The disclosure relates to methods for the screening, identification, and/or application of one or more microorganisms of use in imparting one or more beneficial properties to one or more plants.

The present disclosure provides a novel endophyte, Serendipita vermifera ssp. bescii (“S. bescii”), uses thereof and methods incorporating the use thereof for enhancement of plant performance. The present disclosure also provides methods for detecting the presence of and identifying S. bescii.

The present invention is directed to non-aqueous, non-oil liquid compositions comprising live microbial organisms and a liquid carrier. The present invention is further directed methods of controlling pests comprising applying an effective amount of a non-aqueous, non-oil liquid composition comprising live microbial organisms and a liquid carrier to an area in need of pest control.

Remote access methods and systems for plant pathogen (e.g., fungi or fungus-like organisms) assessment and management, and uses thereof, in particular for real-time agricultural applications, are described herein. In embodiments, the method and systems combine the capture of pathogenic spores (e.g., by impaction on an adhesive surface), laboratory analysis to identify the spores (e.g., by microscopy and/or PGR), collecting weather data, determining the level of risk for each pathogen, and providing an output to a user, who may for example access such risk data remotely as a risk report. A weather station is installed in proximity to the field/area where the spore sampling/collection occurs, and allows the constant transfer of weather data to effect the risk assessment. The risk assessment may be used to direct and optimize pesticide (e.g., fungicide) application in accordance with the pathogen identification and assessed risk level.

Non-toxigenic fungal strains, and methods of making and use thereof, are provided and have utility as endophytes in forage crops, and as strains that can outcompete toxigenic strains in forage and food crops.

A peracetic acid type sterilizing composition solution containing peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and catalase enzyme, wherein said sterilizing solution has a pH in a range of 2.6 to 5.0, said catalase enzyme is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 10 μg/ml, the concentration of said peracetic acid is 500 to 10,000 ppm, and the concentration of said hydrogen peroxide is less than 500 ppm. The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide can be efficiently decreased due to the catalase enzyme that is added in small amounts thereby suppressing the bubbling caused by the addition of the catalase enzyme.

The present invention relates to a liquid composition comprising at least one biological control agent wherein said biological control agent is spores of a spore forming fungus, a polyether-modified trisiloxane and fumed silica or precipitated silica, wherein said composition is essentially free of water, said composition being useful in plant protection.

The invention relates to a liquid preparation comprising biologically active fungi and/or fungal organs and/or other microorganisms in a suspension, to a method for producing it and to the use thereof for biological protection of plants, for biological plant strengthening, or for biological soil improvement. Polyether-modified trisiloxane is a preferred liquid used. The preparation according to the invention is notable for easily manageable storage at room temperature, trouble-free transport, and simplicity of production and application.

Disclosed are recombinant host cells comprising a promoter-effective nucleic acid molecule operably coupled to a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a plant effector protein or polypeptide that induces an active plant response including, among others, growth enhancement, disease resistance, pest or insect resistance, and stress resistance. Use of these recombinant host cells for modulating plant biochemical signaling, imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, imparting tolerance to biotic stress, imparting tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, imparting desiccation resistance to cuttings removed from ornamental plants, imparting post-harvest disease or post-harvest desiccation resistance to a fruit or vegetable, or enhancing the longevity of fruit or vegetable ripeness are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants.