This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/620697, filed January 23, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to methods for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in plants. BACKGROUND

Chitin and chitosan are random linear copolymers of D-glucosamine ("GlcN") residues and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine ("GlcNAc") residues linked together by β-(l→4) linkages. Chitin is predominantly made up of GIcNAc residues, whereas chitosan is predominantly made up of GlcN residues. Both chitin and chitosan are highly insoluble in water and aqueous bases, but the prevalence of free amino groups in chitosan makes it soluble in acidic solutions—the more deacetylated the chitosan is, the more soluble it becomes.

Chitin and chitosan may be broken down into oligosaccharides using acid hydrolysis, enzymatic degradation, etc. The resultant oligosaccharides are often referred to collectively as chitooligosaccharides (COs), ignoring the distinction between chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides. Unlike the polysaccharides from which they are derived, chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides are readily soluble in water.

Previous studies have shown that both chitosans and COs may be useful for enhancing the growth and/or yield of various plants. See, e.g., U.S Patent Nos.5,726,123 (describing experiments in which mixtures of chitosan molecules and chitosan oligosaccharides were foliarly applied to increase the yield of beans, corn, potatoes, squash and tomatoes) and 9,414,592 (describing experiments in which the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV was used to enhance the

germination/growth/yield of alfalfa, canola, clover, corn, cotton, mung bean, peas, sorghum, soybean, tomatos, vetch and wheat); ^{see also Dzung & Thang, Effects of oligoglucosamine prepared by enzyme degradation on the growth of soy bean, in A} _DVANCES IN CHITIN SCIENCE (463–467) (2002); Dzung & Thang, Effect of polyglucosamine on the growth and development of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.), in PROC.6 ^TH ASIA-PACIFIC CHITIN, CHITOSAN SYMPOSIUM (2004); Dzung, Application of chitin, chitosan and their derivatives for agriculture in Vietnam, J. CHITIN CHITOSAN 10(3):109 (2005) (soybean); Dzung & Thuoc (2006). Study on effects of chitosan oligomer on the growth development and disease resistance of rice, in ADVANCES IN CHITIN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (381–383) (2006); Limpanavech et al., Chitosan effects on floral production, gene expression and anatomical changes in the Dendrobium orchid, SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE 116:65 (2008).

Previous studies have also suggested that foliar application of chitosans and chitosan oligosaccharides may be useful for increasing drought tolerance. See, e.g., Bitelli et al., Reduction of transpiration through foliar application of chitosan, AGR. FOREST METEOROLOGY 107:167 (2001) (describing experiments in which chitosan molecules (approximately 76% deacetylated) with average degree of polymerization of 130 were foliarly applied to pepper plants once a week resulting in reduced stomatal conductance and decreased water usage); Dzung et al., Research on impact of chitosan oligomers on biophysical characteristics, growth, development and drought resistance of coffee, CARBOHYDRATE RES.84:751 (2011) (describing experiments in which chitosan oligosaccharides (approximately 80% deacetylated) with an average molecular weight of about 2kDa were foliarly applied to coffee three times over the course of 15 or 30 days resulting in increased chlorophyll content, reduced transpiration and enhanced plant growth.

Finally, at least one study has suggested that certain chitosan oligosaccharides may be useful as soil amendments for counterbalancing the negative effects of high soil salinity. Zou et al., Effect of chitooligosaccharides with different degrees of acetylation on wheat seedlings under salt stress, CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS 126:62 (2015) (describing experiments in which chitosan oligosaccharides (32, 50, 71 or 98% deacetylation) with an average molecular weight of 1300 Da were applied to the roots of hydroponically grown wheat seedlings exposed to salt stress resulting in reduced malondialdehyde content and increased plant growth). Applicant is unaware of any previous study demonstrating that highly acetylated chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides are useful for enhancing any abiotic stress tolerance. SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a method of enhancing seed germination, comprising applying at least one chitin oligosaccharide to a plant seed in an amount effective to enhance germination of said seed when said seed is sown under abiotic stress conditions, optionally cold stress conditions, heat stress conditions, drought stress condition and/or pH stress conditions.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is plant propagation material that has been treated with one or more chitin oligosaccharides in an amount effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance, optionally the cold stress tolerance, heat stress tolerance, drought stress tolerance and/or pH stress tolerance, of said plant propagation material and/or of a plant that grows from said plant propagation material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all the different ways in which the invention may be implemented or of all the features that may be added to the instant invention. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein, which do not depart from the instant invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure. Hence, the following description is intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the sake of brevity and/or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "abiotic stress" and "abiotic stress conditions" refer to non-living factors that negatively affect a plant's ability to grow, reproduce and/or survive (e.g., drought, flooding, extreme temperatures, extreme light conditions, extreme osmotic pressures, extreme salt concentrations, high winds, natural disasters and poor edaphic conditions (e.g., extreme soil pH, nutrient-deficient soil, compacted soil, etc.)).

As used herein, the terms "abiotic stress tolerance" and "abiotic stress tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under abiotic stress conditions (e.g., drought stress conditions, osmotic stress conditions, salt stress conditions and/or temperature stress conditions). When used in reference to a plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under abiotic stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under abiotic stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "stress tolerant" if it displays "enhanced abiotic stress tolerance." In general, a seed is described as "stress tolerant" if displays enhanced germination under abiotic stress conditions and/or the plant that germinates therefrom displays "enhanced abiotic stress tolerance."

As used herein, the terms "acaricide" and "acaricidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to an acarid (i.e., kills an acarid, inhibits the growth of an acarid and/or inhibits the reproduction of an acarid).

As used herein, the term "agriculturally acceptable carrier" refers to a substance or composition that can be used to deliver an agriculturally beneficial agent to a plant, plant part or plant growth medium (e.g., soil) without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on plant growth and/or yield. As used herein, the term "foliar-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be foliarly applied to a plant or plant part without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on the plant, plant part, plant growth, plant health, or the like. As used herein, the term "seed-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be applied to a seed without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on the seed, the plant that grows from the seed, seed germination, or the like. As used herein, the term "soil-compatible carrier" refers to a material that can be added to a soil without causing/having an unduly adverse effect on plant growth, soil structure, soil drainage, or the like.

As used herein, the term "agriculturally beneficial agent" refers to any agent (e.g., chemical or biological agent) or combination of agents the application of which causes or provides a beneficial and/or useful effect in agriculture including, but not limited to, agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, nutrients, pesticides (e.g., acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides) and plant signal molecules.

As used herein, the term "agriculturally beneficial microorganism" refers to a microorganism having at least one agriculturally beneficial property (e.g., the ability to fix nitrogen, the ability to solubilize phosphate and/or the ability to produce an agriculturally beneficial agent, such as a plant signal molecule).

As used herein, the term "and/or" is intended to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or"). Thus, the phrase "A, B and/or C" is to be interpreted as "A, A and B, A and B and C, A and C, B, B and C, or C."

As used herein, the terms "associated with," in association with" and "associated therewith," when used in reference to a relationship between a microbial strain or inoculant composition of the present disclosure and a plant or plant part, refer to at least a juxtaposition or close proximity of the microbial strain or inoculant composition and the plant or plant part. Such a juxtaposition or close proximity may be achieved by contacting or applying the microbial strain or inoculant composition directly to the plant or plant part and/or by applying the microbial strain or inoculant composition to the plant growth medium (e.g., soil) in which the plant or plant part will be grown (or is currently being grown). According to some embodiments, the microbial strain or inoculant composition is applied as a coating to the outer surface of the plant or plant part. According to some embodiments, the microbial strain or inoculant composition is applied to soil at, near or surrounding the site in which the plant or plant part will be grown (or is currently being grown).

As used herein, the term "aqueous" refers to a composition that contains more than a trace amount of water (i.e., more than 0.5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the term "biologically pure culture" refers to a microbial culture that is free or essentially free of biological contamination and that has genetic uniformity such that different subculutres taken therefrom will exhibit identicial or substantially identical genotyopes and phenotypes. In some embodiments, the biologically pure culture is 100% pure (i.e., all subcultures taken therefrom exhibit identical genotypes and phenotypes). In some embodiments, the biologically pure culture is at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9% pure (i.e., at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9% of the subcultures taken therefrom exhibit identical genotypes and phenotypes).

As used herein, the term "biostimulant" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which enhances one or more metabolic and/or physiological processes of a plant or plant part (e.g., carbohydrate biosynthesis, ion uptake, nucleic acid uptake, nutrient delivery, photosynthesis and/or respiration).

As used herein, the term "BRADY" is to be interpreted as a shorthand substitute for the phrase "Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 501, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 587, Bradyrhizobium elkanii SEMIA 5019, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B- 50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50589 (also deposited as NRRL B-59568), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50590 (also deposited as NRRL B-59569), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50591 (also deposited as NRRL B-59570), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50592 (also deposited as NRRL B-59571), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50608, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50609, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50610, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B- 50611, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50612, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50726, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50727, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50728, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50729, Bradyrhizobium japonicum NRRL B-50730, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 566, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5079, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5080, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 122, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 123, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 127, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 129 and/or Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 532C."

