Microbial compositions and methods of use for benefiting plant growth and treating plant disease

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for benefiting plant growth and / or conferring protection against a pathogenic infection when applied to plant foliage. The composition comprises a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165 or a mutant thereof and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167 or a mutant thereof. The compositions containing the combination of strains can be applied alone or in combination with other microbial, biological, or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, plant growth regulators, and fertilizers.

Description

[0001] MICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE FOR BENEFITING PLANT GROWTH AND TREATING PLANT DISEASE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to compositions comprising isolated microbial strains for application to plant foliage. In certain cases, the microbial strains are delivered to the plant foliage in combination with a chemical active agent having antimicrobial properties.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Fungal phytopathogens and bacterial pathogens are plant pests that can cause severe economic losses in the agricultural and horticultural industries. Chemical agents can be used to control these pathogens, but the use of chemical agents suffers from disadvantages including high cost, lack of efficacy, emergence of resistant strains of the fungi, and undesirable environmental impacts. In addition, such chemical treatments tend to be indiscriminate and may adversely affect beneficial bacteria, fungi, and arthropods in addition to the plant pathogen at which the treatments are targeted. Thus, microorganisms that can be applied as biofertilizer and / or biopesticide to control pathogenic fungi, viruses, and bacteria are desirable and in high demand to improve agricultural sustainability.

[0006] Some members of the species Bacillus have been reported as biocontrol strains, and some have been applied in commercial products (Joseph W. Kloepper, et al. 2004, Phytopathology Vol. 94, No. 11, 1259-1266). For example, strains currently being used in commercial biocontrol products include: Bacillus pumilus strain QST2808, used as active ingredient in SONATA and BALLAD-PLUS, produced by BAYER CROP SCIENCE; Bacillus pumilus strain GB34, used as active ingredient in YIELDSHIELD, produced by BAYER CROP SCIENCE; Bacillus subtilis strain QST713, used as the active ingredient of SERENADE, produced by BAYER CROP SCIENCE; Bacillus subtilis strain GBO3, used as the active ingredient in KODIAK and SYSTEMS, produced by HELENA CHEMICAL COMPANY. Various strains of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus firmus have been applied as biocontrol agents against nematodes and vector insects and these strains serve as the basis of numerous commercially available biocontrol products, including NORTICA and PONCHO-VOTIVO, produced by BAYER CROP SCIENCE. In addition, Bacillus strains currently being used in commercial biostimulant products include Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB42 used as the active ingredient in RHIZOVITAL 42, produced by ABiTEP GmbH, as well as various other Bacillus subtilis species that are included as whole cells including their fermentation extract in biostimulant products, such as FULZYME produced by JHBiotech Inc.

[0007] However, despite the availability of certain biological pesticides, there is a need in the art to provide new or improved microbial compositions and methods for their use in benefiting plant growth and treating plant disease.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the application, a composition is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein application of the composition to foliage of the plant benefits plant growth and / or plant health. The strains have been disclosed in WO2016 / 109424 for delivery to seed of a plant, roots of a plant, or soil surrounding a plant.

[0009] Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165 was previously identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The strain was later reclassified as Bacillus velezens s RTI301. In the remainder of this document, the strain deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165 is referred to as “RTI301”, “Bacillus velezensis RTI301”, or B. velezensis RTI301.”

[0010] In one aspect, a method is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising delivering to foliage of a plant a composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein delivery of the composition benefits the plant growth and / or plant health.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising: delivering to foliage of a plant a combination of: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a second composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein delivery of the combination benefits the plant growth and / or plant health.

[0012] In particular, the method is provided for controlling plant disease including blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian Soy Rust, tan spot, circular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and sheath blight.

[0013] The diseases blast (Pyricularia oryzae), citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri), gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae), bacterial spot (Xanthomonas vesicatoria), brown spot (Cercospora arachidicola), ramularia (Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines, Ramularia gossyppii) black sigatoka (Mycosphaerellafijiensis), anthracnose (Colleto trichum gloeosporioide, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum), Asian soy rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) and tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), circular leaf spot (Mycosphaerella nawae), alternatia leaf spot (Alternaria mall), sheath blight (Thanatephorus cucumeris) are common plant diseases that manifests in the foliage or fruits of plants.

[0014] In another aspect of the application, a product, including a process fermentation product, is provided, the product comprising: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a second composition comprising one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer, wherein the first and second composition are separately packaged; and, optionally, instructions for delivering in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or plant health to foliage of the plant.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Figure 1 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control blast in irrigated rice applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 2 shows the average yield of rice in the trial.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control citrus canker in citrus plants, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 4 shows the average yield of citrus fruits in the trial.

[0018] Figure 5 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control gummy stem blight in melon, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 6 shows the average yield of melon in the trial.

[0019] Figure 7 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control bacterial spot in tomato, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 8 shows the average yield of tomato in the trial.

[0020] Figure 9 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control brown spot in peanut, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 10 shows the average yield of peanut in the trial.

[0021] Figure 11 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control ramularia on cotton, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 12 shows the average yield of cotton in the trial.

[0022] Figure 13 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 to control black sigatoka in banana, applied on the foliage at various dose rates. Figure 14 shows the average yield of banana in the trial.

[0023] Means followed by the same letter in the same column do not differ statistically among themselves using the test indicated.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a plant” includes a plurality of plants, unless the context clearly is to the contrary.

[0026] Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0027] For the purposes of this specification and claims, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

[0028] The present invention provides compositions and methods for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, where application of the composition to foliage of the plant benefits plant growth and / or plant health. The properties of the microorganisms that are beneficial to plant growth and / or plant health include one of increased plant yield, improved seedling vigor, improved plant growth, improved plant health, improved appearance, improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, or a combination thereof. The plant pathogen can include one or a combination of insects, nematodes, plant pathogenic fungi, or plant pathogenic bacteria. In particular, the properties beneficial to plant growth and / or plant health can be one or both of growth promoting properties and antagonistic properties to confer protection against plant pathogenic infections and / or to treat or control plant diseases caused by plant pathogenic infections. As used herein, the term "control" refers to reducing the number of pathogens, eliminating pathogens and / or preventing subsequent damage caused thereby so as to reduce damage to a plant or derived products.

[0029] The present application provides a composition for benefiting plant growth comprising a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof. The composition is delivered to the foliage of the plant.

[0030] As used herein, the phrase “a biologically pure culture of a bacterial strain” refers to one or a combination of: spores of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain, vegetative cells of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain, one or more products of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain, a culture solid of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain, a culture supernatant of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain, an extract of the biologically pure fermentation culture of the bacterial strain, and one or more metabolites of the biologically pure fermentation culture of a bacterial strain.

[0031] In one embodiment, the compositions are in the form of a sprayable formulation. Sprayable formulations are typically extended in a suitable medium before spraying. Such formulations are formulated to be readily diluted in the spray medium, usually water, but occasionally another suitable medium like an aromatic or paraffinic hydrocarbon or vegetable oil. Spray volumes can range from about one to several thousand liters per hectare, but more typically are in the range from about ten to several hundred liters per hectare. Sprayable formulations can be tank mixed with water or another suitable medium for foliar treatment by aerial or ground application.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the composition can be applied 0.1-5 liter per hectare, including 0.2-3 liter per hectare, including 0.3-2 liter per hectare.

[0033] The compositions may be delivered by an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may be a grounded vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may operate during the day and / or night.

[0034] The compositions may be aerially delivered. The compositions may be delivered by an unmanned vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The compositions may be delivered by a helicopter or fixed- wing airplane.

[0035] In one embodiment, the compositions further include one or a combination of a carrier, a dispersant or a yeast extract.

[0036] In one embodiment, the compositions further comprise one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer present in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or to confer protection against a pathogenic infection in the plant.

[0037] In one embodiment, the composition for benefiting plant growth comprises: a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a bifenthrin insecticide, wherein the composition is in a formulation optionally compatible with a liquid fertilizer. The formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer can comprise a hydrated aluminummagnesium silicate and at least one dispersant. The bifenthrin insecticide can be present at a concentration ranging from O.lg / ml to 0.2g / ml. The bifenthrin insecticide can be present at a concentration of about 0.1715g / ml. The term "in a formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer" as used throughout the specification and claims is intended to mean that the formulation is capable of dissolution or dispersion or emulsion in an aqueous solution to allow for mixing with a fertilizer for delivery to plants in a liquid formulation.

[0038] In one embodiment a method is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising delivering to foliage of a plant a composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein delivery of the composition benefits the plant growth and / or plant health.

[0039] In one embodiment a method is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising: delivering to foliage of a plant a combination of: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a second composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, for controlling blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian Soy Rust and tan spot.

[0040] The compositions and methods include use with any type of plant including, for example, monocots, dicots, Cereals, Corn, Sweet Corn, Popcorn, Seed Corn, Silage Corn, Field Corn, Rice, Wheat, Barley, Sorghum, Asparagus, Berry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Loganberry, Huckleberry, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Elderberry, Currant, Cranberry, Bushberry, Brassica Vegetables, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Collards, Kale, Mustard Greens, Kohlrabi, Cucurbit Vegetables, Cucumber, Cantaloupe, Melon, Muskmelon, Squash, Watermelon, Pumpkin, Eggplant, Bulb Vegetables, Onion, Garlic, Shallots, Citrus, Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Tangelo, Pummelo, Fruiting Vegetables, Pepper, Tomato, Ground Cherry, Tomatillo, Okra, Grape, Herbs / Spices, Leafy Vegetables, Lettuce, Celery, Spinach, Parsley, Radicchio, Legumes / Vegetables (succulent and dried beans and peas), Beans, Green beans, Snap beans, Shell beans, Soybeans, Dry Beans, Garbanzo beans, Lima beans, Peas, Chick peas, Split peas, Lentils, Oil Seed Crops, Canola, Castor, Coconut, Cotton, Flax, Oil Palm, Olive, Peanut, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Soybean, Pome Fruit, Apple, Crabapple, Pear, Quince, Mayhaw, Root / Tuber and Corm Vegetables, Carrot, Potato, Sweet Potato, Cassave, Beets, Ginger, Horseradish, Radish, Ginseng, Turnip, Stone Fruit, Apricot, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Plum, Prune, Strawberry, Tree Nuts, Almond, Pistachio, Pecan, Walnut, Filberts, Chestnut, Cashew, Beechnut, Butternut, Macadamia, Kiwi, Banana, (Blue) Agave, Grass, Turf grass, Ornamental plants, Poinsettia, Hardwood cuttings, Chestnuts, Oak, Maple, sugarcane, persimmon, Gingseng or sugarbeet.

