Soil plant productivity is improved by manipulation of soil microflora. The soil microflora is manipulated by addition of a bacterium belonging to Rhizobium (Rhizobiales) to the soil.

The subject invention provides systems, apparatuses and methods for cultivating microorganisms and for producing microbial metabolites on a large scale. Specifically, in certain embodiments, a system comprising three separate, but connected, vessels is provided, wherein a first vessel serves as a feed tank for supplying nutrient medium to a second vessel, said second vessel serving as a submerged fermentation reactor; and wherein a third vessel serves as a collection container into which foam containing microbial growth by-products is transferred from the second vessel.

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.

In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides two-vessel fermentation systems for producing microbe-based products comprising fungal mycelia and/or spores, and/or bacterial endospores, wherein the systems comprise both a submerged fermentation vessel and a solid state fermentation (SSF) vessel. Advantageously use of the two phases improves the efficiency of producing microorganisms by catering to the different requirements for biomass and/or vegetative cell accumulation as well as the requirements for mycelial growth and/or sporulation.

The invention relates to a biological means for improving the yield of cultivated plants. The areas of application of the invention are agriculture, horticulture and plant protection.

Disclosed are a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a method of producing fermented grains using the strain, fermented grains produced using the strain, and a composition for thrombolysis; digestion improvement; prophylaxis, amelioration or treatment of bowel inflammation, serous membrane weakening or intestinal injury; or antioxidation, comprising the fermented grains.

Systems and methods for recycling of organic waste to produce lactic acid by fermentation are provided, which utilize dried or partially-dried compositions of spores of the lactic acid-producing bacterium Bacillus coagulans.

Disclosed herein are novel methods for hydrolyzing eggshell membrane (ESM). In one embodiment, the method includes cultivating thermophilic bacteria in a solution containing 1-10% (wt %) ESM to decompose the ESM into the ESM hydrolysate; wherein, the thermophilic bacteria grow on the ESM as their sole source of nutrient. In another embodiment, the method includes treating ESM with a keratinase in the presence of a reducing agent at a condition sufficient to produce the ESM hydrolysate, in which the keratinase, the reducing agent, and the ESM are present in a weight ratio of 1:120:600. The thus produced ESM hydrolysate is enriched in essential amino acids, collagen, peptides and glycosaminoglycans.

A bacterial strain with enhanced biosurfactant-production capabilities is provided, as well as methods of its use in, for example, agriculture, livestock husbandry and environmental protection. In a specific embodiment, the present invention is directed to a bacterial strain that has novel properties for producing a mixture of lipopeptides that is unique to its genus and species. Specifically, the bacterium is a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

A nutrient-germinant composition to aid in spore germination and a method for increased spore germination efficiency. The composition comprises L-amino acids, D-glucose and/or D-fructose, a phosphate buffer, an industrial preservative, and may include bacteria spores or they may be separately combined for germination. The method comprises providing a nutrient-germinant composition and bacteria spores, preferably of one or more Bacillus species, and heating to a preferred elevated temperature range of 41° C. to 44° C. for an incubation period of around 2 to 60 minutes. The nutrient-germinant composition is preferably in a concentrated liquid form that is diluted just prior to initiating the germination/incubation method at the point of use. The method may also include dispensing a germinated spore solution to a point-of-use/consumption, such as animal feed, water, or bedding, or a wastewater system or drain.