As used herein, the terms "cold tolerance" and "cold tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under cold stress conditions (e.g., temperatures below 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 °C). When used in reference to plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under cold stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under cold stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "cold tolerant" if it displays "enhanced cold tolerance." A seed may be described as "cold tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced cold tolerance." A seed may also be described as "cold tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under cold stress conditions.

As used herein, the terms "colony forming unit" and "cfu" refer to a microbial cell/spore capable of propagating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and/or microbial growth.

As used herein, the term "consists essentially of" (and grammatical variants thereof), as applied to compositions and methods of the present disclosure, means that the compositions/methods may contain additional components/steps so long as the additional components/steps do not materially alter the composition/method. The term "materially alter," as applied to a composition/method of the present disclosure, refers to an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of the composition/method of at least 20%. For example, a component added to a composition of the present disclosure may be deemed to "materially alter" the composition if it increases or decreases the composition's ability to enhance abiotic stress tolerance by at least 20%.

As used herein, the term "diazotroph" refers to an organism capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N ₂ ) into a form that may be utilized by a plant or plant part (e.g., ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), etc.).

As used herein, the term "dispersant" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which reduces the cohesiveness of like particles, the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids and/or the interfacial tension between or a liquid and a solid.

As used herein, the terms "drought tolerance" and "drought tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under drought stress conditions (e.g., standardized precipitation index (SPI) below -0.5, -0.6, -.07, -0.8, -0.9, -1, -1.1, -1.2, -1.3, -1.4, -1.5, -1.6, -1.7, -1.8, -1.9 or -2). When used in reference to plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under drought stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under drought conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "drought tolerant" if it displays "enhanced drought tolerance." A seed may be described as "drought tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced drought tolerance." A seed may also be described as "drought tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under drought stress conditions.

As used herein, the terms "effective amount," "effective concentration," and "effective dosage" (and grammatical variants thereof) refer to an amount, concentration or dosage that is sufficient to cause a desired effect (e.g.¸ enhanced cold, heat, drought, pH and/or salt tolerance). The absolute value of the amount/concentration/dosage that is sufficient to cause the desired effect may be affected by factors such as the type and magnitude of effect desired, the type, size and volume of material to which the compositon will be applied, storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration), growth conditions, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount/concentration/dosage using routine dose-response experiments.

As used herein, the term "enhanced dispersion" refers to an improvement in one or more characteristics of microbial dispersion as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control composition that is identical to an inoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure). Exemplary microbial dispersion characteristics include, but are not limited to, the percentage of microbes that exist as single cells/spores when the inoculant composition is diluted in water. An inoculant composition that improves one or more microbial dispersion characteristics of the microorganism(s) contained therein as compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition) provides enhanced dispersion and can be referred to as a "readily dispersable inoculant composition." As used herein, the term "enhanced abiotic stress tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more stress tolerance phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary stress tolerance phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf canopy, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, lodging resistance, nutrient uptake and/or accumulation (e.g., ammonium, boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphate, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sulfur and/or zinc uptake/accumulation),), osmostic pressure regulation, rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stand, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under abiotic stress conditions and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; grain weight per plot (GWTPP); nutritional content; percent yield recovery (PYREC); water content; yield at standard moisture percentage (YSMP), such as grain yield at standard moisture percentage (GYSMP); yield per plot (YPP), such as grain weight per plot (GWTPP); yield reduction (YRED); etc.) under abiotic stress conditions. A plant that exhibits one or more improved stress tolerance phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under abiotic stress conditions displays enhanced abiotic stress tolerance and can be labeled as "stress tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under abiotic stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "stress tolerant".

As used herein, the term "enhanced cold tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more temperature optimization phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary temperature optimization phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, nutrient uptake (e.g., calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium uptake), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under cold stress conditions and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; GWTPP; nutritional content; PYREC; water content; YSMP, such as GYSMP; YPP, GWTPP; YRED; etc.) under cold stress conditions. A plant that exhibits one or more improved temperature optimazation phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under cold stress conditions displays enhanced cold tolerance and can be labeled as "cold tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under cold stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "cold tolerant".

As used herein, the term "enhanced drought tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more water optimization phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary water optimization phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, nutrient uptake (e.g., calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium uptake), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under drought stress conditions and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; GWTPP; nutritional content; PYREC; water content; YSMP, such as GYSMP; YPP, GWTPP; YRED; etc.) under drought stress conditions. A plant that exhibits one or more improved water optimazation phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under drought stress conditions displays enhanced drought tolerance and can be labeled as "drought tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under drought stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "drought tolerant". As used herein, the terms "enhanced growth" and "enhanced plant growth" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant growth and/or development as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., a plant germinated from an untreated seed or an untreated plant). Exemplary plant growth/development characteristics include, but are not limited to, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, height, leaf canopy, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume lodging resistance, nutrient uptake and/or accumulation (e.g., ammonium, boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphate, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sulfur and/or zinc uptake/accumulation), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt tolerance, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stand, stomatal conductance and survival rate. Unless otherwise indicated, references to enhanced plant growth are to be interpreted as meaning that compositions and methods of the present disclosure enhance plant growth by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc. and are not to be interpreted as suggesting that compositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

As used herein, the terms "enhanced stability" and "enhanced microbial stability" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of microbial stability as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control composition that is identical to an inoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure). Exemplary microbial stability characteristics include, but are not limited to, the ability to germinate and/or propagate after being coated on a seed and/or stored for a defined period of time and the ability to cause a desired effect (e.g., enhanced plant yield and/or increased pesticidal activity) after being coated on a seed and/or stored for a defined period of time. A microorganism that exhibits improvement in one or more microbial stability characteristics as compared to a control microorganism when each is subjected to the same conditions (e.g., seed coating and storage conditions) displays enhanced stability and can be referred to as a "stable microorganism." An inoculant composition that improves one or more microbial stability characteristics of the microorganism(s) contained therein as compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition) provides enhanced stability and can be referred to as a "stable inoculant composition."

As used herein, the terms "enhanced survival" and "enhanced microbial survival" refer to an improvement in the survival rate of one or more microorganisms in an inoculant composition as compared to one or more microorganisms in a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to an inoculant composition of the present disclosure except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition of the present disclosure). An inoculant composition that improves the survival rate of one or more of the microorganisms contained therein as compared to a control composition (e.g., a control composition that is identical to the inoculant composition except that it lacks one or more of the components found in the inoculant composition) provides enhanced survival and can be referred to as a stable inoculant composition.

As used herein, the term "enhanced heat tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more temperature optimization phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary temperature optimization phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, nutrient uptake (e.g., calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium uptake), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under hot stress conditions and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; GWTPP; nutritional content; PYREC; water content; YSMP, such as GYSMP; YPP, GWTPP; YRED; etc.) under hot stress conditions. A plant that exhibits one or more improved temperature optimazation phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under hot stress conditions displays enhanced heat tolerance and can be labeled as "heat tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under heat stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "heat tolerant". As used herein, the term "enhanced pH tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more pH tolerance phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed).

Exemplary pH tolerance phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, nutrient uptake (e.g., calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium uptake), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under pH stress conditions (e.g., soil pH less than about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 or 5.5 and/or greater than about 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5 or 13) and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; GWTPP; nutritional content; PYREC; water content; YSMP, such as GYSMP; YPP, GWTPP; YRED; etc.) under pH stress conditions (e.g., soil pH less than about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 or 5.5 and/or greater than about 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5 or 13). A plant that exhibits one or more improved pH tolerance phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under pH stress conditions displays enhanced pH tolerance and can be labeled as "pH tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under pH stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "pH tolerant".

As used herein, the term "enhanced salt tolerance" refers to an improvement, enhancement, or increase in one or more salt optimization phenotypes as compared to one or more controls (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary salt optimization phenotypes include, but are not limited to, plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species, biomass, carbohydrate biosynthesis, chlorophyll content, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, nutrient uptake (e.g., calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium uptake), rate(s) of photosynthesis, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, salt accumulation, salt excretion, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, stomatal conductance, survival rate, water acculuation, water loss, etc.) under salt stress conditions and plant yield characteristics (e.g., biomass; bushels per acre; GWTPP; nutritional content; PYREC; water content; YSMP, such as GYSMP; YPP, GWTPP; YRED; etc.) under salt stress conditions. A plant that exhibits one or more improved salt optimazation phenotypes as compared to a control plant when each is grown under salt stress conditions displays enhanced salt tolerance and can be labeled as "salt tolerant." A seed that displays enhanced germination under salt stress conditions can likewise be labeled as "salt tolerant".

