The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms and/or compositions of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants, and microorganisms and compositions identified therefrom.

The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms and/or compositions of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants, and microorganisms and compositions identified therefrom.

The invention discloses a method for producing plant seed containing endophytic microorganisms characterised in by the following steps: contacting a flowering plant with a preparation of endophytic microorganisms, whereby the endophytic microorganisms enter the plant via the flowers and are conveyed to seed produced by the plant; and obtaining the plant seed containing endophytic microorganisms from the plant.

The invention discloses a method for producing plant seed containing endophytic microorganisms characterised in by the following steps: contacting a flowering plant with a preparation of endophytic microorganisms, whereby the endophytic microorganisms enter the plant via the flowers and are conveyed to seed produced by the plant; and obtaining the plant seed containing endophytic microorganisms from the plant.

Methylobacterium strains that enhance early plant growth and methods of their use are provided herein. Also provided are methods for identifying Methylobacterium strains which can be used to increase the content of one or more mineral nutrient and/or vitamins in a leafy green plant are provided. Also provided are related methods of providing leafy green plants with increased levels of one or more mineral nutrients and/or vitamins, and leafy green plants and harvested greens from said plants having increased levels of one or more mineral nutrients and/or vitamins, as the result of treatment with Methylobacterium strains as provided herein.

Methylobacterium strains that enhance early plant growth and methods of their use are provided herein. Also provided are methods for identifying Methylobacterium strains which can be used to increase the content of one or more mineral nutrient and/or vitamins in a leafy green plant are provided. Also provided are related methods of providing leafy green plants with increased levels of one or more mineral nutrients and/or vitamins, and leafy green plants and harvested greens from said plants having increased levels of one or more mineral nutrients and/or vitamins, as the result of treatment with Methylobacterium strains as provided herein.

The present disclosure concerns methods of using novel bacterial strains of 0617-T307, 0917-T305, 0917-T306, 0917-T307, 0118-T319, 0318-T327, and 0418-T328, the cell broth and novel metabolites produced from the bacterial strains, to inhibit the growth of a variety of microbial species for bacterial pathogens that cause citrus Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease), Zebra chip (ZC) disease of potato, tomato, and other plants of the family Solanaceae and plants of the family Apiaceae and Umbelliferae. The methods include use of novel, potent antimicrobial metabolites produced from the strains corresponding to a Pseudomonas bacterial metabolite as Formula (I):

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The present disclosure provides engineered gram-positive microbes that are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and deliver such to plants in a targeted, efficient, and environmentally sustainable manner. The utilization of the taught microbial products will enable farmers to realize more productive and predictable crop yields without the nutrient degradation, leaching, or toxic runoff associated with traditional synthetically derived nitrogen fertilizer.

Disclosed herein are biocontrol compositions against plant fungal pathogens and methods of use thereof for the prevention or reduction of crop loss or food spoilage. The biocontrol composition can comprise at least one microbe with anti-fungal activity or a secondary metabolite of the at least one microbe. The methods can comprise application of the biocontrol composition to a plant, a seed, or a produce thereof or to a packaging material used to transport or store the produce.

Disclosed herein are biocontrol compositions against plant fungal pathogens and methods of use thereof for the prevention or reduction of crop loss or food spoilage. The biocontrol composition can comprise at least one microbe with anti-fungal activity or a secondary metabolite of the at least one microbe. The methods can comprise application of the biocontrol composition to a plant, a seed, or a produce thereof or to a packaging material used to transport or store the produce.