[0041] The compositions comprising the microorganisms can be in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule. The microorganisms can be present in the form of spores or vegetative cells. The composition can be in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about LOxlO8CFU / ml to about LOxlO13CFU / ml. The composition can be in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 can be present in an amount of from about LOxlO8CFU / g to about LOxlO12CFU / g. The composition can be in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about LOxlO8CFU / ml to about LOxlO12CFU / ml. In some embodiments, the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in in the composition at concentration ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, including 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3.

[0042] In one embodiment, the composition can be in the form of a liquid and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present at a concentration of from about LOxlO8CFU / ml to about LOxlO13CFU / ml and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml.

[0043] Preferably, the composition can be in the form of a liquid and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO9CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO9CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml.

[0044] In one embodiment, the composition can be in the form of an oil and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml and the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml. In some embodiments, the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in in the composition at concentration ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, including 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3.

[0045] Preferably, the composition can be in the form of an oil and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO9CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml and the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO9CFU / ml to about l.OxlO13CFU / ml. In some embodiments, the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in in the composition at concentration ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, including 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3.

[0046] The compositions comprising the microorganisms may further comprise one or a combination of a carrier, a dispersant or a yeast extract.

[0047] In one embodiment a composition is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the composition comprising: one or more chemical active agents having one or both of antibacterial or antifungal properties and present in an amount suitable for inhibiting growth of endogenous microorganisms present in in or on the plant or living in association with a plant; and at least one biologically pure culture of a microorganism having properties beneficial to the plant growth and / or plant health. Growth of the microorganism is compatible with the chemical active agent, and the microorganism is present in an amount suitable to become established and to benefit the plant growth and / or plant health. Application of the composition to foliage of the plant benefits the plant growth and / or plant health.

[0048] In one embodiment, a method is provided for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising delivering to foliage of a plant a combination of: one or more chemical active agents having one or both of antibacterial or antifungal properties present in an amount suitable for inhibiting growth of endogenous microorganisms present in or present on the plant or living in association with the plant; and a composition comprising at least one biologically pure culture of a microorganism having properties beneficial to the plant growth and / or plant health. Growth of the microorganism is compatible with the chemical active agent, or, in the case of incompatibility, the microorganism is delivered subsequent to delivery of the chemical active agent. The microorganism is present in an amount suitable to become established and to benefit the plant growth and / or plant health, such that delivery of the combination of the chemical active agent and the microorganism benefits the plant growth and / or plant health. In the case where the one or more chemical active agents and the microorganism are compatible, the one or more chemical active agents can be formulated together with the composition that includes the microorganism. Delivery of the combination of the chemical active agent and the microorganism to foliage of the plant benefits plant growth and / or plant health.

[0049] For the composition and method including one or more chemical active agents, the properties of the microorganism beneficial to plant growth and / or plant health can include increased yield, improved seedling vigor, improved plant growth, improved plant health, improved appearance, improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, or a combination thereof. The plant pathogens can include one or a combination of insects, nematodes, plant pathogenic fungi, or plant pathogenic bacteria.

[0050] The one or more chemical active agents for creating the niche can include, for example, but are not limited to strobilurine, a triazole, flutriafol, tebuconazole, prothiaconazole, expoxyconazole, fluopyram, chlorothalonil, thiophanate-methyl, a copper-based fungicide, copper hydroxide fungicide, an EDBC-based fungicide, mancozeb, a succinase dehydrogenase (SDHI) fungicide, bixafen, iprodione, dimethomorph, or valifenalate. In another example, the one or more chemical active agents can include a fumigant such as, for example, chloropicrin, Dazomet, 1,3 -dichloropropene (Telone), dimethyl disulfide, metam sodium / potassium, methyl bromide.

[0051] The composition can be in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule. The beneficial microorganism can be present in the form of spores or vegetative cells. The beneficial microorganism can be a Bacillus spp. The beneficial microorganism can be a Bacillus subtilis. The microorganism can be a Bacillus subtilis characterized by a swarming and high motility phenotype. The microorganism can be a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof. The composition can be in the form of a liquid and the beneficial microorganism can be Bacillus subtilis RTI477 present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml. The composition can be in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g. The composition can be in the form of an oil dispersion and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 can be present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml. In some embodiments, the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in in the composition at concentration ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, including 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3.

[0052] In the compositions of the present invention for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the compositions can further include one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer present in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or to confer protection against a pathogenic infection in the plant.

[0053] In one embodiment, the present composition can include an extract from Lupinus albus doce. In one embodiment, the fungicide can include a BLAD polypeptide. The BLAD polypeptide can be a fragment of the naturally occurring seed storage protein from sweet lupine (Lupinus albus doce) that acts on susceptible fungal pathogens by causing damage to the fungal cell wall and disrupting the inner cell membrane. The compositions can include about 20% of the BLAD polypeptide.

[0054] In one embodiment, the insecticide can comprise bifenthrin. The nematicide can comprise cadusafos. The composition can be formulated as a liquid, a powder, a wettable dissolvable granule, or as spreadable granules. The insecticide can comprise bifenthrin and clothianidin. The insecticide can comprise bifenthrin and clothianidin and the composition can be formulated for compatibility with a liquid fertilizer. The insecticide can comprise bifenthrin or zeta-cypermethrin.

[0055] The nematicide can comprise cadusafos. The insecticide can comprise bifenthrin and clothianidin. The composition can be formulated as a liquid and the insecticide can comprise bifenthrin or zeta- cypermethrin.

[0056] In an embodiment, the bifenthrin composition can comprise: bifenthrin; a hydrated aluminummagnesium silicate; and at least one dispersant selected from a sucrose ester, a lignosulfonate, an alkylpolyglycoside, a naphthalenesulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate and a phosphate ester.

[0057] The bifenthrin can be preferably present in a concentration of from 1.0% by weight to 35% by weight, more particularly, from 15% by weight to 25% by weight based upon the total weight of all components in the composition. The bifenthrin insecticide composition can be present in the liquid formulation at a concentration ranging from O.lg / ml to 0.2g / ml. The bifenthrin insecticide may be present in the liquid formulation at a concentration of about 0.1715g / ml.

[0058] The dispersant or dispersants can preferably be present in a total concentration of from about 0.02% by weight to about 20% by weight based upon the total weight of all components in the composition.

[0059] In some embodiments, the hydrated aluminum-magnesium silicate may be selected from the group consisting of montmorillonite and attapulgite.

[0060] In some embodiments, the phosphate ester may be selected from a nonyl phenol phosphate ester and a tridecyl alcohol ethoxylated phosphate potassium salt.

[0061] Other embodiments may further include at least one of an anti-freeze agent, an anti-foam agent and a biocide.

[0062] In one embodiment a composition is provided for benefiting plant growth via foliage application, the composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and an insecticide, wherein the composition is in a formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer. The insecticide can be one or a combination of pyrethroids, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, organophosphates, chlorethoxyfos, chlorpyrifos, tebupirimfos, cyfluthrin, fiproles, fipronil, nicotinoids, or clothianidin. The insecticide can include bifenthrin. The composition can include a bifenthrin insecticide and a hydrated aluminum-magnesium silicate and at least one dispersant. The bifenthrin insecticide can be present at a concentration ranging from O.lg / ml to 0.2g / ml. The bifenthrin insecticide can be present at a concentration of about 0.1715g / ml. In addition, suitable insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and nematicides of the compositions and methods of the present invention can include the following:

[0063] Insecticides: AO) various insecticides, including agrigata, al-phosphide, amblyseius, aphelinus, aphidius, aphidoletes, artimisinin, autographa californica NPV, azocyclotin, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis- spp. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis spp. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis , Beauveria, Beauveria bassiana, betacyfluthrin, biologicals, bisultap, brofluthrinate, bromophos-e, bromopropylate, Bt- Corn-GM, Bt-Soya-GM, capsaicin, cartap, celastrus-extract, chlor antranilipr ole, chlorbenzuron, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfluazuron, chlorpyrifos-e, cnidiadin, cryolite, cyanophos, cyantraniliprole, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, dacnusa, DCIP, dichloropropene, dicofol, diglyphus, diglyphus+dacnusa, dimethacarb, dithioether, dodecyl-acetate, emamectin, encarsia, EPN, eretmocerus, ethylene-dibromide, eucalyptol, fatty-acids, fatty-acids / salts, fenazaquin, fenobucarb (BPMC), fenpyroximate, flubrocythrinate, flufenzine, formetanate, formothion, furathiocarb, gamma-cyhalothrin, garlic-juice, granulosis-virus, harmonia, heliothis armigera NPV, inactive bacterium, indol-3-ylbutyric acid, iodomethane, iron, isocarbofos, isofenphos, isofenphos-m, isoprocarb, isothioate, kaolin, lindane, liuyangmycin, matrine, mephosfolan, metaldehyde, metarhizium-anisopliae, methamidophos, metolcarb (MTMC), mineral-oil, mirex, m-isothiocyanate, monosultap, myrothecium verrucaria, naled, neochrysocharis formosa, nicotine, nicotinoids, oil, oleic-acid, omethoate, orius, oxymatrine, paecilomyces, paraffin-oil, parathion-e, pasteuria, petroleum-oil, pheromones, phosphorus-acid, photorhabdus, phoxim, phytoseiulus, pirimiphos-e, plant-oil, plutella xylostella GV, polyhedrosis -virus, polyphenol-extracts, potassium-oleate, profenofos, prosuler, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyrethrins, pyridaphenthion, pyrimidifen, pyriproxifen, quillay-extract, quinomethionate, rape-oil, rotenone, saponin, saponozit, sodium-compounds, sodium-fluosilicate, starch, steinernema, streptomyces, sulfluramid, sulphur, tebupirimfos, tefluthrin, temephos, tetradifon, thiofanox, thiometon, transgenics (e.g., Cry3Bbl), triazamate, trichoderma, trichogramma, triflumuron, verticillium, vertrine, isomeric insecticides (e.g., kappa-bifenthrin, kappa- tefluthrin), dichoromezotiaz, broflanilide, pyraziflumid; Al) the class of carbamates, including aldicarb, alanycarb, benfuracarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur and thiodicarb; A2) the class of organophosphates, including acephate, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, demeton- S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos / DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, disulfoton, ethion, fenitrothion, fenthion, isoxathion, malathion, methamidaphos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, oxymethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, pirimiphos-methyl, quinalphos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, triazophos and trichlorfon; A3) the class of cyclodiene organochlorine compounds such as endosulfan; A4) the class of fiproles, including ethiprole, fipronil, pyrafluprole and pyriprole; A5) the class of neonicotinoids, including acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam; A6) the class of spinosyns such as spinosad and spinetoram; A7) chloride channel activators from the class of mectins, including abamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, lepimectin and milbemectin; A8) juvenile hormone mimics such as hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen; A9) selective homopteran feeding blockers such as pymetrozine, flonicamid and pyrifluquinazon; A10) mite growth inhibitors such as clofentezine, hexythiazox and etoxazole; All) inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase such as diafenthiuron, fenbutatin oxide and propargite; uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation such as chlorfenapyr; A12) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel blockers such as bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam and thiosultap sodium; A13) inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis type 0 from the benzoylurea class, including bistrifluron, diflubenzuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron and teflubenzuron; A14) inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis type 1 such as buprofezin; A15) moulting disruptors such as cyromazine; A 16) ecdyson receptor agonists such as methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, halofenozide and chromafenozide; A17) octopamin receptor agonists such as amitraz; Al 8) mitochondrial complex electron transport inhibitors pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, flufenerim, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, hydramethylnon, acequinocyl or fluacrypyrim;A19) voltage -dependent sodium channel blockers such as indoxacarb and metaflumizone; A20) inhibitors of the lipid synthesis such as spirodiclofen, spiromesifen and spirotetramat; A21) ryanodine receptor -modulators from the class of diamides, including flubendiamide, the phthalamide compounds (R)-3-Chlor-Nl-{2- methyl-4-[l,2,2,2 - tetrafluor- 1 -(trifluormethyl)ethyl]phenyl } -N2-( 1 -methyl-2-methylsulfonylethyl)phthalamid and (S)-3- Chlor-Nl-{2-methyl-4-[l,2,2,2 - tetrafluor-l-(trifluormethyl)ethyl]phenyl}-N2-(l- methyl-2- methylsulfonylethyl)phthalamid, chloranthraniliprole and cy- anthraniliprole; A22) compounds of unknown or uncertain mode of action such as azadirachtin, amidoflumet, bifenazate, fluensulfone, piperonyl butoxide, pyridalyl, sulfoxaflor; or A23) sodium channel modulators from the class of pyrethroids, including acrinathrin, allethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyper- methrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, fluey thrinate, tau-fluvalinate, permethrin, silafluofen and tralomethrin.

[0064] Fungicides: BO) benzovindiflupyr, anitiperonosporic, ametoctradin, amisulbrom, copper salts (e.g., copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper persulfate), boscalid, thiflumazide, flutianil, furalaxyl, thiabendazole, benodanil, mepronil, isofetamid, fenfuram, bixafen, fluxapyroxad, penflufen, sedaxane, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, pyribencarb, meptyldinocap, fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, oxytetracycline, chlozolinate, chloroneb, tecnazene, etridiazole, iodocarb, prothiocarb, Bacillus subtilis syn., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (e.g., strains QST 713, FZB24, MBI600, D747), extract from Melaleuca alternifolia, pyrisoxazole, oxpoconazole, etaconazole, fenpyr azamine, naftifine, terbinafine, validamycin, pyrimorph, valifenalate, fthalide, probenazole, isotianil, laminarin, estract from Reynoutria sachalinensis , phosphorous acid and salts, teclofthalam, triazoxide, pyriofenone, organic oils, potassium bicarbonate, chlorothalonil, fluoroimide; Bl) azoles, including bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, enilconazole, epoxiconazole, fluquinconazole, fenbuconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triticonazole, prochloraz, pefurazoate, imazalil, triflumizole, cyazofamid, benomyl, carbendazim, thia- bendazole, fuberidazole, ethaboxam, etridiazole and hymexazole, azaconazole, diniconazole-M, oxpoconazol, paclobutrazol, uniconazol, l-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2-([l ,2,4]triazol-l-yl)-cycloheptanol and imazalilsulfphate; B2) strobilurins, including azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, methominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, enestroburin, methyl (2-chloro-5-[l-(3- methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate, methyl (2-chloro-5-[l-(6-methylpyridin-2- ylmethoxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate and methyl 2-(ortho-(2,5-dimethylphenyloxymethylene)- phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate, 2-(2-(6-(3-chloro-2-methyl-phenoxy)-5-fluoro-pyrimidin-4-yloxy)-phenyl)-2- methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide and 3-methoxy-2-(2-(N-(4-methoxy-phenyl)- cyclopropanecarboximidoylsulfanylmethyl)-phenyl)-acrylic acid methyl ester; B3) carboxamides, including carboxin, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, fenhexamid, flutolanil, furametpyr, mepronil, metalaxyl, mefenoxam, ofurace, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, penthiopyrad, isopyrazam, thifluzamide, tiadinil, 3,4- dichloro-N-(2-cyanophenyl)isothiazole-5-carboxamide, dimethomorph, flumorph, flumetover, fluopicolide (picobenzamid), zoxamide, carpropamid, diclocymet, mandipropamid, N-(2- (4-[3-(4- chlorophenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)-2- methanesulfonyl-amino-3-methylbutyramide, N-(2-(4-[3-(4-chloro- phenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl)-2-ethanesulfonylamino- 3- methylbutyr amide, methyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-isopropoxycarbonyl- amino-3-methyl- butyrylamino)propionate, N-(4'-bromobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethylA-methylthiazole-5-carboxamide, N-(4'-trifluoromethyl- biphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methylthiazole-5-carboxamide, N-(4'- chloro-3'- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxamide, N-(3\4'-dichloro-4- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoro-methyl-l-methyl-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-l-methylpyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-cyano-phenyl)- 3,4- dichloroisothiazole-5-carboxamide, 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, 2-chloro-N-(l ,1 ,3- trimethyl-indan-4-yl)-nicotinamide, N-(2- (1 ,3-dimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-l,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-l H- pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-3',5-difluoro-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-l-methyl-I H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-3',5-difluoro-biphenyl- 2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-l -methyl-lH- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'- dichloro-5-fluoro-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-l-methyl-lH- pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(3',5-difluoro-4'-methyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl- 1 -methyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',5-difluoro-4'-methyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-l-methyl-lH- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N- (cis-2-bicyclopropyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3-difluoromethyl-l -methyl- IH-pyrazole- 4-carboxamide, N-(trans-2-bicyclopropyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3-difluoro-methyl- 1 -methyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, fluopyram, N-(3-ethyl-3,5-5- trimethyl-cyclohexyl)-3-formylamino-2-hydroxy-benzamide, oxytetracyclin, silthiofam, N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl) cyclopropanecarboxamide, 2- iodo-N-phenyl- benzamide, N-(2-bicyclo-propyl-2-yl-phenyl)-3- difluormethyl- 1 -methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N- (3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l,3-dimethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- l,3-dimethyl-5-fluoropyrazol-4-yl-carboxamide, N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-5-chloro-l,3-dimethyl- pyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3- fluoromethyl- l-methylpyrazol-4- ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-(chlorofluoromethyl)-l-methylpyrazol-4- ylcarboxamide,N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-l-methylpyrazol-4- ylcarboxamide, N- (3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-5-fluoro-l-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2- yl)-5-chloro-3-difluoromethyl-l -methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N- (3', 4', 5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-(chlorodifluoromethyl)-l-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl- 2-yl)- 5-fluoro-l-methyl-3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-5- chloro-1 -methyl-3- trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l ,3- dimethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 ,3-dimethyl-5-fluoropyrazol-4- ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-5-chloro-l ,3-dimethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N- (2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-fluoromethyl-l-methylpyrazol-4- ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-(chlorofluoromethyl)- 1 -methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide,N-(2',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-l-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl- 2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-5- fluoro- l-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2- yl)-5- chloro-3-difluoromethyl-l -methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N- (2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-