As used herein, the terms "enhanced yield" and "enhanced plant yield" refer to an improvement in one or more characteristics of plant yield as compared to one or more control plants (e.g., a control plant germinated from an untreated seed). Exemplary plant yield characteristics include, but are not limited to, biomass; bushels per acre; grain weight per plot (GWTPP); nutritional content; percentage of plants in a given area (e.g., plot) that fail to produce grain; yield at standard moisture percentage (YSMP), such as grain yield at standard moisture percentage (GYSMP); yield per plot (YPP), such as grain weight per plot (GWTPP); and yield reduction (YRED). Unless otherwise indicated, references to enhanced plant yield are to be interpreted as meaning that compositions and methods of the present disclosure enhancemay be capable of enhancing plant yield by enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil characteristics, etc. and are not to be interpreted as suggesting that compositions and methods of the present disclosure act as plant growth regulators.

As used herein, the term "foliage" refers to those portions of a plant that normally grow above the ground, including, but not limited to, leaves, stalks, stems, flowers, fruiting bodies and fruits.

As used herein, the terms "foliar application," "foliarly applied" and grammatical variations thereof, refer to the application of one or more active ingredients to the foliage of a plant (e.g., to the leaves of the plant). Application may be effected by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, spraying the plant with a composition comprising the active ingredient(s). In some embodiments, the active ingredient(s) is/are applied to the leaves, stems and/or stalk of the plant and not to the flowers, fruiting bodies or fruits of the plant. As used herein, the term "fulvic acid" encompasses pure fulvic acids and fulvic acid salts (fulvates). Non-limiting examples of fulvic acids include ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate, sodium fulvate, etc. In some embodiments, the fulvic acid comprises, consists essentially of or consists MDL Number MFCD09838488 (CAS Number 479-66-3).

As used herein, the terms "fungicide" and "fungicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a fungus (i.e., kills a fungus, inhibits the growth of a fungus and/or inhibits the reproduction of a fungus).

As used herein, the terms "heat tolerance" and "heat tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under hot stress conditions (e.g., temperatures above 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 °C). When used in reference to plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under heat stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under heat stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "heat tolerant" if it displays "enhanced heat tolerance." A seed may be described as "heat tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced heat tolerance." A seed may also be described as "heat tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under heat stress conditions.

As used herein, the terms "herbicide" and "herbicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a weed (i.e., kills a weed, inhibits the growth of a weed and/or inhibits the reproduction of a weed).

As used herein, the term "humic acid" encompasses pure humic acids and humic acid salts (humates). Non-limiting examples of humic acids include ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate, sodium humate, etc. In some embodiments, the humic acid comprises, consists essentially of or consists of one or more of MDL Number MFCD00147177 (CAS Number 1415-93-6), MDL Number MFCD00135560 (CAS Number 68131-04-4), MDL Number MFCS22495372 (CAS Number 68514-28-3), CAS Number 93924-35-7 and CAS Number 308067-45-0.

As used herein, the terms "inoculant composition" and "inoculum" refer to a composition comprising microbial cells and/or spores, said cells/spores being capable of propagating/germinating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and/or microbial growth.

As used herein, the terms "insecticide" and "insecticidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to an insect (i.e., kills an insect, inhibits the growth of an insect and/or inhibits the reproduction of an insect).

As used herein, the term "isolated microbial strain" refers to a microbe that has been removed from the environment in which it is normally found.

As used herein, the term "isomer" includes all stereoisomers of the compounds and/or molecules to which it refers, including enantiomers and diastereomers, as well as all conformers, roatmers and tautomers, unless otherwise indicated.

Compounds and/or molecules disclosed herein include all enantiomers in either substantially pure levorotatory or dextrorotatory form, or in a racemic mixture, or in any ratio of enantiomers. Where embodiments disclose a (D)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (L)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclose a (L)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (D)- enantiomer. Where embodiments disclose a (+)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (-)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclose a (-)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (+)-enantiomer. Where embodiments disclose a (S)- enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (R)-enantiomer; where embodiments disclose a (R)-enantiomer, that embodiment also includes the (S)-enantiomer. Embodiments are intended to include any diastereomers of the compounds and/or molecules referred to herein in diastereomerically pure form and in the form of mixtures in all ratios. Unless stereochemistry is explicitly indicated in a chemical structure or chemical name, the chemical structure or chemical name is intended to embrace all possible stereoisomers, conformers, rotamers and tautomers of compounds and/or molecules depicted.

As used herein, the term "modified microbial strain" refers to a microbial strain that is modified from a strain isolated from nature. Modified microbial strains may be produced by any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, chemical or other form of induced mutation to a polynucleotide within any genome within the strain; the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides within any genome within the strain, or combinations thereof; an inversion of at least one segment of DNA within any genome within the strain; a rearrangement of any genome within the strain; generalized or specific transduction of homozygous or heterozygous polynucleotide segments into any genome within the strain; introduction of one or more phage into any genome of the strain; transformation of any strain resulting in the introduction into the strain of stably replicating autonomous extrachromosomal DNA; any change to any genome or to the total DNA composition within the strain isolated from nature as a result of conjugation with any different microbial strain; and any combination of the foregoing. The term modified microbial strains includes a strain with (a) one of more heterologous nucleotide sequences, (b) one or more non-naturally occurring copies of a nucleotide sequence isolated from nature (i.e., additional copies of a gene that naturally occurs in the microbial strain from which the modified microbial strain was derived), (c) a lack of one or more nucleotide sequences that would otherwise be present in the natural reference strain by for example deleting nucleotide sequence, and (d) added extrachromosomal DNA. In some embodiments, modified microbial strains comprise a combination of two or more nucleotide sequences (e.g., two or more naturally occurring genes that do not naturally occur in the same microbial strain) or comprise a nucleotide sequence isolated from nature at a locus that is different from the natural locus.

As used herein, the terms "nematicide" and "nematicidal" refer to an agent or combination of agents the application of which is toxic to a nematode (i.e., kills a nematode, inhibits the growth of a nematode and/or inhibits the reproduction of a nematode).

As used herein, the term "nitrogen fixing organism" refers to an organism capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that may be utilized by a plant or plant part (e.g., ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), etc.).

As used herein, the term "non-aqueous" refers to a composition that comprises no more than a trace amount of water (i.e., no more than 0.5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

As used herein, the term "nutrient" refers to a compound or element useful for nourishing a plant (e.g., vitamins, macrominerals, micronutrients, trace minerals, organic acids, etc. that are necessary for plant growth and/or development).

As used herein, the term "PENI" is to be interpreted as a shorthand substitute for the phrase "Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 18309, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 22348, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50162, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50169, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50776, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50777, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50778, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50779, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50780, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50781, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50782, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50783, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50784, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50785, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50786, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50787, Penicillium bilaiae NRRL 50788, Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1, Penicillium brevicompactum AgRF18, Penicillium canescens ATCC 10419, Penicillium expansum ATCC 24692, Penicillium expansum YT02, Penicillium fellatanum ATCC 48694, Penicillium gaestrivorus NRRL 50170 , Penicillium glabrum DAOM 239074, Penicillium glabrum CBS 229.28, Penicillium janthinellum ATCC 10455, Penicillium lanosocoeruleum ATCC 48919, Penicillium radicum ATCC 201836, Penicillium radicum FRR 4717, Penicillium radicum FRR 4719, Penicillium radicum N93/47267 and/or Penicillium raistrickii ATCC 10490."

As used herein, the term "Penicillium bilaiae" is intended to include all iterations of the species name, such as "Penicillium bilaji" and "Penicillium bilaii."

As used herein, the terms "percent identity," "% identity" and "percent identical" refer to the relatedness of two or more nucleotide or amino acid sequences, which may be calculated by (i) comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a window of comparison, (ii) determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (for nucleotide sequences) or amino acid residue (for proteins) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, (iii) dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison, and then (iv) multiplying this quotient by 100% to yield the percent identity. If the "percent identity" is being calculated in relation to a reference sequence without a particular comparison window being specified, then the percent identity is determined by dividing the number of matched positions over the region of alignment by the total length of the reference sequence. Accordingly, for purposes of the present invention, when two sequences (query and subject) are optimally aligned (with allowance for gaps in their alignment), the "percent identity" for the query sequence is equal to the number of identical positions between the two sequences divided by the total number of positions in the query sequence over its length (or a comparison window), which is then multiplied by 100%.

As used herein, the term "pest" includes any organism or virus that negatively affects a plant, including, but not limited to, organisms and viruses that spread disease, damage host plants and/or compete for soil nutrients. The term "pest" encompasses organisms and viruses that are known to associate with plants and to cause a detrimental effect on the plant's health and/or vigor. Plant pests include, but are not limited to, arachnids (e.g., mites, ticks, spiders, etc.), bacteria, fungi, gastropods (e.g., slugs, snails, etc.), invasive plants (e.g., weeds), insects (e.g., white flies, thrips, weevils, etc.), nematodes (e.g., root-knot nematode, soybean cyst nematode, etc.), rodents and viruses (e.g., tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), etc.).

As used herein, the terms "pest resistance" and "pest tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under pest stress conditions. When used in reference to a plant propgationa material, the terms refer to the ability of a plant that arises from that plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under pest stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "pest tolerant" if it displays "enhanced pest tolerance." A seed may be described as "pest tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced pest tolerance." A seed may also be described as "cold tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under pest stress conditions.

