Methods of affecting plant pests and pathogens

Abstract

Methods for reducing the impact of pests and / or pathogens on treated plants are disclosed, which in turn provide a number of beneficial agricultural, environmental, and economic results. The invention includes methods of treating plants with compositions comprising microorganisms that affect pests and / or pathogens.

Description

[0001] Reference to priority claims

[0002] This patent application claims the following benefits: PCT application No. PCT / US24 / 31017, filed May 24, 2024; which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 606,485, filed December 5, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 561,055, filed March 4, 2024; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 606,003, filed December 4, 2023; and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 606,003, filed January 23, 2024. U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 624,133; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 651,168, filed May 23, 2024; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 694,457, filed September 13, 2024; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 716,491, filed November 5, 2024; and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 716,398, filed November 5, 2024, the contents of which are hereby specially incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Sequence list declaration

[0004] This patent application contains a sequence list that has been electronically filed in XML file format, and the entire contents of that sequence list are hereby incorporated by reference. The XML file, created on May 16, 2024, is named P14472WO00.xml and is 251,036 bytes in size. Background Technology

[0005] Plants have evolved a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves from attacks by a wide range of organisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and insects. These mechanisms include structural barriers, the production of chemicals toxic to invasive organisms, the production of chemicals that attract natural enemies of target pests or pathogens, and hypersensitive responses characterized by rapid cell death at the site of infection. Despite these natural protective mechanisms, crop losses each year due to plant pathogens and pest damage still incur a significant cost to the global economy. New approaches are needed to reduce the impact of pest and pathogen attacks on plants. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention particularly provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by whiteflies, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the Solanaceae family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is tomato (Solanum).

[0007] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating whitefly damage in plants, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of whitefly larvae and / or adult whiteflies to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce whitefly damage in the treated plants.

[0008] A method is also provided in which whitefly damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of whitefly larvae and / or adults. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are tomato plants.

[0009] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of mite damage to plants and / or plant parts, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is strawberry (Fragariae).

[0010] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating mite damage in plants, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with an agricultural composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of mites to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce mite damage in the treated plants.

[0011] A method is also provided in which mite damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of mites. This method is also provided in which the treated plants are strawberry plants.

[0012] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by soil bugs, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the legume family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is peanut (genus *Arachis*).

[0013] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage from soil bugs in plants, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of soil bugs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce soil bug damage in the treated plants.

[0014] A method is also provided in which soil bug damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of soil bugs. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is a peanut plant.

[0015] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of aphid damage to plants and / or plant parts, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; pepper; soybean; and tomato.

[0016] This invention also provides methods for mitigating aphid damage to plants, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of aphids to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce aphid damage in the treated plants.

[0017] A method is also provided in which aphid damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of aphids. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: cotton; pepper; soybean; and tomato.

[0018] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by cucumber beetles, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is a melon.

[0019] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by cucumber beetles, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of cucumber beetles to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce cucumber beetle damage in the treated plants.

[0020] A method is also provided in which cucumber beetle damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of cucumber beetles. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is melon.

[0021] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by fall armyworm, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; soybean; and rice.

[0022] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by fall armyworms, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of fall armyworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce fall armyworm damage in the treated plants.

[0023] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in fall armyworm damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of fall armyworms. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: cotton; soybean; and rice.

[0024] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by flea beetles, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of: brassica; and tomato.

[0025] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by flea beetles, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of flea beetles to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce flea beetle damage in the treated plants.

[0026] A method is also provided in which flea beetle damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of flea beetles. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: brassica; and tomato.

[0027] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by lepidopteran insects, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: corn; pepper; and beans.

[0028] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by lepidopteran insects, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of lepidopteran insects to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from lepidopteran insects in the treated plant.

[0029] A method is also provided in which lepidopteran insect damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of lepidopteran insects. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: corn; pepper; and beans.

[0030] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by the Mexican bean beetle, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is a bean.

[0031] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by the Mexican bean beetle, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the Mexican bean beetle to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from Mexican bean beetles in the treated plants.

[0032] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in Mexican bean beetle damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the Mexican bean beetle. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is a common bean.

[0033] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of nematode damage to plants and / or plant parts, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; peanut; and tomato.

[0034] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating nematode damage to plants, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) To produce treated plants by growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of nematodes; and c) Reduce nematode damage in the treated plants.

[0035] A method is also provided in which nematode damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of nematodes. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: cotton; peanut; and tomato. A method is also provided in this paper in which the nematode is a root-knot nematode.

[0036] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by insects and / or nematodes, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising one or more strains of NLS0042 and those listed in Tables 1A and / or 1B. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from Tables 8A to 8AAL.

[0037] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by insects and / or nematodes, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042 and one or more strains from Table 1A and / or Table 1B; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of insects and / or nematodes to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce insect and / or nematode damage in the treated plant.

[0038] A method is also provided in which insect and / or nematode damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of insects and / or nematodes. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are those listed in Tables 8A to 8AAL.

[0039] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by potato leafhoppers, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is a potato.

[0040] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by potato leafhoppers, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the potato leafhopper to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce potato leafhopper damage in the treated plants.

[0041] A method is also provided in which potato leafhopper damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of potato leafhoppers. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is a potato.

[0042] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by the southern maize rootworm, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is a peanut.

[0043] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by southern maize rootworms, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the southern maize rootworm to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from southern maize rootworms in the treated plants.

[0044] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in southern maize root-worm damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the southern maize root-worm. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is peanut.

[0045] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by soybean cutworm, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is soybean.

[0046] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by the southern soybean borer, these methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the soybean cutworm to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce soybean cutworm damage in the treated plants.

[0047] A method is also provided in which soybean cutworm damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of soybean cutworm. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is soybean.

[0048] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by squash bugs, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of: melon; and zucchini.

[0049] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by squash bugs, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of squashworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce squashworm damage in the treated plants.

[0050] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in squash bug damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of squash bugs. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: melons; and zucchini.

[0051] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by stink bugs, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of: corn; soybean; and tomato.

[0052] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating the damage to plants caused by stink bugs, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of stink bugs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce stink bug damage in the treated plants.

[0053] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in stink bug damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of stink bugs. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: corn; soybeans; and tomatoes.

[0054] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by thrips, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: peanuts; and pepper.

[0055] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by thrips, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of thrips to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce thrips damage in the treated plants.

[0056] A method is also provided in which thrips damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of thrips. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: peanuts; and pepper.

[0057] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by the tobacco hawk moth, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is a tomato.

[0058] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by the tobacco hawk moth, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the tobacco hawk moth to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce tobacco hawk moth damage in the treated plants.

[0059] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in tobacco hawk moth damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the tobacco hawk moth. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is tomato.

[0060] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by water weevils, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is rice.

[0061] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating the damage to plants caused by water weevils, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of water weevils to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce water weevil damage in the treated plants.

[0062] A method is also provided in which water weevil damage is reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of water weevils. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is rice.

[0063] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by western flower thrips, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. Methods are also provided wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; and tomato.

[0064] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by western flower thrips, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of western flower thrips to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the presence of western flower thrips in the treated plant.

[0065] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in western flower thrips damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of western flower thrips. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are selected from the group consisting of: cotton; and tomato.

[0066] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by white grubs, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is corn.

[0067] This invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by white grubs, including: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of white grubs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the presence of white grubs in the treated plants.

[0068] A method is also provided in which treated plants show greater reduction in white grub damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of white grubs. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is corn.

[0069] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by wireworms, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042. A method is also provided wherein the plant or plant part is corn.

[0070] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by wireworms, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of wireworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce wireworm in the treated plant.

[0071] A method is also provided in which treated plants show a greater reduction in wireworm infestation compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of wireworms. A method is also provided in which the treated plant is corn.

[0072] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by *Botrytis*, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition containing NLS0089. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae or Solanaceae family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is strawberry (*Fragaria*) or tomato (*Solanum*).

[0073] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage from Botrytis cinerea, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of *Botrytis* to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the incidence and / or rate of Botrytis cinerea damage in the treated plants.

[0074] A method is also provided in which treated plants exhibit reduced Botrytis cinerea damage and / or incidence compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of Botrytis cinerea. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are strawberry or tomato plants.

[0075] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of bacterial damage to plants and / or plant parts, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0089. A method is also provided wherein the bacteria are Erwinia amyloliquefaciens (…). Erwinia amylovoraIt also provides methods where the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family. It also provides methods where the plant or plant part is apple (Malus genus).

[0076] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating Erwinia amyloliquefaciens damage and / or incidence, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of bacteria to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce Erwinia amyloliquefaciens damage and / or incidence in the treated plants.

[0077] A method is also provided in which the bacteria are Erwinia amyloliquefaciens. A method is also provided in which the bacterial disease damage and / or incidence is reduced in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the bacteria. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are strawberry plants.

[0078] This invention provides a method for reducing the number of species in the genus Lepidodendron (Rhizoctonia). Thielaviopsis Methods for mitigating the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts (spp.), including contacting the plant or plant part with a composition containing NLS0089. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the Solanaceae family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is tomato (Solanum).

[0079] The present invention also provides methods for reducing pathogen damage and / or incidence in *Rhizoctonia* species, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of *Rhizoctonia* species to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the damage and / or incidence of *Leuconostoc* species in the treated plants.

[0080] A method is also provided in which treated plants exhibit a greater reduction in *Leuconostoc* species damage and / or incidence compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of *Leuconostoc* species. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are tomato plants.

[0081] The present invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by oomycetes, methods comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0089. Methods are also provided in which the oomycete is a species of the genus *Pythium*. Methods are also provided in which the plant or plant part is a member of the Cucurbitaceae or Asteraceae families. Methods are also provided in which the plant or plant part is cucumber (*Cucumis*) or lettuce (*Lactuca*).

[0082] The present invention also provides methods for reducing oomycete damage and / or incidence, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of oomycetes to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce oomycete damage and / or incidence in the treated plants.

[0083] A method is also provided in which the oomycetes are species of the genus *Pythium*. A method is also provided in which the *Pythium* species are reduced more significantly in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of *Pythium* species. A method is also provided in which the treated plants are gourd plants or lettuce plants.

[0084] The present invention also provides methods for mitigating damage to plants caused by *Neoproterozoa*, the methods comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of *Neoproterozoa* to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from *Neoproterozoa* in the treated plants.

[0085] Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family. Methods are also provided where the plant or plant part is strawberry (Fragariae). Methods are also provided where the amount of Neosporae is reduced more in treated plants compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of Neosporae.

[0086] The present invention also provides compositions comprising Methylobacteria genus selected from the group consisting of: NLS0034; NLS0039; NLS0043; NLS0049; NLS0088; NLS0245; NLS0264; NLS0272; NLS0374; NLS0718; NLS1284; NLS1319; NLS4024; NLS4958; NLS7730; NLS7858; NLS7859; NLS7860; NLS7861; NLS7862; NLS7863; NLS7864; NLS7865; NLS7866; NLS7867; NLS7868; NLS7869; NLS7870; NLS7871; and NLS7872. Compositions are also provided that further comprise at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of: additional active ingredients; agriculturally acceptable adjuvants; and agriculturally acceptable excipients. Compositions are also provided that further comprise one or more additional *Methylobacterium* species. Compositions are also provided where the one or more *Methylobacterium* species are selected from the *Methylobacterium* species in Table 1A. Compositions are also provided that further comprise one or more methanogenic bacteria. Compositions are also provided where the one or more methanogenic bacteria are selected from the methanogenic bacteria in Table 1B.

[0087] The present invention also provides plants, plant parts, and seeds that are at least partially coated with the compositions described herein. Such plants, plant parts, and seeds are also provided herein, selected from the group consisting of: row crops; specialty crops; and rice. Such plants, plant parts, and seeds are also provided herein, selected from the plants in Tables 4, 8A to 8AAL, and 9.

[0088] The present invention also provides isolated microorganisms selected from the group consisting of: NLS0034; NLS0039; NLS0043; NLS0049; NLS0088; NLS0245; NLS0264; NLS0272; NLS0374; NLS0718; NLS1284; NLS1319; NLS4024; NLS4958; NLS7730; NLS7858; NLS7859; NLS7860; NLS7861; NLS7862; NLS7863; NLS7864; NLS7865; NLS7866; NLS7867; NLS7868; NLS7869; NLS7870; NLS7871; and NLS7872.

[0089] The present invention also provides methods for improving plant growth indicators, the methods comprising: a) Introducing the compositions described herein into plants, plant parts, or seeds; and b) Allow the plant, plant parts or seeds to grow under conditions sufficient to improve growth indicators.

[0090] A method is also provided in which growth indicators are selected from the following groups: plant size; number of tillers; root length; and plant height. A method is also provided in which plants, plant parts, or seeds are selected from the following groups: alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrots; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumbers; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; peppers; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; pumpkins; sugar beets; sunflowers; sweet potatoes; tobacco; tomatoes; turfgrass; and wheat.

[0091] The present invention also provides methods for improving plant yield indicators, the methods comprising: a) Introducing the compositions described herein into plants, plant parts, or seeds; and b) Allow the plant, plant parts or seeds to grow under conditions sufficient to improve yield indicators.

[0092] Methods are also provided in which improved yield indicators are selected from the following groups: number of ears; ear weight; and aboveground biomass. Methods are also provided in which plants, plant parts, or seeds are selected from the following groups: alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrots; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumbers; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; peppers; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; pumpkins; sugar beets; sunflowers; sweet potatoes; tobacco; tomatoes; turfgrass; and wheat.

[0093] Additional embodiments, definitions, descriptions, and scope of the invention are provided in the accompanying drawings, detailed descriptions (definitions, descriptions, examples), abstract, and background. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Figure 1 The results of the feeding selection assay when choosing between NLS0042-treated and untreated maize roots. The vast majority of larvae chose the untreated roots over the NLS0042-treated roots. Circles indicate the percentage of larvae making a given choice in each of the 12 replicates of this experiment.

[0095] Figure 2 The results of a feeding selection assay were obtained when a choice was made between two maize roots treated with NLS0042. In this case, most larvae did not make a choice and remained in the intermediate petri dish where they were initially located. The circles indicate the percentage of larvae that made a given choice in each of the 12 replicates of this experiment.

[0096] Figure 3 The results of the feeding selection assay when a choice was made between two untreated maize roots. The circles indicate the percentage of larvae that made a given choice in each of the 12 replicates of the experiment.

[0097] Figure 4 Tomato: Results of Whitefly Greenhouse Measurements: NLS0042 was applied as a seedling root drenching. Whitefly counts were assessed over 28 days. Shaded areas: 95% confidence intervals. Letters indicate statistically significant differences between treatments at a given time point; Student's t-test, p < 0.05. Detailed Implementation

[0098] definition

[0099] And / or, as used herein, the term “and / or” means that each specified feature or component is contained individually or in any combination with the others. For example, “A and / or B” covers “A and B”, “A or B”, “A” (alone) and “B” (alone). Similarly, “A, B and / or C” covers all possible configurations of A, B and C, including any combination of these elements or any one of them individually.

[0100] Excipients. Excipients that enhance the use of the compositions or methods of the present invention may be included as a feature of the present invention.

[0101] Growth. Ultimately, this invention benefits the public by improving the KPIs of growing and useful plants. In this context, growth can be any stage of the cycle: seed selection, seed preservation, seed treatment, seed germination, plant gene expression, plant cell differentiation, vegetative growth, root growth, flowering, fruiting, fruit set, and ripening.

[0102] Agricultural composition. A microbial formulation comprising one or more biological components and one or more abiotic components, such as one or more agriculturally acceptable adjuvants and / or one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.

[0103] Biological agents. As used herein, the term "biological agent" refers to a component of a composition for treating plants or plant parts that is composed of or derived from microorganisms.

[0104] Include. As used herein, the terms “include, include, and including” should be interpreted as having at least the features they refer to or covering the items they refer to, but do not exclude any additional unspecified features or items.

[0105] The genus *Methylobacterium* (METHYLOBACTERIUM / METHYLOBACTERIA). As used herein, the term "Methylobacterium" refers to the genera and species within the family Methylobacteraceae, including bacterial species within the genus *Methylobacterium* and the proposed genus *Methylobacterium* (Green and Ardley (2018)). The genus *Methylobacterium* includes pink-pigmented facultative methyltrophic bacteria (PPFM) and also encompasses non-pink-pigmented *Methylobacter nodosa*, as well as colorless mutants of *Methylobacterium* isolates.

[0106] Methanogenic bacteria: As used in this article, the term "methanogenic bacteria" refers to a group of microorganisms that utilize methane as their primary carbon and energy source.

