Flowering inducing components

Abstract

A flowering-inducing composition comprising bacteria derived from Brevibacterium celere strain C-924 and an excipient or stabilizer. The agent can increase the number of flowers and produce inflorescences earlier in cultivated plants. A method for inducing flowering in plants is based on applying a composition containing bacteria derived from Brevibacterium celere strain C-924 to soil or a substrate. Use of bacteria derived from Brevibacterium celere strain C-924 to produce a flowering-inducing composition in plants.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of soil microbiology, agriculture, and the application of non-hormonal flowering inducers. Specifically, the present invention discloses a flowering inducer composition that can replace hormonal and chemical flowering inducers without affecting the biological balance or the environment.

[0002] Background technology There is growing interest in using natural and non-naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms to improve crop yields and increase food production, in light of growing concerns related to the use of chemicals (including hormones) in agriculture and their harmful effects on human health and the environment.

[0003] Soil contains microorganisms with the aforementioned potential. These have been introduced for various integrated pest management and crop productivity enhancement purposes (Avis et al., Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40(7):1773-1740, 2008). Growth regulators can improve crop yield. Numerous growth regulators are being further studied for application at various stages of plant development and productivity to stabilize production.

[0004] Roots have biological and physical effects on the rhizosphere, the soil surrounding them. Rhizobacteria constitute a phylogenetically distinct group of bacteria that constitute the rhizosphere and exclude other microorganisms from this nutrient-rich region. These bacteria can further interact with plants, promoting or inhibiting their growth (Kloepper et al. Curr. Microbiol. 4: 317-320, 1980).

[0005] Any specific microorganism can affect plants through several mechanisms. Depending on the cultivation conditions, the effect of the interaction can be lost or enhanced (Carrillo-Castaneda et al. Biotecnologia Aplicada. 17: 171-176, 2000). Extensive case studies have provided evidence that volatile organic compounds emitted by various microorganisms, such as Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Arthrobacter sp., Fusarium sp., and Alternaria sp., can stimulate the growth of specific "target" plant seedlings, such as Arabidopsis and tobacco (Fincheira and Quiroy. Microbiological Research, pp 63-75, 2018).

[0006] Growth stimulation caused by influences from the serosphere and rhizosphere is accompanied by the activity of saprophytic organisms. Various interactions can lead to the selective enrichment of certain symbiont groups (Whipps, Journal of Experimental Botany 2001; Vol. 52, No. 90001, pp. 487-511).

[0007] Some rhizobacteria are able to stimulate plant growth and limit attack from soil and seed pathogens (Zablotowicz, RM et al. The rhizosphere and plant growth. DL Keister and PB Cregan (ed.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht. 5 The Netherlands, 1991, pp. 315-326). Strain C-924, disclosed in European Patent No. 0 774 906, is an example of the above. Initially, this strain was characterized using biochemical methods, i.e., API-50 CH as reference, and classified as Corynebacterium paurometabolum. This strain was collected by the Cuban Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) at the Centraalbureau Voor Microbial Culture Collection in Baarn, The Netherlands. The strain was deposited at the Schimmelcultures (accession number CBS613.95). Several reports have revealed that this strain is associated with broad-spectrum pesticide and antiparasitic activity. The species Corynebacterium paurometabolum was later classified as Tsukamurella paurometabola. The biofertilizer activity of this antibacterial strain, designated C-924 (European Patent No. 2154121), has been further demonstrated. The strain was then further evaluated by molecular, biochemical, morphological, and physiological methods at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where it was identified as Brevibacterium celere.

[0008] Flowering induction is a physiological process, characterized by qualitative changes in hormone metabolism. According to Ramirez et al. (Hort Science 45(10: 1453-1458, 2010)), the initiation of early flowering is identified as cell division and elongation, which results in the formation of early flower shoots that can be reproductive (flowers only), vegetative (leaves only), or a mixture of both (leaves and flowers in the same inflorescence). Flowering induction in fruit trees is the process by which initially vegetative shoots undergo metabolic changes to turn into buds. Environmental, ontogenetic, and physiological factors can control this process (Rev. Plant Physiol. 39:175-219, 1988).

