant propagation material (optionally, seeds);

[0366] applied to plant propagation material and dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0367] %, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C. 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0368] Foliar application;

[0369] Foliar application and dehydration of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; and / or

[0370] Foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10% or more. %, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity for 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.

[0371] 10. The inoculum composition according to any one of paragraphs 5-7, wherein the one or more stabilizing compounds are present in an amount / concentration sufficient to ensure at least 1 x 10 1 , 1x 10 2 , 1x 10 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x 10 10 or more colony forming units of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 per gram and / or milliliter of the inoculum composition remains viable after:

[0372] At 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40°C 0%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0373] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0374] Dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more and at 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C , 39°C 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 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;

[0375] Frozen at -80°C or below for 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 longer;

[0376] applying to plant propagation material (optionally, seeds);

[0377] applied to plant propagation material and dehydrated by about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more;

[0378] %, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 31%, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C. 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or higher relative humidity for 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;

[0379] Foliar application;

[0380] Foliar application and dehydration of about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more; and / or

[0381] Foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C and / or 40°C and 0%, 5%, 10% or more. %, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more relative humidity for 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.

[0382] 11. The inoculant composition of any of paragraphs 3-10, further comprising one or more biostimulants, optionally one or more seaweed extracts, inositol and / or glycine.

[0383] 12. The inoculum composition according to any of paragraphs 3-11, further comprising one or more microbial extracts, optionally one or more microbial extracts explicitly disclosed above.

[0384] 13. The inoculum composition according to any one of paragraphs 3-12, further comprising one or more nutrients, optionally one or more vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B10, vitamin B11, vitamin B12, vitamin B13, vitamin B14, vitamin B15, vitamin B16, vitamin B17, vitamin B18, vitamin B19, vitamin B20, vitamin B21, vitamin B22, vitamin B23, vitamin B24, vitamin B25, vitamin B26, vitamin B27, vitamin B28, vitamin B29, vitamin B30, vitamin B31, vitamin B32 12 and / or choline), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and / or vitamin K), carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and / or zeaxanthin), macrominerals (e.g., calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, 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 acid and / or taurine).

[0385] 14. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-13, further comprising one or more pest attractants and / or feeding stimulants, optionally beetle sex pheromone, ceralure, codlelure, dromedarya ketone, gypsy moth sex attractant, dominicalure, eugenol, southern pine beetle attractant, pink bollworm sex attractant, cotton weevil sex attractant, hexalure, scutellaria dienol, scutellaria oleifera, latitlure, lineatin, (9Z,12E)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (1 itlure), cabbage looper sex attractant, medlure, (3E,5Z)-tetradecadienoic acid, methyl eugenol, moguchun, α-multistriatin, housefly sex attractant, orfalure, oryctalure, ostramone, rescalure, siglure, trimedlure, and / or trunc-call pheromone attractant.

[0386] 15. The inoculant composition of any of paragraphs 3-14, further comprising one or more pesticides, optionally:

[0387] one or more fungicides, optionally one or more of the fungicides explicitly disclosed above;

[0388] one or more herbicides, optionally one or more of the herbicides explicitly disclosed above;

[0389] one or more insecticides, optionally one or more of the insecticides explicitly disclosed above; and / or

[0390] One or more nematicides, optionally one or more of the nematicides explicitly disclosed above.

[0391] 16. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-15, further comprising one or more lipid-chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more lipid-chitooligosaccharides represented by Formula I-IV.

[0392] 17. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-15, further comprising one or more lipid-chitooligosaccharides represented by structures V-XXXIII.

[0393] 18. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-17, further comprising one or more chito-oligosaccharides, optionally one or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by formula XXXIV-XXXV.

[0394] 19. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-17, further comprising one or more chitin oligosaccharides represented by structures XXXVI-LXXXIII.

[0395] 20. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-19, further comprising one or more chitin compounds, optionally one or more chitins and / or one or more chitosans.