[0107] Strains. As used herein, the term “strain” should include all isolates of such strains.

[0108] Treatment. As used herein, “treatment” means any application of an agricultural composition to soil, plants, plant parts or seeds.

[0109] Where the term is provided in the singular form, other embodiments described by the plural form of the term are also provided.

[0110] If any of the foregoing definitions are inconsistent with those provided in any patent or non-patent reference incorporated herein by reference, any patent or non-patent reference cited herein, or any patent or non-patent reference found elsewhere, it shall be understood that the foregoing definitions shall be used herein.

[0111] describe

[0112] KPIs. This invention delivers positive results by increasing the following significant positive key performance indicators (KPIs) in agriculture: bee health protection, beneficial insect biodiversity, brand value, carbon sequestration, consumer demand, consumer health, consumer awareness, cost-effectiveness, crop loss reduction, crop quality, export compliance, farmer education and training, farmer income, food safety, food security, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, integrated pest management adoption rate, labor productivity, market access, compliance with crop residue monitoring, nutrient use efficiency, pest control efficiency, pest threshold, pollinator health protection, precision agriculture adoption, product differentiation, regulatory compliance, resistance management, safety awareness, shelf life, soil biodiversity, soil health, soil organic matter, sustainability certification labels, sustainability reporting and transparency, water use efficiency, worker health and safety, and yield.

[0113] In this context, “increase” has the meaning typically understood in the art and is optionally described as: accelerating, advancing, amplifying, supplementing, boosting, elevating, enhancing, expanding, cultivating, consolidating, increasing, improving, maximizing, promoting, raising, amplifying, stimulating, strengthening, surging, and elevating.

[0114] This invention delivers positive results by reducing the following significant negative key performance indicators (KPIs) in agriculture: cost per acre / hectare, deforestation, ecosystem destruction, energy consumption, environmental impact, environmental toxicity index, food waste, mechanical greenhouse gas emissions, over-reliance on fertilizers, pesticide drift, pesticide residues, pesticide resistance development, regulatory risks, soil degradation, soil erosion, time to market, water contamination, water pollution, and water waste.

[0115] In this context, “reduce” has the meaning typically understood in the art and is optionally described as: weaken, alleviate, attenuate, limit, shrink, cut, trim, reduce, decrease, diminish, ease, mitigate, lower, minimize, slow down, reduce, suppress, decrease, and trim.

[0116] In some cases, “increase” or “decrease” may be described as: adapting, regulating, influencing, altering, changing, fluctuating, impacting, influencing, modifying, reorganizing, correcting, shaping, transferring, transforming, and changing.

[0117] Methods for measuring agricultural KPIs include comparing current performance with historical data from previous seasons, making direct comparisons using control groups or planting areas, and benchmarking against industry standards or regional averages using databases such as FAOSTAT, USDA NASS, and EUROSTAT. Real-time monitoring using precision agriculture tools such as FieldView®, AgSense®, and John Deere OperationsCenter® provides immediate insights, while surveys and farmer feedback provide qualitative data. Manual field inspections remain a practical method for on-the-ground data collection, while environmental impact assessments using tools such as the GHG program, SAFA, and LEAP track sustainability indicators. Global and local agricultural information systems, including FAOSTAT, AgMIP, and IFA, provide comprehensive data for larger-scale comparisons. Satellite and remote sensing data acquired through platforms such as Sentinel Centers and NASA Earth Observation Systems help monitor crop health, while weather data and climate models from sources such as NOAA and WMO aid in forecasting and planning. Supply chain and market data (from databases such as AMIS and USDA ERS) track economic KPIs, while mobile platforms such as FarmLogs®, Climate FieldView®, and CropX can be used to record field data in real time.

[0118] The genus *Methylobacterium*. For example, but not limited to, "Methylobacterium" refers to the species listed below, as well as any new *Methylobacterium* species that, based on phylogenetic analysis, can be characterized as either *Methylobacterium* or *Methylerythrobacter*, but have not yet been reported or described: Methylobacterium adhaesivum; Methylobacterium mimosivum Methylobacterium oryzae; Methylobacterium aerolatum; Methyl oxalate Methylobacterium oxalidis; Methylobacterium aquaticum; Peach-red beetle Methylobacterium persicinum; Methylobacterium arm-shaped *Bacillus brachiatum*; *Methylobacterium phyllosphaerae*; *Methylobacterium short-stalkedii* Methylobacterium brachythecii; Methylobacterium bacillus Phyllostachyos); Methylobacterium bullatum; Methylobacterium sylvestris Methylobacterium platani; Methylobacterium cerastii; Methylobacterium pseudobamboo Methylobacterium pseudosasicola; Methylobacterium currus; resistant Methylobacterium radiotolerans; Methylobacterium dankookense); Methylobacterium soli; Methylobacterium refluxum frigidaeris); Methylobacterium specialis; Methylobacterium luteum Methylobacterium fujisawaense; Methylobacterium tardum; Gnaphalium affine Methylobacterium gnaphalii; Methylobacterium tahani tarhaniae); Methylobacterium goesingense; Methylobacterium thuringiensis (Methylobacterium thuringiense); Methylobacterium gossipiicola; Methylobacterium trifolii; Methylobacterium commensalis gregans); Methylobacterium variabile; Methylobacterium monobranchii (Methylobacterium haplocladii); Aminomethylbacterium ( Methylobacterium aminovorans (Bacillus methamidophos) Methylorubrum aminovorans )); Methylobacterium Spanishum hispanicum); Methylobacterium extorquens (Methylobacterium extorquens) Methylorubrum extorquens; Methylobacterium indicum; Methylobacterium pedatus Methylobacterium podarium (Methylorubrum podarium); inert beetle Methylobacterium iners; Methylobacterium populi (poplar methyl) Rhodotoribrum populi; Methylobacterium isbiliense; Methylobacterium pseudosasae (Methylorubrum) pseudosasae); Methylobacterium jeotgali; Methylobacterium rhodesianum (Methylobacterium rhodesianum) (Methylorubrum) rhodesianum); Methylobacterium komagatae; Rhodesianum methylobacterium (Methylobacterium rhodinum) (Methylorubrum rhodinum); long methyl Methylobacterium longum; Methylobacterium salsuginis (salt brine) Methylorubrum salsuginis; Methylobacterium marchantiae); Methylobacterium suomiense (Methylobacterium suomiense) Methylorubrum suomiense; Methylobacterium mesophilicum; thiocyanate Methylobacterium thiocyanatum (Methylorubrum) thiocyanatum); Methylobacterium nodulans; Methylobacterium zartmannii (Methylobacterium zatmanii) Or organic methylbacterium ( Methylobacterium organophilum ) 。

[0119] Mineral nutrients. As used herein, “mineral nutrients” (sometimes simply “nutrients”) are micronutrients or macronutrients that are required or useful for plants or plant parts, including, for example but not limited to, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S), as well as micronutrients chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), boron (B), manganese (Mn), zinc (Z), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni).

[0120] Plants, plant parts, or seeds. In the context of this invention, this includes any plant, plant part, or seed. For example, it includes buds, bulbs, cones, flowers (petals, pistils / stigmas / styles / ovaries, sepals, stamens / anthers / filaments), fruits (aggregate fruits, dried fruits, fleshy fruits, compound fruits), leaves (compound leaves, needle leaves, simple leaves, spiny leaves, succulent leaves), roots (adventitious roots, fibrous roots, root hairs, taproots), seeds (cotyledons, embryos, endosperm, seed coats), spores, and stems (corms, herbaceous stems, rhizomes, branches, stolons / runners, tubers, woody stems).

[0121] Vitamins. As used herein, “vitamin” refers to small amounts of organic compounds required for normal growth and metabolism. Vitamins are important for the growth of humans and / or animals, and some vitamins have been reported to be beneficial to plants. Vitamins include, but are not limited to, vitamin A (including, but not limited to, all-trans retinol and all-trans retinyl esters, as well as all-trans beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferol), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (quinones).

[0122] In some embodiments, plants are treated with one or more preserved bacterial strains disclosed in Table 1A and / or Table 1B.

[0123] [Intentionally left blank]

[0124] Table 1A. Methyltrophic bacteria

[0125] Table 1B. Methanogenic bacteria

[0126] Preservation statement.

[0127] The NRRL numbers mentioned in this article are the preservation identification numbers for the strains. These strains are deposited at the National Agricultural Utilization Research Center (NRRL) of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois, 61604, in accordance with the terms of the Budapest Treaty, which recognizes the internationally recognized preservation of microorganisms for patent proceedings. According to the provisions of this patent application, once any patent in this patent application is granted, all restrictions imposed by the depositor on public access to the deposited material will be irrevocably lifted.

[0128] The microorganisms deposited in the NRRL are derived from collections maintained by Newleaf Symbiotics, Inc. (1005 North Watson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63132) before and after the filing date of this application. During the pending period of this application, only the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office and persons deemed by the Director to be entitled to access these collections upon request may access them. Upon issuance of the claims, the applicant will make the NRRL collections available to the public in accordance with 37 CFR 1.808. These collections will remain in a depository (i.e., a public depository) for 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the duration of the patent protection period (whichever is longer), and will be replaced if they become unavailable during this period. Furthermore, the applicant has satisfied… All requirements must be met, including providing an indication of sample viability. The applicant has no right to waive any legal restrictions on the transfer or commercial transport of biological materials.

[0129] The aforementioned deposits have been disclosed and / or claimed in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,757,946, 10,212,939, 10,945,441, 10,980,240, 10,993,443, 10,111,438, 10,945,440, 10,368,547, 11,147,276, 10,905,127, 11,278,029, 11,284,622, 10,098,353, 10,716,307, 10,448,645, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20,22005,3768, 20,220015,370, 20,2203,04310, and 20,2303,09564, or U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 247,934, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0130] Example

[0131] Additional components of the composition / method.

[0132] In some embodiments provided herein, the plant, plant seeds, and / or plant parts comprise a methyltrophic bacteria strain and at least one additional component (e.g., an additional component as described in this section) and / or are treated with both. In some embodiments, the additional component may be an additional active ingredient, such as a pest control agent or a second biological agent. In some embodiments, the pest control agent may be an insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, nematicide, or other biocides. The second biological agent may be a strain that increases yield or controls insects, pests, fungi, weeds, or nematodes. In some embodiments, the second biological agent is an additional methanogenic bacteria strain. In some embodiments, the second biological agent is a methanogenic bacteria strain. In some embodiments, the additional strains in the methods and compositions provided herein are selected from the methyltrophic bacteria listed in Table 1A and / or the methanogenic bacteria in Table 1B.

[0133] Insecticidal and nematicidal agents. Non-limiting examples of insecticides and nematicidal agents include carbamates, diamides, macrolides, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethroids, spinosads, synthetic pyrethroids, tetraketo acids, and traamic acid derivatives. In specific embodiments, the insecticides and nematicides include abamectin, aldicarb, aldicarb sulfonate, bifenthrin, carbofuran, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, dinotefuran, emamectin benzoate, acetamiprid, bensulfuron-methyl, fipronil, flubendiamide, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, ivermectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, mibamectin, acetamiprid, permethrin, thiamethoxam, spinosad, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spirotetramat, fenfluroxyfen, thiamethoxam, and thiamethoxam.

[0134] Fungicides. Non-limiting examples of useful fungicides include aromatic hydrocarbons, benzimidazoles, benzothiadiazoles, carboxamides, carboxylic amides, morpholines, benzamides, phosphonates, quinone inhibitors (e.g., methoxyacrylates), thiazolidinyl ethers, thiophanate-methyl, thiophene carboxamides, and triazoles. Specific examples of fungicides include: aramid-type benzyl-S-methyl, azoxystrobin, benzalkonium chloride, bifenthiophanate-methyl, cyazofamid, carbendazim, cyproconazole, dimethomorph, flutriafol, fluopyram, flupyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, fluoxastrobin, fluoxastrobin, aluminum tris(ethyl phosphonate), styrazocarb, isopyrazam, azoxystrobin, metalaxyl, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, cyproconazole, oxadiazon, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin, cyazofamid, propiconazole, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, silthiamethoxam, tebuconazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, methyl thiophanate, azoxystrobin, and tebuconazole. Other non-limiting examples of biocides include isothiazolinones, such as 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one (BIT), 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CIT), 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), and butylbenzisothiazolinone (BBIT); 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Brobol), 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox), tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitropropamide (DBNPA), and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

[0135] Herbicides. Non-limiting examples of herbicides include ACC enzyme inhibitors, acetanilides, AHAS inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, EPSPS inhibitors, glutamine synthase inhibitors, PPO inhibitors, PS II inhibitors, and synthetic auxins. Specific examples of herbicides include acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, propyzoxystrobin, flumetsulam, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, quizalofop-P-ethyl, sulfadiazine, sulfadiazine, and 2,4-D.

[0136] Active ingredient. In some embodiments, the compositions or methods disclosed herein may comprise methanogenic strains and additional active ingredients selected from the group consisting of: thiamethoxam, tebuconazole, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, cymoxanil, thiamethoxam, azoxystrobin, thiamethoxam, fluopyram, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, and fluoxastrobin.

[0137] Additional biological agents.

[0138] The second biological agent may be a biocontrol agent, other beneficial microorganisms, microbial extracts, plant extracts, yeast extracts, plant chitosan, natural products, plant growth activators, or plant defense agents. Non-limiting examples of the second biological agent may include bacteria, fungi, beneficial nematodes, and viruses. In some embodiments, the second biological agent may be methyltrophic bacteria and / or methantrophic bacteria. In some embodiments, the second biological agent is a strain listed in Table 1A and / or Table 1B.

[0139] In other embodiments, the second biological agent may include, but is not limited to, various species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Scutellaria, Pantotheca, Streptomyces, and Trichoderma. The microbial biocide may be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa. Particularly useful biocide microorganisms include various strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, and Streptomyces lidi. Other added microorganisms may be genetically engineered microorganisms or wild-type isolates obtainable as pure cultures. In some embodiments, the second biological agent is expected to be provided in the composition in the form of spores. In other embodiments, the second biological agent may be a biostimulant, including but not limited to seaweed extracts or humates, plant growth activators, or plant defense agents, including but not limited to harpin and Polygonum cuspidatum (Sakhalin). Reynoutria sachalinensis ) 、 Jasmonic acid esters, lipochooligosaccharides, and isoflavones.

[0140] Methyltrophic bacteria. In some embodiments, the second biological agent may be selected from the genus Methylbacteria: social Methylbacteria, radiation-resistant Methylbacteria, Tortoise Methylbacteria, poplar Methylbacteria, saltwater Methylbacteria, arm-shaped Methylbacteria, and small square Methylbacteria.

[0141] Methanogenic bacteria. In some embodiments, the second biological agent may be a selection of methanogenic bacteria from the genus *Methylobacterium* (…). Methyloacidimicrobium ), Methylacidophilus ( Methyloacidiplilum ), Methylobacterium ( Methylobacter ), Methylmycium ( Methylocaldum ), genus Methylcapella ( Methylocapsa ), Methyl bacteria ( Methylocella Methylcoccus ( Methylococcus ), Methylcystis ( Methylocystis ), genus Corynebacterium ( Methyloferula ), genus *Methylgae* ( Methylogaea ), Methylcoccus ( Methyloglobus ), Methylhalophilic bacteria ( Methylohalobius ), Methyl giant bacterium ( Methylomagnum ), Methyl marine bacteria ( Methylomarinum ), Methylmicrobes ( Methylomicrobium Methylmonas spp. Methylomonas ), Paracoccus spp. Methyloparacoccus ), Methylphagocytosus ( Methyloperedens ), Methyl deep-sea bacteria ( Methyloprofundus Methylocytosporum, Methylcampylobacter, Methylsodium ( Methylosoma Methylcoccus ( ) Methylosphaera ), Methylthermotrophicus ( Methylothermus ) and Methyloomycetes ( Methylovulum In some embodiments, the methanogenic bacteria provided herein are selected from *Trichoderma* (…). M. hirsuta ), Rosaceae Methylcystis ( M. rosea ) and Micromethylcystis ( M. parvus Species of the genus *Methylcaryophyte*. In some embodiments, the methanogenic bacteria provided herein are selected from *Methylcaryophyte* (…). M. trichosporium ) and Sporocystis methylcampylobacter ( M. sporium Species of the genus *Methylcampylum*. In some embodiments, the methanogenic bacteria described herein are *Lake Methylmicrobacteria* (…). Methylomicrobium lacus ) or fibrinolyticus ( Methylosarcina fibrate ) strain.