[0009] Knowledge of the physiology of flowering induction allows for crop programming using chemicals, biological agents, and other crop treatment techniques that help extend or delay the fruiting period. Some specific crops can be grown outside their natural adaptation range (forced production), which can increase their competitiveness in national and international markets and contribute to the efficient use of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides (Davenport and Nunez, CAB International, 1997, pp. 69-146). Current regulatory methods for controlling flowering and flower development are diverse and complex, requiring strict control of gene expression and protein levels (Hong and Jackson, Plant Biotechnology Journal, pp. 1-11, 2015).

[0010] Plant hormones are the first chemical factors considered to affect flowering time. However, it is difficult to design a common scheme for the metabolic network regulating plant hormones in relation to flowering time in various plant species. Surface application of plant hormones can inhibit some processes (Ionescu et al. Journal of Experimental Botany, 68, 3, 2016). Furthermore, several examples have shown that plant hormones can have adverse effects on human health (https: / / www.conasi.eu / blog / consejos-de-salud / fitoestrogenos).

[0011] Some chemicals can significantly increase the formation of flower primordia during induction. For example, Benzotiazol™ is effective in increasing the yield of papaya (Carica papaya L.). It has been reported that this treatment increased production by 66.7% (Engormix, https: / / www.engormix.com, 2020). However, these hormone treatments are unacceptable to environmentalists and average consumers. Therefore, there is a demand for new flowering inducers that are environmentally friendly and do not adversely affect consumer health.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention addresses the above problems by providing a flowering-inducing composition comprising the B. celere C-924 microbial strain bacterium and an excipient or stabilizer. The strain has been deposited under the number CBS613.95. In one aspect of the invention, the bacterial composition comprises 10 6 cfu~10 12 cfu of the bacterium per gram of solid composition or per mL of liquid composition.

[0013] The availability of B. celere microorganisms in soil (Ivanova et al., Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 54(Pt 6):2107-2111, 2004), which can act as a flowering inducer, minimizes or eliminates the use of other inducers. Many hormones and chemical products have adverse effects on the environment and human health. In contrast, the present invention addresses the complex issue of flowering inducer utilization in various crops that require them.

[0014] This strain is isolated from the rhizosphere and applied to the soil, not the leaves. Therefore, this strain is environmentally friendly and does not have any adverse effects on human health. Microbial flowering inducers, such as B. celere strain C-924, could certainly address this technical problem. This makes the present invention novel in the art. To date, there have been no examples of microorganisms being used as flowering inducers. In one aspect of the present invention, the ability of strain C-924 to have a positive effect on the flowers of several cultivated plants has been demonstrated.

[0015] The application of B. celere C-924 to soil is effective on (chemically active) organic substrates in combination with organic matter or amino acid carriers, or both. The microorganism is applied as an aqueous cell solution. In one embodiment, the microorganism is applied at a concentration of 10 per gram of solid composition. 12 It is applied as a powder at a concentration of 5-25 g in 10 L of water before application to the soil or substrate.

[0016] The present invention includes a method for inducing flowering in plants based on the application to soil or a substrate of a composition containing bacteria derived from the B. celere C-924 strain. In one aspect of the present invention, in the above method, the concentration of bacteria in the composition is 10 per gram of solid composition or 1 mL of liquid composition. 6 cfu~10 12 cfu.

[0017] Solanaceae (tomato), cucurbits (cucumber), Musaceae (banana), Myrtaceae (guava), Euphorbiaceae (sacha inchi), and ornamentals (roses) are some examples of economically important plants in which the microbial strain C-924 can be effectively used.