[0065] (chlorodifluoromethyl) -1 -methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 5-fluoro-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(2',4',5'- trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-5-chloro-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxamide, N-(3 ' ,4' -dichloro-3 -fluorobiphenyl-2-yl) - 1 -methyl-3 - trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-3- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l -methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-difluoro-3-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3- trifluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide , N-(3',4'-difluoro-3-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-S- difluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3'-chloro-4'- fluoro-3-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-difluoro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l - methyl-S- trifluoromethyl-I H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-4- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l -methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(3',4'-difluoro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3'-chloro-4'-fluoro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-S- difluoromethyl-I H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(3',4'-difluoro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l - methyl-S- difluoromethyl-I H-pyrazole-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-difluoro-5- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l -methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3',4'-dichloro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 ,3-dimethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(3'-chloro-4'-fluoro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3- difluoromethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-fluoro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole- 4-carboxamide, N-(4'-fluoro- 5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- lH-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- 1 H- pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(4'-methyl-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 -methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-(4'-fluoro-5- fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l,3-dimethyl-l H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'- chloro-5-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)- 1 ,3-dimethyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-methyl-5-fluorobiphenyl- 2-yl)-l,3-dimethyl-l H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-fluoro-6-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl-1 H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(4'-chloro-6-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-l-methyl-3- trifluoromethyl-1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-[2-(l ,1 ,2, 3, 3, 3- hexafluoropropoxy)-phenyl]-3- difluoromethyl-1 -methyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide, N-[4'-(trifluoromethylthio)-biphenyl-2-yl]-3- difluoromethyl- 1 -methyl- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide and N - [4'-(trifluoromethylthio)-biphenyl-2-yl] - 1 - methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-l-methyl-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxamide; B4) heterocyclic compounds, including fluazinam, pyrifenox, bupirimate, cyprodinil, fenarimol, ferimzone, mepanipyrim, nuarimol, pyrimethanil, triforine, fenpiclonil, fludioxonil, aldimorph, dodemorph, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, famoxadone, fenamidone, octhilinone, proben- azole, 5-chloro-7-(4- methyl-piperidin-1 -yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[l,2,4]triazolo[l,5-a]pyrimidine, anilazine, diclomezine, pyroquilon, proquinazid, tricyclazole, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one, acibenzolar-S -methyl, captafol, captan, dazomet, folpet, fenoxanil, quinoxyfen, N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-bromo-6-fluoro-2- methylindole-1 -sulfonyl)- [1 ,2,4]triazole-l -sulfonamide, 5-ethyl-6-octyl-[l,2,4]triazolo[l ,5- a]pyrimidin- 2,7-diamine, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-methanesulfonyl-pyridine, 3,4,5-trichloro-pyridine-2,6-di-carbonitrile, N-(l-(5-bromo-3-chloro-pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl)-2,4-dichloro-nicotinamide, N-((5-bromo-3-chloro pyridineyl) -methyl) -2, 4-dichloro-nicotinamide, diflumetorim, nitrapyrin, dodemorphacetate, fluoroimid, blasticidin-S, chinomethionat, debacarb, difenzoquat, difenzoquat-methylsulphat, oxolinic acid and piperalin; B5) carbamates, including mancozeb, maneb, metam, methasulphocarb, metiram, ferbam, propineb, thiram, zineb, ziram, diethofencarb, iprovalicarb, benthiavalicarb, propamocarb, propamocarb hydrochlorid, 4-fluorophenyl N-(l-(l-(4-cyanophenyl)- ethanesulfonyl)but-2-yl)carbamate, methyl 3-(4- chloro-phenyl)-3-(2- isopropoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-butyrylamino)propanoate; or B6) other fungicides, including guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, iminoctadine, guazatine, antibiotics: kasugamycin, oxytetracyclin and its salts, streptomycin, polyoxin, validamycin A, nitrophenyl derivatives: binapacryl, dinocap, dinobuton, sulfur-containing heterocyclyl compounds: dithianon, isoprothiolane, organometallic compounds: fentin salts, organophosphorus compounds: edifenphos, iprobenfos, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, phosphorous acid and its salts, pyrazophos, tolclofos- methyl, organochlorine compounds: dichlofluanid, flusulfamide, hexachloro- benzene, phthalide, pencycuron, quintozene, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, tolylfluanid, others: cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, dimethirimol, ethirimol, furalaxyl, metrafenone and spiroxamine, guazatine-acetate, iminoc- tadine-triacetate, iminoctadine- tris(albesilate), kasugamycin hydrochloride hydrate, dichlorophen, pentachlorophenol and its salts, N-(4- chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, dicloran, nitrothal-isopropyl, tecnazen, biphenyl, bronopol, diphenylamine, mildiomycin, oxincopper, prohexadione calcium, N- (cyclopropylmethoxyimino-(6-difluoromethoxy-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)- methyl)-2-phenyl acetamide, N'-(4- (4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methyl formamidine, N'-(4-(4- fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methyl formamidine, N'-(2-methyl-5- trifluormethyl-4-(3-trimethylsilanyl-propoxy)-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methylformamidine and N'-(5- difluormethyl-2-methyl- 4-(3 -trimethylsilanyl -propoxy) -phenyl) -N -ethyl-N -methyl formamidine .

[0066] Herbicides: Cl) acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors (ACC), for example cyclohexenone oxime ethers, such as alloxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim, sethoxydim, tralkoxydim, butroxydim, clefoxydim or tepraloxydim; phenoxyphenoxypropionic esters, such as clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop- butyl, diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenthiapropethyl, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop- P-butyl, haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, isoxapyrifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl or quizalofop-tefuryl; or arylaminopropionic acids, such as flamprop- methyl or flamprop-isopropyl; C2 acetolactate synthase inhibitors (ALS), for example imidazolinones, such as imazapyr, imazaquin, imazamethabenz-methyl (imazame), imazamox, imazapic or imazethapyr; pyrimidyl ethers, such as pyrithiobac-acid, pyrithiobac-sodium, bispyribac-sodium. KIH-6127 or pyribenzoxym; sulfonamides, such as florasulam, flumetsulam or metosulam; or sulfonylureas, such as amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron- ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, sulfosulfuron, foramsulfuron or iodosulfuron; C3) amides, for example allidochlor (CDAA), benzoylprop-ethyl, bromobutide, chiorthiamid. diphenamid, etobenzanidibenzchlomet), fluthiamide, fosamin or monalide; C4) auxin herbicides, for example pyridinecarboxylic acids, such as clopyralid or picloram; or 2,4-D or benazolin; C5) auxin transport inhibitors, for example naptalame or diflufenzopyr; C6) carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, for example benzofenap, clomazone (dimethazone), diflufenican, fluorochloridone, fluridone, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, isoxaflutole, isoxachlortole, mesotrione, sulcotrione (chlormesulone), ketospiradox, flurtamone, norflurazon or amitrol; C7) enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase inhibitors (EPSPS), for example glyphosate or sulfosate; C8) glutamine synthetase inhibitors, for example bilanafos (bialaphos) or glufosinate-ammonium; C9) lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, for example anilides, such as anilofos or mefenacet; chloroacetanilides, such as dimethenamid, S-dimethenamid, acetochlor, alachlor, butachlor, butenachlor, diethatyl-ethyl, dimethachlor, metazachlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, propachlor, prynachlor, terbuchlor, thenylchlor or xylachlor; thioureas, such as butylate, cycloate, di-allate, dimepiperate, EPTC. esprocarb, molinate, pebulate, prosulfocarb, thiobencarb (benthiocarb), tri-allate or vernolate; or benfuresate or perfluidone; CIO) mitosis inhibitors, for example carbamates, such as asulam, carbetamid, chlorpropham, orbencarb, pronamid (propyzamid), propham or tiocarbazil; dinitroanilines, such as benefin, butralin, dinitramin, ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine or trifluralin; pyridines, such as dithiopyr or thiazopyr; or butamifos, chlorthal -dimethyl (DCPA) or maleic hydrazide; Cl l) protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors, for example diphenyl ethers, such as acifluorfen, acifluorfen-sodium, aclonifen, bifenox, chlomitrofen (CNP), ethoxyfen, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, fomesafen, furyloxyfen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen or oxyfluorfen; oxadiazoles, such as oxadiargyl or oxadiazon; cyclic imides, such as azafenidin, butafenacil, carfentrazone-ethyl, cinidon-ethyl, flumiclorac -pentyl, flumioxazin, flumipropyn, flupropacil, fluthiacet-methyl, sulfentrazone or thidiazimin; or pyrazoles, such as ET-751.JV 485 or nipyraclofen; C12) photosynthesis inhibitors, for example propanil, pyridate or pyridafol; benzothiadiazinones, such as bentazone; dinitrophenols, for example bromofenoxim, dinoseb, dinoseb-acetate, dinoterb or DNOC; dipyridylenes, such as cyperquat- chloride, difenzoquat-methylsulfate, diquat or paraquat-dichloride; ureas, such as chlorbromuron, chlorotoluron, difenoxuron, dimefuron, diuron, ethidimuron, fenuron, fluometuron, isoproturon, isouron, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, methazole, metobenzuron, metoxuron, monolinuron, neburon, siduron or tebuthiuron; phenols, such as bromoxynil or ioxynil; chloridazon; triazines, such as ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, desmein, dimethamethryn, hexazinone, prometon, prometryn, propazine, simazine, simetryn, terbumeton, terbutryn, terbutylazine or trietazine; triazinones, such as metamitron or metribuzin; uracils, such as bromacil, lenacil or terbacil; or biscarbamates, such as desmedipham or phenmedipham; Cl 3) synergists, for example oxiranes, such as tridiphane; C14) CIS cell wall synthesis inhibitors, for example isoxaben or dichlobenil; C15) various other herbicides, for example dichloropropionic acids, such as dalapon; dihydrobenzofurans, such as ethofumesate; phenylacetic acids, such as chlorfenac (fenac); or aziprotryn, barban, bensulide, benzthiazuron, benzofluor, buminafos, buthidazole, buturon, cafenstrole, chlorbufam, chlorfenprop-methyl, chloroxuron, cinmethylin, cumyluron, cycluron, cyprazine, cyprazole, dibenzyluron, dipropetryn, dymron, eglinazin-ethyl, endothall, ethiozin, flucabazone, fluorbentranil, flupoxam, isocarbamid, isopropalin, karbutilate, mefluidide, monuron, napropamide, napropanilide, nitralin, oxaciclomefone, phenisopham, piperophos, procyazine, profluralin, pyributicarb, secbumeton, sulfallate (CDEC), terbucarb, triaziflam, triazofenamid or trimeturon; or their environmentally compatible salts.