[0142] Bacteria. In some embodiments, the second biological agent may be bacteria belonging to the following genera: Actinomycetes, Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Alcaligenes, Aureobacterium, Azotobacter, Azotobacter, Azotobacterium rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Bacillus brevis, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Trichomonas, Corynebacterium, Brachybacterium, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus, and Spirulina. The genera include *Bacillus*, *Hydrophlebsiella*, *Klebsiella*, *Xanthomonas*, *Bacillus lysine*, *Methylobacterium*, *Microbacterium*, *Ailuropoda*, *Bacillus spp.*, *Bacillus* species, *Panthera*, *Pasteurella*, *Sphingosporobacter*, *Luminobacterium*, *Leucobacterium*, *Pseudomonas*, *Rhizobium*, *Rhizobium*, *Serratia*, *Rhizobium sinense*, *Sphingosporobacter*, *Streptomyces*, *Oligotrophomonas*, *Gnaphalium*, *Xanthomonas*, and *Pathogenic Bacillus*. In specific embodiments, the bacteria are selected from the group consisting of: *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, *Bacillus cereus*, *Bacillus sturdier*, *Bacillus licheniformis*, *Bacillus pumilus*, *Bacillus spheroidosa*, *Bacillus subtilis*, *Bacillus thuringiensis*, *Chlorobacterium sutzuna*, *Pasteurella scutellariae*, *Pasteurella eurygica*, and *Pseudomonas fluorescens*.

[0143] Fungi. In some embodiments, the second biological agent may be fungi belonging to the following genera: *Cladosporium*, *Alternaria*, *Pseudomonas*, *Aspergillus*, *Briefomus*, *Beauveria bassiana*, *Staphylococcus*, *Cladosporium*, *Cyclospora*, *Anthracis*, *Scutellaria*, *Umbilium*, *Plasmodium*, *Fusarium*, *Macrocystis*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Metarhizium*, *Mucor*, *Hydrocotyle*, *Pseudomonas*, *Penicillium*, *Pseudomonas ...Trichoderma*, *Volvariella*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Verticillium*. In specific embodiments, the fungi are *Beauveria bassiana*, *Scutellaria*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas* li

[0144] Biostimulants. In another embodiment, the second biological agent may be a biostimulant, including but not limited to seaweed extracts or humates, plant growth activators or plant defense agents, including but not limited to harpin, Polygonum cuspidatum (Sakhalin), etc. Reynoutria sachalinensis ) 、 Jasmonic acid esters, lipochooligosaccharides, and isoflavones.

[0145] Biological pest control agents. In other embodiments, the second biological agent may include, but is not limited to, various species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Scutellaria, Pantotheca, Streptomyces, and Trichoderma. Microbial biological pest control agents may be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa. Particularly useful biological pest control microorganisms include various strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, and Streptomyces lidi. Other added microorganisms may be genetically engineered microorganisms or wild-type isolates obtainable as pure cultures. In some embodiments, it is anticipated that the second biological agent may be provided in the composition in the form of spores.

[0146] Lubricants. In some embodiments of treating plant seeds with the compositions provided herein, the compositions further comprise one or more lubricants to ensure smooth flow and separation (single-seed) of the seeds in a seeding apparatus (e.g., a seed box). Lubricants used in such compositions include talc, graphite, polyethylene wax-based powders (such as FluencyAgent), protein powders (e.g., soybean protein powder), or combinations of protein powders with lipids (e.g., lecithin or vegetable oils). The lubricant may be applied to the seeds simultaneously with methanogenic bacteria, or it may be mixed with the methanogenic bacteria prior to applying the composition to the seeds.

[0147] Excipients. Agriculturally acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, wood flour, clay, activated carbon, diatomaceous earth, fine-particle inorganic solids, calcium carbonate, etc. Clays and inorganic solids that can be used together include, but are not limited to, calcium-based bentonite, kaolin, porcelain clay, talc, perlite, mica, vermiculite, silica, quartz powder, montmorillonite, and mixtures thereof. Agriculturally acceptable excipients also include various lubricants such as talc, graphite, polyethylene wax-based powders (e.g., Fluency Agent), protein powders (e.g., soybean protein powder), or combinations of protein powders with lipids (e.g., lecithin or vegetable oils).

[0148] Adjuvants. Preferably, agriculturally acceptable adjuvants include kaolin, talc, graphite, mica, vermiculite, soybean protein powder, or combinations thereof. Agriculturally acceptable adjuvants that can be used to promote seed adhesion include, but are not limited to: polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinyl methyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers, waxes, latex polymers, cellulose (including ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose), hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alginate, dextrin, maltodextrin, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, guilar gum, guar gum (jaguar gum), tragacanth gum, polysaccharide gum, mucilage, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride polymers and copolymers, soybean protein polymers and copolymers, lignin sulfonates, acrylic acid copolymers, starch, polyvinyl acrylate, zein, gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylamide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methacrylamide monomer, alginate, ethyl cellulose, polychloroprene and its syrups or mixtures. Other useful, agriculturally acceptable adjuvants that can promote coating include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers, and water-soluble waxes. Furthermore, agriculturally acceptable adjuvants include various lubricants (that can provide smooth flow and separation (monografting) of seeds), such as talc, graphite, polyethylene wax-based powders (e.g., Fluency Agent), protein powders (e.g., soybean protein powder), or combinations of protein powders with lipids (e.g., lecithin or vegetable oils). Various surfactants, dispersants, anti-caking agents, defoamers, and dyes disclosed herein and in U.S. Patent No. 8,181,388 are applicable to compositions containing suitable methanogenic bacterial strains. In some embodiments, seeds and / or seedlings are exposed to the composition by providing the strain in the soil in which the plant or seed-produced plant grows, or in other plant growth media in which the plant or seed-produced plant grows. Examples of methods for providing the strain in the field and in soil include furrow application, soil drenching, etc. Preferably, agriculturally acceptable adjuvants that promote seed adhesion are cellulosic dextrin, maltodextrin, polysaccharides, polysaccharide gums, or combinations thereof.

[0149] Stabilizers. In some embodiments, the composition includes additional components to promote or enhance long-term storage and / or stability as a dried composition. In some embodiments, the long-term stability as a dried powder and / or treated seeds is enhanced compared to other compositions, such as compositions lacking components that promote long-term storage and / or stability (including stability on treated plant parts or seeds). Additional components that can promote or enhance long-term storage and / or stability may include, but are not limited to, one or more oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide is selected from dextrin, maltodextrin, disaccharides, starch, chitosan, alginate, and gums, including but not limited to guilarin, guar gum, xanthan gum, glucomannan, tragacanth gum, konjac gum, polysaccharide gum, mucilage, gum arabic, and other natural gums.

[0150] Coating agents. Other useful, agriculturally acceptable adjuvants that can promote coating of soil, seeds, plants, or plant parts include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers, and water-soluble waxes.

[0151] Control agents. Various surfactants, dispersants, anti-caking agents, defoamers, and dyes disclosed herein and in U.S. Patent No. 8,181,388 may be adapted to improve the use of the composition in the methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, the dried composition comprises a strain of *Methylobacterium* and other components selected from the group consisting of: maltodextrin, trehalose, glucomannan, soy protein, soy-based protein polymers and copolymers, talc, and graphite.

[0152] Composition formulation / processing method.

[0153] In some embodiments of plant treatment, microbial inoculants may be formulated and / or applied as dry powders and / or particles to a non-aqueous continuous phase comprising a non-aqueous solvent (e.g., a solvent immiscible with water). In some embodiments, the microbial inoculant is uniformly dispersed in the non-aqueous continuous phase. Such compositions contain additional components to enhance the mixing of the microbial inoculant with an aqueous composition comprising agricultural chemicals and / or to enhance the stability of the microbial inoculant in such an aqueous composition. For non-limiting examples of useful components in such compositions, see, for example, U.S. Patent Publication US 20230337681, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Various methods may be used to generate dry microbial powders for use in such compositions, including but not limited to encapsulation, spray drying, freeze drying, air drying, fluidized bed drying, electrospray drying, or other drying methods. For non-limiting examples of methods for preparing dry microbial compositions, see U.S. Patent Publication US 20220312772, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0154] Compositions for application to plants can be, but are not limited to, aqueous or non-aqueous liquids, dry compositions, or emulsions. In some embodiments, plant seeds or cuttings can be impregnated and / or soaked with a composition containing microbial strains. In some embodiments, seed soaking and / or impregnation can be carried out with gentle agitation. Seed treatment can be performed using both continuous and / or batch seed treatment machines. In some embodiments, coated seeds can be prepared by mixing seeds with a coating composition containing microbial strains to form a slurry. Alternatively, microbial strains can be applied to the soil or other growth medium in which the plants grow. Soil treatment or application can include, but is not limited to, furrow application (e.g., before, during, and / or after sowing), soil irrigation, and application of granules or other dry formulations to the soil (e.g., before, during, and / or after sowing or plant growth). Treatment of plants grown in hydroponic systems includes pre-germination seed treatment, foliar application to germinating plants or portions thereof, and application in liquid solutions used in hydroponic systems.

[0155] Agriculturally acceptable adjuvants, excipients, lubricants, and / or other components may be present in concentrations of 0 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 1 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 2 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 3 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 5 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 2 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 3 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 5 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 90 wt.%. wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 1 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 2 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 3 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 5 wt.% to about 85 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 1 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 2 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 3 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, about 4 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, or more preferably about 5 wt.% to about 80 wt.%.

[0156] Genetic engineering. In some embodiments, the microbial strains provided and used in these methods are capable of conferring resistance, repellency, tolerance, or reduction of damage, infection, feeding, and / or infection caused by the pests or pathogens disclosed herein, and are obtained by transferring DNA from one microbial strain (which is capable of conferring resistance, repellency, tolerance, or reduction of damage, infection, and / or infection caused by the pests or pathogens by increasing the production of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid in plants) to another microbial strain that cannot confer such resistance, tolerance, reduction of damage, reduction of infection, and / or reduction of infection, and recovering or selecting a new microbial strain (which has the pest or pathogen resistance, tolerance, and reduction of damage, infection, and / or infection caused by the transferred DNA). In other embodiments, DNA transferred from microbial strains capable of conferring resistance to pests or pathogens, acting as a repellent, imparting tolerance, and reducing damage, feeding, infection, and / or invasion caused by them encodes a protein having a sequence having any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35, or a protein having a sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, the DNA is transferred from microbial strains that induce plant responses to insects and / or pathogens via a mobile plasmid. In some embodiments, the mobile plasmid is transferred from a *Methylobacterium* or *Methylerythrobacter* strain to a *Dimethylobacterium* or *Methylerythrobacter* strain. In some embodiments, the mobile plasmid comprises SEQ ID NO: 87 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising: (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 87 and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 87. In other embodiments, the mobile plasmid comprises SEQ ID NO: 86 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising: (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 86; and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 86. In yet another embodiment, the mobile plasmid transferred to a microorganism to confer the ability to induce a plant defense response encodes one or more proteins, the one or more proteins comprising a polypeptide sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35.In some embodiments, the mobile plasmid transferred to a microorganism to confer the ability to induce a plant defense response comprises one or more sequences having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 36-50. In some embodiments, the mobile plasmid transferred to a microorganism to confer the ability to induce a plant defense response encodes one or more proteins comprising a polypeptide sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 51-85. In some embodiments, one or more proteins having a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51-85 or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 51-85 facilitate the transfer of the mobile plasmid.

[0157] In some embodiments, the DNA that can confer resistance, tolerance, or reduction of damage, infection, and / or invasion caused by pests or pathogens by increasing the production of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid is DNA derived from NLS0042 and / or NLS0089 or derivatives thereof (e.g., DNA donor strains), and / or microbial strains that cannot confer such resistance, tolerance, reduction of damage, reduction of infection, and / or reduction of invasion (e.g., DNA recipient strains), are strains different from NLS0042 provided in Table 1. Methods for transferring DNA from donor strains (e.g., NLS0042) to recipient strains (e.g., another strain in Table 1A or Table 1B) include, but are not limited to, the DNA transfer methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 20210171961, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0158] Processing method / Composition used for processing.

[0159] The compositions and methods described herein can be used to treat a variety of environments and can be applied at multiple locations and time intervals.

[0160] Environment. The present invention is useful in a variety of environments, such as plant production, field, wetland, landfill, and agricultural applications, including plant production in flooded fields. In some embodiments, the strains provided herein not only provide additional benefits to the treated plants, such as increased growth indicators and / or yield, but also provide methane emission reduction.

[0161] Application. The compositions described herein can be applied to the soil or other growing medium in which plants grow. Soil treatment or application can include, but is not limited to, field treatment (e.g., flooded or irrigated fields), furrow application (e.g., before, during, and / or after sowing), soil irrigation, and application of granules or other dry formulations to the soil (e.g., before, during, and / or after sowing or plant growth). Treatment of plants grown in hydroponic systems includes pre-germination seed treatment, foliar application to germinating plants or portions thereof, and application in liquid solutions used in hydroponic systems. In some embodiments, treatment of the plants can include application to seeds, plants, and / or plant parts, and therefore can include any methanogenic bacteria treatment or application that leads to colonization of the composition on the plants. In some embodiments, application can enhance the growth and / or rooting of such plants. Field transplantation of such treated and rooted cuttings can demonstrate reduced cycle time and / or improved biomass and / or yield due to such treatment. In some embodiments, the effective amount of one or more microbial strains provided during the treatment of seeds or plant parts, capable of enhancing the plant's response to pathogens and / or harmful organisms, is at least about 10 per seed or per treated plant part. 3 10 4 10 5 , or 10 6 CFU.

[0162] The treatments or applications to plants described herein may include, but are not limited to, spraying, coating, partially coating, soaking, drenching, and / or immersion of the compositions herein on the field, seeds, plants, or plant parts. In some embodiments, the compositions provided herein may be sprayed, soaked, drenched, and / or immersed on soil, seeds, leaves, stems, roots, tubers, or branches in liquid, semi-liquid, emulsion, or slurry form. In some embodiments, one or more compositions may be applied together with or separately from other compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions herein are applied to multiple plant parts and / or multiple stages of plant growth. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein are applied as foliar sprays or seed treatments to row-planted crops.

[0163] Time and conditions. In some embodiments, the composition is delivered in a seed box application. In some embodiments, an initial foliar treatment is performed on the plant. In some embodiments, additional foliar applications are performed. In some embodiments, a second, third, fourth, or fifth foliar application is performed during the growing season following the initial application.

[0164] Compared to untreated plants or plants grown from untreated seeds, such treatment, application, seed soaking, or inhalation can be sufficient to enhance the early growth of treated plants or plants grown from treated seeds and / or increase the levels of one or more mineral nutrients and / or vitamins in the harvestable tissues of treated plants or plants grown from treated seeds, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced early growth can further improve plant production, including increased biomass in treated plants, such as increased biomass of shoots, roots, or whole seedlings. Enhanced early growth can lead to many additional improvements in plant production, including, for example, increased yield of harvested plants or harvested plant portions, increased and / or more uniform fruit yield, faster seed formation, earlier maturity, increased leaf growth rate, increased root growth rate, increased seed yield, and reduced cycle time.

[0165] In some embodiments, plant seeds or cuttings may be soaked and / or absorbed for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hours. In some embodiments, such soaking and / or absorption may be carried out at a temperature that is harmless to the plant seeds. 。 In some embodiments, seeds may be treated at about 15°C to about 30°C or at about 20°C to about 25°C. In some embodiments, seed soaking and / or maceration may be carried out with gentle agitation. Seed treatment may be carried out using both continuous and / or batch seed treatment machines. In some embodiments, coated seeds may be prepared by mixing seeds with a coating composition containing an auxiliary strain to form a slurry and air-drying the resulting product, the auxiliary strain increasing the levels of one or more mineral nutrients and / or vitamins. Air-drying may be carried out at any temperature that is harmless to the seeds or the strain, but typically not exceeding 30°C. The coating proportion containing the strain includes, but is not limited to: 0.1% to 25% by weight of the seed or other plant part, 0.5% to 5% by weight of the seed or other plant part, and 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of the seed or other plant part. In some embodiments, the solid material used in seed coating or treatment will have a strain that increases the content of mineral nutrients and / or vitamins, which is attached to the solid material by means of growth in a biphasic medium containing the strain, the solid material, and the liquid medium.

[0166] Hydroponics. In some embodiments, treated plants are cultivated in a hydroponic system. In some embodiments, plant seeds are treated, and plants are continuously grown from the treated seeds in the same cultivation system. In some embodiments, plant seeds are treated and cultivated in a hydroponic nursery to produce seedlings. Seedlings are transferred to another hydroponic system, for example, for the commercial production of leafy green vegetables. In some embodiments, a strain that enhances early growth or increases one or more mineral nutrients and / or vitamin levels persists in seedlings transferred to a greenhouse production system and continues to provide advantages such as improved micronutrient and / or vitamin content and / or biomass production through further growth of the leafy greens.