[0018] In one particular embodiment of the method of the present invention, the plant is selected from the group consisting of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), banana (Musa spp.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.). In another embodiment, the plant is ornamental. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the ornamental plant is a rose (Rosa spp.).

[0019] In the method of the present invention, the composition applied to the soil or substrate can be applied before, during, or after sowing. In such a method, the C-924 composition is applied in combination or mixture with other microorganisms. Another object of the present invention is to use bacteria derived from the B celere strain C-924 to produce a flowering-inducing composition in plants.

[0020] Implementation example Example 1: Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 on tomato flowering A study was conducted to investigate the effect of Brevibacterium celere strain C-924 on the flowering of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, hybrid FA-180). The study was conducted in a 0.09-ha protected greenhouse with a brown clayey soil (Hernandez-Jimenez et al., Cultrop, 2019; 40, no. 1:a15-e15) containing 3% readily decomposable organic matter and 12% total organic matter. The soil is free of parasitic plant nematodes and pathogenic microorganisms. The greenhouse was divided into 16 plots (19.25 m each) using an experimental design with four treatments and four replicates as follows: 2 ) was divided into

[0021] 1. Concentrated aqueous suspension of C-924 bacteria (5.0 × 10 11 cfu / mL) Treatments at 10 L / ha were applied via the fertilizer irrigation system before transplanting tomato seedlings. The final suspension applied to the root zone of the plants was 5.0 x 10 7 The suspension was 0.05 cfu / mL. Two other applications were made every 21 days during the cultivation cycle. Other actions in this treatment were the same as in the control treatment (No. 4). 2. Concentrated aqueous suspension of strain C-924 bacteria (5.0 × 10 11 cfu / mL) Treatments at 4 L / ha were applied via the fertilizer irrigation system before transplanting. The final suspension applied to the root zone of the plants was 5.0 x 10 6 The suspension was 0.05 cfu / mL. Two other applications were made every 21 days during the crop cycle. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in the control treatment (No. 4). 3. Hormonal Treatment:Hormoton™ 2SL (5 mL / 1 L of water) was applied to the leaves twice a week according to the Manual for Producing Hortalizas (Casanova et al., https: / / isbn.cloud / 9789803183271 / manual-para-la-produccion-protegida-de-hortalizas-version-digital, 2007). This hormone has a positive effect on pollen production and fertility of flowers. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in the control treatment (No. 4). Control treatment: no flowering inducer. The crops were handled according to the instructions in the Manual para la Produccion Protegida de Hortalizas ( Casanova et al., 2007 ), except for the application of flowering inducers, as none were used in this treatment.

[0022] These treatments with bacterial suspensions were carried out according to a localized irrigation system (drip) using an additional pump, following the instructions given in the Manual para la Produccion Protegida de Hortalizas (Casanova et al., 2007), after a total irrigation water volume of 1 L / m².

[0023] The percentage of flowering plants was determined 15 days after transplanting. The following plant parameters were measured and quantified every 15 days (40 plants): · Percentage of plants in flower. · Number of inflorescences per plant. · Number of flowers per plant.

[0024] The results of the initial evaluation 15 days after transplanting are summarized in Table 1. The percentage of flowering plants, the number of inflorescences per plant, and the number of flowers per plant were significantly higher in the treatments with B. celere C-924 at both doses. No statistically significant differences were found between the results of the test items measured for the two concentrations of B. celere (treatments 1 and 2) or between the results without the microorganism. Furthermore, flower primordia appeared one week earlier in treatments 1 and 2 than in treatments 3 and 4. This study demonstrates the properties of the microorganism as a flowering inducer under field conditions.

[0025] [Table 1] Mean values ​​with different subscripts are significantly different according to Tukey's rule (p≦0.05). Parameters were evaluated 15 days after transplantation.

[0026] Table 2 shows the number of inflorescences per plant and flowers per plant 60 days after transplanting. [Table 2] Mean values ​​with different subscripts are significantly different by Tukey (p≦0.05). These parameters were assessed 60 days after transplantation.