[0396] 21. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-20, further comprising one or more flavonoids, optionally one or more anthocyanidins, such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and / or petunidin; flavonoids, such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, baicalin, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavonopsate, 6-hydroxyflavone, luteolin, baicalein, citrus flavonoids and / or wogonin) and / or flavonols (e.g., astragalin, eriobotryafoetida, eriobotryafoetida, fisetin, furoflavonol, galangin, cottonseed pigment, 3,4-dextrin, flavonoids ... -hydroxyflavonoids, such as quercetin, eriodictyol, hesperidin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakurtin, naringenin, naringenin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricetin, naringenin, hornflavonols, pyranoflavonols (quercetin, quercetin, rhamnosin, rhamnetin, acaciatin, rutin, meadowfoam glycosides, troxerutin and / or zanthorhamnin); flavanones, such as butea superba, eriodictyol, hesperidin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakurtin, naringenin, naringenin, pinus, citronellol, sakuratin, sakura glycoside and / or sterubin; flavanone alcohols, such as dihydrokaempferol and / or taxifolin; flavans, such as flavan- 3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg), epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCg)), epiafructine, fisetinol, gallocatechin (GC), gallocatechin 3-gallate (GCg), quinacitrinol, mesquitetinol, robintinol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, thearubigins), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforol and / or or luteoforol) and / or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g. leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, leufoferdin, leucomaldin, leucopelargonidin, leucopeonidin, leucorobintin, acacetin and / or teracacidin); and / or isoflavonoids, such as isoflavones (e.g. biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and / or glycitein), isoflavans (e.g. equol, ionchocarpane and / or laxifloorane), isoflavanediols, isoflavanones (e.g. glabrigenin, haginin D and / or 2-methoxyartemisinin), coumarins (e.g. coumestrol, plicadin and / or wedelin), pterostilbene and / or roetonoid;and / or one or more analogs, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof, such as novel flavonoids (e.g., malvaceae, caltonin, calanin, calanin and / or nivetin) and / or pterostilbene (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A, erybraedin B, abyssinia tungia II, erthyrabissin-1, erythrin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glycyrrhizol, galanin, meditarostelbene, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisum, striatine and / or trifoliate tungia serrata). ;

[0397] 22. The inoculant composition of any of paragraphs 3-21, further comprising jasmonic acid and / or one or more derivatives thereof.

[0398] 23. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-22, further comprising linoleic acid and / or one or more derivatives thereof.

[0399] 24. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-23, further comprising linolenic acid and / or one or more derivatives thereof.

[0400] 25. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-24, further comprising one or more karijins, optionally one or more karijins represented by Formula LXXXIV.

[0401] 26. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-25, further comprising gluconolactone.

[0402] 27. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-26, further comprising one or more additional microorganisms.

[0403] 28. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, wherein the one or more other microorganisms comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more microorganisms that improve the availability of soil nutrients, optionally one or more nitrogen fixers and / or phosphate solubilizing microorganisms.

[0404] 29. The inoculum composition of paragraph 27, wherein the one or more additional microorganisms comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: Azospirillum 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 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 I-1562, Bacillus firmus I-1582, Bacillus licheniformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus licheniformis 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 MBI600, 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 SAN401I, 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, BRADY, Pseudomonas japonicus PS06, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Sinorhizobium freundii CCBAU114 and / or Sinorhizobium freundii USDA 205, and / or Yersinia entomophila O82KB8.

[0405] 30. The inoculum composition of paragraph 27, wherein the one or more additional microorganisms comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus intraradices RTI-801, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma acanthosporum SKT-1, Trichoderma acanthosporum ICC 012, Trichoderma acanthosporum LC52, Trichoderma acanthosporum CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma acrosporum JM41R, Trichoderma gemsii ICC 080, Trichoderma ungulate 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 reesei ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma viridae Gl-3, Trichoderma viridae GL-21, Trichoderma viridae G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, Trichoderma viridae TV1.

[0406] 31. The inoculant composition of paragraph 27, wherein the one or more other microorganisms comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more biopesticides, optionally one or more acaricidal, insecticidal and / or nematicidal microorganisms and one or more fungicidal microorganisms.

[0407] 32. The inoculum composition of any one of paragraphs 27-31, comprising: about 1 x 10 3 About 1x 10 12 colony forming units (cfu) of the one or more other microorganisms per gram and / or milliliter of the inoculum composition, optionally about / at least 1 x 10 3 , 1x 104 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x10 9 , 1x 10 10 , 1x 10 11 , or 1x 10 12 cfu of the one or more other microorganisms per gram and / or milliliter of the inoculum composition.

[0408] 33. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-32, wherein the composition is non-aqueous.

[0409] 34. The inoculant composition of any of paragraphs 3-32, wherein the inoculant composition comprises, consists essentially of, or is an aqueous solution.

[0410] 35. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-32, wherein the 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 on the total weight of the composition).

[0411] 36. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-35, wherein the composition is an amorphous liquid.

[0412] 37. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-35, wherein the composition is an amorphous solid.

[0413] 38. The inoculum composition of any of paragraphs 3-35, wherein the composition is a freeze-dried, spray-dried or spray-freeze-dried composition, optionally a freeze-dried, spray-dried or spray-freeze-dried powder.

[0414] 39. A plant or plant part to which the isolated strain according to paragraph 1 has been applied.