[0167] Compositions for plants / methods for treating plants.

[0168] Plant parts. Such pests and pathogens may attack one or more parts of a plant, including but not limited to leaves, stems, branches, flowers, fruits, buds, roots, tubers, rhizomes, stolons, bulbs, and corms.

[0169] Plants, plant parts, and seeds. Combinations of plants, plant parts, and seeds, as well as methods of treating plants, include those plants listed in Tables 8A to 8AAL, such as alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrots; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumbers; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; peppers; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; squash; beets; sunflowers; sweet potatoes; tobacco; tomatoes; turfgrass; and wheat.

[0170] For example, the following plants have been commercially improved by the present invention and are included in the compositions and methods of the present invention: Cereal crops: amaranth (false cereal), arborio rice, barley, basmati rice, black rice, brown rice, buckwheat (false cereal), bug wheat, corn, durum wheat, emmer wheat, farro wheat, fonio, glutinous rice, jasmine rice, millet, oats, pearl millet, quinoa (false cereal), red rice, rye, sorghum, spelt wheat, teff, triticale, wheat, white rice, and wild rice.

[0171] Fruit vegetables: acorn squash, avocado, bell pepper, bitter melon, bottle gourd, cantaloupe, caper berries, chayote, cherry tomato, chili pepper, cucumber, eggplant, bottle gourd, prawn, honeydew melon, yam bean, Japanese squash, loofah, okra, UFO squash, cantaloupe eggplant, pumpkin, hibiscus, crisp beans, spaghetti squash, squash, green beans, taro fruit, ground cherry, tomato, watermelon, winter melon, and zucchini.

[0172] Legumes: adzuki beans, black beans, black-eyed beans (cowpeas), butter beans, white kidney beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cranberry beans, edamame (young soybeans), fava beans (broad beans), mung beans, lentils, kidney beans, small lentils, lima beans, green lentils, sea peas, pigeon peas, pinto beans, red peas, crisp beans, snow peas, sweet crisp beans, winged beans, and long beans.

[0173] Pome fruits: apple, loquat, hawthorn, sand pear (Asian pear), pear and quince.

[0174] Seed crops: amaranth, basil, black cumin, buckwheat, rapeseed, caraway, chia seeds, coriander, cumin, flax, hemp, millet, mustard greens, black cumin, poppy, pumpkin, quinoa, safflower, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, and watermelon.

[0175] Small fruit crops and berries: Aronia (chokeberry), barberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, Boyson's berry, buffalo berry, cloudberry, cranberry, currant, elderberry, feijoa (pineapple guava), fig, gooseberry, grape, huckleberry, Jostaberry, Juneberry (serviceberry), kiwi, lingonberry, Loganberry, mulberry, Oralberry, pomegranate, raspberry, redcurrant, Salal berry, Saskatoon berry, sea buckthorn, Juneberry (serviceberry), strawberry, Thai berry, and whitecurrant.

[0176] Methods to improve plant responses.

[0177] The methods disclosed herein are applicable to improving plant responses to a variety of plant pests and pathogens, including bacterial and fungal pathogens, viruses, nematodes, and insects. Such pathogens may attack one or more parts of a plant, including but not limited to leaves, stems, branches, flowers, fruits, buds, roots, tubers, rhizomes, stolons, bulbs, and corms. Improved plant responses to pathogens or pests will result in a reduction of damage or other adverse effects caused by such pathogens or pests. Adverse effects of pathogen or pest attacks on plants include, but are not limited to, any type of plant tissue damage or necrosis, any type of reduced plant yield, any reduction in the value of crop plant products, and / or the production of unwanted metabolites or growth products of pathogens or pests (including, but not limited to, fungal metabolites or fungal growth byproducts, including but not limited to mycotoxins).

[0178] Fungal pathogens. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein improve plant responses to fungal pathogens selected from the group consisting of: *Alternaria* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Aspergillus* species, *Bibriophyta* species, *Botrytis* species, *Plasmodium* species, *Cercospora* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Anthracis* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Erythromyces* species, *Helicobacter* species, *Fusarium* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Cyclophora* species, *Cyclophora* species. Species of the genera *Cyclocarya*, *Peronospora*, *Laminaria*, *Phytophthora*, *Phytophthora*, *Monocotyle*, *Phytophthora ...

[0179] Bacterial pathogens. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein improve plant responses to bacterial pathogens selected from the group consisting of: species of the genera *Pseudomonas*, *Rolstonia*, *Agrobacterium*, *Xanthomonas*, *Erwinia*, *Trichobacter*, *Digitella*, *Pectinobacter*, *Corynebacterium*, and candidate genera.

[0180] Viral pathogens. In some embodiments of plant attack by insects, an improved response can reduce damage directly caused by insects and / or reduce damage caused by plant pathogens transmitted by insects. Some viruses that affect crops are topoviruses and geminiviruses. Some common viruses that can severely affect plants include Tomato Spotted Fusarium Virus (TBV), Beetroot Curled Top Virus (BSTV), Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TBV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CCUV), Potato Virus Y (PVY), Potato Virus X (PVX), Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CMV), African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV), Plum Pox Virus (PPV), Broccoli Mosaic Virus (BPV), Potato Virus (PV), Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TBV), Tomato Spotted Fusarium Virus (BSTV), Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (PV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CCUV), Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CMV), African Cassava Mosaic Virus (CCUV), Plum Pox Virus (PPV), and Broccoli Mosaic Virus (BPV).

[0181] Insects are harmful organisms.

[0182] A. Piercing-sucking insects. For example, in addition to causing effects from vector-borne pathogens, piercing-sucking insects can cause damage such as spots or punctures on leaves, leaf curling, and poor or deformed fruit development. Piercing-sucking insects include leafhoppers, thrips, and aphids, and they attack the vascular tissues of plants, such as those found in roots, stems, leaves, and other plant organs.

[0183] B. Chewing Insects. In some embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein, improved plant responses to chewing insects (chewing insects) are obtained. Damage caused by chewing insects can take many forms. In some cases, some insects completely defoliate leaves or flowers, or cause damage to the plant or plant parts, with bite marks on the edges or center. In some cases, only the upper or lower surface is fed, and a brown, charred appearance or openings between the veins can be observed. Chewing damage inside the plant is sometimes referred to as burrowing or boring. Chewing and biting pests may bite into and chew the leaves, stems, buds, flowers, and / or roots of a plant. Damage caused by such pests can include defoliation due to excessive feeding; tunneling (e.g., tunnels formed by insects such as leaf miners burrowing into plant leaves); girdling caused by beetles that feed on living wood; and root damage caused by insect feeding, leading to lodging. Common chewing pests include snails, slugs, caterpillars, woodworms, root cutters, hawk moths, and beetles.

[0184] Examples of crops / pests. Non-limiting examples of crops and target pests for which the methods, microbial strains, and compositions provided herein can be used include those depicted in Tables 8A-8AAL, including: Pepper – Aphids, thrips, and lepidopteran insects; Tomato – Stink bugs, aphids, whiteflies, beet leafhoppers (BCTV vectors), flea beetles, thrips, nematodes (including root-knot nematodes), and lepidopteran insects; Common bean – Potato leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, and lepidopteran insects; Brassica oleracea – Flea beetles; Soybean – Aphids, armyworms, soybean cutworms, nematodes (including root-knot nematodes), lepidopteran insects, and stink bugs; Cotton – Western flower thrips, armyworms, nematodes (including root-knot nematodes), and aphids; Rice – Armyworms and water weevils; Melon – Cucumber beetles and squash borers; Zucchini – Squash borers; and Corn – Corn rootworms, root-cutting worms, beetles, corn leaf aphids and root aphids, white grubs, mites, armyworms, lepidopteran insects, stink bugs, nematodes (including root-knot nematodes) and wireworms.

[0185] Corn rootworm. In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the insect pest is the corn rootworm (CRW), a widely distributed beetle genus of the root leaf beetle (Ceratophorus spp.). DiabroticaMembers of the group. In some embodiments, the methods described herein enhance the response of maize plants to western maize rootworm (WCR) attacks, resulting in reduced lodging and / or increased yield compared to control plants. In some embodiments of the methods described herein, an improved response of maize plants to CRW feeding is obtained by treating maize plants, parts, or seeds with beneficial microorganisms. In some embodiments, maize plants are treated with beneficial bacteria. In some embodiments, maize plants are treated with species of the genus *Methylobacterium* or *Rhodotorula methylans*. In some embodiments, maize plants are treated with preserved species of the genus *Methylobacterium* or *Rhodotorula methylans* listed in Table 1A. In some embodiments, maize plants are treated with NLS0042 (NRRL B-50932). In some embodiments, maize plants are treated with species of the genus *Methylobacterium* or *Rhodotorula methylans* other than NLS0042 (NRRL B-50932). In some embodiments, an improved response of maize plants to CRW feeding is obtained by modifying the maize plant genome to increase the expression of one or more gene transcripts involved in the production of one or more plant defense compounds. In some embodiments, the maize plant genome is modified to increase the expression of natural maize gene transcripts. In some embodiments, the maize plant genome is modified to increase the expression of heterologous gene transcripts, such as those from microbial sources or from plants other than maize. In some embodiments, the plant is modified to increase the expression of the anthranilic acid synthase subunit transcript. In some embodiments, the expression of the α and / or β subunit transcripts is increased. In some embodiments, the expression of anthranilic acid N-benzoyltransferase is increased. In some embodiments, the expression of both the anthranilic acid synthase β subunit transcript and the anthranilic acid N-benzoyltransferase transcript is increased. In some embodiments, the expression of one or more gene transcripts encoding proteins having the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO: 7 is increased.

[0186] Additional embodiments.

[0187] Methods for influencing gene expression. In some embodiments of the methods provided herein, gene transcripts involved in the production of one or more plant defense compounds from anthranilic acid encode anthranilic acid synthase (AS) α or β components. In some embodiments, the gene transcripts encode anthranilic acid synthase (AS) β components. In some embodiments, the AS β gene transcripts are maize plant transcripts. In some embodiments, expression of the AS β subunit protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or its homologs or orthologs is increased. Homologs and orthologs having SEQ ID NO: 2 include Arabidopsis proteins AT1G24909, AT1G25155, AT1G24807, AT1G25083, ASB2, and ASB1; and rice proteins OASB1 (Os04g0463500) and OASB2 (Os03g0718000). In some embodiments, the gene transcripts encode the AS α component. In some embodiments, the AS α gene transcripts are maize plant transcripts. In some embodiments, expression of the AS α subunit protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or its homologs or orthologs, is increased. Homologs and orthologs having SEQ ID NO: 4 include Arabidopsis proteins AT3G55870, ASA1, and ASA2; and rice proteins OASA2 (Os03g0264400) and OASA1 (Os03g0826500). Additional plant AS α and β subunit genes can be identified, for example, from plant genome sequences. In some embodiments, genes encoding AS α or β protein components are transcribed to produce multiple transcripts and translated proteins. Example 4 provides an example of an additional maize AS gene for use in the methods described herein.

[0188] In other embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, gene transcripts involved in the production of one or more plant defense compounds from anthranilic acid encode anthranilic acid N-benzoyltransferase protein, which catalyzes the production of N-benzoylanthranilic acid from benzoyl-CoA and anthranilic acid, a reaction involved in the production of anthranilamide phytoalexins. Enzyme EC 2.3.1.144 is sometimes referred to as anthranilic acid N-hydroxycinnamoyl / benzoyltransferase because it is able to use other thioesters of coenzyme A as donors in its reaction with anthranilic acid, including cinnamoyl-CoA, 4-coumaryl-CoA, and salicyl-CoA. Compounds produced from reactions with such other donor substrates may also be involved in the production of plant defense compounds. In one embodiment of the methods described herein, gene transcripts involved in the production of one or more plant defense compounds encode the corn anthranilic acid N-benzoyltransferase protein represented by SEQ ID NO: 6 and / or SEQ ID NO: 7. Other plant anthranilic acid N-benzoyltransferase proteins are also of interest in the methods described herein, including those from carnations ( Dianthus caryophyllus ) of DcHCBT2_Z84386.

[0189] In other embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, gene transcripts involved in producing proteins that enhance a plant's response to pathogens or pests encode proteins having an amino acid sequence having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21. In some embodiments, the gene transcripts encode proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21.

[0190] Identification and selection of microorganisms that enhance plant responses to pests or pathogens. This document also provides methods for identifying microorganisms that enhance plant responses to one or more pathogens or pests, wherein the microorganism is not a pathogen of the plant, and wherein the plant response is enhanced by increasing the production of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid in the plant. In some embodiments, the method for identifying microorganisms that enhance plant responses to one or more pathogens or pests includes the steps of: treating a plant, plant part, or plant seed (the strain is not a pathogen of the plant) with at least a first microbial strain to obtain treated seeds and / or treated plants; growing the treated plant in the presence of the pathogen or pest, or growing plants from the treated plant part or treated seed; harvesting one or more tissue samples from the plant and untreated control plants, wherein the tissue samples are harvested during a growth phase during which the pest or pathogen attacks the plant tissue; and determining the samples to identify microorganisms capable of increasing the production of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid. In some embodiments, such a method includes the additional step of selecting samples for analysis of the levels of the one or more plant defense compounds from treated plants that are less susceptible to the pathogens or pests compared to untreated control plants, or to other plants treated with the microorganisms.

[0191] In some embodiments, a method for selecting microbial strains that enhance a plant’s response to a pathogen or pest includes the steps of: (i) determining whether the levels of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid are increased in one or more tissue samples from untreated control plants compared to one or more control tissue samples from plants treated with at least a first microbial strain (which is not a pathogen of said plant) or plants grown from plant parts or seeds treated with the first microbial strain, wherein said tissue samples were harvested from treated and untreated plants during or after said pest or pathogen attack on said plant tissue; and (ii) selecting microbial strains that are not pathogens of said plant and provide increased levels of one or more plant defense compounds, thereby selecting microbial strains that enhance a plant’s response to said pathogen or pest.

[0192] In some embodiments, such as in petri dishes or test tubes, plant tissue extracts or plant parts, like germinating seedlings, are processed and measured in vitro. In some embodiments, a method for selecting microbial strains that enhance a plant's response to a pathogen or pest includes the steps of: (i) determining whether the levels of one or more plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid are increased in one or more plant tissue samples treated with at least a first microbial strain that is not a pathogen of the plant, compared to one or more untreated control plant tissue samples, wherein the tissue samples were exposed to the pest or pathogen during or after treatment with the first microbial strain; and (ii) selecting microbial strains that provide increased levels of one or more plant defense compounds, thereby selecting microbial strains that enhance a plant's response to the pathogen or pest.

[0193] Additional methods may be employed to identify microorganisms that enhance a plant's response to one or more pathogens or pests, wherein the microorganism is not a pathogen of the plant, and wherein the plant response is enhanced by the expression of a gene in the microorganism. In some embodiments, such methods may include subjecting a sample to nucleic acid analysis techniques and determining that the sample contains nucleic acids expressing one or more proteins that are involved in producing proteins that enhance a plant's response to a pathogen or pest. In some embodiments, the microorganism is identified as having one or more genes encoding proteins involved in the biosynthesis of polyketide compounds. In some embodiments, the gene encoding one or more polyketide compound synthesis proteins is encoded by a sequence present in SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 87, or a variant thereof. Variants of SEQ ID NO: 87 include: (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 87 and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 87. Variants of SEQ ID NO: 86 include: (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 86; and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the gene encoding a polyketide biosynthetic protein is a homolog or ortholog of a polyketide biosynthetic protein expression sequence present in SEQ ID NO: 86 and / or SEQ ID NO: 87. In some embodiments, a polyketide biosynthetic protein encoding sequence identified in a microorganism encodes a protein having at least 80% identity with a protein having a sequence having SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, such a polyketide biosynthetic protein encoding sequence has at least 70% identity with a polyketide biosynthetic protein encoding sequence having SEQ ID NO: 36-50. In some embodiments, the polyketide biosynthetic protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or has about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21. Nucleic acid analysis for identifying such sequences includes, but is not limited to, sequencing-based techniques, sequence comparison using BLAST, nucleic acid hybridization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mass spectrometry, nanopore-based detection, branched DNA analysis, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, nucleic acid analysis can be used to detect at a concentration of 10 μg / g sample. 310 4 10 5 10 6 Microbial strains present at or higher concentrations. Samples intended for identifying microbial strains that enhance plant responses to pathogens or pests include soil samples, plants, plant parts, residual plant material, and various water sources, including paddy field water or crop irrigation water.