As used herein, the terms "pest stress" and "pest stress conditions" refer to organisms that negatively affect a plant's ability to grow, reproduce and/or survive (e.g., Acarina, bacteria, fungi, gastropods, insects, nematodes, oomycetes, phytoplasma, protozoa and/or viruses). In some embodiments, "pest stress conditions" comprise exposure to and/or infestion by one or more pests (e.g., one or more Acarina and/or insect pests).

As used herein, the terms "pesticide" and "pesticidal" refer to agents or combinations of agents the application of which is toxic to a pest (i.e., kills a pest, inhibits the growth of a pest and/or inhibits the reproduction of a pest). Non-limiting examples of pesticides include acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, rodenticides, virucides, gastropodicides, etc.

As used herein, the terms "pH tolerance" and "pH tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under pH stress conditions (e.g., below 5.5, 5.4, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1, 5, 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2, 4.1 or 4 or above 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8). When used in reference to plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under pH stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under pH stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "pH tolerant" if it displays "enhanced pH tolerance." A seed may be described as "pH tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced pH tolerance." A seed may also be described as "pH tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under pH stress conditions.

As used herein, the term "phosphate-solubilizing microorganism" refers to a microorganism capable of converting insoluble phosphate into a soluble form of phosphate.

As used herein, the term "plant" includes all plant populations, including, but not limited to, agricultural, horticultural and silvicultural plants. The term "plant" encompasses plants obtained by conventional plant breeding and optimization methods (e.g., marker-assisted selection) and plants obtained by genetic engineering, including cultivars protectable and not protectable by plant breeders' rights.

As used herein, the term "plant cell" refers to a cell of an intact plant, a cell taken from a plant, or a cell derived from a cell taken from a plant. Thus, the term "plant cell" includes cells within seeds, suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue, leaves, shoots, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen and microspores.

As used herein, the term "plant growth regulator" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which accelerates or retards the growth/maturation rate of a plant through direct physiological action on the plant or which otherwise alters the behavior of a plant through direct physiological action on the plant. "Plant growth regulator" shall not be interpreted to include any agent or combination of agents excluded from the definition of "plant regulator" that is set forth section 2(v) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. § 136(v)). Thus, "plant growth regulator" does not encompass microorganisms applied to a plant, plant part or plant growth medium for the purpose of enhancing the availability and/or uptake of nutrients, nutrients necessary to normal plant growth, soil amendments applied for the purpose of improving soil characteristics favorable for plant growth or vitamin hormone products as defined by 40 C.F.R. § 152.6(f).

As used herein, the term "plant part" refers to any part of a plant, including cells and tissues derived from plants. Thus, the term "plant part" may refer to any of plant components or organs (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, etc.), plant tissues, plant cells and seeds. Examples of plant parts, include, but are not limited to, anthers, embryos, flowers, fruits, fruiting bodies, leaves, ovules, pollen, rhizomes, roots, seeds, shoots, stems and tubers, as well as scions, rootstocks, protoplasts, calli and the like.

As used herein, the term "plant propagation material" refers to a plant part from which a whole plant can be generated. Examples of plant propagation materials include, but are not limited to, cuttings (e.g., leaves, stems), rhizomes, seeds, tubers and cells/tissues that can be cultured into a whole plant. As used herein, the terms "salt tolerance" and "salt tolerant" refer to the ability of a plant or plant part to endure and/or thrive under salt stress conditions (e.g., soil salinity above 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 dS/m). When used in reference to plant propagation material, the terms may refer to both the ability of the plant propagation material to generate a plant under salt stress conditions and the ability of a plant that arises from the plant propagation material to endure and/or thrive under salt stress conditions. In general, a plant or plant part is described as "salt tolerant" if it displays "enhanced salt tolerance." A seed may be described as "salt tolerant" if the plant that germinates therefrom is expected to display and/or displays "enhanced salt tolerance." A seed may also be described as "salt tolerant" if it displays enhanced germination under salt stress conditions.

As used herein, the terms "spore" and "microbial spore" refer to a microorganism in its dormant, protected state. As used herein, the term "stabilizing compound" refers to an agent or combination of agents the application of which enhances the survival and/or stability of a microorganism in an inoculant composition.

As used herein with respect to inoculant compositions, the term "stable" refers to an inoculant composition in which microorganisms exhibit enhanced stability and/or enhanced survival. In general, an inoculant composition may be labeled "stable" if it improves the survival rate and/or at least one microbial stability characteristic of at least one microorganism contained therein.

As used herein with respect to microbial strains, the term "survival rate" refers to the percentage of microbial cell/spore that are viable (i.e., capable of propagating on or in a suitable growth medium or substrate (e.g., a soil) when conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, pH, etc.) are favorable for germination and/or microbial growth) at a given period of time.

While certain aspects of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, except insofar as they contradict any disclosure expressly set forth herein.

The present disclosure provides methods and uses for chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides, including, but not limited to, methods of enhancing the cold tolerance, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, pH tolerance, osmotic stress tolerance, oxidative stress tolerance and/or salt tolerance of plant propagation materials and the plants that arise therefrom.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides is/are used to enhance plant germination, growth and/or yield under cold stress conditions. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at or below 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 °C. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the average daily high (for soil and/or air temperature) does not exceed 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 °C for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides is/are used to enhance plant germination, growth and/or yield under drought stress conditions. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at or below 0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3, -0.4, -0.5, -0.6, -.07, -0.8, -0.9, -1, -1.1, -1.2, -1.3, -1.4, -1.5, -1.6, -1.7, - 1.8, -1.9 or -2 SPI. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the daily SPI does not exceed -0.1, -0.2, -0.3, -0.4, -0.5, -0.6, -.07, -0.8, - 0.9, -1, -1.1, -1.2, -1.3, -1.4, -1.5, -1.6, -1.7, -1.8, -1.9 or -2 for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides is/are used to enhance plant germination, growth and/or yield under heat stress conditions. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 °C or more. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the average daily high (for soil and/or air temperature) exceeds 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 °C for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides is/are used to enhance plant germination, growth and/or yield under pH stress conditions. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at a pH of 5.5, 5.4, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1, 5, 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5 or less. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the average soil pH does not exceed 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 or 5.5. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at a pH of 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 or more. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the average soil pH exceeds 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 or 7.5.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides is/are used to enhance plant germination, growth and/or yield under salt stress conditions. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) is/are used to enhance the germination/growth/yield of plant propagation materials and plants that are germinated and/or grown at a soil salinity of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 dS/m or more. For example, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) may be used to enhance the germination, growth and/or yield of plants that are sown at a time/location in which the average soil salinity exceeds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 dS/m.

In some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of:introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of a plant propagation material sown therein; introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of the plant that arises from a plant propagation material sown therein;

introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of a plant grown therein; applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of the plant propagation material; applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of the plant that arises therefrom; and/or applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of the plant.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plant propagation materials in a control medium (e.g., an untreated plant growth medium that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant growth medium). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) germination and/or emergence to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of plant propagation materials in an untreated plant growth medium under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium (e.g., an untreated plant growth medium that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant growth medium). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant growth/development characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of plants and plant propagation materials in an untreated plant growth medium under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium (e.g., an untreated plant growth medium that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant growth medium). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant yield characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of plants and plant propagation materials in an untreated plant growth medium under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant propagation material (e.g., untreated plant propagation material that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide- treated plant propagation material). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) germination and/or emergence to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of untreated plant propagation material under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions in the by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material (e.g., untreated plant propagation material that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant propagation material). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant growth/development characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of plants arising from untreated plant propagation materials under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material (e.g., untreated plant propagation material that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant propagation material). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant yield characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of plants arising from untreated plant propagation materials under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant (e.g., an untreated plant that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant growth/development characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of untreated plants under non-stress conditions.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to control plant (e.g., an untreated plant that is otherwise identical to the chitin oligosaccharide- and/or chitosan oligosaccharide-treated plant). In some embodiments, the one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides enhance(s) the plant yield characteristic(s) to the extent that it/they meet(s) or exceed(s) that of untreated plants under non-stress conditions.

Any chitin oligosaccharide or chitosan oligosaccharide capable of enhancing abiotic stress tolerance may be utilized in methods and uses of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand how to select appropriate chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides using routine trail-and-error experiments.

As noted above, although previous studies have suggested that foliar application of chitosans and chitosan oligosaccharides may be useful for increasing drought tolerance and that certain chitooligosaccharides may counteract the negative effects of high soil salinity when added as a soil amendment, Applicant is unaware of any such teaching with respect to chitin oligosaccharides or highly acetylated chitosan oligosaccharides.