[0415] 40. A plant or plant part to which has been administered the biologically pure culture of paragraph 2.

[0416] 41. A plant or plant part to which has been applied the inoculant composition of any of paragraphs 3-38.

[0417] 42. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is a monocot.

[0418] 43. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is a dicot.

[0419] 44. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the family Fabaceae.

[0420] 45. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is non-leguminous.

[0421] 46. ​​The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the Amaranthaceae family, optionally chard, spinach, beet or quinoa.

[0422] 47. The plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Asteraceae family, optionally being artichoke, aster, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemum, dahlia, daisy, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigold, safflower, sunflower or zinnia.

[0423] 48. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the family Cruciferae, optionally being arugula, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, kale, radish, apetalum, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, turnip, wasabi, watercress or Arabidopsis.

[0424] 49. The plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, optionally cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew melon, musk melon, zucchini, pumpkin (e.g., acorn squash, winter squash, summer squash), watermelon, or zucchini.

[0425] 50. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the Leguminosae family, optionally alfalfa, bean, carob, clover, guar, lentil, mesquite, pea, peanut, soybean, tamarind, tragacanth or vetch.

[0426] 51. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Malvaceae family, optionally being cocoa, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola or okra.

[0427] 52. The plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the Poaceae family, optionally bamboo, barley, corn, crabgrass, turf grass (e.g., bahia grass, bermudagrass, bluegrass, buffalo grass, centipede grass, fescue, or zoysia grass), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugarcane, triticale, or wheat.

[0428] 53. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Polygonaceae family, optionally is buckwheat.

[0429] 54. The plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Rosaceae family, optionally being almond, apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, plum, citrus, raspberry, rose or strawberry.

[0430] 55. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part belongs to the Solanaceae family, optionally bell pepper, capsicum, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco or tomato.

[0431] 56. The plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-41, wherein the plant or plant part is of the family Vitaceae, optionally grapes.

[0432] 57. A plant part according to any one of paragraphs 41-56, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: plant propagation material, optionally a seed; and a coating covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the plant propagation material, the coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the inoculant composition according to any one of paragraphs 3-38.

[0433] 58. The plant part of paragraph 57, wherein the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an inner coating layer and an outer coating layer, wherein the inner coating layer comprises Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530, and the outer coating layer lacks (or substantially lacks) Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-675 Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530.

[0434] 59. The plant part according to any one of paragraphs 57-58, wherein the coating comprises about 1 x 10 1 About 1x10 15 1 x 10 colony forming units of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530, optionally 1 x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 or more colony forming units.

[0435] 60. A plant sprouted from the plant part of any of paragraphs 39-59.

[0436] 61. A plant part harvested from the plant of any of paragraphs 39-41 and 60.

[0437] 62. A processed product produced from the plant part of paragraph 61.

[0438] 63. A crop comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a plurality of plants according to any of paragraphs 39-56 and 61.

[0439] 64. A kit comprising: the plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-59; and a container containing the plant or plant part.

[0440] 65. The kit of paragraph 64, wherein when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient light reaching the 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%.

[0441] 66. A kit according to any one of paragraphs 64-65, wherein when sealed, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygen reaching the 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%.

[0442] 67. The kit of any of paragraphs 64-66, wherein the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having a light transmittance 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%.

[0443] 68. The kit of any of paragraphs 64-67, wherein the container comprises an oxygen permeability 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 cm 3 / m 2· Materials having a relative humidity of 100 % or less (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985) or less.

[0444] 69. The kit according to any of paragraphs 64-68, further comprising one or more oxygen absorbing compounds, optionally activated carbon, iron powder, sodium chloride, ferrous carbonate, one or more metal halide catalysts and / or sodium bicarbonate.

[0445] 70. 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 of paragraphs 3-38 to a plant or plant part, optionally a seed.

[0446] 71. The method of paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is applied to plant propagation material, optionally seeds, when the plant propagation material is planted in a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0447] 72. A method according to paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is applied to plant propagation material, optionally seeds, 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 before planting the plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0448] 73. The method of paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is applied 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 before the plant propagation material is planted in a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0449] 74. The method of paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is applied to plant propagation material, optionally 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, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or longer before the plant propagation material is planted in a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0450] 75. A method comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of introducing an isolated strain according to paragraph 1, a biologically pure culture according to paragraph 2, or an inoculum composition according to any of paragraphs 3-38 into a plant growth medium (optionally soil).

[0451] 76. A method according to paragraph 75, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculum composition is introduced into the 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 before planting plant propagation material (optionally seeds) in the plant growth medium.

[0452] 77. The method of paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculum composition is introduced into the 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 before planting plant propagation material (optionally seeds) in the plant growth medium.