[0027] The parameter values ​​observed in treatments 1, 2, and 3 were significantly higher than in treatment 4 (control without flowering inducer). Surprisingly, no statistically significant differences occurred among treatments 1, 2, and 3. Treatment 4 showed high levels of flower stunting and no fruit formation during the crop cycle.

[0028] As a result, the use of C-924 as a flowering inducer in tomato plants is favorable, resulting in increased flower and fruit production. Furthermore, this microbial inducer could replace hormone treatments, which are rejected by environmentalists and consumers.

[0029] Example 2: Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 on flowering of cucumber The effect of B. celere C-924 strain on flowering of cucumber (Cucumis sativus, var. Tropical SS-5) was tested under semi-protected organoponic conditions using chemically active substrates. A row containing chemically active organic substrate and more than 200 plants (free from parasitic nematodes and plant pathogenic microorganisms) in 25% ferroaluminous red earth (Hernandez-Jimenez et al., Cultrop, 2019; vol. 40, no.1:a15-e15), 25% zeolite, and 50% worm humus was selected (Rodriguez et al., Manual Tecnico para Organoponicos, Huertos Intensivos y Organoponia Semiprotegida. Sexta Edicion, ISBN:959-246-030-2, 2007).

[0030] The rows were divided into 9 plots containing 20 plants each and used as test units. The experimental design consisted of 3 treatments with 3 replications and was carried out as follows: 1. Powder preparation of C-924 strain (2.0 × 10 12 The suspension consisted of a dose of 2.5 kg of powder per hectare. This pre-prepared aqueous suspension was applied using a watering can before direct sowing of cucumber seeds. The final concentration of the suspension applied to the root zone of the plants was 10 7 cfu / mL. Two other applications were made every 21 days during the crop cycle. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in control treatment 3 (control). 2. Powder preparation of C-924 strain (2.0 × 10 12The suspension required 1 kg of powder per hectare. The pre-prepared aqueous suspension was applied using a watering can directly before sowing the cucumber seeds. The final concentration of the suspension applied to the root zone of the plants was 10 6 cfu / mL. Two other applications were made every 21 days during the crop cycle. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in control treatment 3 (control). 3. Control: no flowering inducer. The plants were treated according to the Manual Tecnico para Organoponicos, Huertos Intensivos y Organoponia Semiprotegida (Rodriguez et al., Sexta Edicion, ISBN: 959-246-030-2, 2007).

[0031] The two B. celere strain C-924 treatments were watered using a watering can, delivering 0.25 L of suspension per plant.

[0032] The number of flowers per plant in each treatment was quantified from the onset of flowering until the first harvest (30–45 days after sowing). The results are shown in Table 3. [Table 3] Means with the same subscript are not significantly different by Tukey's multiple rank sum test (p≦0.05).

[0033] The number of flowers was higher in plants treated with C-924. These results demonstrated the statistically significant effect of this strain in inducing early cucumber flowering. Therefore, this strain is worthy of recommendation for use as a flowering inducer in cucumber.

[0034] Example 3: Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 on banana flowering A study was conducted to determine the effect of C-924 on flowering bananas, varieties Cavendish "Grande Naine" (Big Dwarf), and Musa hybrids. Plots containing ferroaluminous dark red soil free of plant-parasitic nematodes and plant-pathogenic microorganisms were selected (Cultrop, 2019; vol. 40, no. 1:a15-e15). The soil was pre-fertilized and treated with various organic amendments (Instructivo Tecnico del Cultivo del Platano:Ministerio de la Agricultura, Cuba, 2012).

[0035] The experimental field consisted of a Latin square design with four treatments and four replications. 2 The plants were placed in two rows of 20 plants (future seedlings) each, occupying 100m² of space. Watering was automated using localized microjets.