[0067] Nematicides or bionematicides: Benomyl, cloethocarb, aldoxycarb, tirpate, diamidafos, fenamiphos, cadusafos, dichlofenthion, ethoprophos, fensulfothion, fosthiazate, heterophos, isamidofof, isazofos, phosphocarb, thionazin, imicyafos, mecarphon, acetoprole, benclothiaz, chloropicrin, dazomet, fluensulfone, 1,3-dichloropropene (telone), dimethyl disulfide, metam sodium, metam potassium, metam salt (all MITC generators), methyl bromide, biological soil amendments (e.g., mustard seeds, mustard seed extracts), steam fumigation of soil, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), dimethyl sulfate, furfual (aldehyde).

[0068] Suitable plant growth regulators of the present invention include the following: Plant Growth Regulators: DI) Antiauxins, such as clofibric acid, 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid; D2) Auxins such as 4- CPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4-DEP, dichlorprop, fenoprop, IAA, IBA, naphthaleneacetamide, a- naphthaleneacetic acids, 1 -naphthol, naphthoxyacetic acids, potassium naphthenate, sodium naphthenate, 2,4,5-T; D3) cytokinins, such as 2iP, benzyladenine, 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol, kinetin, zeatin; D4) defoliants, such as calcium cyanamide, dimethipin, endothal, ethephon, merphos, metoxuron, pentachlorophenol, thidiazuron, tribufos; D5) ethylene inhibitors, such as aviglycine, 1- methylcyclopropene; D6) ethylene releasers, such as ACC, etacelasil, ethephon, glyoxime; D7) gametocides, such as fenridazon, maleic hydrazide; D8) gibberellins, such as gibberellins, gibberellic acid; D9) growth inhibitors, such as abscisic acid, ancymidol, butralin, carbaryl, chlorphonium, chlorpropham, dikegulac, flumetralin, fluoridamid, fosamine, glyphosine, isopyrimol, jasmonic acid, maleic hydrazide, mepiquat, piproctanyl, prohydrojasmon, propham, tiaojiean, 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid; DIO) morphactins, such as chlorfluren, chlorflurenol, dichlorflurenol, flurenol; Dl l) growth retardants, such as chlormequat, daminozide, flurprimidol, mefluidide, paclobutrazol, tetcyclacis, uniconazole; D12) growth stimulators, such as brassinolide, brassinolide-ethyl, DCPTA, forchlorfenuron, hymexazol, prosuler, triacontanol; DI 3) unclassified plant growth regulators, such as bachmedesh, benzofluor, buminafos, carvone, choline chloride, ciobutide, clofencet, cyanamide, cyclanilide, cycloheximide, cyprosulfamide, epocholeone, ethychlozate, ethylene, fuphenthiourea, furalane, heptopargil, holosulf, inabenfide, karetazan, lead arsenate, methasulfocarb, prohexadione, pydanon, sintofen, triapenthenol, trinexapac.

[0069] The fertilizer can be a liquid fertilizer. The term “liquid fertilizer” refers to a fertilizer in a fluid or liquid form containing various ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (for example, but not limited to, 10% nitrogen, 34% phosphorous and 0% potassium) and micronutrients, commonly known as starter fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and promote rapid and vigorous root growth.

[0070] Chemical formulations of the present invention can be in any appropriate conventional form, for example an emulsion concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo -emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emulsifiable granule (EG), a water in oil emulsion (EO), an oil in water emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP) or any technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants.

[0071] In one embodiment, a product is provided comprising: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a second composition comprising one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer, wherein the first and second composition are separately packaged; and, optionally, instructions for delivering in an amount suitable foliage of the plant to benefit plant growth and / or plant health.

[0072] EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following clauses: 1. A composition for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein application of the composition to foliage of the plant benefits plant growth and / or plant health.

[0074] 2. The composition of clause 1, wherein the plant is rice, citrus, melon, tomato, peanut, cotton, banana, mango, beans, soybean, red pepper, persimmon, strawberry, pear, peach, apple, onion, or grape.

[0075] 3. The composition of clause 1, wherein the composition benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reducing pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease, or a combination thereof.

[0076] 4. The composition of clause 3, wherein the plant disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust and tan spot.

[0077] 5. The composition of clause 1, wherein the properties beneficial to plant growth and / or plant health comprise increased yield, improved seedling vigor, improved plant growth, improved plant health, improved appearance, improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, or a combination thereof.

[0078] 6. The composition of clause 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule.

[0079] 7. The composition of clause 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0080] 8. The composition of clause 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g.

[0081] 9. The composition of clause 1, wherein the composition is in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0082] 10. The composition of clause 1, wherein each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in the form of spores or vegetative cells.

[0083] 11. The composition of clause 1 , further comprising one or a combination of a carrier, a dispersant or a yeast extract.

[0084] 12. The composition of clause 1, further comprising one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer present in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or plant health.

[0085] 13. The composition of clause 12, wherein the insecticide comprises bifenthrin.

[0086] 14. The composition of clause 12, wherein the composition is in a formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer.

[0087] 15. The composition of clause 12, wherein the composition further comprises a hydrated aluminum- magnesium silicate and at least one dispersant.

[0088] 16. The composition of clause 12, wherein the bifenthrin insecticide is present at a concentration ranging from O.lg / ml to 0.2g / ml.

[0089] 17. The composition of clause 12, wherein the bifenthrin insecticide is present at a concentration of about 0.1715g / ml.

[0090] 18. A method for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising: delivering to foliage of a plant a composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein delivery of the composition benefits plant growth and / or plant health.

[0091] 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the plant is a is rice, citrus, melon, tomato, peanut, cotton, banana, mango, beans, soybean, red pepper, persimmon, strawberry, pear, peach, apple, onion or grape.

[0092] 20. The method of clause 18, wherein the method benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reducing pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease or a combination thereof.

[0093] 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the plant disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust and tan spot.

[0094] 22. The method of clause 18, wherein the benefits to plant growth and / or plant health comprise increased yield, improved seedling vigor, improved plant growth, improved plant health, improved appearance, improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, or a combination thereof.

[0095] 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or a combination of insects, nematodes, plant pathogenic fungi, or plant pathogenic bacteria.

[0096] 24. The method of clause 22, wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or more of a plant fungal pathogen or a plant bacterial pathogen selected from Pyricularia spp., Xanthomonas citri spp., Didymella spp., Xanthomonas spp., Cercospora spp., Ramulariopsis spp., Ramularia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Colletotrichum spp., Colleto trichum spp., Phakopsora spp., Pyrenophora spp., Alternaria spp., Peronospora spp., Fulvia spp., Pseudocercospora spp. and Thanatephorus spp.

[0097] 25. The method of clause 22, wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or more of a plant fungal pathogen or a plant bacterial pathogen selected from Pyricularia oryzae, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Didymella bryoniae, Xanthomonas vesicatoria, Cercospora arachidicola, Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines, Ramularia gossyppii, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioide, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Mycosphaerella nawae, Venturia nashicola, Alternaria mail, Peronospora destructor, Fulvia fulva, Thanatephorus cucumeris, Pseudocercospora vitis, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, Erysiphe cichoracearum and Sphaerotheca aphanis.

[0098] 26. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule.

[0099] 27. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0100] 28. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition is in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g.

[0101] 29. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition is in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0102] 30. The method of clause 18, wherein the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in the form of spores or vegetative cells.

[0103] 31. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition further comprises one or a combination of a carrier, a dispersant or a yeast extract.

[0104] 32. The method of clause 18, wherein the plant comprises monocots, dicots, Cereals, Corn, Sweet Corn, Popcorn, Seed Corn, Silage Corn, Field Corn, Rice, Wheat, Barley, Sorghum, Asparagus, Berry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Loganberry, Huckleberry, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Elderberry, Currant, Cranberry, Bushberry, Brassica Vegetables, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Collards, Kale, Mustard Greens, Kohlrabi, Cucurbit Vegetables, Cucumber, Cantaloupe, Melon, Muskmelon, Squash, Watermelon, Pumpkin, Eggplant, Bulb Vegetables, Onion, Garlic, Shallots, Citrus, Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Tangelo, Pummelo, Fruiting Vegetables, Pepper, Tomato, Ground Cherry, Tomatillo, Okra, Grape, Herbs / Spices, Leafy Vegetables, Lettuce, Celery, Spinach, Parsley, Radicchio, Legumes / Vegetables (succulent and dried beans and peas), Beans, Green beans, Snap beans, Shell beans, Soybeans, Dry Beans, Garbanzo beans, Lima beans, Peas, Chick peas, Split peas, Lentils, Oil Seed Crops, Canola, Castor, Coconut, Cotton, Flax, Oil Palm, Olive, Peanut, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Soybean, Pome Fruit, Apple, Crabapple, Pear, Quince, Mayhaw, Root / Tuber and Corm Vegetables, Carrot, Potato, Sweet Potato, Cassave, Beets, Ginger, Horseradish, Radish, Ginseng, Turnip, Stone Fruit, Apricot, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Plum, Prune, Strawberry, Tree Nuts, Almond, Pistachio, Pecan, Walnut, Filberts, Chestnut, Cashew, Beechnut, Butternut, Macadamia, Kiwi, Banana, (Blue) Agave, Grass, Turf grass, Ornamental plants, Poinsettia, Hardwood cuttings, Chestnuts, Oak, Maple, sugarcane, persimmon, Gingseng or sugarbeet.

[0105] 33. The method of clause 18, wherein the plant growth benefit is exhibited by increased yield.

[0106] 34. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition further comprises one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer present in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or plant health.

[0107] 35. The method of clause 33, wherein the insecticide comprises bifenthrin.