[0194] Various methods can be used to treat plants with microorganisms to identify or select one or more microorganisms that enhance the plant’s response to target pathogens or harmful organisms.

[0195] This invention provides a method for improving plant responses to pests, wherein the method includes: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Plants grow from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of the pest, thereby improving the plant's response to the pest compared to a control plant.

[0196] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the plants are selected from the group consisting of: corn, wheat, rye, rice, alfalfa, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, millet, soybean, Brassica species, Cannabis species, tobacco, potato, peanut, carrot, cotton, coffee, coconut, beet, oats, barley, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, cucurbitaceae plants, lettuce, pepper, pea, onion, mung bean, sunflower, safflower, sweet potato, cassava, coffee, coconut, conifer, turfgrass, leafy green vegetables, miniature vegetables, herbaceous plants, fruit plants (including fruit trees), and ornamental plants.

[0197] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which the levels of one or more plant defense compounds are increased in the plant compared to a control plant.

[0198] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the pest is an insect pest selected from the group consisting of: rootworms; thrips; leafhoppers; aphids; nematodes; flies; lepidopteran insects; mites; grubs; inchworms; true bugs; and beetles.

[0199] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the pests are insect pests selected from the group consisting of: tobacco hawk moth; western flower thrips; leafhoppers, stink bugs, aphids, root-knot nematodes; whiteflies; lepidopteran insects, mites, wireworms, white grubs, soybean cutworms, fall armyworms, peanut stink bugs, and southern corn rootworms.

[0200] Methods for improving plant responses to pathogens are also provided, wherein the methods include: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Plants are grown from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of the pathogen, thereby improving the plant's response to the pest compared to a control plant.

[0201] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the plants are selected from the group consisting of: corn, wheat, rye, rice, alfalfa, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, millet, soybean, Brassica species, Cannabis species, tobacco, potato, peanut, carrot, cotton, coffee, coconut, beet, oats, barley, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, cucurbitaceae plants, lettuce, pepper, pea, onion, mung bean, sunflower, safflower, sweet potato, cassava, coffee, coconut, conifer, turfgrass, leafy green vegetables, miniature vegetables, herbaceous plants, fruit plants (including fruit trees), and ornamental plants.

[0202] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which the levels of one or more plant defense compounds are increased in the plant compared to a control plant.

[0203] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the pathogen is selected from the group consisting of fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria.

[0204] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the pathogen is selected from the group consisting of: Pythium, Fusarium, Botrytis, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Sclerotinia, Botrytis, and Erwinia.

[0205] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which the risk reduction or improved response compared to untreated control plants is due to the treated plants or plants grown from treated parts or seeds exhibiting resistance, tolerance, reduced infection, and / or reduced infestation to harmful organisms or pathogens.

[0206] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the plant is a crop plant listed in Table 2 and / or wherein pathogens or harmful organisms are listed in Table 2 and / or Table 3.

[0207] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method that further includes reducing the risk of damage caused by other pathogens or harmful organisms.

[0208] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the plant and / or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: leaves, stems, branches, flowers, fruits, buds, roots, tubers, rhizomes, stolons, bulbs, and corms.

[0209] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the plant and / or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of: tomato, pepper, strawberry, corn, soybean; cotton; rice; and peanut.

[0210] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method that further comprises contacting a plant and / or plant parts with at least one additional bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of: *Methylobacterium* or *Methylorbacterium* and / or methanogenic bacteria strains.

[0211] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein the bacterial strain is selected from the strains listed in Table 1A.

[0212] In some embodiments, the present invention provides plants, plant parts and / or compositions produced by the methods described herein.

[0213] In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions that can be used to implement the methods described herein.

[0214] Plant defenses are enhanced.

[0215] In some embodiments of the methods provided herein, after treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a microbial strain that produces metabolites, the plants, plant parts, or seeds may reduce or mitigate, repel, and / or reduce the effects of pathogens or pests, wherein such metabolites increase the plant, plant part, or seed's defense mechanisms, and these defense mechanisms protect the plant's roots or the plant itself from attack by pathogens or pests. In some embodiments, the plant defense mechanism includes an increased production of anthranilic acid and / or anthranilic acid-derived compounds. In some embodiments, the production of anthranilic acid and / or anthranilic acid-derived compounds in the roots is enhanced. In some embodiments, the plant defense response protects the plant roots from attack. In some embodiments, the plant response is improved by treating plants, plant parts, seeds, or soil with microorganisms expressing genes involved in inducing ISR responses, including, for example, genes involved in the biosynthesis of siderophores and / or polyketide compounds. In some embodiments, proteins in the pathway for producing polyketide compounds that induce plant responses to pathogens or pests are present on a mobile plasmid. In some embodiments, the protein in the pathway for producing the polyketide compound is encoded by a gene on DNA having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 87 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 87 and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 87. In some embodiments, the protein in the pathway for producing the polyketide compound that induces a plant response to a pathogen or pest is encoded by a gene on DNA having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 86 and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the protein in the pathway for producing the polyketide compound that induces a plant response to a pathogen or pest is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 36-50. In some embodiments, the protein in the pathway for producing the polyketide compound that induces a plant response to a pathogen or pest comprises a polypeptide sequence involved in the plant response to a pathogen or pest, the polypeptide sequence being encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35.In some embodiments, the protein in the microorganism that induces a plant response to a pathogen or pest is a homolog or ortholog of any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, the gene in the pathway for producing the polyketide compound is the bfmBAB_2 gene. In some embodiments, the bfmBAB_2 gene comprises the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the bfmBAB_2 gene encodes a protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21. In some embodiments, the bfmBAB_2 gene comprises a polynucleotide having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 36, and / or encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21. In some embodiments, the bacterial strain is a *Methylobacterium* or *Rhodotorula* strain. In some embodiments, the bacterial strain is NLS0042 (NRRL B-50932). In some embodiments, the bacterial strain is not NLS0042 (NRRL B-50932). In some embodiments, methods for reducing or repelling pathogens or pests include treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a microbial strain expressing a metabolite; and allowing the plants to grow in the presence of the pathogen or pest, whereby the treated plants, plant parts, or seeds are more effective at repelling or reducing pathogen or pest feeding compared to a control plant, wherein the control plant is not genetically modified or has not been treated with the microbial strain. In some embodiments, plant defense compounds reduce insect larvae feeding on plant roots. In some embodiments, plant defense compounds reduce insect larvae feeding on plant roots compared to a control.

[0216] In some embodiments, plants are treated with bacterial strains to increase the expression of one or more gene transcripts in the plants involved in the production of plant defense compounds derived from anthranilic acid, or to reduce or repel plant pathogens or pests. In some embodiments, the plant defense compounds are derived from anthranilic acid.

[0217] A microbial strain comprising heterologous DNA (which confers resistance to, repels, or induces tolerance in plants against pests or pathogens, reducing their damage, feeding, infection, and / or invasion) is provided; a method for preparing such a microbial strain is also provided. In some embodiments, DNA is transferred from a microbial strain (which confers resistance to, repels, or induces tolerance in plants against, reduces their damage, feeding, infection, and / or invasion) to a different microbial strain lacking that DNA. In some embodiments, the heterologous DNA transferred to the different microbial strain encodes a protein having a sequence having any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35, or a protein sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, DNA is transferred from a microbial strain that induces a plant response to insects and / or pathogens via a mobile plasmid. In some embodiments, a mobile plasmid is transferred from a *Methylobacterium* or *Methylerythrobacter* strain to a *Dimethylobacterium* or *Methylerythrobacter* strain. In some embodiments, the mobile plasmid comprises SEQ ID NO: 87 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 87; and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 87. In other embodiments, the mobile plasmid comprises SEQ ID NO: 86 or a variant thereof, the variant comprising (i) a DNA sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 86; and / or (ii) a DNA sequence encoding a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 86. In yet another embodiment, the mobile plasmid transferred to a microorganism to confer the ability to induce a plant defense response encodes one or more proteins, the one or more proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, the gene encoding a protein that enhances a plant's response to insects and / or pathogens is heterologous to the microbial host. In some embodiments, genes encoding one or more of SEQ ID NO: 21-35 or their derivatives, variants, homologs, or orthologs are genetically manipulated to prepare recombinant constructs that express one or more proteins having an amino acid sequence having at least SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, such recombinant constructs include regulatory sequences to express said one or more proteins in a target microbial host.In some embodiments, a recombinant DNA construct for expressing one or more proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35 is stably integrated into the genome of a target microbial host. In some embodiments, a construct for expressing one or more proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35 is introduced into and maintained on a plasmid or other extrachromosomal element of the target microbial host. In some embodiments, one or more genes encoding a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35 are present in and expressed by an operon. In other embodiments, one or more genes encoding proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35 are present in a separate recombinant expression construct. A recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter and a microbial cell comprising the recombinant DNA construct are also provided, the heterologous promoter being operatively linked to one or more genes encoding proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35. In some embodiments, the microbial strain engineered to express one or more proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35 is a bacterial strain. In some embodiments, the DNA molecules provided above or otherwise are introduced into microbial strains other than *Methylobacterium* species #4 (NLS0042; NRRL B-50932). In some embodiments, the DNA molecules provided above or otherwise are introduced into microbial strains in Table 1A, selected from the group consisting of *Methylobacterium* strains #1 to #3, #5 to #53, and #54. In some embodiments, the DNA molecules provided above or otherwise are introduced into *Rhodotorula methylans* species (including *Rhodotorula methylans* species #63 in Table 1).In some embodiments, a microbial strain engineered to express one or more proteins comprising an amino acid sequence (which has at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 21-35) is a fungal strain.

[0218] The bacterial strains used in the method of this invention include, but are not limited to, the following genera: Actinomycetes, Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Alcaligenes, Aureobacterium, Azotobacter, Azotobacter, Azotobacterium rhizobium, Azospirobacterium, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Bacillus brevis, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Trichomonas, Corynebacterium, Bufota, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus, and Spirulina. The bacteria are selected from the following genera: *Hydrophage*, *Klebsiella*, *Xanthomonas*, *Bacillus lysine*, *Methylobacterium*, *Rhodotorula methylans*, *Microbacterium*, *Aureobacterium*, *Bacillus spp.*, *Pantotheca*, *Pasteurella*, *Sphingosinophil*, *Luminobacterium*, *Leucobacterium*, *Pseudomonas*, *Rhizobium*, *Rhizobium*, *Serratia*, *Rhizobium sinense*, *Sphingosinophila*, *Streptomyces*, *Oligotrophomonas*, *Gnaphalium*, *Xanthomonas*, and *Pathogenic Bacillus*. In some embodiments, the bacteria are selected from the group consisting of: *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, *Bacillus cereus*, *Bacillus stolonifer*, *Bacillus licheniformis*, *Bacillus pumilus*, *Bacillus spheroidosa*, *Bacillus subtilis*, *Bacillus thuringiensis*, *Chlorobacterium sutzumae*, *Pasteurella scutellarioides*, *Pasteurella eurygica*, and *Pseudomonas fluorescens*.

[0219] In some embodiments, the plant is treated with beneficial fungi, including but not limited to strains of the following genera: *Cladosporium*, *Alternaria*, *Pseudomonas*, *Aspergillus*, *Briefomus*, *Beauveria bassiana*, *Botrytis*, *Cladosporium*, *Cyclospora*, *Anthracis*, *Scutellaria*, *Umbilium*, *Plasmodium*, *Fusarium*, *Macrocystis*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Metarhizium*, *Mucor*, *Hydrospora*, *Penicillium*, *Pseudomonas*, *Stemona*, *Pseudomonas ...Trichoderma*, *Valvula*, *Cladosporium*, and *Verticillium*. In specific embodiments, the fungi are *Beauveria bassiana*, *Scutellaria*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Trichoderma*.

[0220] Example

[0221] Example 1. Field trial analysis of the effects of Methylobacterium strain NLS0042 on plant infection.

[0222] Field trials were conducted on tomatoes to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against stink bugs, flea beetles, and lepidopteran insects.

[0223] Field trials were conducted on common beans to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against potato leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, and lepidopteran insects.

[0224] Field trials were conducted on zucchini to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against squash bugs.

[0225] Field trials were conducted on melons to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against cucumber beetles and squash beetles.

[0226] Field trials were conducted on soybeans to determine how NLS0042 enhances plant defenses against aphids.

[0227] Field trials will be conducted on Brassica species to determine how NLS0042 enhances plant defenses against flea beetles.

[0228] Field trials will be conducted on pepper to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against aphids, thrips, and lepidopteran insects.

[0229] Field trials will be conducted on tomatoes to determine how NLS0042 enhances the plant's defenses against aphids and thrips.

[0230] NLS0042 will be used as a foliar spray, seed treatment, root drenching (e.g., soil drenching), furrow treatment, or a combination thereof to treat plants, plant parts, and / or seeds. The treated plants will grow in the presence of natural and / or artificially supplemented infestations of the target insect pest. Plant yield and insect damage will be assessed and compared to control plants to identify the enhanced plant response to insect pests resulting from NLS0042 treatment.

[0231] Example 2. Greenhouse tomato experiment on the effects of NLS0042 on whiteflies.

[0232] NLS0042 was used as a foliar spray, seed treatment, root drenching agent, or a combination thereof to treat tomato plants, parts, and / or seeds. The NLS0042 foliar spray contains Methylobacterium species #4 suspended in water and is applied at a rate of 125 g / acre at a concentration of 1e9 cfu / g. Treated plants and untreated control plants were inoculated with whiteflies. Whitefly counts were performed weekly after inoculation and compared with counts in untreated control plants to identify enhanced plant responses to whiteflies.

[0233] like Figure 4As shown, untreated control tomato plants were infested with whiteflies. Tomato plants treated with NLS0042 foliar spray (labeled TS201) had very few whitefly counts, close to zero, by day 25. Tomato plants treated with the commercial insecticide Verimark® containing cyanamide had higher whitefly counts than those treated with NLS0042 foliar spray.

[0234] Example 3. Tomato experiment on the effect of NLS0042 on leafhoppers.

[0235] Both treated and untreated tomato plants will be exposed to beetroot crickets carrying BCTV virus in a greenhouse. NLS0042 will be applied as a foliar spray, seed treatment, root drenching, or a combination thereof. Digital PCR will be used to assess the viral load in the treated plants. The treated and untreated control plants will be transplanted to a field trial to determine the effects on plant vigor (hyperspectral imaging), yield, and fruit quality. Sweeping nets and / or sticky traps will also be used to determine the presence of insects.

[0236] Example 4. Greenhouse experiment to assess the impact of NLS0042 on caterpillar pests in Solanaceae, soybean, cotton and rice crops.

[0237] NLS0042 will be used as a foliar spray, seed treatment, root drenching agent, or a combination thereof to treat tomato, eggplant, pepper, soybean, cotton, and rice plants. Pre-weighed tobacco hawk moth caterpillars will be placed on treated tomato plants at different phenological stages and on untreated control tomato plants for fixed-time feeding. Pre-weighed soybean armyworm and fall armyworm caterpillars will be placed on treated soybean plants at different phenological stages and on untreated control soybean plants for fixed-time feeding. Pre-weighed fall armyworm caterpillars will be placed on treated soybean, cotton, tomato, pepper, and rice plants at different phenological stages and on untreated control soybean, cotton, tomato, pepper, and rice plants for fixed-time feeding. During all treatments, data on caterpillar growth, mortality, volume, and developmental milestones will be collected and analyzed to identify the enhanced plant response to insect pests induced by NLS0042 treatment.

[0238] In the second experiment, fortified artificial diets will be prepared by adding 10% leaf material from both the treated and untreated control plants. Hawk moths, armyworms, and soybean cutworms will be allowed to feed on these diets, develop, and complete their life cycles. Data on life history characteristics will be collected to further evaluate the effects of the NLS0042-treated plants on insect pests.

[0239] Selection assays will be conducted between treated and control plants to assess the effect of NLS0042 treatment on herbivore selection and to evaluate potential antibiotic effects.

[0240] Example 5. Greenhouse experiment to assess the effects of NLS0042 on thrips and aphid pests in cotton, tomatoes, and peppers.

[0241] Population determination will be conducted using known numbers of western flower thrips or aphids. Thrips or aphids will be allowed to feed and develop on NLS0042-treated plants and untreated control plants. Plant population growth will be monitored over an extended period. Electrophysiological experiments will also be conducted using a technique called electrotransmission mapping, which will provide information on differences in resistance and anoxic behavior between NLS0042-treated and untreated control plants.

