Compositions and methods include a new strain of 
Bacillus velezensis having 
growth promoting activity and activity against 
plant pathogens. The compositions are useful for benefiting 
plant growth and / or conferring protection against a pathogenic infection when applied to 
plant foliage, flowers, fruits, 
bark, roots, seeds, 
callus tissue, grafts, cuttings, surrounding soil or 
growth medium, and soil or 
growth medium concomitant with 
sowing seed and planting 
callus tissue, grafts, and cuttings. The compositions containing the 
Bacillus velezensis RTI301 strain 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. In one example, the 
Bacillus velezensis RTI301 strain can be delivered to the plant as part of an 
integrated pest management program, with other microbial or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, 
bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, and 
plant growth regulators.