The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms-including novel strains of the microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms-including novel strains of the microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

The disclosure provides materials and methods for conferring improved plant traits or benefits on plants. The materials can include a formulation comprising an exogenous endophytic bacterial population, which can be disposed on an exterior surface of a seed or seedling, typically in an amount effective to colonize the plant. The formulations can include at least one member selected from the group consisting of an agriculturally compatible carrier, a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, and a nutrient.

The disclosure provides materials and methods for conferring improved plant traits or benefits on plants. The materials can include a formulation comprising an exogenous endophytic bacterial population, which can be disposed on an exterior surface of a seed or seedling, typically in an amount effective to colonize the plant. The formulations can include at least one member selected from the group consisting of an agriculturally compatible carrier, a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, and a nutrient.

Methods and compositions for making bacteriocins are described in some embodiments herein. In some embodiments, pro-polypeptide comprising the bacteriocins in the desired ratios in cis, and separated by cleavage sited can be produced by a microbial cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding the pro-polypeptide. In some embodiments microfluidic devices and methods for making specified mixtures of antimicrobial peptides and/or bacteriocins are described.

Methods and compositions for making bacteriocins are described in some embodiments herein. In some embodiments, pro-polypeptide comprising the bacteriocins in the desired ratios in cis, and separated by cleavage sited can be produced by a microbial cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding the pro-polypeptide. In some embodiments microfluidic devices and methods for making specified mixtures of antimicrobial peptides and/or bacteriocins are described.

Materials and methods for improving plant traits and for providing plant benefits are provided. In some embodiments, the materials, and methods employing the same, can comprise endophytes.

Materials and methods for improving plant traits and for providing plant benefits are provided. In some embodiments, the materials, and methods employing the same, can comprise endophytes.

Bioactive priming polypeptides are provided that are useful when applied to plants in agricultural formulations. Methods of using the formulations containing the bioactive priming polypeptides are also provided which are applied exogenously to the surface of a plant or a plant cell membrane or endogenously to the interior of a plant or to a plant cell. The bioactive priming polypeptides when applied to a plant, a plant part, or a plant growth medium or a rhizosphere in an area surrounding the plant or the plant part increase growth, yield, health, longevity, productivity, and/or vigor of a plant or a plant part and/or decrease abiotic stress in the plant or the plant part and/or protect the plant or the plant part from disease, insects and/or nematodes, and/or increase the innate immune response of the plant or the plant part and/or change plant architecture.

Bioactive priming polypeptides are provided that are useful when applied to plants in agricultural formulations. Methods of using the formulations containing the bioactive priming polypeptides are also provided which are applied exogenously to the surface of a plant or a plant cell membrane or endogenously to the interior of a plant or to a plant cell. The bioactive priming polypeptides when applied to a plant, a plant part, or a plant growth medium or a rhizosphere in an area surrounding the plant or the plant part increase growth, yield, health, longevity, productivity, and/or vigor of a plant or a plant part and/or decrease abiotic stress in the plant or the plant part and/or protect the plant or the plant part from disease, insects and/or nematodes, and/or increase the innate immune response of the plant or the plant part and/or change plant architecture.