[0036] The following treatments were applied: 1. 10 7 Treatment with an aqueous suspension containing biomass obtained directly from the microorganisms of strain C-924 / mL of freshly fermented bacterial strain C-924 in water. The bacterial suspension was applied using a watering can when banana seedlings were transplanted from the nursery. The final volume of suspension applied to the plant's rhizosphere was 10 L per plant. The other three applications were made every two months, coinciding with the vegetative propagation period described for this cultivar by Martinez and Cayon (Rev. Fac. Nac. Agr. Medellin 64:6055-6064, 2011). Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 3 (control). 2. 10 6Treatment with an aqueous suspension containing biomass obtained directly from the microorganisms of strain C-924 / mL of water immediately after fermentation. The bacterial suspension was applied using a watering can just as the banana seedlings were being transplanted from the nursery. The final volume of the suspension applied to the plant's rhizosphere was 10 L per plant. Three other applications were made every two months, coinciding with the vegetative propagation period described for this cultivar by Martinez and Cayon (2011). Other steps in this treatment were the same as in treatment 3 (control). 3. Control: no flowering inducer. The crops were handled according to the Instructivo tecnico del cultivo del platano (Instituto de Investigaciones de Viandas Tropicales, 2012).

[0037] Each of the 20 plants in each plot was identified and quantified between 116 and 235 days after transplanting the seedlings from the nursery, a period that included the vegetative and reproductive growth periods of this banana cultivar (Martinez and Cayon, 2011), the calculated period for flowering (173 days after transplanting), and the end of harvest (235 days).

[0038] The parameter observed was the number of days to early flowering (average value per plant) in treatments 1 and 2 compared to the control (treatment 3). The results are shown in Table 4. [Table 4] Means with the same subscript are not significantly different by Tukey's multiple rank sum test (p≦0.05).

[0039] Application of C-924 at both concentrations resulted in early flowering in banana plants, therefore C-924 is worthy of recommendation as a flowering inducer in banana.

[0040] Example 4: Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 on flowering of guava A study was conducted to determine the flowering effect of C-924 on guava (Psidium guajava L.), cultivar EEA18-40 (Enana Roja Cubana). A guava field with brown clay soil free of parasitic nematodes and plant pathogenic microorganisms was selected (Hernandez-Jimenez et al., Cultrop, 2019; vol. 40, no. 1:a15-e15).

[0041] The plots were set up as single rows of four blocks containing 80 plants each. All blocks contained 800 m 2 Other processes on guava were carried out according to: Instructivo technico para el cultivo de la guayaba. Various authors. Instituto de 15 Investigaciones en Fruticultura Tropical. Ministerio de la Agricultura, Cuba, 2012). Asociacion Cubana de Tecnicos Agricolas y Forestales. Cuba, Primera edicion: 2011.

[0042] That is, the following process was applied: 1. Powder preparation of strain C-924 (2.0 × 10 12 The suspension was prepared using a dose of 2 kg of powder per hectare. This pre-prepared aqueous suspension was applied using a watering can. This was followed immediately by leaf pruning and removal of all flower shoots in the four test blocks. The final suspension concentration applied to the rhizosphere of the plants was 1.25 x 10 7 cfu / mL. All plants received approximately 2 g of the formulation resuspended in 5 L. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 4 (control). 2. Powder formulation of strain C-924 (2.0 × 10 12cfu / g of formulation). This suspension was from a powder dose of 2.5 kg per hectare. This pre-prepared aqueous suspension was applied using a watering can. This was followed immediately by leaf pruning and removal of all flower shoots in the four test blocks. The final suspension concentration applied to the rhizosphere of the plants was 1.25 x 10 7 cfu / mL. All plants received approximately 2.5 g of the formulation resuspended in 5 L. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 4 (control). 3. Powder preparation of strain C-924 (2.0 × 10 12 The suspension was prepared using a dose of 3 g of powder per hectare. This pre-prepared aqueous suspension was applied using a watering can. This was followed immediately by leaf pruning and removal of all flower shoots in the four test blocks. The final suspension concentration applied to the rhizosphere of the plants was 1.5 x 10 7 cfu / mL. All plants were treated with approximately 3 g of the formulation resuspended in 5 L. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 4 (control). 4. Control: No flowering inducer. The crops are produced by Instructivo tecnico para el cultivo de la guayaba (Various authors Instituto de Investigaciones en Fruticultura Tropical. Ministerio de la Agricultura, Cuba, 2012). 2011).