[0242] Selection assays will also be conducted between treated and control plants to assess the effects of NLS0042 treatment on herbivore selection and to evaluate potential antibiotic effects.

[0243] Example 6. Assessing the effects of microorganisms containing genes that induce defensive responses in plants against insects and / or pathogenic pests.

[0244] Microbial strains containing one or more genes will be identified through genomic screening and / or selection as described herein, genes that express one or more polyketide synthetic proteins or their homologs or orthologs having sequences having any one of SEQ ID NO: 21-35. Alternatively, such strains will be generated by transferring genes encoding the polyketide synthetic proteins identified herein via plasmid transfer and / or genetic transformation with recombinant constructs. The microbial strains will be used to treat target plants in greenhouse, grower, and / or field assays and to assess enhanced plant defense responses to target pests. Treatments include foliar application, immersion or root irrigation, and seed treatment. Table 2 below shows the plants and pests to be evaluated.

[0245] Table 2. Assessment of plant defense responses to insect pests

[0246] Table 3. Assessment of plant defense responses to additional pests in crops (including but not limited to maize, soybean, peanut, and cotton).

[0247] Example 7. Field potato trial on the effects of NLS0089 on pathogens.

[0248] Potato plants will be treated with NLS0042 as a foliar spray 6 days after emergence. Treated plants and untreated control plants will be inoculated with zoospores of *Phytophthora infestans* in the laboratory, and symptoms will be monitored in a humid chamber. Weekly observations will be conducted post-inoculation, and results will be compared with those in untreated control plants to identify enhanced plant responses, including visual ratings of disease incidence and severity.

[0249] Example 8. Assessment of plant defense responses to insect pests

[0250] Table 4. Plant defense responses to insect pests - for NLS0042

[0251] Example 9. Assessment of plant defense responses to insect pests

[0252] Table 5. Plant defense responses to insect pests - NLS0042

[0253] Example 10. Assessment of plant defense responses to pathogens

[0254] Table 6. Assessment of plant defense responses to pathogens - NLS0089

[0255] Example 11. Assessment of plant defense responses to pathogens

[0256] Table 7. Assessment of plant defense responses to pathogens - NLS0089

[0257] Example 12. Other specific embodiments

[0258] Plants - In addition to the plants previously described, the following plants will also be shown to improve.

[0259] a) Fruit vegetables: tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, peppers, pumpkins, squash, avocados, sweet peas, green beans, okra, watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, green tomatoes, chayote, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, frisbee squash, loofah, gourds, Japanese squash, winter melon, bitter melon, physalis, cherry tomatoes, gourds, ginseng fruit, capers, jicama, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), taro.

[0260] b) Small fruit crops: strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry, grape, kiwi, currant, gooseberry, elderberry, mulberry, fig, pomegranate, blackcurrant, boysonberry, loganberry, cloudberry, lingonberry, sea buckthorn, aronia (chokeberry), red currant, white currant, serviceberry (Juneberry), feijoa (pineapple guava), Jostaberry, Thaiberry, olariberry, Saskatoonberry, huckleberry, salon berry, buffaloberry, barberry.

[0261] c) Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, grapes, blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, gooseberries, elderberries, mulberries, boysonberries, loganberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, cherries, huckleberries, Saskatoon berries, Thai berries, olari berries, dandelions, feijoa berries, Josta berries, and sea buckthorn.

[0262] d) Legumes: green beans, sweet peas, snow peas, edamame (young soybean), lima beans, long beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), lentils, pigeon peas, black-eyed peas (cowpeas), fava beans (broad beans), mung beans, red beans, butter beans, lentils, sweet peas, navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, white beans, red peas, cranberry beans, winged beans.

[0263] e) Cereals: wheat, rice, corn, barley, sorghum, oats, millet, rye, triticale, durum wheat, spelt, emmer wheat, farro wheat, bulgur, quinoa (false cereal), buckwheat (false cereal), amaranth (false cereal), teff, wild rice, royal grain, funomi.

[0264] a) Pome fruits: apple, pear, quince, nashi pear (Asian pear), hawthorn, loquat.

[0265] Insects - In addition to the previously described pests, the following pests will also be shown to be improved.

[0266] a) Whiteflies: Silver leaf whitefly (Tobacco whitefly); Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum); Sweet potato whitefly (Biotype of Tobacco whitefly); Cabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella); Winged whitefly (Trialeurodes abutilonea); Citrus whitefly (Dialeurodes citri); Spiral whitefly (Aleurodicus dispersus); Giant whitefly (Aleurodicus dugesii); Cotton whitefly (Aleurothrixus floccosus); Tobacco whitefly (Biotype of Tobacco whitefly Q); White wax whitefly (Siphoninus phillyreae); Pomegranate whitefly (Siphoninus phillyreae); Cloud-winged whitefly (Dialeurodes citrifolii); Fig whitefly (Singhiella simplex); Avocado whitefly (Tetraleurodes perseae); African tobacco whitefly (Tobacco whitefly, a different species from Tobacco whitefly); Australian whitefly (Citrus spiny whitefly); Papaya whitefly (Trialeurodes) variabilis); coconut whitefly (Aleurodicus cocois); tea whitefly (Aleurocanthus woglumi); apple cottony whitefly (Aleurothrixus mali); Brazilian whitefly (Aleurothrixus saepim).

[0267] b) Aphids: Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae); Cotton Aphid (Aphis gossypii); Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae); Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum); Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae); Black Bean Aphid (Aphis fabae); Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosomalanigerum); Rose Aphid (Macrosiphum rosae); Grain Aphid (Sitobion avenae); Russian Wheat Aphid (Diuraphis noxia); Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid (Rhopalosiphum) padi); Corn leaf aphid (Corn Leaf Aphid / Rhopalosiphum maidis); Apple grain aphid (Apple Grain Aphid / Rhopalosiphum insertum); Cereal aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum); Cotton aphid (Cotton Aphid / Aphisgossypii); Plum aphid (Peach Pink Aphid); Spirea aphid (Aphis spiraecola); Bean aphid (Cowpea Aphid / Aphis craccivora); Black cherry aphid (Black Cherry Aphid / Myzus cerasi); Red-bellied aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis); Banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa); Beet aphid (Bean Aphid / Aphis fabae); Woolly Elm aphid (Woolly Elm Aphid / Eriosoma) Americanum; Sugarcane Aphid (Sugarcane Aphid / Melanaphissacchari); Yellow Sugarcane Aphid (Yellow Sugarcane Aphid / Sipha flava);Chrysanthemum aphid (Chrysanthemum aphid / Macrosiphoniella sanborni); Tobacco aphid (Tobacco aphid / Myzuspersicae nicotianae); Bluegreen aphid (Bluegreen aphid / Acyrthosiphon kondoi); Giant Willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus); Pea Leaf aphid (Peea Leaf aphid / Acyrthosiphon pisum); Gladiolus aphid (Gladiolus aphid / Aphis gladioli); Spiraea aphid (GreenCitrus aphid / Aphis spiraecola); Lupin aphid (Lupin aphid / Macrosiphumalbifrons); Foxglove aphid (Potato tube aphid).

[0268] c) Leafhoppers: Potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae); Glass-winged leafhopper (Homalodiscavitripennis); Beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus); Western grape leafhopper (Erythroneuraelegantula); Variegated leafhopper (Erythroneura variabilis); Blue-green pointed leafhopper (Graphocephalaatropunctata); Aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus); Rose leafhopper (Edwardsianarosae); Grassland leafhopper (Philaenus spumarius); Green rice leafhopper (Nephotettix cincticeps); Corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis); Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens); White apple leafhopper (Typhlocybapomaria); Corn leafhopper (Cicadulina mbila); Citrus leafhopper (Scaphytopius acutus); European grape leafroller (Lobesia) botrana); rice green leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens); American leafhopper (Empoascamali); sweet potato leafhopper (Empoasca kraemeri); alfalfa leafhopper (Empoasca fabae); apple leafhopper (Typhlocyba pomaria); almond leafhopper (Empoasca solani); grape leafhopper (Erythroneura vitis); red-banded leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea); Japanese leafhopper (Orientus ishidae); potato tuber moth leafhopper (Empoasca abrupta); pear leafhopper (Typhlocyba pyri); tea green leafhopper (Empoasca vitis); sugarcane leafhopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida); olive leafhopper (Euphyllura olivina); grape leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus); citrus pointed-tip leafhopper (Dikrella cruentata); cucumber leafhopper (Empoasca duffieldi); blueberry leafhopper (Scaphytopius acutus); rice orange leafhopper (Pandanus rubrovenosus).

[0269] d) Thrips: Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis); Onion thrips (tobacco thrips); Palm thrips (Melon Thrips); Chili pepper thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis); Tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca); Greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis); Avocado thrips (Scirtothrips perseae); Rose thrips (Western flower thrips); Banana rust thrips (Chaetanaphothrips signipennis); Corn thrips (Frankliniella williamsi); Bean thrips (Caliothrips fasciatus); Pear thrips (Taeniothrips inconsequens); Gladiolus thrips (Thrips simplex); Citrus thrips (Scirtothrips citri); Tomato thrips (Frankliniella schultzei); Grape thrips (Limothrips denticornis); Grape thrips (Drepanothrips) reuteri); soybean thrips (Neohydatothrips variabilis); pea thrips (Kakothrips pisivorus); rice thrips (Stenchaetothrips biformis); cotton thrips (tobacco thrips); palm thrips (Thrips palmi); wheat thrips (Haplothrips tritici); greenhouse flower thrips (Echinothrips americanus); lily thrips (tobacco thrips); dragon blood tree thrips (Parthenothrips dracaenae); Cuban laurel thrips (Gynaikothrips ficorum); tea thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis); black-haired soybean thrips (Thrips nigropilosus); gladiolus floridensis.

[0270] e) Mealybugs: Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri); Grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus); Long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus); Pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus); Sox mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis); Mexican mealybug (Phenacoccus gossypii); Dark mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni); Coffee mealybug (Planococcus lilacinus); Grapevine mealybug (Planococcus ficus); Pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus brevipes); Cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti); Papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus); Root mealybug (Rhizoecus falcifer); Rice mealybug (Brevennia) rehi); Bougainvillea mealybug (Phenacoccus peruvianus); Spherical mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis); Mango mealybug (Drosicha mangiferae); Greenhouse mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae); Apple mealybug (Phenacoccus aceris); Cactus mealybug (Hypogeococcus pungens); Bamboo mealybug (Antonina pretiosa); Coconut mealybug (Dysmicoccus cocotis); Madeira mealybug (Phenacoccus madeirensis); Strawberry mealybug (Phenacoccus fraxinus); Ferrisia virgata; Sugarcane mealybug (Saccharicoccus sacchari); Banana mealybug (Dysmicoccus neobrevipes); Oleander mealybug (Paracoccus) burnerae); Japanese mealybug (Planococcus kraunhiae).

[0271] f) Mischievous bugs: *Lygus lineolaris* (Black-banded Mischievous Bug); *Pseudatomoscelisseriatus* (Cotton Jumping Mischievous Bug); *Lygus communis* (Apple Red Mischievous Bug); *Lygus hesperus* (Western Black-banded Mischievous Bug); *Lygocoris pabulinus* (Grass Green Mischievous Bug); *Lygus rugulipennis* (European Black-banded Mischievous Bug); *Calocorisnorvegicus* (Bubbly Mischievous Bug); *Phytocoris longipennis* (Lytocoris Longipennis); *Neurocolpus nubilus* (Cloud-patterned Mischievous Bug); *Poecilocapsus lineatus* (Four-lined Mischievous Bug); *Campylomma verbasci* (Apple-spotted Mischievous Bug); *Adelphocoris lineolatus* (Alfalfa Mischievous Bug); *Leptocorisa* (Rice-margined Mischievous Bug). acuta); Garden jumping mirid bug (Halticus bractatus); Whitefly flower bug (Orius insidiosus); Leaf-footed mirid bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus); Tomato mirid bug (Nesidiocoris tenuis); Tea-winged mirid bug (Halyomorpha halys); Chocolate vine bug (Riptortus pedestris); Strawberry mirid bug (Orthops campestris); Willow-leaved mirid bug (Atractotomus mali); Bean-edged mirid bug (Riptortus clavatus); Citrus leaf-footed mirid bug (Leptoglossus zonatus); Cucumber mirid bug (Lygus pratensis); Potato mirid bug (Lygus elisus); Flower bug (Anthocoris nemorum); Blackberry jumping mirid bug (Halticus apterus); Tobacco mirid bug (Lygus lineolaris); Rose bug (Piezodorus lituratus).

[0272] g) Stink bugs: *Halyomorpha halys*; *Nezara viridula*; *Chinavia hilaris*; *Euschistus servus*; *Oebalus pugnax*; *Murgantia histrionica*; *Piezodorus guildinii*; *Euschistus tristigmus*; *Euschistus variolarius*; *Chlorochroa sayi*; *Podisus maculiventris*; *Chlorochroa ligata*; *Agonoscelis puberula*; *Acrosternum hilare*; *Euthyrhynchus floridanus*; *Brochymena* quadripustulata; spotted bug (Euschistus conspersus); red-shouldered bug (Thyantacustator); western pine cone bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis); bean bug (Megacoptacribraria); Australian green shield bug (Glaucias amyoti); brown shield bug (Dictyotus caenosus); Kununara green bug (Nezara viridula); large citrus bug (Rhynchocoris humeralis); large bug (Poecilometispatruelis).

[0273] h) Psyllids: Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri); potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli); pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyricola); tomato / potato psyllid (Bactericeratrigonica); olive psyllid (Euphyllura olivina); apple psyllid (Cacopsylla mali); yellow psyllid (Cacopsylla pyri); African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae); jumping psyllid (Trioza apicalis); rose apple psyllid (Trioza eugeniae); boxwood psyllid (Cacopsylla buxi); eucalyptus psyllid (Ctenarytainaeucalypti); Australian eggplant psyllid (Acizzia solanicola); potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli); Asian pear psyllid (Cacopsylla chinensis); cap psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei); European pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyri); blueberry psyllid (Cacopsylla vaccinii); alder psyllid (Psylla alni); acacia psyllid (Acizzia uncatoides); rose apple psyllid (Trioza eugeniae); red guar comb psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei); eucalyptus red guar comb psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei); pittosporum psyllid (Triozavitreoradiata).

[0274] i) Lepidoptera insects: Cabbage looper (Mamestra brassicae); Diamondback moth (Plutellaxylostella); Corn ear borer (Helicoverpa zea); European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis); Codling moth (Cydia pomonella); Fall armyworm (Spodoptera exigua); Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar); Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis); Tomato hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata); Tobacco hawk moth (Manducasexta); Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera); Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella); Indian meal borer (Plodia interpunctella); White-striped looper (Trichoplusia ni); Large wax moth (Galleriamellonella); Small cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae); Large cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae); Pine leafminer moth (Thaumetopoea) pityocampa); peach fruit moth (Anarsia lineatella); bean pod borer (Ectomyeloisceratoniae); apple fruit fly (Rhagoletis pomonella); Mediterranean powdery mildew moth (Ephestia kuehniella); light brown leaf roller (Epiphyas postvittana); Berssa cutworm (Mamestra configurata); powdery mildew moth (Pyralis farinalis); sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis); wheat sheath beetle (Oulema melanopus); pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella); pear fruit moth (Grapholita molesta); orange leaf roller (Argyrotaenia franciscana); coffee berry bark beetle (Hypothenemus hampei); beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua); African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta); diamondback moth (Plutella) xylostella); cabbage gall midge (Contarinianasturtii); Egyptian cotton leaf beetle (Spodoptera littoralis).

[0275] j) Mites: Two-spotted spider mite; Cinnabaric spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus); Polyphagotarsonemus latus; Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus); Tomato gall mite (Aculops lycopersici); Gall mite (Eriophyes spp.); Citrus red claw mite (Panonychus citri); European red mite (Panonychus ulmi); Strawberry spider mite (Tetranychus turkestani); Avocado brown mite (Oligonychus punicae); Citrus rust mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora); Grape rust mite (Calepitrimerus vitis); Alfalfa moth mite (Bryobia praetiosa); Flour mite (Rhizoglyphuse chinopus); Tomato gall mite (Aculops lycopersici); Wheat leafroller mite (Aceria) tosichella; hawthorn bryobia rubrioculus; bamboo tufted mite (Schizotetranychus bambusae); coffee tufted mite (Oligonychus coffeae); date palm tufted mite (Oligonychus afrasiaticus); apple rust mite (Aculusschlechtendali); maple tufted mite (Oligonychus aceris); blackberry gall mite (Acalitus essigi); coffee tufted mite (Oligonychus coffeae); pine needle rust mite (Nalepella spp.); cinnabar leaf mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus); hemp spiny gall mite (Aculops cannabicola); cactus short-bearded mite (Brevipalpus russulus).

