Compositions Comprising Bacillus Strains and Methods of Use to Suppress The Activities and Growth of Fungal Plant Pathogens

Abstract

This invention provides compositions of Bacillus strains and methods for using such compositions to inhibit the activity and/or growth of fungal pathogens of plants. In one embodiment, this invention provides a composition comprising Bacillus bacteria selected from the group consisting of Brevibacillus laterosporus strain CM-3, Brevibacillus laterosporus strain CM-33, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BCM-CM5, Bacillus licheniformis ATCC-11946, Bacillus mojavensis BCM-01, Bacillus pumilus NRRL-1875, Bacillus subtilis 10 DSM-10, Bacillus subtilis NRRL-1650, Bacillus megaterium BCM-07, Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM-36, Paenibacillus chitinolyticus DSM-11030, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for preparing a bacterial composition comprising one or more Bacillus strains by growing Bacillus strain bacteria until the bacteria form spores, collecting said spores, and formulating said composition.

1 - 88 . (canceled) 
     
     
         89 . A liquid composition comprising  Bacillus mojavensis  BCM-01 (PTA-121389), water, and a microbial stabilizer. 
     
     
         90 . The liquid composition of  claim 89 , further comprising  Bacillus licheniformis  (ATCC-11946). 
     
     
         91 . The liquid composition of  claim 90 , further comprising  Brevibacillus laterosporus  strain CM-3 (PTA-3593) and  Brevibacillus laterosporus  strain CM-33 (PTA-3592). 
     
     
         92 . The liquid composition of  claim 89 , wherein the  Bacillus mojavensis  BCM-01 (PTA-121389) is in a concentration of 1×10 8  to 1×10 12  colony forming units (CFU)/gram. 
     
     
         93 . The liquid composition of  claim 90 , wherein each of the  Bacillus mojavensis  BCM-01 (PTA-121389) and  Bacillus licheniformis  (ATCC-11946) are in a concentration of 1×10 8  to 1×10 12  CFU/gram. 
     
     
         94 . The liquid composition of  claim 93 , wherein each of the  Bacillus mojavensis  BCM-01 (PTA-121389),  Bacillus licheniformis  (ATCC-11946),  Brevibacillus laterosporus  strain CM-3 (PTA-3593) and  Brevibacillus laterosporus  strain CM-33 (PTA-3592) are in a concentration of 1×10 8  to 1×10 12  CFU/gram. 
     
     
         95 . The liquid composition of  claim 89 , wherein the composition is a concentrate. 
     
     
         96 . A method for inoculating a plant, seed, or soil comprising applying the liquid composition of  claim 89  to a plant, seed, or soil. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the liquid composition is applied to soil, plant foliage, plant seeds, during sowing of plant seeds, or after plants germinate. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the liquid composition is applied by spraying plants or mixing into soil. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the liquid composition is applied around the seed and/or to the root zone. 
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the composition is applied by seed coating, spraying in planting furrow with seeds, or foliar spray.