[0043] Between day 0 (pruning and product application) and day 45, the number of flowers was counted on all 80 plants (each considered a test unit) in all plots (or blocks), taking into account the following parameters: · Number of days until flowering shoots occurred on the first 20 plants of each treatment. The average number of flower shoots observed per plant for each treatment up to 45 days after pruning and each treatment.

[0044] Table 5 shows the results of this study. [Table 5] Means with the same subscript are not significantly different by Tukey's multiple rank sum test (p≦0.05).

[0045] The results shown in Table 5 demonstrated the significant effect of C-924 on flowering induction in guava, both in terms of early shoot formation and increased flower shoots. Therefore, the use of C-924 is worthy of recommendation as a flowering inducer for this crop.

[0046] Example 5 Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 strain on flowering of Sacha Inchi A Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) field was selected on a ferroaluminous red soil that is free of parasitic nematodes and plant pathogenic microorganisms (Hernandez-Jimenez et al., Cultrop, 2019; vol. 40, no.1:a15-e15). The plots were set up as single rows of three blocks containing 20 plants each. Each block was 180 m 2 The remaining steps were carried out according to the instruction manual "Manual de capacitacion. Cultivo de Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.)", 2008 (https: / / www.academia.edu / 19770262 / MANUAL_SACHA_INCHI).

[0047] The following treatments were applied: 1. A powder formulation of strain C-924 (5.0 × 10) at a dose of 2.5 kg per hectare was applied using a watering can. 11 cfu / g) powder resuspended in water. This was followed immediately by pruning to remove all flower shoots in the three test blocks. The final suspension applied to the rhizosphere of the plants was 10 7 cfu / mL suspension. Each plant received approximately 2.25 g of the formulation resuspended in 5 L of water. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 3 (control). 2. Treatment with gibberellic acid (60 mg / L) applied by foliar spray (Pezo et al., Scientia Agropecuaria 10(4):455-460, 2019). Prior to treatment, pruning was performed in all three test blocks, and all flower shoots in the three experimental blocks were removed. Other procedures in this treatment were the same as in treatment 3 (control). 3. Control: No flowering inducer. Crops were handled according to Manual de capacitacion. Cultivo de Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), 2008 (https: / / www.academia.edu / 19770262 / MANUAL_SACHA_INCHI). Between day 0 (product application) and day 90, flower counts were performed on all 20 plants (each considered a test unit) in all plots (or blocks), taking into account the following parameters: · Number of days until the first female flowers appeared on 20 plants in each treatment. · The mean number of female flower shoots observed per plant in each treatment up to 90 days after each treatment.

[0048] The results of the parameter evaluation and measurements are shown in Table 6. [Table 6] Means with the same subscript are not significantly different by Tukey's multiple rank sum test (p<0.05).

[0049] These results demonstrated the significant effect of C-924 on flowering induction in Sacha Inchi, both in terms of early shoot formation and an increase in the number of female flower shoots. The use of gibberellic acid, a well-known flowering inducer in several crops, including Sacha Inchi, did not result in significant differences (Pezo, Scientia Agropecuaria 10(4):455-460, 2019). This suggests that the advantage of C-924 as a flowering inducer instead of gibberellic acid (a hormone), is that it replaces hormone products with rhizosphere-derived microorganisms.

[0050] Example 6: Effect of Brevibacterium celere C-924 on rose flowering The effect of strain C-924 on the flowering of red roses ( Rosa spp.) was tested in a chemically active organic substrate (containing neither parasitic nematodes nor plant pathogenic microorganisms) consisting of 25% ferroaluminous red soil ( Hernandez-Jimenez et al.), 25% zeolite, and 50% worm humus ( Rodriguez et al., 2007 ).

