A method of controlling a biofilm comprises contacting the biofilm with probiotic species and contacting the biofilm with chemical disinfectant. The biofilm may be contacted with the probiotic species and the chemical disinfectant simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides a higher reduction in the amount of at least one microbial species in the biofilm, compared to a similar method applying only the chemical disinfectant. Furthermore, the method may provide an unexpected synergy between the probiotic species and the chemical disinfectant in controlling the biofilm.

Described herein is the evaluation of the antifungal properties of bacterial strain KGS-3 against Fusarium Head Blight (FHB)) white mold, blackleg and a number of potato fungal diseases and the plant growth effect attained. KGS-3 is a novel strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa that can suppress bacterial and fungal plant diseases. KGS-3 is predicted to produce antifungal metabolites polymyxin, fusaricidin, and paenilarvin and has been demonstrated to produce cylindrol B. KGS-3 is a plant growth promoting bacteria demonstrated to increase protein content of plants and/or plant products.

Described herein is the evaluation of the antifungal properties of bacterial strain KGS-3 against Fusarium Head Blight (FHB)) white mold, blackleg and a number of potato fungal diseases and the plant growth effect attained. KGS-3 is a novel strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa that can suppress bacterial and fungal plant diseases. KGS-3 is predicted to produce antifungal metabolites polymyxin, fusaricidin, and paenilarvin and has been demonstrated to produce cylindrol B. KGS-3 is a plant growth promoting bacteria demonstrated to increase protein content of plants and/or plant products.

Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella-based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance at least one plant characteristic such as: seed germination rate, seed germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence time, seedling size, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, utilization, fruit production, leaf production, leaf formation, thatch height, plant health, plant resistance to salt stress, plant resistance to heat stress, plant resistance to heavy-metal stress, plant resistance to drought, maturation time, yield, root length, root mass, color, insect damage, blossom end rot, softness, fruit quality, and sunburn.

Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella-based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance at least one plant characteristic such as: seed germination rate, seed germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence time, seedling size, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, utilization, fruit production, leaf production, leaf formation, thatch height, plant health, plant resistance to salt stress, plant resistance to heat stress, plant resistance to heavy-metal stress, plant resistance to drought, maturation time, yield, root length, root mass, color, insect damage, blossom end rot, softness, fruit quality, and sunburn.

Methods and compositions for increasing one or more plant growth characteristics in a plant are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more microbial isolates that promote plant growth. Methods include providing an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more microbial isolates that promote one or more plant growth characteristics. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to microbial isolates obtained from root nodules of T. aestivum.

Endophytic bacteria, compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest. Bioherbicides, compositions comprising the endophytic bacteria and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest.

Endophytic bacteria, compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest. Bioherbicides, compositions comprising the endophytic bacteria and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest.

Endophytic bacteria, compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest. Bioherbicides, compositions comprising the endophytic bacteria and methods of use thereof are disclosed which suppress growth of aggressive, invasive weed species which grow in the same habitat of target plants of interest.

A bacterial product may comprise strains Azospirillum oryzae AO.sub.512, Azospirillum lipoferum AL.sub.20, Pantoea dispersa PD.sub.2, Bacillus subtilis TU.sub.2, Lysinibacillus sphaericus 3S and Paenibacillus polymyxa SR.sub.17, in a total minimal concentration of 10.sup.8 CFU/g (Colony forming Units). These bacteria may be attached to an insoluble granular carrier formed of a mixture of natural clays and minerals. This formulation may preserve the viability of the microorganism for a long time while in storage, as well as after its application on the field. These microorganisms, as PGPR, may be capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphates, potassium, as well as other minerals immobilized in the soil, which allows for a drastic reduction, and even for a complete elimination, of conventional fertilization methods. These bacteria are not harmful in any sense neither to human beings nor the environment.