Fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member are provided. Recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins are also provided. Genetically inactivated Bacillus cereus family members and recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that overexpress exosporium proteins are also provided. Seeds coated with the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members and methods for using the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided. Various modifications of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that express the fusion proteins are further provided. Fusion proteins comprising a spore coat protein and a protein or peptide of interest, recombinant bacteria that express such fusion proteins, seeds coated with such recombinant bacteria, and methods for using such recombinant bacteria (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided.

Fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member are provided. Recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins are also provided. Genetically inactivated Bacillus cereus family members and recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that overexpress exosporium proteins are also provided. Seeds coated with the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members and methods for using the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided. Various modifications of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that express the fusion proteins are further provided. Fusion proteins comprising a spore coat protein and a protein or peptide of interest, recombinant bacteria that express such fusion proteins, seeds coated with such recombinant bacteria, and methods for using such recombinant bacteria (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided.

The subject invention provides methods of producing advantageous microbes and/or by-products using a modified form of solid-state fermentation, or matrix fermentation. In particular, the methods utilize foodstuff mixed with liquid nutrient medium to produce a three-dimensional scaffold substrate having ample surface area on which the microbes can grow. The methods can be used to cultivate yeasts, fungi and bacteria at high concentrations without susceptibility to total contamination. The subject invention can be used in remote locations and can be transported with ease.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of inhibiting quorum sensing processes of C. perfringens using fengycin. Fengycin effectively downregulates the expression of agrD and netB genes, resulting in reduced pathogenesis of C. perfringens. The composition may contain fengycin or a source of fengycin, such as Bacillus subtilis PB6.

A method of producing Bacillus spores comprising a step of culturing the Bacillus bacterium using a liquid medium having a C/N ratio (weight ratio of carbon content to nitrogen content) of greater than 4 and less than 9.5.

A method of producing Bacillus spores comprising a step of culturing the Bacillus bacterium using a liquid medium having a C/N ratio (weight ratio of carbon content to nitrogen content) of greater than 4 and less than 9.5.

A flow of air including a fungal spore is directed to a collection cartridge. The fungal spore is trapped within the collection cartridge. The fungal spore is illuminated with light and a first image of the fungal spore is captured while the fungal spore is illuminated with the light. The first image is analyzed to identify an outline of the fungal spore. The fungal spore is illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) light and a second image of the fungal spore is captured while the fungal spore is illuminated with the UV light. A measurement is made of a degree of fluorescence within the outline of the fungal spore. A state of the fungal spore is determined based on the degree of fluorescence.

A system and method for incubating a nutrient spore composition to at least begin the germination process at a point-of-use for small-scale farm applications. The composition comprises solid or powdered L-amino acids, a buffer, optionally D-glucose and/or D-fructose, optionally potassium, and Bacillus spores in a pre-measured filter packet. The method comprises adding a small amount of hot water in a temperature range of 60 C. to 80 C. to the filter packet for an incubation period of around 2 to 60 minutes to form an incubated bacteria solution that is discharged to a farm application. A drip-style coffee maker or similar system may be used to add hot water to the filter packet. The incubated bacteria solution is dispensed to animal drinking water, plants/crops, or an aquaculture pond.

A system and method for incubating a nutrient spore composition to at least begin the germination process at a point-of-use for small-scale farm applications. The composition comprises solid or powdered L-amino acids, a buffer, optionally D-glucose and/or D-fructose, optionally potassium, and Bacillus spores in a pre-measured filter packet. The method comprises adding a small amount of hot water in a temperature range of 60 C. to 80 C. to the filter packet for an incubation period of around 2 to 60 minutes to form an incubated bacteria solution that is discharged to a farm application. A drip-style coffee maker or similar system may be used to add hot water to the filter packet. The incubated bacteria solution is dispensed to animal drinking water, plants/crops, or an aquaculture pond.

A liquid sporulation method is described. A liquid culture is prepared by adding bacterial cells to a sporulation broth. The liquid culture is incubated. Spores are harvested from the incubated liquid culture by separating the spores from a culture supernatant. In some embodiments, the harvested spores are suspended in an aqueous medium to form a spore suspension. At least a portion of the culture supernatant is combined with the spore suspension.