Applicant has found that chitin oligosaccharides and highly acetylated chitosan oligosaccharides are useful for enhancing myriad abiotic stress tolerances, including, but not limited to, cold stress tolerance, drought stress tolerance, heat stress tolerance, pH stress tolerance and salt stress tolerance.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides; one or more chitin oligosaccharides that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated; and/or one or more chitosan oligosaccharides that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated into a plant propagation medium.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides; one or more chitin oligosaccharides that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated; and/or one or more chitosan oligosaccharides that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated to a plant or plant propagation material.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitosan oligosaccharides that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more deacetylated and/or one or more fully deacetylated chitosan oligosaccharides into a plant propagation medium.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitosan oligosaccharides that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more deacetylated and/or one or more fully deacetylated chitosan oligosaccharides to a plant or plant propagation material.

Applicant has also found that chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having a low molecular weight and/or low degree of polymerization may be particularly useful for enhancing abiotic stress tolerances.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 into a plant propagation medium.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 to a plant or plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa into a plant propagation medium.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of applying one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa to a plant or plant propagation material.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure extends to methods of uses for hydrates, solvates, and salts of chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides. Thus, according to some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, one or more chitin oligosaccharide solvates, one or more chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, one or more chitosan oligosaccharide solvates and/or one or more chitosan oligosaccharide salts is/are introduced into the plant growth medium and/or applied to the plant or plant propagation material.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing/applying one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides represented by formula I:

in which R1 represents hydrogen or methyl; R2 represents hydrogen or methyl; R3 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R4 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R ₅ represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R ₆ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, sulfate ester, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0-MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R7 represents hydrogen, mannosyl or glycerol; R8 represents hydrogen, methyl, or–CH ₂ OH; R ₉ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, or fucosyl; R ₁₀ represents hydrogen, acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing/applying one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides represented by formula II:

in which n = 1 or 2; R ₁ represents a hydrogen, a methyl group or an acetyl group; and R ₂ represents hydrogen or SO ₃ H.

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing/applying one or more of the oligosaccharides set forth below as structures III–L: SO ₃ H

SO- 3Na ⁺

(XXXXIV)

(XXXXVIII)

According to some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing/applying one or more of the oligosaccharides set forth above as structures III–L in a deacetylated form (e.g., an oligosaccharide corresponding to structure XV above except that one or more of the acetyl groups has been removed, optionally replaced by a hydrogen or methyl group).

It is to be understood that any suitable number of chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharides or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof may be introduced into the plant growth medium and/or applied to the plant or plant propagation material. Thus, in some embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides are introduced into the plant growth medium and/or applied to the plant or plant propagation material. For example, in some embodiments, methods and uses of the present disclosure comprise, consist essentially of or consist of introducing/applying one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides represented by one or more of formulas I–II and/or structures III–L (in)to the plant growth medium, plant propagation material or plant.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) may be obtained from any suitable source. As noted above, chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides may be harvested from chitin/chitosan (see, e.g., Aam et al., MAR. DRUGS 8:1482 (2010); D'Haeze et al., GLYCOBIOL.12(6):79R (2002); Demont-Caulet et al., PLANT PHYSIOL.120(1):83 (1999); Hanel et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Limpanavech et al., SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE 116:65 (2008); Lodhi et al., BIOMED RES. INTL. Vol.2014 Art.654913 (March 2014); Mourya et al., POLYMER SCI.53(7):583 (2011); Muller et al., PLANT PHYSIOL.124:733 (2000); Robina et al., TETRAHEDRON 58:521 (2002); Rouge et al., The Molecular Immunology of Complex Carbohydrates, in ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY (Springer Science, 2011); Van der Holst et al., CURR. OPIN. STRUC. BIOL.11:608 (2001); Wan et al., PLANT CELL 21:1053 (2009); Xia et al., FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS 25:170 (2011); PCT/F100/00803 (2000)). They may also be synthetically generated (see, e.g., Cottaz et al., METH. ENG.7(4):311 (2005); Samain et al., CARBOHYDRATE RES.302:35 (1997); Samain et al., J. BIOTECHNOL.72:33 (1999)). In some embodiments, they are derived from a naturally occurring lipo-chitooligosaccharide (LCO). For example, in some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides derived from an LCO obtained (i.e., isolated and/or purified) from a strain of Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., B. japonicum), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., R. leguminosarum), Sinorhizobium (e.g., S. meliloti), or mycorhizzal fungus (e.g., Glomus intraradicus).

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be utilized in various forms of purity and may be used alone or in the form of a culture of chitin/chitosan

oligosaccharide-producing bacteria or fungi. In some embodiments, it/they is/are at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5% or more pure.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to any plant type, including, but not limited to, row crops and vegetables. In some embodiments, they are formulated for the treatment of one or more plants selected from the families Amaranthaceae (e.g., chard, spinach, sugar beet, quinoa), Asteraceae (e.g., artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, zinnias), Brassicaceae (e.g., arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, Arabidopsis thaliana), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, zucchini), Fabaceae (e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, vetch), Malvaceae (e.g., cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra), Poaceae (e.g., bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, wheat and other cereal crops, Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheat), Rosaceae (e.g., almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, strawberries), Solanaceae (e.g., bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato) and Vitaceae (e.g., grape). In some embodiments, they are formulated for the treatment of one or more plants with which it/they is/are not naturally associated. In some embodiments, they are formulated for the treatment of one or more acaricide-, fungicide-, gastropodicide-, herbicide-, insecticide-, nematicide-, rodenticide- and/or virucide-resistant plants (e.g., one or more plants resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors (e.g., imidazolinone, pryimidinyoxy(thio)benzoates, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone, sulfonylurea, triazolopyrimidines), bialaphos, glufosinate, glyphosate, hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenase inhibitors and/or phosphinothricin). Non-limiting examples of plants that may be treated with compositions of the present disclosure include plants sold by Monsanto Company (St. Louis, MO) under the BOLLGARD II®, DROUGHTGARD®, GENUITY®, RIB COMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, ROUNDUP READY 2 EXTEND™, SMARTSTAX®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, YIELDGARD®, YIELDGARD VT ROOTWORM/RR2®, YIELDGARD VT TRIPLE® and/or

XTENDFLEX™ tradenames.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to any part/portion of a plant, including, but not limited to, plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds and tubers), roots and foliage. In some embodiments, they are applied to both the roots and the foliage of one or more plants. In some embodiments, they are applied to plant propagation materials and to the plants that grow from said plant propagation materials.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to any plant growth medium, including, but not limited to, soil.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to plant growth media, plants and plant parts using any suitable method, including, but not limited to, coating, dripping, spraying and soaking. Batch systems, in which predetermined batch sizes of material and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides are delivered into a mixer, may be employed. Continuous treatment systems, which are calibrated to apply chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides at a predefined rate in proportion to a continuous flow of material, may also be employed.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied directly to plant propagation material (e.g., seeds). According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are soaked in a composition comprising one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) for at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 36, 48 hours. According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are coated with one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrates/salts/solvates). Plant propagation materials may be coated with one or more additional layers (e.g., one or more protective layers that serves to enhance the stability of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) and/or one or more sequestration layers comprising substances that may reduce the stability of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) if included in same layer as the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s))). In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition of the present disclosure and a drying powder.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied directly to a plant growth medium (e.g., a soil). According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan

oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied in the vicinity of a plant propagation material (e.g., a seed). According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan

hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied to the root zone of a plant. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied using a drip irrigation system.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied directly to plants. According to some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are sprayed and/or sprinkled on the plant(s) to be treated.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to plants, plant parts and/or plant growth media in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied at a ^{concentration of about 1 x 10-15} _{M to about 1 x 10} ^-10 _{M, about 1 x 10} ^-14 _{M to about 1 x 10} ^-8 _{M, about 1 x 10} ^-14 _{M to about 1 x 10} ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, one or more chitin oligosaccharides may be applied at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

In some embodiments, one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, one or more chitosan oligosaccharides may be applied at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

In some embodiments, one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof); one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated; and/or one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated is/are applied at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

In some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa is/are applied at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10- ¹⁹ M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 μg to about 100 grams per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure the plant propagation materials are coated with about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams is applied to each seed.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 μg to about 100 grams per plant. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each plant is treated with about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof is applied to each plant.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 μg to about 100 grams per acre of treated crops. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of treated crops is treated with about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof is applied to each acre of treated crops.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied at a rate of about 1 μg to about 100 grams per acre of plant growth media. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of plant growth media is treated with about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof. According to some embodiments, one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams thereof is applied to each acre of plant growth media.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions in the by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant.

In some embodiments, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) are applied to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to control plant.

Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be applied to plants, plant parts and/or plant growth media at any time, including, but not limited to, prior to planting, at the time of planting, after planting, prior to germination, at the time of germination, after germination, prior to seedling emergence, at the time of seedling emergence, after seedling emergence, prior to the vegetative stage, during the vegetative stage, after the vegetative stage, prior to the reproductive stage, during the reproductive stage, after the reproductive stage, prior to flowering, at the time of flowering, after flowering, prior to fruiting, at the time of fruiting, after fruiting, prior to ripening, at the time of ripening, and after ripening. In some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks prior to planting. In some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time of planting. In some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) after planting but before germination. In some embodiments, the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) is/are applied to plants following emergence.