[0108] 36. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition is in a formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer.

[0109] 37. The method of clause 18, wherein the composition further comprises a hydrated aluminummagnesium silicate and at least one dispersant.

[0110] 38. The method of clause 35, wherein the bifenthrin insecticide is present at a concentration ranging from 0. Ig / ml to 0.2g / ml.

[0111] 39. The method of clause 35, wherein the bifenthrin insecticide is present at a concentration of about 0.1715g / ml.

[0112] 40. A product comprising: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a second composition comprising one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer, wherein the first and second composition are separately packaged; and instructions for delivering in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or plant health to foliage of the plant.

[0113] 41. The product of clause 40, wherein the plant is rice, citrus, melon, tomato, peanut, cotton, banana, mango, beans, soybean, red pepper, persimmon, strawberry, pear, peach, apple, onion or grape.

[0114] 42. The product of clause 40, wherein the product benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reducing pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease, or a combination thereof. 43. The product of clause 40, wherein the plant disease is wherein the plant disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust and tan spot.

[0115] 44. The product of clause 40, wherein the insecticide is one or a combination of pyrethroids, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, organophosphates, chlorethoxyphos, chlorpyrifos, tebupirimphos, cyfluthrin, fiproles, fipronil, nicotinoids, or clothianidin.

[0116] 45. The product of clause 44, wherein the insecticide comprises bifenthrin.

[0117] 46. The product of clause 40, wherein the composition is in a formulation compatible with a liquid fertilizer.

[0118] 47. The product of clause 40, wherein the first composition further comprises one or a combination of a carrier, a dispersant, or a yeast extract.

[0119] 48. The product of clause 40, wherein the first compositions is in the form of a liquid, a dust, a spreadable granule, a dry wettable powder, or a dry wettable granule.

[0120] 49. The product of clause 40, wherein the first composition is in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 is present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0121] 50. The product of clause 40, wherein the first composition is in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 is present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g.

[0122] 51. The product of clause 40, wherein the first composition is in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 is present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml.

[0123] EXAMPLES

[0124] The following examples have been included to provide guidance to one of ordinary skill in the art for practicing representative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. In light of the present invention and the general level of skill in the art, those of skill can appreciate that the following examples are intended to be exemplary only and that numerous changes, modifications, and alterations can be employed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. The biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (minimum 6.25 x 109CFU / g) and Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (minimum 4 x 109CFU / g) and corresponding to 90 g / L and 30 g / L respectively, was prepared by formulating spores of respective strains in liquid medium. The follow examples demonstrates that such microorganisms that can be applied as biopesticides to control pathogenic fungi and bacteria in plants, making them more desirable than non-biopesticides due to agricultural sustainability considerations.

[0125] EXAMPLE 1 Foliar application on rice against blast disease Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as “composition” or “biofungicide composition”) was applied via foliar application against blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in irrigated rice (Oryza Sativa L) cultivar IRGA 424 RI at different dose rates.

[0126] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Santa Maria, Brazil, from February to April. The rice crop was established in a no-tillage system and conventional flood irrigation was used. The experimental plots were 3 meters wide by 5 meters long, totaling 15 m2. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control) 2) Composition (100 mL / ha), 3) Composition (200 mL / ha), 4) Composition (300 mL / ha), 5) Composition (400 mL / ha), 6) Composition (800 mL / ha) and 7) Unizeb Gold (2000g / ha). Unizeb (UPL Ltd., India) is fungicide which contains mancozeb as the active ingredient and is used as herein as reference.

[0127] In the treatments with the composition, the adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose rate of 200 mL / ha to the spray mixture. The first application took pace when the culture was at phenological stage 45, according to the BBHC scale, the second application took place when the culture was at phenological stage 49, the third application took place when the culture was at phenological stage 59. During application, a constant pressure (CO2) backpack sprayer with a bar containing 6 nozzles (model TeeJet T11020) was used which provided a spray volume of 200 L / ha. The variables analyzed were disease severity of leaf blast, yield, negative crop response (phytotoxicity). With the severity data, the Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) was calculated, and the control efficacy was calculated according to Abbott 1925 (Abbott, Walter S. "A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide." J. econ. Entomol 18.2 (1925): 265-267.) and shown in Figure 1. Means followed by the same letter in the same column do not differ statistically among themselves by Tukey test (p < 0.05).

[0128] Figure 1 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition containing Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) to control rice blast in irrigated rice via foliar application. It is found that the biofungicide composition applied at dose rates of 300, 400 and 800 mL / ha showed control efficacy of higher than 60% against rice blast disease.

[0129] Furthermore, the biofungicide composition did not cause symptoms of phytotoxicity in irrigated rice during the entire study period.

[0130] As shown in Figure 2, treatments with the biofungicide composition showed increase in the yield of rice. In particular, there was a significant increase in yield when it was applied at the dose rate of 200 mL / ha and above.

[0131] EXAMPLE 2 Foliar application on citrus (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) against citrus canker

[0132] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) on citrus plant (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) at different dose rates.

[0133] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Cornelio Procopio, Brazil, from February to June. The citrus variety Pera was used, whose seedlings were planted in a spacing of 6.0 x 2.0 m, totaling an average population of 833.3 plants / ha. Each plot consisted of 48 m2(6.0 m wide x 8.0 m long). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control), 2) Composition (200 mL / ha), 3) Composition (300 mL / ha), 4) Composition (400 mL / ha), 5) Composition (800 mL / ha); 6) Composition (1600 mL / ha) and 7) Recop (2000 g / ha). Recop (Albaugh LLC, USA) a fungicide containing copper oxychloride as active ingredient and is used as herein as reference.

[0134] In the treatments with the biofungicide composition, the adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose of 200 mL / ha. Six foliar applications were carried out, the first at the onset of the first symptoms of the disease at intervals of 21 days (at phenological stages 82, 82, 83, 83, 83 and 84, according to BBCH (Meier, Uwe. BBCH-Monograph: growth stages of mono-and dicotyledonous plants. Technical Report, 2 Edn. Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 2001)), both for the treatments with the composition and for the reference product Recop.

[0135] To carry out the foliar applications, a motorized backpack sprayer (model Buffalo BFG 404T) and a lance containing a cone-type spray tip was used, which provided a spray volume of 2,000 L / ha. A prior evaluation was carried out on the percentage of leaf area injured by citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) throughout the experimental plot by means of visual notes.

[0136] To determine the efficacy of disease control, post-application sampling was made from 21 days after the first application, at phenological stages: 81, 82, 83, 83, 85, 85, 85 and 86.

[0137] To carry out the post-application evaluations, area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated according to the equation presented by Shaner & Finney (Shaner, Gregory, and Robert E. Finney. "The effect of nitrogen fertilization on the expression of slow-mildewing resistance in Knox wheat." Phytopathology 67.8 (1977): 1051-1056).

[0138] Negative crop response (phytotoxicity) of these products to the citrus crop was examined at 7 days after each application, using the phytotoxicity scale proposed by the EWRC (European Weed Research Council. "Report of the 3rd and 4th meetings of EWRC-Committee of Methods in Weed Research." Weed Res. 4.1 (1964): 88-88). The crop yield was estimated in kg / ha at the end of the experiment by weighing the harvested fruits in 24 m2of each plot (2 plants). The data were submitted to analysis of variance by the F-test and the differences between the means of the treatments were compared by the Scott-Knott test (Scott, Andrew Jhon, and Martin Knott. "A cluster analysis method for grouping means in the analysis of variance." Biometrics (1974): 507-512) at 5% probability. The efficacy of the treatments was calculated according to Abbott (1925).

[0139] Figure 3 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control citrus canker.

[0140] It is found that the biofungicide composition, at dose rates of 400 mL / ha, has a control efficacy against citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri) in the leaves of the crop was about 60%.

[0141] It is also found that the average yield of citrus fruit increased when the biofungicide composition was applied, as shown in Figure 4, in particular in treatments applied at dose rates 300 ml / ha and above. No symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed in citrus plants in the trial. EXAMPLE 3 Foliar application on melon against gummy stem blight

[0142] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against gummy stem blight on melon ( Cucumis melo L.) at different dose rates.

[0143] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Piracicaba, Brazil, from March to May. The yellow melon cultivar was used, and seedlings were planted in the spacing of 1.0 m between rows and 0.75 m between plants, totaling an average population of 13,333.3 plants / ha. Each plot consisted of 15 m2(3.0 m wide x 5.0 m long). The trial was arranged in a randomized block design with 7 treatments and 4 replications.

[0144] The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control), 2) Composition (100 mL / ha); 3) Composition (200 mL / ha, 4) Composition (300 mL / ha), 5) Composition (400 mL / ha, 6) Composition (800 mL / ha), and 7) Sialex 500 (1500 g / ha). Sialex 500 (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan) a fungicide containing procymidone as active ingredient and is used as herein as reference.

[0145] The Ziel (DVA, Germany) adjuvant 200 mL / ha) was added to the spray solution of the treatments with the composition. Three applications of the tested treatments were carried out in the melon crop, at intervals of 7 days, at day 0 without symptoms of the disease in the plants (BBCH, 19), day 1 (BBCH phenological 21) and day 14 (BBCH phenological stage 23).

[0146] To carry out the foliar applications, a backpack sprayer pressurized with CO2 and equipped with a bar containing 6 nozzles (model TeeJet XR 110 02) was used. It provided a spray volume of 200 L / ha for the treatments with the composition and 800 L / ha for the treatment with Sialex 500.

[0147] A prior evaluation of the percentage of severity of gummi stem blight infection in the plots was carried out (BBCH 19) using the diagrammatic scale according to Souza et al. (Sousa, Samilla Candida Rodrigues, et al. “Escala diagramatica para avaliacao da severidade do crestamento gomoso do caule em melancia.” Biosci. J ( Online) (2014): 30(5) 314-1324). The effect of the treatments on gummy stem blight control was evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after the first application (phenological stages 19 to 53 according to BBCH).