[0276] k) Beetles: Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa ​​decemlineata); Japanese scarab beetle (Popillia japonica); Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis); cucumber beetle (Diabroticaspp.); red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum); western corn root beetle (Diabrotica virgiferavirgifera); southern corn root beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi); longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis); white ash narrow jewel beetle (Agrilus planipennis); cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis); European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis); elm leaf beetle (Xanthogalerucaluteola); lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii); flea beetle (Phyllotreta spp.); pine bark beetle (Tomicus piniperda); striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma) vittatum); spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata); sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius); cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis); potato flea beetle (Epitrix cucumeris); coffee berry beetle (Hypothenemus hampei); grain beetle (Trogoderma granarium); longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae spp.).); Grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius); Tobacco beetle (Lasioderma serricorne); Pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum); Almond beetle (Scolytus amygdali); Coconut beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros); Banana bulb weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus); Grape black-eared beetle (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); Carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); Rose beetle (Macrodactylus subspinosus); Corn weevil (Sitophilus zeamais); Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae); Red-brown weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus); Asian wood beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus); Citrus root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus); Bean leaf beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata); Sugarcane beetle (Euetheola) rugiceps; white-edged beetle (Graphognathus leucoloma).

[0277] Pathogens - In addition to the previously described pathogens, the following pathogens will also be shown to be improved.

[0278] a) Pythium genus: Pythium cucurbita (damping-off, root rot); Pythium telogen (damping-off, root rot, seedling blight); Pythium terrestris (root rot, damping-off); Pythium septum (root rot); Pythium moniliforme (damping-off, root rot); Pythium debali (damping-off, root rot); Pythium serratum (damping-off, root rot); Pythium lateralis (damping-off, root rot); Pythium graminearum (root rot, seedling blight); Pythium sclerotium (root rot). Damping-off; Pythium mederaceum (root rot); Pythium spinosum (damping-off); Pythium rosenbergii (root rot); Pythium peryleri (root rot, damping-off); Pythium oligandii (damping-off, root rot); Pythium masculinum (root rot, seedling blight); Pythium pumilum (damping-off, root rot); Pythium purpureus (root rot, damping-off); Pythium bisporum (root rot, damping-off); Pythium spp. (damping-off, root rot); Pythium spp. (root rot, damping-off).

[0279] b) Fusarium genus: *Fusarium oxysporum* (vascular wilt, root rot, damping-off); *Fusarium graminearum* (fusarium head blight, root rot); *Fusarium solanum* (root rot, stem rot, wilt); *Fusarium verticillatum* (ear rot, stem rot); *Fusarium moniliforme* (ear rot, root rot, seedling blight); *Fusarium oxysporum* (crown rot, foot rot, fusarium head blight); *Fusarium oxysporum* (crown rot, seedling blight, fusarium head blight); *Fusarium equisetifolium* (root rot, seedling blight, stem rot); *Fusarium graminearum* (fusarium head blight, fusarium head blight). Root rot); Fusarium cladosporium (root rot, Fusarium head blight); Fusarium moniliforme (stem rot, ear rot); Fusarium trifidum (crown rot, root rot); Fusarium tumefaciens (canker, stem rot); Fusarium subclumpum (pineapple disease, stem rot, seedling blight); Fusarium elderberry (crown rot, dry rot); Fusarium solani (pea wilt, root rot); Fusarium oxysporum (tomato wilt); Fusarium oxysporum (Cuban wilt, Panama disease).

[0280] c) Rhizoctonia genus: Rhizoctonia solani (damping-off, root rot, stem rot, blight); Rhizoctonia graminea (sheath blight, root rot); Rhizoctonia oryzae (sheath blight, root rot); Rhizoctonia tamariscina (sheath blight, root rot); Rhizoctonia maize (leaf sheath blight, root rot); Rhizoctonia saffron (crown rot, root rot); Rhizoctonia carrotii (hollow spot, root rot); Rhizoctonia tulipii (tulip fire blight, bulb rot); Rhizoctonia strawberryii (strawberry root rot, black root rot); Rhizoctonia purpureum (purple root rot); Rhizoctonia pilosa (charcoal rot, root rot).

[0281] d) Phytophthora: Phytophthora virosa (late blight); Phytophthora capsici (blight, fruit rot, root rot); Phytophthora camphorata (root rot, neck rot); Phytophthora soybean (stem rot, root rot of soybean); Phytophthora oak (sudden death of oak, blight); Phytophthora tobacco (black shank, root rot); Phytophthora malathi (crown rot, leather rot of strawberry); Phytophthora palmatum (bud rot, fruit rot); Phytophthora parasitica (root rot, damping-off); Phytophthora macrosporum (black pod rot of cocoa); Phytophthora deleyi (root rot, damping-off); Phytophthora cryptidosa (root rot, crown rot); Phytophthora red rot (pink rot of potato); Phytophthora alder (alder root rot and neck rot of alder); Phytophthora citrus (brown rot, root rot of citrus); Phytophthora strawberry (red heart disease of strawberry); Phytophthora kernii (leaf blight, canker); Phytophthora oak (oak decline disease).

[0282] e) Sclerotium genus: Sclerotium sclerotiorum (white mold, stem rot, crown rot); Sclerotium sclerotiorum (lettuce leaf rot, stem rot); Sclerotium sclerotiorum clover (clover rot, stem rot); Sclerotium sclerotiorum monopodiorum (turfgrass dollar spot); Sclerotium sclerotiorum northernum (root rot and crown rot of many crops, especially in cold regions); Sclerotium sclerotiorum leuciscus (white mold, root rot); Sclerotium sclerotiorum tuber (root rot, tuber rot).

[0283] f) Botrytis: Botrytis cinerea (gray mold, botrytis blight); Botrytis allium (onion neck rot); Botrytis favabeta (broad bean chocolate spot); Botrytis pilosa (onion leaf blight); Botrytis pilosa (onion neck rot); Botrytis peonyis (peony blight); Botrytis tulipi (tulip fire blight); Botrytis gladiolus (gladiol bulb rot); Botrytis ellipsoides (lily gray mold); Botrytis leekis (garlic and onion blight).

[0284] g) Erwinia genus: *Erwinia amyloliquefaciens* (fire blight in apples, pears, and other Rosaceae plants); *Erwinia carrot soft rot* (soft rot and black shank in potatoes); *Erwinia chrysanthemi* (soft rot and stem rot in various crops, including chrysanthemums and potatoes); *Erwinia pear fire blight* (Asian pear blight); *Erwinia tubiflora* (bacterial wilt in cucurbitaceae plants); *Erwinia rhubarb* (pink seed disease in leguminous plants); *Erwinia herbacea* (bacterial spot disease in tomatoes); *Erwinia bifurcate* (fire blight associated with apples and pears); *Erwinia sylvestris* (twig blight in papayas).

[0285] h) Genus *Rhizoctonia*: *Rhizoctonia basalis* (black root rot in various crops, including tobacco, cotton, and ornamental plants); *Rhizoctonia scabiosa* (pineapple disease in sugarcane, stem end rot in bananas, and rot in coconuts and palms); *Rhizoctonia etasica* (black rot in sugarcane); *Rhizoctonia dotti* (crown rot in dates); *Rhizoctonia bananai* (black rot in bananas); *Rhizoctonia radiata* (root rot in various crops, including tomatoes and cucurbitaceous plants).

[0286] i) *Neoprothiolane* (*Neoprothiolane* genus): *Neoprothiolane* species (leaf rot, fruit rot, and crown rot of strawberry), *Neoprothiolane rosea* (leaf rot, fruit rot, and crown rot of strawberry).

[0287] Example 13. Application of one or more Methylobacterium compositions

[0288] The application of the Methylbacillus composition can be accomplished through the following methods: foliar application, soil irrigation, furrow application, deep application or injection, seed box treatment, hopper box treatment, drip irrigation, irrigation, transplanting, bucket mixing, spraying, and seed treatment.

[0289] The application of the Methylobacterium composition and / or the Methylobacterium composition includes liquid, slurry, mist or powder (particles, dust).

[0290] The application of Methylobacterium compositions and / or Methylobacterium compositions includes adjuvants, lubricants, pest control agents, surfactants and / or fertilizers.

[0291] The application of the Methylbacterium composition is accomplished by uniform coating, root irrigation and / or application to soil, ditches, leaves, plant parts, plants and / or seeds.

[0292] Apply the Methylobacterium composition and / or the Methylobacterium composition to crops or non-crops.

[0293] The application of the Methylobacterium composition and / or the Methylobacterium composition is for the purpose of improving and / or preventing pathological Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium, Fusarium, Verticillium and Phytophthora.

[0294] The application of the Methylobacterium composition and / or the Methylobacterium composition is once or several times, including in the use of crop rotation programs, with or without the use of other insecticides and / or fungicides.

[0295] Increase or decrease the application of the Methylobacterium composition and / or Methylobacterium composition based on pest and / or disease pressure.

[0296] The application of the Methylobacterium composition is accomplished by spray drift, ground, air and / or chemical irrigation.

[0297] Example 14.

[0298] A. An NLS0042 composition applied to plants, plant parts and / or seeds.

[0299] The composition containing NLS0042 is applied to plants, plant parts, and / or seeds. Insect and / or nematode reduction is observed compared to untreated plants, for example, in field crops, indoor / outdoor nurseries, greenhouses, shade houses, indoor landscaping, commercial landscaping, and lawns.

[0300] B. NLS0089 composition applied to plants, plant parts and / or seeds.

[0301] The composition containing NLS0089 is applied to plants, plant parts, and / or seeds. Pathogens are reduced compared to untreated plants, for example, in field crops, indoor / outdoor nurseries, greenhouses, shade houses, indoor landscaping, commercial landscaping, and lawns.

[0302] Tables 8A to 8AAL.

[0303] Table 8A.

[0304] Table 8B.

[0305] Table 8C.

[0306] Table 8D.

[0307] Table 8E.

[0308] Table 8F.

[0309] Table 8G.

[0310] Table 8H.

[0311] Table 8I.

[0312] Table 8J.

[0313] Table 8K.

[0314] Table 8L.

[0315] Table 8M.

[0316] Table 8N.

[0317] Table 8O.

[0318] Table 8P.

[0319] Table 8Q.

[0320] Table 8R.

[0321] Table 8S.

[0322] Table 8T.

[0323] Table 8U.

[0324] Table 8V.

[0325] Table 8W.

[0326] Table 8X.

[0327] Table 8Y.

[0328] Table 8Z.

[0329] Table 8AA.

[0330] Table 8AB.

[0331] Table 8AC.

[0332] Table 8AD.

[0333] Table 8AE.

[0334] Table 8AF.

[0335] Table 8AG.

[0336] Table 8AH.

[0337] Table 8AI.

[0338] Table 8AJ.

[0339] Table 8AK.

[0340] Table 8AL.

[0341] Table 8AM.

[0342] Table 8AN.

[0343] Table 8AO.

[0344] Table 8 AP.

[0345] Table 8AQ.

[0346] Table 8AR.

[0347] Table 8AS.

[0348] Table 8AT.

[0349] Table 8AU.

[0350] Table 8AV.

[0351] Table 8AW.

[0352] Table 8AX.

[0353] Table 8AY.

[0354] Table 8 AZ.

[0355] Table 8AAA.

[0356] Table 8AAB.

[0357] Table 8AAC.

[0358] Table 8AAD.

[0359] Table 8AAE.

[0360] Table 8AAF.

[0361] Table 8 AAG.

[0362] Table 8AAH.

[0363] Table 8AAI.

[0364] Table 8 AAJ.

[0365] Table 8AAK.

[0366] Table 8AAL.

[0367] Example 14. The number of diseases was reduced compared to the control.

[0368] The composition containing NLS0089 was applied to plants, plant parts, and / or seeds. Disease incidence, severity, and area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) were all reduced compared to untreated plants. Both treated and untreated control plants were inoculated with the pathogen. Disease incidence and severity counts were visually rated weekly after inoculation and compared with counts in untreated control plants to identify enhanced plant response to the pathogen. An asterisk indicates a statistically significant reduction, LSD. p < 0.10, p, 0.05. Except for footnote 1, all data are from greenhouse inoculation measurements; the data in footnote 1 were from field treatments and tested in detached leaf measurements.

[0369] Table 9.

[0370] AUDPC is a method used by plant pathologists to measure disease progression over time by repeatedly measuring the same plant using a disease severity index. The percentage is calculated as [(inoculated + NLS0089) - (inoculated control)] / (inoculated control). 100

[0371] Example 15.

[0372] NLS0089 will be applied as a dry seed treatment in combination with several chemical and biological products in a greenhouse environment to soybeans, peanuts, and cotton, and will be challenged against soil-borne diseases, including Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium species, Pythium species, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Disease incidence, severity, and AUDPC will be measured compared to untreated plants and plants treated with other chemical and biological products. Disease incidence and severity counts will be visually rated weekly after inoculation and compared with counts in control plants to identify the enhanced plant response to pathogens.

[0373] Example 16.

[0374] The protective properties of NLS0089 against *Phytophthora* species will be evaluated in a potato field trial. NLS0089 will be applied as a liquid seed treatment in addition to grower's standard operating procedure (Cruisermaxx Vibrance). The NLS0089 treatment will be compared to a control using only Cruisermaxx Vibrance. Natural infection of *Phytophthora* species will occur during the trial. Overall crop yield and quality will be assessed.

[0375] Example 17.

[0376] The protective characteristics of NLS0042 against fall armyworm (Lepidoptera) on maize and *Diplophora spp.* (Hemiptera) on soybean will be evaluated in netted pot trials and field trials. In netted pot trials, a predetermined number of insects will be introduced into each netted pot. Insect oviposition will be compared between NLS0042-treated plants and control plants. Natural infection will occur in the field trials. Live insect counts and damage percentages will be assessed periodically.

[0377] Example 18. Methods for finding additional PPFMs with ISR activity

[0378] Additional PPFMs will be tested that 1) are phylogenetically different from NLS0042 and / or NLS0089, and / or 2) contain sequences identified in Examples 4, 8, and / or 9 that may affect volatile production in NLS0042.

[0379] Table 10.

[0380] Non-Bt maize seeds were planted either with water as an untreated control (UTC) or with PPFM at a dose of 2E6 cfu / seed. Methyl jasmonate served as a positive control for ISR response, and these plants were treated with a foliar spray at a dose of 1 mM per plant 1–2 days prior to harvest. All plants were grown for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and / or 10 days to allow time for PPFM to establish an ISR response in the plants. Roots were harvested and immediately frozen on dry ice to preserve RNA integrity.

[0381] RNA will be extracted and treated with DNase. High-quality DNA will be used for cDNA synthesis using oligomeric (dT) primers. qPCR will be performed using ISR response genes or indicator genes to identify other PPFMs with ISR activity. Positive controls will be NLS0042, NLS0089, and methyl jasmonate. Negative controls will be untreated and killed NLS0042 cells. Relative fold changes will be calculated using the ΔΔCt method based on qPCR results (Livak and Schmittgen 2001). Fold changes greater than 1.5 will be considered positive. Fold changes less than 0.5 will also be considered when assessing activity. One or more of these genes must show activity at at least one time point to be considered positive. When further screening of these PPFMs is determined, PPFM responses will be classified as NLS0042-like, NLS0089-like, or both.

[0382] Table 11. Target genes used for screening.

[0383]

[0384] Example 19. Effects of NLS0042 on root-knot nematode (RKN) in maize.

[0385] The ability of NLS0042 to reduce root-knot nematode counts on maize plants in a greenhouse was evaluated. At planting time, NLS0042 was applied to maize seeds at a dose of at least 1E6 cfu / seed, and a control product was applied at the labeled dosage. Plants were allowed to grow for at least 10 days prior to the addition of the nematode inoculum, allowing NLS0042 to establish an ISR response. Root-knot nematode-free plants and plants inoculated only with root-knot nematodes were used as negative controls for plant indicators and treatments, respectively. The biocontrol product Majestene (a heat-inactivated Burkholderia product from Marrone Bio Innovations) and the chemical control product Ilevo (fluopyram from BASF) were used as positive controls. Following root-knot nematode inoculation, plants were allowed to grow in the greenhouse for approximately 30 days before harvesting, and plant indicators and nematode counts were measured. NLS0042 reduced RKN counts per gram of root system and increased root biomass, with indicators similar to or better than one or more control products used as positive controls.

[0386] Table 12.

[0387] Example 20.