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A method of enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in a plant or plant propagation material, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin olig7osaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates to said plant or plant propagation material.

2. The method of paragraph 1, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant propagation material at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

3. The method of paragraph 1, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant propagation material at the time of planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

4. The method of paragraph 1, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant prior to planting said plant in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

5. The method of paragraph 1, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant at the time of planting said plant in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

6. A method of enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in a plant or plant propagation material, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates to the plant propagation medium (e.g., soil) in which said plant or plant propagation material has been, is being, or will be sown.

7. The method of paragraph 6, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant growth medium prior to planting said plant or plant propagation material therein.

8. The method of paragraph 6, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant growth medium at the time of planting said plant or plant propagation material therein.

9. The method of paragraph 6, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant growth medium after planting said plant or plant propagation material therein. 10. The method of paragraph 6, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant growth medium after planting said plant propagation material therein but before germination of said plant propagation material.

11. The method of paragraph 6, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) to said plant growth medium following emergence of said plant or plant propagation material therefrom.

12. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–11, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) and/or one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated, to said plant, plant propagation material or plant growth medium.

13. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–12, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa, to said plant, plant propagation material or plant growth medium.

14. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–13, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or

hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated into a plant propagation medium; one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more deacetylated and/or one or more fully deacetylated chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), to said plant, plant propagation material or plant growth medium.

15. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–14, said method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying an effective amount/concentration/dosage of one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or

hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitosan oligosaccharides having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa, to said plant, plant propagation material or plant growth medium.

16. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–15, in which said one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates is/are applied to said plant, plant propagation material or plant growth medium at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

17. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–15, in which about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams of said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) is/are applied per kilogram of said plant or plant propagation material. 18. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–15, in which about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams of said chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) is/are applied per hectacre of plant growth medium.

19. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which said abiotic stress tolerance comprises, consists essentially of or consists of cold stress tolerance, drought stress tolerance, heat stress tolerance, pH stress tolerance and/or salt stress tolerance.

20. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the cold stress tolerance of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced by at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150% or more as compared to a control plant or plant propagation material (e.g., an untreated plant or plant propagation material).

21. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which the average daily high (for soil and/or air temperature) does not exceed 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 °C for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

22. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the drought stress tolerance of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced by at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150% or more as compared to a control plant or plant propagation material (e.g., an untreated plant or plant propagation material).

23. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which the daily SPI does not exceed -0.1, - 0.2, -0.3, -0.4, -0.5, -0.6, -.07, -0.8, -0.9, -1, -1.1, -1.2, -1.3, -1.4, -1.5, -1.6, -1.7, -1.8, -1.9 or -2 for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

24. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the heat stress tolerance of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced by at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150% or more as compared to a control plant or plant propagation material (e.g., an untreated plant or plant propagation material).

25. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which the average daily high (for soil and/or air temperature) exceeds 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 °C for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days or more after planting.

26. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the pH stress tolerance of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced by at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150% or more as compared to a control plant or plant propagation material (e.g., an untreated plant or plant propagation material).

27. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which the average soil pH does not exceed 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 or 5.5.

28. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which the average soil pH exceeds 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 or 7.5.

29. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the salt stress tolerance of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced by at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150% or more as compared to a control plant or plant propagation material (e.g., an untreated plant or plant propagation material).

30. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the germination/growth/yield of said plant or plant propagation material is enhanced when it is sown/grown at a time/location in which which the average soil salinity exceeds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 dS/m.

31. The method of any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which said plant propagation material is a seed. 32. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is monocotyledonous.

33. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is dicotyledonous.

34. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is leguminous.

35. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is non- leguminous.

36. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Amaranthaceae, optionally chard, spinach, sugar beet, or quinoa.

37. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Asteraceae, optionally artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, or zinnias.

38. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Brassicaceae, optionally arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, or Arabidopsis thaliana.

39. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Cucurbitaceae, optionally cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, or zucchini.

40. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Fabaceae, optionally alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, or vetch.

41. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Malvaceae, optionally cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, or okra.

42. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Poaceae, optionally bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, or wheat.

43. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Polygonaceae, optionally buckwheat.

44. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Rosaceae, optionally almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, or strawberries.

45. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Solanaceae, optionally bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, or tomato.

46. The method of any one of paragraphs 1–31, in which said plant or plant propagation material is of the family Vitaceae, optionally grape.

47. Use of one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin olig7osaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in a plant or plant propagation material. Chitin oligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides (and chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) may be introduced into the plant growth medium and/or applied to the plant or plant propagation material as part of any suitable composition, including, but not limited to, inoculant compositions comprising one or more agriculturally beneficial molecules/compounds in addition to the chitin/chitosan oligosaccahirdes (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide

hydrates/salts/solvates).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises, consists essentially of or consists of one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) and an agriculturally acceptable carrier. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) and one or more foliar-compatible carriers, seed-compatible carriers and/or soil-compatible carriers. Selection of appropriate carrier materials will depend on the intended application(s) and the microorganism(s) present in the inoculant composition. In some embodiments, the carrier material(s) will be selected to provide an inoculant composition in the form of a liquid, gel, slurry, or solid. In some embodiments, the carrier will consist essentially of or consist of one or more stabilizing compounds.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more solid carriers. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more powders (e.g., wettable powders) and/or granuales. Non-limiting examples of solid carriers include clays (e.g., attapulgite clays, montmorillonite clay, etc.), peat-based powders and granuales, freeze-dried powders, spray- dried powders, spray-freeze-dried powders and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more liquid and/or gel carriers. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more non-aqueous solvents. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more aqueous solvents (e.g., water). According to some embodiments, an aqueous solvent, such as water, may be combined with a co-solvent, such as ethyl lactate, methyl soyate/ethyl lactate co-solvent blends (e.g., STEPOSOL™, Stepan), isopropanol, acetone, 1,2-propanediol, n-alkylpyrrolidones (e.g., AGSOLEX™ wetting agents; Ashland, Inc., Covington, KY ), petroleum based-oils (e.g., AROMATIC™ and SOLVESSO™ fluids; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), isoparrafinic hyydrocarbons (e.g., ISOPAR™ fluids; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), cycloparaffinic hydrocarbons (e.g., NAPPAR™ 6; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), mineral spirits (e.g., VARSOL™; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), and mineral oils (e.g., paraffin oil). According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more inorganic solvents, such as decane, dodecane, hexylether and nonane. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more organic solvents, such as acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, hexane, methanol, propan-2- ol and trichloroethylene. Non-limiting examples of liquid/gel carriers include oils (e.g., mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil), polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, etc.), propylene glycols (e.g., PPG-9, PPG-10, PPG- 17, PPG-20, PPG-26, etc.), ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., TOMADOL® (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA), TERGITOL™ 15-S surfactants such as TERGITOL™15-S-9 (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), etc.), isoparrafinic hyydrocarbons (e.g., ISOPAR™, ISOPAR™ L, ISOPAR™ M, ISOPAR™ V; ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Spring, TX), pentadecane, polysorbates (e.g. polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, etc.), silicones (siloxanes, trisiloxanes, etc.) and combinations thereof.