[0453] 78. The method of paragraph 70, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculum composition is introduced into the 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 before planting plant propagation material (optionally seeds) in the plant growth medium.

[0454] 79. The method of paragraph 75, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is introduced into the plant growth medium when the plant propagation material (optionally seeds) is planted in the plant growth medium.

[0455] 80. The method of paragraph 75, wherein the isolated strain, biologically pure culture, inoculant composition is introduced into the plant growth medium after planting plant propagation material (optionally seeds) in the plant growth medium.

[0456] 81. A method comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of introducing the plant or plant part of any of paragraphs 39-60 into a plant growth medium (optionally soil).

[0457] 82. The method of paragraph 81, wherein the plant or plant part is introduced into soil in which a plant of the same genus as the plant or plant part has been grown in at least one of the three years prior to the introduction (optionally in each of the one, two or three years immediately prior to the introduction).

[0458] 83. The method according to any of paragraphs 75-82, further comprising introducing one or more phosphorus sources, preferably phosphate rock, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate and / or one or more phosphorus-containing fertilizers into the plant growth medium.

[0459] 84. A method of enhancing plant growth / yield comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of applying to a plant seed an isolated strain according to paragraph 1, a biologically pure culture according to paragraph 2, or an inoculant composition according to any one of paragraphs 3-38 in an amount / concentration effective for enhancing the growth and / or yield of one or more plants grown from the seed when the seed is planted in a plant growth medium (optionally soil).

[0460] 85. A method of enhancing nutrient absorption (optionally iron, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and / or sulfur absorption) in a plant comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of applying to a plant seed an isolated strain according to paragraph 1, a biologically pure culture according to paragraph 2, or an inoculant composition according to any of paragraphs 3-38 in an amount / concentration effective for enhancing the growth and / or yield of one or more plants grown from the seed when the seed is planted in a plant growth medium (optionally soil).

[0461] 86. Use of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating plants or plant parts.

[0462] 87. Use of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0463] 88. Use of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing plant growth and / or yield.

[0464] 89. Use of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing nutrient absorption, optionally iron, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and / or sulfur absorption, in a plant.

[0465] 90. Use of a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating plants or plant parts.

[0466] 91. Use of a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0467] 92. Use of a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing plant growth and / or yield.

[0468] 93. Use of a biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing nutrient uptake, optionally iron, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and / or sulfur uptake, in a plant.

[0469] 94. Use of a composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating plants or plant parts.

[0470] 95. Use of a composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for treating a plant growth medium, optionally soil.

[0471] 96. Use of a composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing plant growth and / or yield.

[0472] 97. Use of a composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67521, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67522, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67533, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67534, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67525, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67526, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67527, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67528, Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67529 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67530 for enhancing nutrient absorption (optionally iron, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and / or sulfur absorption) in a plant.

[0473] The following numbered paragraphs further describe specific embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0474] 1. An isolated Bacillus strain, deposited under the accession number NRRL B-67352 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352) or NRRL B-67357 (Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357).

[0475] 2. A biologically pure culture of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357.

[0476] 3. An inoculant composition comprising Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

[0477] 4. The inoculant composition of paragraph 2, wherein the agriculturally acceptable carrier comprises:

[0478] one or more monosaccharides, optionally arabinose, fructose and / or glucose;

[0479] one or more disaccharides, optionally maltose, sucrose and / or trehalose;

[0480] one or more maltodextrins, optionally one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (individually and / or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20);

[0481] one or more sugar alcohols, optionally arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and / or xylitol;

[0482] one or more humic acids...

Claims

1. A method comprising introducing Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 into a plant growth medium.

2. A method comprising applying Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 to a plant or a plant seed.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant or plant seed is a cereal.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant or plant seed is corn.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant or plant seed is wheat.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant or plant seed is soybean.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more maltodextrins.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more polyvinylpyrrolidones.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / administered as part of a composition comprising one or more polyethylene glycols.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising sucrose and / or sorbitol.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / administered as part of a composition comprising one or more nutrients.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more pesticides.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more acaricides, insecticides and / or nematicides.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more fungicides.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / administered as part of a composition comprising one or more lipid-chitooligosaccharides.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / administered as part of a composition comprising one or more chitooligosaccharides.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / administered as part of a composition comprising one or more flavonoids.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising one or more Penicillium phosphate soluble species.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied as part of a composition comprising at least 1 x 10 4 The composition may contain colony forming units of Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 per gram and / or milliliter of the composition.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67352 and / or Bacillus megaterium NRRL B-67357 is introduced / applied at a rate sufficient to enhance plant growth and / or yield.

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