[0148] Melon fruit yield was evaluated in 8.0 m2of each plot, and the data were transformed into kg / ha. The negative crop response (phytotoxicity) of these fungicides to melon crops was evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days after the first application using the phytotoxicity scale according to EWRC (1964). The area under the disease progress curve was calculated (Shaner & Finney, 1977). The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test and the differences between the means of the treatments were compared by the Scott-

[0149] Knott test at 5%.

[0150] Figure 5 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control gummy stem blight. It is found that best control efficiency can be observed at dose rates of 300, 400 and 800 mL / ha, with a control efficacy of the gummy stem blight in the range of 65.83% to 73.52% in the sample period was observed.

[0151] Furthermore, the biofungicide composition did not cause symptoms of phytotoxicity in melon plants during the entire study period.

[0152] Melon fruit yield increased when treated with the biofungicide composition, as shown in Figure 6.

[0153] EXAMPLE 4 Foliar application on tomato against bacterial spot

[0154] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against bacterial spot (Xanthomonas vesicatoria') on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) at different dose rates.

[0155] The study was conducted under field conditions in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, from February to April. Transplantation of the tomato hybrid Milagros was carried out in the spacing of 2.0 m between rows x 0.5 m between plants, and with an average of 2 plants per linear m, resulting in an average population of 10,000 plants / hectare. The study was arranged in a randomized block design with 7 treatments and 4 replications. The plots were 2.0 m wide and 8.0 m long, totaling 16 m2. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control), 2) Composition (100 mL / ha); 3) Composition (200 mL / ha, 4) Composition (300 mL / ha) 5) Composition (400 mL / ha), 6) Composition (800 mL / ha) and 7) Supera (3000 g / ha). Supera (Oxiqmmica, Brazil) is fungicide which contains copper hydroxide as the active ingredient and is used as herein as reference.

[0156] In all treatments using the composition, the adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose of 200 mL / ha. Six applications of the treatments were carried out, the first before the onset of the disease at phenological stage 51 according to BBCH, and the following ones at intervals of 7 days.

[0157] To carry out the foliar applications, a backpack sprayer pressurized with CO2 equipped with a lance containing four nozzles (model TeeJet XR 110 03) was used. It delivered a spray volume of 1000 L / ha for the treatments with the composition and 400 L / ha with the referece product Supera. For the analysis of the percentage of bacterial spot severity, the levels of symptoms of this disease were determined throughout the plot by means of visual notes according to the diagrammatic scale proposed by Mello et al. (Mello, SCM de, et al. "Field and greenhouse evaluation of tomato resistance to bacterial spot." (1997): 496-501).

[0158] The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated according to tShaner & Finney (1977) and the efficacy of the treatments was calculated according to Abbott (1925).

[0159] The crop yield was estimated in kg / ha at the end of the experiment by weighing the harvested fruits in 6.0 m2of each plot. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by the F-test and the differences between the means of the treatments were using Scott-Knott test (1974) at 5% probability.

[0160] Figure 7 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control bacterial spot.

[0161] It is found that the biofungicide composition applied at dose rates of 300, 400 and 800 mL / ha showed control efficacy of about 56.79%, 61.2% and 68.38%, respectively, against rice bacterial spot. Furthermore, the biofungicide composition did not cause negative crop response (phytotoxicity) in tomato plants during the entire study period.

[0162] The yield of the tomato increased when treated with the biofungicide composition, as shown in Figure 8.

[0163] EXAMPLE 5 Foliar application on peanut against brown spot

[0164] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against brown spot (Cercospora arachidicola') on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at different dose rates.

[0165] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Ipero, Brazil, from January to March. The the peanut crop, variety Runner, was planted with a spacing of 0.75 m between rows and 0.2 m between plants. The experimental design was randomized blocks with eight treatments and four replications, totaling 32 experimental plots. The plots were 1.5 m wide and 3.0 m long, totaling 18 m2per treatment and 144 m2of experimental area. Three foliar applications were performed with an interval of 14 days,. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control) 2) Composition (125 mL / ha), 3) Composition (250 mL / ha), 4) Composition (300 mL / ha), 5) Composition (400 mL / ha), 6) Composition (800 mL / ha), 7) Aumenax(800 mL / ha) and 8) Absolute WG (1,500 g / ha). Aumenax (BASF), a fungicide containing fluxapyroxade and copper oxychloride as active ingredient, and Absolute WG (Ihra, Brazil), containing chlorothalonil as active ingredient, were used as reference products.

[0166] The adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose of 200 mL / ha. For the foliar applications a CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer equipped with a bar containing an XR 110 02 tip was used. It provided a spray volume of 500 L / ha, sufficient to provide uniform coverage on all plants. The parameters evaluated were: symptoms of negative crop response (phytotoxicity), severity and yield. The raw data of the evaluations were submitted to analysis of variance by the F-test and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. With the severity data, the area below the disease progression curve (AUDPC) using Campbell and Madden’s (Campbell, C. Lee, and Laurence V. Madden. Introduction to plant disease epidemiology. 1990) formula. The efficacy of the treatments applied was calculated according to Abbott’s formula (1925).

[0167] Figure 9 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control brown spot.

[0168] The biofungicide composition was shown to be significantly efficient for the control of brown spot when applied at dose rates of 250 to 800 mL / ha, obtaining performance which is similar to the Aumenax and Absolute WG.

[0169] Furthermore, the biofungicide composition did not cause symptoms of phytotoxicity in peanut plants during the entire study period.

[0170] Peanut yield in the treatments with the biofungicide composition was similar to each other and showed increases when compared to untreated control, as shown in Figure 10. EXAMPLE 6 Foliar application on cotton against ramularia

[0171] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against ramularia (Ramularia areola) on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) at different dose rates.

[0172] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Riachao das Neves, Brazil, from March to August. Cotton (cultivar FM 970 GLTP ) was sown with a spacing of 0.76 meters between rows and a density of 8 plants per meter. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 8 (eight) treatments and 4 (four) replications. The plots were 3.0 m wide and 6.0 meters long, totaling 18 m2. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control), 2) Composition (125 mL / ha), 3) Composition (250 mL / ha), 4) Composition (300 mL / ha), 5) Composition (400 mL / ha); 6) Composition (800 mL / ha), 7) Mertin 400 (500 mL / ha), 8) Authority (600 mL / ha).

[0173] In the treatments with the biofungicide composition, the adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose of 200 mL / ha. In the treatments with the Authority, the adjuvant Assist (BASF) was added at 600 mL / ha).

[0174] Eight foliar applications were carried out the first prior to the onset of the disease and the others at intervals of 14 days. A CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer was used, which contained a bar equipped with six nozzles (TX VS 110 015) spaced 50 cm apart, with a constant pressure of 40 PSI. It provided a spray volume of 200 L / ha.

[0175] The following was evaluated: negative crop response (phytotoxicity), general severity, severity in the bottom, severity in the middle and upper third, defoliation and yield. To objectively represent disease progression over the course of the trial, severity data were used to calculate the AUDPC according to Campbell and Madden (1990).

[0176] Figure 11 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control ramularia.

[0177] The composition applied at dose rates of 400 and 800 mL / ha showed control efficacy higher than 40% against ramularia in cotton.

[0178] Furthermore, the biofungicide composition did not cause symptoms of phytotoxicity in cotton during the entire study period.

[0179] The biofungicide composition provided an yield increase in cotton, as shown in Figure 12.

[0180] EXAMPLE 7 Foliar application on banana against black sigatoka

[0181] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against black sigatoka (Mycosphaerellafijiensis) on banana (Musa spp.) at different dose rates.

[0182] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Garuva, Brazil, from January to May. The banana cultivar Galil 18 was planted in the spacing of 2.5 meters between rows and 2.0 meters between plants, totaling an average population of 2000 plants / ha. Each plot consisted of 20 m2(2.5 m wide x 8.0 m long). The experimental design was randomized block with 7 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control) 2) Composition (100 mL / ha), 3) Composition (150 mL / ha), 4) Composition (200 mL / ha), 5) Composition (250 mL / ha), 6) Composition (300 mL / ha), and 7) Impact 125 SC (1000 mL / ha). Impact 125 SC (FMC Corporation, USA) is fungicide which contains flutriafol as the active ingredient and is used as herein as reference.

[0183] In all fungicide treatments, the adjuvant Assist (BASF) was added at a dose rate of 5.0 L / ha. For the treatment with biofungicide composition, six applications of were carried out at intervals of 7 days at the respective stages of phenological development 74, 74, 75, 75, 76 and 76 according to the BBCH. For the Impact 125 SC product, three applications were earned out at 14-day intervals at the respective stages of phenological development: 74, 75 and 76.

[0184] To carry out the foliar applications, a pressurized CO2 sprayer equipped with a fan-type spray nozzle (model TeeJet XR 11002) was used, with the first application being carried out preventively before the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. The treatments with composition and Impact 125 SC were diluted in 5.0 L of Assist mineral oil and completed with water up to a final volume of 20 L / ha of solution. A prior evaluation of the percentage of severity of this disease was done. The effect of the treatments on the control of M. fijiensis was evaluated from 7 days after the first application, with at phenological stages 74, 75, 75, 76, 76, 77, 77 and 78, respectively. The evaluation of the percentage of pathogen severity was performed according to visual estimation of the damage to leaves number 2, 3, 4 and 5, in four central plants of the plot. The scores range from 0 to 6 depending on the percentage of leaf area injured. Yield was evaluated and the fruits of two central plants of each plot were collected, corresponding to an area of 10 m2 per plot, with the fruits being weighed and the results expressed in ton / ha.

[0185] Negative crop response (phytotoxicity) on banana crops were evaluated 7 days after each application, using the phytotoxicity scale proposed by the EWRC (1964). The Area Under the Disease Progress Curve was calculated (Shaner & Finney, 1977). The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F-test and the differences between the means of the treatments were compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5%.