Additional examples of carriers may be found in BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); Inoue & Horikoshi, J. FERMENTATION BIOENG.71(3):194 (1991).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable stabilizing compound(s), including, but not limited to, maltodextrins, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acids, fulvic acids, malt extracts, peat extracts, betaines, prolines, sarcosines, peptones, skim milks, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers and UV protectants.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent value (DEV) of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25). According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more maltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises a combination of maltodextrins having a DEV of about 5 to about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, about 10 to about 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, or about 15 to about 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. Non-limiting examples of maltodextrins include MALTRIN® M040 (DEV = 5; molecular weight = 3600; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M100 (DEV = 10; molecular weight = 1800; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M150 (DEV = 15; molecular weight = 1200; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M180 (DEV = 18; molecular weight = 1050; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M200 (DEV = 20; molecular weight = 900; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA), MALTRIN® M250 (DEV = 25; molecular weight = 720; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M580 (DEV = 16.5–19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M585 (DEV = 15.0–19.9; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); MALTRIN QD® M600 (DEV = 20.0–23.0; Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine, IA); GLOBE® Plus 15 DE (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL); and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more monosaccharides (e.g., allose, altrose, arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, gulose, iodose, lyxose, mannose, ribose, talose, threose and/or xylose). According to some embodiments, the composition comprises gluscose. According to some embodiments, the composition does not comprise glucose.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more disaccharides (e.g., cellobiose, chitobiose, gentiobiose, gentiobiulose, isomaltose, kojibiose, lactose, lactulose, laminaribiose, maltose (e.g., maltose monohydrate, anhydrous maltose), maltulose, mannobiose, melibiose, melibiulose, nigerose, palatinose, rutinose, rutinulose, sophorose, sucrose, trehalose, turanose and/or xylobiose). According to some embodiments, the composition comprises maltose. According to some embodiments, the composition does not comprise maltose. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises trehalose. According to some embodiments, the composition does not comprise trehalose.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more oligosaccharides (e.g., fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto- oligosaccharides, mannon-oligosaccharides and/or raffinose).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, erythritol, fucitol, galactitol, glycerol, iditol, inositol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, maltotetraitol, maltotriitol, mannitol, polyglycitol, ribitol, sorbitol, threitol, volemitol and/or xylitol).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more humic acids (e.g., one or more leonardite humic acids, lignite humic acids, peat humic acids and water-extracted humic acids). In some embodiments, the composition comprises ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate and/or sodium humate. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium humate, boron humate, potassium humate and sodium humate is/are excluded from the composition. Nonlimiting examples of humic acids that may be useful in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL Number MFCD00147177 (CAS Number 1415-93-6), MDL Number MFCD00135560 (CAS Number 68131-04-4), MDL Number MFCS22495372 (CAS Number 68514- 28-3), CAS Number 93924-35-7, and CAS Number 308067-45-0.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more fulvic acids (e.g., one or more leonardite fulvic acids, lignite fulvic acids, peat fulvic acids and/or water-extracted fulvic acids). In some embodiments, the composition comprises ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate and/or sodium fulvate. In some embodiments, one or more of ammonium fulvate, boron fulvate, potassium fulvate and sodium fulvate is/are excluded from compositions of the present disclosure. Nonlimiting examples of fulvic acids that may be useful in embodiments of the present disclosure include MDL Number MFCD09838488 (CAS Number 479-66-3).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more betaines (e.g., trimethylglycine).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more peptones (e.g., bacterial peptones, meat peptones, milk peptones, vegetable peptones and yeast peptones).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more oxidation control components (e.g., one or more antioxidants and/or oxygen scavengers). According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as ascrobic acid, ascorbate salts, catechol and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, carotenoids, lipoic acid, phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine), tocopherols, tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid. Non- limiting examples of antioxidants include those that are soluble in the cell membrane (e.g., alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate) and those that are soluble in water (e.g., ascorbic acid and isomers or ascorbic acid, sodium or potassium salts of ascorbic acid or isomers or ascorbic acid, glutathione, sodium or potassium salts of glutathione). In some embodiments, use of a membrane-soluble antioxidant necessitates the addition of one or more surfactants to adequately disperse the antioxidant within the composition. According to some embodiments, the composition is/comprises ascorbic acid and/or glutathione.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more hygroscopic polymers (e.g., hygroscopic agars, albumins, alginates, carrageenans, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycaprolactones, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA),

polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches). Non-limiting examples of polymers include AGRIMER™ polymers (e.g., 30, AL-10 LC, AL-22, AT/ATF, VA 3E, VA 3l, VA 5E, VA 5l, VA 6, VA 6E, VA 7E, VA 7l, VEMA AN-216, VEMA AN-990, VEMA AN-1200, VEMA AN-1980, VEMA H-815MS; Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, DE), EASYSPERSE™ polymers (Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Wilmington, DE); DISCO™ AG polymers (e.g., L-250, L-280, L-285, L-286, L-320, L-323, L-517, L-519, L-520, L800; Incotec Inc., Salinas, CA), KELZAN® polymers (Bri-Chem Supply Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, CA), SEEDWORX™ polymers (e.g., Bio 200; Aginnovation, LLC, Walnut Groove, CA), TICAXAN® xanthan powders, such as PRE-HYDRATED® TICAXAN® Rapid-3 Powder (TIC Gums, White Marsh, MD) and combinations thereof. Additional examples of polymers may be found in Pouci, et al. AM. J. AGRIC. BIOL. SCI. 3(1):299 (2008).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more UV protectants (e.g., one or more aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine), carotenoids, cinnamates, lignosulfonates (e.g., calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate), melanins, mycosporines, polyphenols and/or salicylates). Non-limiting examples of UV protectants include Borregaard LignoTech™ lignosulfonates (e.g., Borresperse 3A, Borresperse CA, Borresperse NA, Marasperse AG, Norlig A, Norlig 11D, Ufoxane 3A, Ultrazine NA, Vanisperse CB; Borregaard Lignotech, Sarpsborg, Norway) and combinations thereof. Additional examples of UV protectants may be found in BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL

MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable biostimulant(s), including, but not limited to, seaweed extracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum extracts, such as alginate, Ecklonia maxima extracts, etc.), myo-inositol, glycine and combinations thereof.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable microbial extract(s), including, but not limited to, bacterial extracts, fungal extracts and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more extracts of media comprising one or more diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and/or biopesticides. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise an extract of media comprising one or more of the microbial strains included in Appendix A.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable nutrient(s), including, but not limited to, organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, taurine, etc.), macrominerals (e.g., phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, etc.), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, etc.), vitamins, (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin B ₁ , vitamin B ₂ , vitamin B ₃ , vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, choline) vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, etc.) and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise phosphorous, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and/or zinc.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable pest attractant(s) and/or feeding stimulant(s), including, but not limited to, brevicomin, ceralure, codlelure, cue-lure, disparlure, dominicalure, eugenol, frontalin, gossyplure, grandlure, hexalure, ipsdienol, ipsenol, japonilure, latitlure, lineatin, litlure, looplure, medlure, megatomic acid, methyl eugenol, moguchun, α-multistriatin, muscalure, orfalure, oryctalure, ostramone, rescalure, siglure, sulcatol, trimedlure and/or trunc-call. compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable pesticide(s), including, but not limited to, acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and nematicides. Fungicides may be selected to provide effective control against a broad spectrum of phytopathogenic fungi (and fungus- like organisms), including, but not limited to, soil-borne fungi from the classes Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Deuteromycetes (syn. Fungi imperfecti), Peronosporomycetes (syn. Oomycetes), Plasmodiophoromycetes and Zygomycetes. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises a fungicide (or combination of fungicides) that is toxic to one or more strains of Albugo (e.g., A. candida), Alternaria (e.g.¸ A. alternata), Aspergillus (e.g., A. candidus, A. clavatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. parasiticus, A. restrictus, A. sojae, A. solani), Blumeria (e.g., B. graminis), Botrytis (e.g., B. cinerea), Cladosporum (e.g., C. cladosporioides), Colletotrichum (e.g., C. acutatum, C. boninense, C. capsici, C. caudatum, C. coccodes, C. crassipes, C. dematium, C. destructivum, C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, C. graminicola, C. kehawee, C. lindemuthianum, C. musae, C. orbiculare, C. spinaceae, C. sublineolum, C. trifolii, C. truncatum), Fusarium (e.g., F. graminearum, F. moniliforme, F.

oxysporum, F. roseum, F. tricinctum), Helminthosporium, Magnaporthe (e.g., M. grisea, M. oryzae), Melamspora (e.g., M. lini), Mycosphaerella (e.g., M. graminicola), Nematospora, Penicillium (e.g., P. rugulosum, P. verrucosum), Phakopsora (e.g., P. pachyrhizi), Phomopsis, Phytiphtoria (e.g., P. infestans), Puccinia (e.g., P. graminis, P. striiformis, P. tritici, P. triticina), Pucivinia (e.g., P. graministice), Pythium, Pytophthora, Rhizoctonia (e.g., R. solani), Scopulariopsis, Selerotinia, Thielaviopsis and/or Ustilago (e.g.¸U. maydis). Additional examples of fungi may be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

Herbicides may be selected to provide effective control against a broad spectrum of plants, including, but not limited to, plants from the families Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae and Polygonaceae. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises an herbicide (or combination of herbicides) that is toxic to one or more strains of Echinochloa (e.g., E. brevipedicellata, E. callopus, E. chacoensis, E. colona, E. crus-galli, E. crus-pavonis, E. elliptica, E. esculenta, E. frumentacea, E. glabrescens, E. haploclada, E. helodes, E. holciformis, E. inundata, E. jaliscana, E. Jubata, E. kimberleyensis, E. lacunaria, E. macrandra, E. muricata, E. obtusiflora, E. oplismenoides, E. orzyoides, E. paludigena, E. picta, E. pithopus, E. polystachya, E. praestans, E. pyramidalis, E. rotundiflora, E. stagnina, E. telmatophila, E. turneriana, E. ugandensis, E. walteri), Fallopia (e.g., F. baldschuanica, F. japonica, F. sachalinensis), Stellaria (e.g., S. media) and/or Taraxacum (e.g., T. albidum, T. aphrogenes, T. brevicorniculatum, T. californicum, T. centrasiatum, T. ceratophorum, T. erythrospermum, T. farinosum, T. holmboei, T.

japonicum, T. kok-saghyz, T. laevigatum T. officinale, T. platycarpum). Additional species of plants that may be targeted by compositions of the present disclosure may be found in Hager, Weed Management, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008) and LOUX ET AL., WEED CONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015).

