Corn rootworms are potentially devastating pests in corn production, especially in the corn belt of the United States. The microbial tools developed provide abilities to endophytically colonize plant roots. These endophytic microbes can be applied as seed treatments or in numerous other ways that allow them to colonize plant roots where they provide systemic beneficial changes in the plant physiology. Treatment with Trichoderma organisms on seeds alleviated damage on roots, even though the number of corn rootworm larvae on roots were not reduced.

This disclosure includes the following components, all intended for the purpose of enhancing plant growth and performance: the capabilities of 1-octen-3-ol, which is a metabolite of Trichoderma strains and formulations thereof, a method for formulating this component or other highly effective compounds into stable formulations, and other materials which are expected to be effective with such components and methods. T. afroharzianum (formerly T. harzianum) produces 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom alcohol) and that at very low concentrations in aerial solution enhances plant growth and productivity, a result that could be duplicated by seed treatments at low concentrations.

This disclosure includes the following components, all intended for the purpose of enhancing plant growth and performance: the capabilities of 1-octen-3-ol, which is a metabolite of Trichoderma strains and formulations thereof, a method for formulating this component or other highly effective compounds into stable formulations, and other materials which are expected to be effective with such components and methods. T. afroharzianum (formerly T. harzianum) produces 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom alcohol) and that at very low concentrations in aerial solution enhances plant growth and productivity, a result that could be duplicated by seed treatments at low concentrations.

New insecticidal combinations, compositions, and methods of using the same are provided. The present invention is directed to combinations of Cysteine Rich Insecticidal Peptides (CRIPS), and Insecticidal Agents (IAs). The present invention also describes the use of said combinations and compositions for the control of insects. Here, we describe the following: genes encoding CRIPs; compositions and combinations comprising CRIPs and IAs; and methods using the same that are useful for the control of pests.

New insecticidal combinations, compositions, and methods of using the same are provided. The present invention is directed to combinations of Cysteine Rich Insecticidal Peptides (CRIPS), and Insecticidal Agents (IAs). The present invention also describes the use of said combinations and compositions for the control of insects. Here, we describe the following: genes encoding CRIPs; compositions and combinations comprising CRIPs and IAs; and methods using the same that are useful for the control of pests.

Disclosed are beneficial complexes comprising entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), binders, and external cargos, methods for preparing the same and systems comprising the same.

Disclosed are beneficial complexes comprising entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), binders, and external cargos, methods for preparing the same and systems comprising the same.

Disclosed are beneficial complexes comprising entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), binders, and external cargos, methods for preparing the same and systems comprising the same.

The disclosure is generally directed to methods for screening, identifying, and producing microorganisms capable of imparting beneficial properties to plants. In some aspects, improved plant-associated soil microorganisms are generated by experimental evolution using a plant root exudate or root exudate compound.

Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.