[0186] Figure 13 shows the efficacy of the composition against black sigatoka in banana.

[0187] It is found that treatments with the biofungicide compositions at dose rates of 150, 200, 250 and 300 mL / ha showed control efficacy of at least 40% against black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) in banana crops in leaves number 3, 4 and 5.

[0188] No symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed in banana plants in the trial.

[0189] Figure 14 shows the average yield of banana fruit in this trial. The yield of banana fruits was increased by the treatments with the biofungicide composition.

[0190] EXAMPLE 8 Foliar application on mango against anthracnose

[0191] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) was applied via foliar application against anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on mango (Mangifera indica L.). The trial was conducted under field conditions in Petrolina, Brazil, from March to April. A randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications was used. The mango variety Tommy was used. The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control) 2) Composition (100 mL / ha), 3) Composition (200 mL / ha), 4) Composition (300 mL / ha), 5) Composition (400 mL / ha), 6) Composition (800 mL / ha), and 7) Timorex Gold (1,000 g / ha). Timorex Gold (Syngenta) is a fugicide containing 222.50 g / L extract of the tea tree plant (Melaluca alternifoli ) as active ingredient.

[0192] The adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) (200 mL / ha) was added to the spray solution in the treatments with the biofungicide composition. The experimental plots consisted of 1 planting row (6 m wide) by 6.0 m long, totaling 36 m2, containing 3 plants / plot. There were 6 foliar applications in the treatments with the composition, with an interval of 7 days in between, and 3 foliar applications in the treatment with the product Timorex Gold, with an interval of 14 days in between. The first application was carried out as a preventive measure at the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. To carry out the applications, a CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer was used which was coupled to a lance with one nozzle (model TeeJet TX- VS 110 015), with pressure and 40 PSI, thereby providing a constant spray volume of 1,000 L / ha. The following was evaluated: negative crop response (phytotoxicity), disease incidence (% of leaves and fruits attacked), severity (attribution of disease severity scores (0 to 100) to leaves and fruits) and yield. AUDPC (area under the disease progression curve) was calculated according to Campbell and Madden (1990).

[0193] Figure 15 shows the efficacy results of the biofungicide composition to control anthracnose.

[0194] At dose rates of 300; 400 and 800 mL / ha, the composition was efficient for the control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) in mango fruits, obtaining control efficacy of up to 82.14%.

[0195] Furthermore, it was found that the biofungicide composition did not cause symptoms of phytotoxicity in the mango crop.

[0196] The biofungicide composition provided an increase in the yield of the mango, as shown in Figure 16.

[0197] EXAMPLE 9 Foliar application on beans against anthracnose

[0198] Composition comprising Bacillus velezensis RTI301 (90 g / L) + Bacillus subtilis RTI477 (30 g / L) (referred to as composition or biofungicide composition) via foliar application against anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).

[0199] The trial was conducted under field conditions in Palmeira, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with seven treatments and four replications, using the cultivar 5947 IPRO.

[0200] The treatments consisted of: 1) Untreated (Control), 2) Composition (200 mL / ha); 3) Composition (300 mL / ha, 4) Composition (400 mL / ha) 5) Composition (800 mL / ha), 6) Bion 500 WG (25 g / ha). Bion 500 WG (Syngenta) is a fungicide which contains acibenzolar-s-methyl as active ingredient.

[0201] In all treatments using the composition, the adjuvant Ziel (DVA, Germany) was added at a dose of 200 mL / ha. The treatments were applied in three periods, starting preventively and the remaining with intervals of 14 days in between. For foliar application, a precision sprayer, pressurized with CO2 with four nozzles (model TeeJet XR 110 02), spaced 0.5m apart was used. It provided a spray volume of 200 L / ha. The evaluations included disease severity in stems and leaflets using the scale described in Godoy (Godoy, Claudia V., et al. "Diagrammatic scales for bean diseases: development and validation / Diagrammatische Boniturskalen fur Bohnenkrankheiten: Entwicklung und Validation." Zeitschrift fur Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzenschutz / Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection (1997): 336-345). The percentage in bean pods was evaluated with the harvest of 10 pods per plot according to the diagrammatic scale of Catano & Zapata (Castano, J. "Estandarizacion de la estimacion de danos causados por hongos, bacterias y nematodos en fnjol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)." Fitopatologia colombiana 13.1 (1989): 9-19). The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was obtained using the equation proposed by Shaner and Finney (1977).

[0202] It is found that the biofugicide composition at all tested dose rates was efficient in controlling anthracnose, as shown in Figure 17.

[0203] Futhermore, during the experiment, no symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed in common bean plants.

[0204] As with no statistical difference in yield between the treatment, as shown in Figure 18.

[0205] EXAMPLE 10 Foliar application on soy against Asian soybean rust

[0206] The efficacy of compositions is applied to foliage infected with Asian soybean rust (ASR) caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi. It is applied by dipping or spraying the compositions to the infected foliage (e.g., leaves), drying the leaves, allowing the leaves to inoculate after one day, allowing the leaves to incubate for one day, and then evaluating the severity of the Asian soybean rust after fourteen days. The compositions include a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, and / or a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof. When the compositions are applied via spraying, small drops are deposited on the foliage to obtain a distribution of inoculum and ensure the inoculum does not run off the foliage. The severity of the Asian soybean rust infections is visually evaluated.

[0207] EXAMPLE 11 Preventative leaf dip trial on soy against Asian soybean rust

[0208] The efficacy of compositions applied to foliage infected with Asian soybean rust (ASR) caused by Phakopsora pachyrhiziin is tested by applying the compositions to the infected foliage (e.g., leaves) via dipping at 200 L / ha, maintaining the plants at 25 °C, 75% humidity and 12 hours of photoperiod until inoculation at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 13 days after dip application, incubating the plants at controlled conditions (alternating 25 °C day / 20 °C night, 80% humidity, and 12 hours of photoperiod), and then evaluating the severity of the Asian soybean rust after 12-14 days. The compositions include a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165 and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167. The severity of the Asian soybean rust infections is visually evaluated.

[0209] REFERENCES All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0210] Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein application of the composition to foliage of the plant benefits plant growth and / or plant health.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease or a combination thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust, tan spot, circular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and sheath blight.

4. The composition of any previous claims, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml, and wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3.

6. The composition of claim 4, wherein the composition is in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g, and wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3.

7. The composition of claim 4, wherein the composition is in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml, and wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3.

8. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RTI301 are present in the form of spores or vegetative cells.

9. A method for benefiting plant growth and / or plant health, the method comprising: delivering to foliage of a plant a composition comprising: a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; anda biologically pure culture of a Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof, wherein delivery of the composition benefits plant growth and / or plant health.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plant is rice, citrus, melon, tomato, peanut, cotton, banana, mango, beans, soybean, red pepper, persimmon, strawberry, pear, peach, apple, onion or grape.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the method benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, or a combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 10, where wherein the plant disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust, tan spot, circular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and sheath blight, or wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or more of a plant fungal pathogen or a plant bacterial pathogen selected from Pyricularia spp., Xanthomonas citri spp., Didymella spp., Xanthomonas spp., Cercospora spp., Ramulariopsis spp., Ramularia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Colletotrichum spp., Colletotrichum spp., Phakopsora spp., Pyrenophora spp., , Alternaria spp., Peronospora spp., Fulvia spp., Pseudocercospora spp. and Thanatephorus spp.. .

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the benefits to plant growth and / or plant health comprise increased yield, improved seedling vigor, improved plant growth, improved plant health, improved appearance, improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease or a combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or a combination of insects, nematodes, plant pathogenic fungi, or plant pathogenic bacteria.

15. The method of any of claims 13-15, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, an oil dispersion, a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition is in the form of a dust, a dry wettable powder, a spreadable granule, or a dry wettable granule and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in an amount of from about l.OxlO8CFU / g to about l.OxlO12CFU / g, wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3..

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition is in the form of an oil dispersion and each of the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present at a concentration of from about l.OxlO8CFU / ml to about l.OxlO12CFU / ml, wherein, optionally, the ratio of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 is between 3:1 to 1:3..

19. The method of claim of claims 13-18, wherein the Bacillus subtilis RTI477 and the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 are present in the form of spores or vegetative cells.

20. The method of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the composition further comprises one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer present in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or to confer protection against a pathogenic infection in the plant.

21. An agricultural product comprising: a first composition comprising a biologically pure culture of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121165, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof and a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis RTI477 deposited as ATCC No. PTA- 121167, or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics thereof; a second composition comprising one or a combination of a microbial, a biological, or a chemical insecticide, fungicide, nematicide, bacteriocide, herbicide, plant extract, plant growth regulator, or fertilizer, wherein the first and second composition are separately packaged; and instructions for delivering in an amount suitable to benefit plant growth and / or plant health to foliage of the plant.

22. The product of claim 21, wherein the composition benefits plant growth and / or plant health by imparting improved resistance to plant pathogens, reduced pathogenic infection, controlling plant disease or a combination thereof.

23. The composition of claim 22, wherein the disease is blast, citrus canker, gummy stem blight, bacterial spot, brown spot, ramularia, black sigatoka, anthracnose, Asian soy rust, tan spot, circular leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot and sheath blight.

24. The composition of claim 22, wherein the plant pathogen comprises one or more of a plant fungal pathogen or a plant bacterial pathogen selected from Pyricularia spp., Xanthomonas citri spp., Didymella spp., Xanthomonas spp., Cercospora spp., Ramulariopsis spp., Ramularia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Colleto trichum spp., Colletotrichum spp., Phakopsora spp., Pyrenophora spp. , Alternaria spp., Peronospora spp., Fulvia spp., Pseudocercospora spp. and Thanatephorus spp..

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