Nodulisporic acids (NAs) comprise a group of indole diterpenes known for their potent insecticidal activities; however, biosynthesis of NAs by its natural producer, Hypoxylon pulicicidum (Nodulisporium sp.) is exceptionally difficult to achieve. The identification of genes responsible for NA production could enable biosynthetic pathway optimization to provide access to NAs for commercial applications. Obtaining useful quantities of NAs using published fermentations methods is challenging, making gene knockout studies an undesirable method to confirm gene function. Alternatively, heterologous gene expression of H. pulicicidum genes in a more robust host species like Penicillium paxilli provides a way to rapidly identify the function of genes that play a role in NA biosynthesis. In this work, we identified the function of four secondary-metabolic genes necessary for the biosynthesis of nodulisporic acid F (NAF) and reconstituted these genes in the genome of P. paxilli to enable heterologous production of NAF in this fungus.

Nodulisporic acids (NAs) comprise a group of indole diterpenes known for their potent insecticidal activities; however, biosynthesis of NAs by its natural producer, Hypoxylon pulicicidum (Nodulisporium sp.) is exceptionally difficult to achieve. The identification of genes responsible for NA production could enable biosynthetic pathway optimization to provide access to NAs for commercial applications. Obtaining useful quantities of NAs using published fermentations methods is challenging, making gene knockout studies an undesirable method to confirm gene function. Alternatively, heterologous gene expression of H. pulicicidum genes in a more robust host species like Penicillium paxilli provides a way to rapidly identify the function of genes that play a role in NA biosynthesis. In this work, we identified the function of four secondary-metabolic genes necessary for the biosynthesis of nodulisporic acid F (NAF) and reconstituted these genes in the genome of P. paxilli to enable heterologous production of NAF in this fungus.

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.

Entomopathogenic fungal strains, compositions, and methods and compositions of producing and using the strains for reducing overall insect damage.

Entomopathogenic fungal strains, compositions, and methods and compositions of producing and using the strains for reducing overall insect damage.

The present invention provides a novel method of manufacturing germinated plant seeds suitable for producing a large amount of phytoalexin, a method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction for use in manufacture of the above germinated plant seeds, an extract composition of the germinated plant seeds and a screening method for a plant seed candidate for use in producing a target substance. The method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction comprises a pre-treatment step of maintaining plant seeds under atmosphere conditions of a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppm or more and/or an oxygen concentration of 19 vol % or less continuously for 5 hours or more.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against nematodes, insects and/or phytopathogens, and at least one fungicide (I) selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of the respiratory chain at complex I, II and III in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising said composition and the use of said composition.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against nematodes, insects and/or phytopathogens, and at least one fungicide (I) selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of the respiratory chain at complex I, II and III in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising said composition and the use of said composition.

The present invention relates to a method for prolonging spore viability of fungal spores present in a liquid formulation, comprising (a) packaging said formulation in a suitable container; (b) reducing oxygen exposure of the spores in said formulation as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air; and (c) closing or sealing said container. The invention further relates to a closed container comprising a liquid formulation within said container, said formulation comprising fungal spores, wherein the spores in said formulation have reduced oxygen exposure as compared to oxygen exposure of said spores when said formulation is in contact with air.