[0388] a) The protective properties of NLS0042 against blueberry beetles will be evaluated in netted pot trials and field trials. In netted pot trials, a set number of insects will be introduced into each netted pot. Insect numbers will be compared between NLS0042-treated plants and control plants. In field trials, natural infection will occur. Live insect counts and damage percentages will be assessed periodically.

[0389] (b) The protective properties of NLS0042 against mealybugs on pineapples will be evaluated in netted pot trials and field trials. In netted pot trials, a set number of insects will be introduced into each netted pot. Insect numbers will be compared between NLS0042-treated plants and control plants. In field trials, natural infection will occur. Live insect counts and damage percentages will be assessed periodically.

[0390] c) The protective characteristics of NLS0042 against the diamondback moth on Brassica rapa will be evaluated in netted pot trials and field trials. In netted pot trials, a predetermined number of insects will be introduced into each netted pot. Insect numbers will be compared between NLS0042-treated plants and control plants. In field trials, natural infection will occur. Live insect counts and damage percentages will be assessed periodically.

[0391] d) The protective properties of NLS0042 against black beetles on figs will be evaluated in netted pot trials and field trials. In netted pot trials, a set number of insects will be introduced into each netted pot. Insect numbers will be compared between NLS0042-treated plants and control plants. In field trials, natural infection will occur. Live insect counts and damage percentages will be assessed periodically.

[0392] References

[0393] Balmer D, de Papajewski DV, Planchamp C, Glauser G, Mauch-Mani B. Induced resistance in maize is based on organ-specific defense responses. Plant J. 2013 Apr;74(2):213-25. doi: 10.1111 / tpj.12114. Epub 2013 Feb 18. PMID: 23302050.

[0394] Du H, Feng BR, Yang SS, Huang YB, Tang YX. The R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene family in maize. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e37463. doi: 10.1371 / journal.pone.0037463. Epub 2012 Jun 7. PMID: 22719841; PMCID: PMC3370817.

[0395] Liu L, Zhang Y, Tang C, Wu J, Fu J, Wang Q. Genome-wide identification of ZmMYC2 binding sites and target genes in maize. BMC Genomics. 2024 Apr 23;25(1):397. doi: 10.1186 / s12864-024-10297-z. Erratum in: BMC Genomics. 2024 May 17;25(1):491. doi: 10.1186 / s12864-024-10386-z. PMID:38654166; PMCID: PMC11036654.

[0396] Livak KJ, Schmittgen TD. Analysis of relative gene expression data using real-time quantitative PCR and the 2(-Delta Delta C(T)) Method. Methods. 2001 Dec;25(4):402-8. doi: 10.1006 / meth.2001.1262. PMID: 11846609.

[0397] Ray S, Gaffor I, Acevedo FE, Helms A, Chuang WP, Tooker J, Felton GW, Luthe DS. Maize Plants Recognize Herbivore-Associated Cues from Caterpillar Frass. J Chem Ecol. 2015 Sep;41(9):781-92. doi: 10.1007 / s10886-015-0619-1. Epub 2015 Aug 26. PMID: 26306592. PCT / RO / 134 Table

Claims

1. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by whiteflies, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Solanaceae family.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant or plant part is tomato (Solanum).

4. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by whiteflies, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of whitefly larvae and / or adult whiteflies to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce whitefly damage in the treated plants.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the whitefly damage in the treated plant is reduced more significantly compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of whitefly larvae and / or adults.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the treated plant is a tomato plant.

7. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by mites, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the plant or plant part is strawberry (Strawberry).

10. A method for mitigating mite damage to plants, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of mites to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce mite damage in the treated plants.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the mite damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of mites.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the treated plant is a strawberry plant.

13. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by soil bugs, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the legume family.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant or plant part is peanut (genus Arachis).

16. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by soil bugs, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of soil bugs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce soil bug damage in the treated plants.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the soil bug damage in the treated plants is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of soil bugs.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the treated plant is a peanut plant.

19. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by aphids, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; pepper; soybean; and tomato.

21. A method for mitigating aphid damage to plants, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of aphids to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce aphid damage in the treated plants.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the aphid damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of aphids.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; pepper; soybean; and tomato.

24. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by cucumber beetles, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plant or plant part is a melon.

26. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by cucumber beetles, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of cucumber beetles to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce cucumber beetle damage in the treated plants.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the cucumber beetle damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of cucumber beetles.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the treated plant is melon.

29. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by fall armyworm, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; soybean; and rice.

31. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by armyworms, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of fall armyworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce fall armyworm damage in the treated plants.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the treated plants suffer more reduced fall armyworm damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of fall armyworms.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; soybean; and rice.

34. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by flea beetles, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: brassica; and tomato.

36. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by flea beetles, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of flea beetles to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce flea beetle damage in the treated plants.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the flea beetle damage in the treated plants is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of flea beetles.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: brassica; and tomato.

39. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by lepidopteran insects, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: corn; pepper; and green beans.

41. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by lepidopteran insects, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of lepidopteran insects to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from lepidopteran insects in the treated plant.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the lepidopteran damage in the treated plant is reduced more significantly compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of lepidopteran insects.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: corn; pepper; and green beans.

44. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by the Mexican bean beetle, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the plant or plant part is a kidney bean.

46. ​​A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by the Mexican bean beetle, the method comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the Mexican bean beetle to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from Mexican bean beetles in the treated plants.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the Mexican bean beetle damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the Mexican bean beetle.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein the treated plant is a common bean.

49. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by nematodes, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; peanut; and tomato.

51. A method for mitigating nematode damage to plants, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) To produce treated plants by growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of nematodes; and c) Reduce nematode damage in the treated plants.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the nematode damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to that in an untreated plant grown in the presence of nematodes.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; peanut; and tomato.

54. The method of any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein the nematode is a root-knot nematode.

55. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by insects and / or nematodes, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising one or more strains of NLS0042 and shown in Table 1A and / or Table 1B.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the plants shown in Tables 8A to 8A1A.

57. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by insects and / or nematodes, the method comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition comprising NLS0042 and one or more strains shown in Table 1A and / or Table 1B; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of insects and / or nematodes to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce insect and / or nematode damage in the treated plant.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the insect and / or nematode damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of insects and / or nematodes.

59. The method of claim 57, wherein the treated plant is selected from the plants shown in Tables 8A to 8AAL.

60. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by a potato leafhopper, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the plant or plant part is a potato.

62. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by potato leafhoppers, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the potato leafhopper to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce potato leafhopper damage in the treated plants.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the potato leafhopper damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the potato leafhopper.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein the treated plant is a potato.

65. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by southern maize rootworm, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the plant or plant part is a peanut.

67. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by southern maize rootworms, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the southern maize rootworm to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from southern maize rootworms in the treated plants.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the treated plants exhibit greater reduction in southern maize rootworm damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the southern maize rootworm.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein the treated plant is a peanut.

70. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by soybean cutworm, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the plant or plant part is soybean.

72. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by the southern soybean cutworm, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the soybean cutworm to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce soybean cutworm damage in the treated plants.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the soybean cutworm damage in the treated plants is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of soybean cutworm.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein the treated plant is soybean.

75. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by squash bugs, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: melon; and zucchini.

77. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by squash bugs, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of squashworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce squashworm damage in the treated plants.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the treated plant exhibits greater reduction in squash bug damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of squash bugs.

79. The method of claim 77, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: melon; and zucchini.

80. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by stink bugs, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: corn; soybean; and tomato.

82. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by stink bugs, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of stink bugs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce stink bug damage in the treated plants.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein the stink bug damage in the treated plants is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of stink bugs.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: corn; soybean; and tomato.

85. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by thrips, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: peanut; and pepper.

87. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by thrips, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of thrips to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce thrips damage in the treated plants.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the thrips damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of thrips.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: peanuts; and pepper.

90. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by the tobacco hawk moth, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein the plant or plant part is a tomato.

92. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by the tobacco hawk moth, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of the tobacco hawk moth to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce tobacco hawk moth damage in the treated plants.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the tobacco hawk moth damage in the treated plants is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of the tobacco hawk moth.

94. The method of claim 92, wherein the treated plant is a tomato.

95. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by water weevils, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein the plant or plant part is rice.

97. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by water weevils, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of water weevils to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce water weevil damage in the treated plants.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the water weevil damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of water weevils.

99. The method of claim 97, wherein the treated plant is rice.

100. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by western flower thrips, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the plant or plant part is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; and tomato.

102. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by western flower thrips, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of western flower thrips to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the presence of western flower thrips in the treated plant.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the treated plant exhibits greater reduction in thrips damage compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of western flower thrips.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: cotton; and tomato.

105. A method for reducing the risk of damage to plants and / or plant parts by white grubs, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0042.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the plant or plant part is corn.

107. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by white grubs, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of white grubs to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce the presence of white grubs in the treated plants.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the white grub damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of white grubs.

109. The method of claim 107, wherein the treated plant is corn.

110. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by wireworms, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0042.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the plant or plant part is corn.

112. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by wireworms, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of wireworms to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce wireworm in the treated plant.

113. The method of claim 110, wherein the treated plant has a greater reduction in wireworms compared to an untreated plant grown in the presence of wireworms.

114. The method of claim 110, wherein the treated plant is corn.

115. A method for improving plant responses to pests, wherein the method comprises: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0042; and b) Plants grow from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of the pest, thereby improving the plant's response to the pest compared to a control plant.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of: alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrot; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumber; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; pepper; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; pumpkin; beets; sunflower; sweet potatoes; tobacco; tomatoes; turfgrass; and wheat.

117. The method of any one of claims 115 to 116, wherein the level of one or more plant defense compounds in the plant is increased compared with that of a control plant.

118. The method of any one of claims 115 to 117, wherein the pest is an insect pest selected from the group consisting of: aphids; beetles; bedbugs; flies; grubs; leafhoppers; lepidopteran insects; inchworms; mites; nematodes; rootworms; and thrips.

119. The method of any one of claims 115 to 118, wherein the pest is an insect pest selected from the group consisting of: aphids; fall armyworms; leafhoppers; lepidopteran insects; mites; peanut bugs; root-knot nematodes; southern corn rootworms; soybean cutworms; stink bugs; tobacco hawk moths; western flower thrips; whiteflies; white grubs; and wireworms.

120. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant part by Botrytis cinerea, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0089.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae or Solanaceae family.

122. The method of claim 121, wherein the plant or plant part is strawberry (Strawberry) or tomato (Solanum).

123. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by Botrytis cinerea, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts or seeds in the presence of *Botrytis* to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce Botrytis damage in the treated plant.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the treated plant exhibits reduced Botrytis damage and / or incidence compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of Botrytis.

125. The method of claim 123, wherein the treated plant is selected from the group consisting of: strawberry; and tomato.

126. A method for reducing the risk of bacterial damage to a plant and / or plant parts, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0089.

127. The method of claim 126, wherein the bacterium is Erwinia.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein the plant or plant part is apple (Malus).

130. A method for mitigating bacterial damage in plants, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of bacteria to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce bacterial damage in the treated plant.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the bacteria are Erwinia.

132. The method of claim 130, wherein the bacterial damage in the treated plant is reduced to a greater extent compared to untreated plants grown in the presence of bacteria.

133. The method of claim 130, wherein the treated plant is a strawberry plant.

134. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant part by *Rhizoctonia*, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant part with a composition comprising NLS0089.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Solanaceae family.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the plant or plant part is tomato (Solanum).

137. A method for mitigating root damage caused by *Lysimachia* in plants, the method comprising: a) Treating soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; and b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of *Rhizoctonia* to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from *Lysimachia* species in the treated plants.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the treated plant has a greater reduction in *Rhizoctonia* compared to an untreated plant grown in the presence of *Rhizoctonia*.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein the treated plant is a tomato plant.

140. A method for reducing the risk of damage to a plant and / or plant parts by oomycetes, the method comprising contacting the plant or plant parts with a composition comprising NLS0089.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the oomycete is Pythium.

142. The method of claim 140, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Cucurbitaceae or Asteraceae family.

143. The method of claim 140, wherein the plant or plant part is cucumber (Cucumis) or lettuce (Lactuca).

144. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by oomycetes, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of oomycetes to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce oomycete damage in the treated plants.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein the oomycete is a Pythium.

146. The method of claim 144, wherein the treated plant has a greater reduction in Pythium compared to an untreated plant grown in the presence of Pythium.

147. The method of claim 144, wherein the treated plant is a gourd or a lettuce.

148. A method for mitigating damage to plants caused by *Neoproterozoa*, the method comprising: a) Treat soil, plants, plant parts or seeds with a composition containing NLS0089; as well as b) Growing plants from the soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds in the presence of oomycetes to produce treated plants; and c) Reduce damage from *Neoproterozoa* in the treated plants.

149. The method of claim 148, wherein the plant or plant part is a member of the Rosaceae family.

150. The method of claim 148, wherein the plant or plant part is strawberry (Strawberry).

151. The method of claim 148, wherein the treated plant has a greater reduction in *Neoplasmosis* compared to an untreated plant grown in the presence of *Neoplasmosis*.

152. A composition comprising Methylobacterium spp. selected from the group consisting of: NLS0034; NLS0039; NLS0043; NLS0049; NLS0088; NLS0245; NLS0264; NLS0272; NLS0374; NLS0718; NLS1284; NLS1319; NLS4024; NLS4958; NLS7730; NLS7858; NLS7859; NLS7860; NLS7861; NLS7862; NLS7863; NLS7864; NLS7865; NLS7866; NLS7867; NLS7868; NLS7869; NLS7870; NLS7871; and NLS7872.

153. The composition of claim 152, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of: additional active ingredients; agriculturally acceptable adjuvants; and agriculturally acceptable excipients.

154. The composition of claim 152, wherein the composition further comprises one or more additional Methylobacteria genus.

155. The composition of claim 154, wherein the one or more Methylobacteria species are selected from the Methylobacteria species in Table 1A.

156. The composition of claim 152, wherein the composition further comprises one or more methanogenic bacteria.

157. The composition of claim 156, wherein the one or more methanogenic bacteria are selected from the methanogenic bacteria in Table 1B.

158. A plant, plant part, or seed, wherein the plant, plant part, or seed is at least partially coated with the composition as described in any one of claims 152 to 157.

159. The plant, plant part or seed as claimed in claim 158, wherein the plant, plant part or seed is selected from the group consisting of: row crops, specialty crops and rice.

160. The plant, plant part or seed as claimed in claim 158, wherein the plant, plant part or seed is selected from the plants in Tables 4, 8A to 8A1A and 9.

161. An isolated microorganism selected from the group consisting of: NLS0034; NLS0039; NLS0043; NLS0049; NLS0088; NLS0245; NLS0264; NLS0272; NLS0374; NLS0718; NLS1284; NLS1319; NLS4024; NLS4958; NLS7730; NLS7858; NLS7859; NLS7860; NLS7861; NLS7862; NLS7863; NLS7864; NLS7865; NLS7866; NLS7867; NLS7868; NLS7869; NLS7870; NLS7871; and NLS7872.

162. A method for improving plant growth indicators, the method comprising: a) Introducing the compositions described herein into plants, plant parts or seeds; as well as b) Allow the plant, plant parts or seeds to grow under conditions sufficient to improve growth indicators.

163. The method of claim 162, wherein the growth indicators are selected from the group consisting of: plant size; number of tillers; root length; and plant height.

164. The method of claim 162, wherein the plant, plant part, or seed is selected from the group consisting of: alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrot; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumber; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; pepper; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; pumpkin; beets; sunflower; sweet potato; tobacco; tomato; turfgrass; and wheat.

165. A method for improving plant yield indicators, the method comprising: a) Introducing the composition comprising any one of claims 152 to 161 into a plant, plant part or seed; as well as b) Allow the plant, plant parts or seeds to grow under conditions sufficient to improve yield indicators.

166. The method of claim 165, wherein the improved yield indicators are selected from the group consisting of: number of ears; ear weight; and aboveground biomass.

167. The method of claim 165, wherein the plant, plant part, or seed is selected from the group consisting of: alfalfa; barley; Brassica species; Cannabis species; carrot; cassava; coconut; coffee; conifers; corn; cotton; Cucurbitaceae plants; cucumber; fruit plants (including fruit trees); mung beans; herbs; leafy green vegetables; lettuce; miniature vegetables; millet; oats; onions; ornamental plants; peas; peanuts; pepper; potatoes; rice; rye; safflower; sorghum; soybeans; pumpkin; beets; sunflower; sweet potato; tobacco; tomatoes; turfgrass; and wheat.

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