[0051] This substrate was piled into 60 pots with a volume of 20 L. Red rose (Rosa spp.) cuttings were then planted under greenhouse conditions (protected greenhouses covered with plastic) until they became rose-bearing plants (Yong. Cultivos Tropicales, 25, no. 4, 53-60, 2004). The experimental design consisted of four treatments with 20 replications (each plant was considered as a test unit), and was treated as follows: 1. After pruning to remove all flower shoots, C-924 (5.0 × 10 11 cfu / g powder) at a dose of 2.5 g / pot, applied in the form of an aqueous suspension using a watering can. The final solution was 1.25 x 10 12 cfu was applied to each of 20 pots (plants) and the bacteria were resuspended in 2 L of water. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in treatment 4 (control). 2. After pruning to remove all flower shoots, C-924 (5.0 × 10 11 cfu / g powder) at a dose of 1 g / pot, applied in the form of an aqueous suspension using a watering can. 11 cfu was applied to each of 20 pots (plants) and the bacteria were resuspended in 2 L of water. Other steps in this treatment were the same as in treatment 4 (control). 3. Treatment after pruning to remove all flower shoots, using a commercial preparation of Bacillus subtilis (Fusvicur®, https: / / www.fertilizantesyabonos.com / fusvicur) at a dose of 5 g / pot, applied in the form of an aqueous suspension using a watering can. The final solution was applied to each of the 20 pots (plants). Other steps in this treatment were the same as in Treatment 4 (control). 4. Control: No flowering inducer. As described for the previous three treatments, pruning was carried out to remove all flower shoots. The plants were handled according to the instructions of Yong (Cultivos Tropicales, 25, num.2, 53-67 Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agricolas Cuba, Habana, 2004).

[0052] Between day 0 (application of the product) and day 60, flower counts were carried out on all 20 plants (each considered as a test unit) taking into account the following parameters: · Number of days until the first flower appeared on 20 plants in each treatment. · The mean number of flower shoots observed per plant in each treatment up to 90 days after each treatment. [Table 7] Means with the same subscript are not significantly different by Tukey's multiple rank sum test (p≦0.05).

[0053] The results shown in Table 7 demonstrated the significant effect of C-924 on flowering induction in roses, both in terms of early shoot formation and increased flower shoot numbers. Thus, the results demonstrate the feasibility of C-924 as a flowering inducer for ornamental plants. Furthermore, a well-known biofertilizer and biostimulant containing Bacillus subtilis (Fusvicur®) did not show favorable effects as a flowering inducer under these conditions. Jose Angel Acosta Buxado,Eng.,MSc. Legal representative, CIGB

Claims

1. A flowering inducing composition comprising: Brevibacterium cerere strain C-924, deposited at the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS) in Baarn, The Netherlands, under deposit number CBS613.95 on August 5, 1995; and excipients or stabilizers, However, the concentration of the bacteria is 10 per gram of solid composition or 10 per mL of liquid composition. ６ ~10 １２ Colony forming units (cfu).

2. A method for inducing flowering in plants comprising applying to the soil or substrate a composition comprising the C-924 strain of Brevibacterium cerere bacteria.

3. The concentration of the bacteria in the composition is 10 per gram of solid composition or per mL of liquid composition. ６ cfu ~ 10 １２ 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bacterial strain is cfu.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), banana (Musa spp.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.).

5. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plant is ornamental.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ornamental plant is a rose (a plant of the genus Rosa).

7. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein application of the composition occurs before, during, or after planting the plants.

8. Use of the C-924 strain of the bacterium Brevibacterium cerere for the production of a plant flowering-inducing composition. Jose Angel Acosta Buxado, Eng. , MSc. Legal representative, CIGB

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