Insecticides may be selected to provide effective control against a broad spectrum of insects, including, but not limited to, insects from the orders Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Thysanoptera. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise one or more insecticides toxic to insects from the families Acrididae, Aleytodidae, Anobiidae, Anthomyiidae, Aphididae, Bostrichidae, Bruchidae, Cecidomyiidae, Cerambycidae, Cercopidae, Chrysomelidae, Cicadellidae, Coccinellidae, Cryllotalpidae, Cucujidae, Curculionidae, Dermestidae, Elateridae, Gelechiidae, Lygaeidae, Meloidae, Membracidae, Miridae, Noctuidae, Pentatomidae, Pyralidae, Scarabaeidae, Silvanidae, Spingidae, Tenebrionidae and/or Thripidae. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises an insecticide (or combination of insecticides) that is toxic to one or more species of Acalymma, Acanthaoscelides (e.g., A. obtectus, ), Anasa (e.g., A. tristis), Anastrepha (e.g., A. ludens), Anoplophora (e.g., A. glabripennis), Anthonomus (e.g., A. eugenii), Acyrthosiphon (e.g., A. pisum), Bactrocera (e.g.¸ B. dosalis), Bemisia (e.g., B. argentifolii, B. tabaci), Brevicoryne (e.g., B. brassicae), Bruchidius (e.g., B. atrolineatus), Bruchus (e.g., B. atomarius, B. dentipes, B. lentis, B. pisorum and/or B. rufipes), Callosobruchus (e.g., C. chinensis, C. maculatus, C. rhodesianus, C. subinnotatus, C. theobromae), Caryedon (e.g., C. serratus), Cassadinae, Ceratitis (e.g., C. capitata), Chrysomelinae, Circulifer (e.g., C. tenellus), Criocerinae, Cryptocephalinae, Cryptolestes (e.g., C. ferrugineus, C. pusillis, C. pussilloides), Cylas (e.g., C. formicarius), Delia (e.g., D. antiqua), Diabrotica, Diaphania (e.g., D. nitidalis), Diaphorina (e.g., D. citri), Donaciinae, Ephestia (e.g, E. cautella, E. elutella, E., keuhniella), Epilachna (e.g., E. varivestris), Epiphyas (e.g., E. postvittana), Eumolpinae, Galerucinae, Helicoverpa (e.g., H. zea), Heteroligus (e.g., H. meles), Iobesia (e.g., I. botrana), Lamprosomatinae, Lasioderma (e.g., L. serricorne), Leptinotarsa (e.g., L.

decemlineata), Leptoglossus, Liriomyza (e.g., L. trifolii), Manducca, Melittia (e.g., M. cucurbitae), Myzus (e.g., M. persicae), Nezara (e.g., N. viridula), Orzaephilus (e.g., O. merator, O. surinamensis), Ostrinia (e.g., O. nubilalis), Phthorimaea (e.g., P. operculella), Pieris (e.g., P. rapae), Plodia (e.g., P. interpunctella), Plutella (e.g., P. xylostella), Popillia (e.g., P. japonica), Prostephanus (e.g., P. truncates), Psila, Rhizopertha (e.g., R. dominica), Rhopalosiphum (e.g., R. maidis), Sagrinae, Solenopsis (e.g., S. Invicta), Spilopyrinae, Sitophilus (e.g., S. granaries, S. oryzae and/or S. zeamais), Sitotroga (e.g., S. cerealella), Spodoptera (e.g., S. frugiperda), Stegobium (e.g., S. paniceum), Synetinae, Tenebrio (e.g., T. malens and/or T. molitor), Thrips (e.g., T. tabaci), Trialeurodes (e.g., T. vaporariorum), Tribolium (e.g., T. castaneum and/or T. confusum), Trichoplusia (e.g., T. ni), Trogoderma (e.g., T. granarium) and Trogossitidae (e.g., T. mauritanicus). Additional species of insects that may be targeted by compositions of the present disclosure may be found in CAPINERA, HANDBOOK OF VEGETABLE PESTS (2001) and Steffey and Gray, Managing Insect Pests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

Nematicides may be selected to provide effective control against a broad spectrum of nematodes, including, but not limited to, phytoparasitic nematodes from the classes Chromadorea and Enoplea. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises a nematicide (or combination of nematicides) that is toxic to one or more strains of Anguina, Aphelenchoides, Belonolaimus, Bursaphelenchus, Ditylenchus, Globodera, Helicotylenchus, Heterodera, Hirschmanniella, Meloidogyne, Naccobus, Pratylenchus, Radopholus, Rotylenshulus, Trichodorus, Tylenchulus and/or Xiphinema. Additional species that may be targeted by compositions of the present disclosure may be found in CAPINERA, HANDBOOK OF VEGETABLE PESTS (2001) and Niblack, Nematodes, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chemical fungicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical fungicides include strobilurins, such as azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, trifloxystrobin, 2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxymethyl)-phenyl]-3-methoxy-acrylic acid methyl ester and 2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-allylideneaminooxymeth yl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide;

carboxamides, such as carboxanilides (e.g., benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fenhexamid, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, isopyrazam, isotianil, kiralaxyl, mepronil, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M

(mefenoxam), ofurace, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, tecloftalam, thifluzamide, tiadinil, 2-amino-4- methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, N-(4'-trifluoromethylthiobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-m ethyl-1H-pyra- zole-4- carboxamide, N-(2-(1,3,3-trimethylbutyl)-phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H -pyrazole-4-carboxamide), carboxylic morpholides (e.g., dimethomorph, flumorph, pyrimorph), benzoic acid amides (e.g., flumetover, fluopicolide, fluopyram, zoxamide), carpropamid, dicyclomet, fenehexamid, mandiproamid, oxytetracyclin, silthiofam, spiroxamine, and N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid amide; azoles, such as triazoles (e.g., azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, paclobutrazole, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole) and imidazoles (e.g., cyazofamid, imazalil, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizol); heterocyclic compounds, such as pyridines (e.g., fluazinam, pyrifenox (cf.D1b), 3-[5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyrid ine, 3-[5-(4-methyl-phenyl)-2,3- dimethyl-isoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine), pyrimidines (e.g., bupirimate, cyprodinil, diflumetorim, fenarimol, ferimzone, mepanipyrim, nitrapyrin, nuarimol, pyrimethanil), piperazines (e.g., triforine), pirroles (e.g., fenpiclonil, fludioxonil), morpholines (e.g., aldimorph, dodemorph, dodemorph-acetate, fenpropimorph, tridemorph), piperidines (e.g., fenpropidin), dicarboximides (e.g., fluoroimid, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin), non-aromatic 5-membered heterocycles (e.g., famoxadone, fenamidone, flutianil, octhilinone, probenazole, 5-amino-2-isopropyl-3-oxo-4-ortho-tolyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrazole -1- carbothioic acid S-allyl ester), acibenzolar-S-methyl, ametoctradin, amisulbrom, anilazin, blasticidin-S, captafol, captan, chinomethionat, dazomet, debacarb, diclomezine, difenzoquat, difenzoquat-methylsulfate, fenoxanil, Folpet, oxolinic acid, piperalin, proquinazid, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, triazoxide, tricyclazole, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one, 5-chloro-1- (4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-benzoimidazole and 5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl )- [1,2,4]triazolo-[1,5-a]pyrimidine; benzimidazoles, such as carbendazim; and other active substances, such as guanidines (e.g., guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, guazatine, guazatine-acetate, iminoctadine), iminoctadine-triacetate and iminoctadine- tris(albesilate); antibiotics (e.g., kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride-hydrate, streptomycin, polyoxine and validamycin A); nitrophenyl derivates (e.g., binapacryl, dicloran, dinobuton, dinocap, nitrothal-isopropyl, tecnazen); organometal compounds (e.g., fentin salts, such as fentin-acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide); sulfur-containing heterocyclyl compounds (e.g., dithianon, isoprothiolane); organophosphorus compounds (e.g., edifenphos, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, iprobenfos, phosphorus acid and its salts, pyrazophos, tolclofos-methyl); organochlorine compounds (e.g., chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, flusulfamide, hexachlorobenzene, pencycuron, pentachlorphenole and its salts, phthalide, quintozene, thiophanate-methyl, thiophanate, tolylfluanid, N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonam ide) and inorganic active substances (e.g., Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur) and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise acibenzolar-S-methyl, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, bixafen, boscalid, carbendazim, cyproconazole, dimethomorph, epoxiconazole, fludioxonil, fluopyram, fluoxastrobin, flutianil, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, fosetyl-Al, ipconazole, isopyrazam, kresoxim-methyl, mefenoxam, metalaxyl, metconazole, myclobutanil, orysastrobin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, picoxystrobin, propiconazole, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, sedaxane, silthiofam, tebuconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate, tolclofos-methyl, trifloxystrobin and triticonazole. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, prothioconazole, sedaxane, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, mefenoxam, thiabendazole, fluxapyroxad and/or fluopyram. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more aromatic hydrocarbons, benzimidazoles, benzthiadiazole, carboxamides, carboxylic acid amides, morpholines, phenylamides, phosphonates, quinone outside inhibitors (e.g. strobilurins), thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophene carboxamides and/or triazoles.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chemical herbicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical herbicides include 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), ametryn, amicarbazone, aminocyclopyrachlor, acetochlor, acifluorfen, alachlor, atrazine, azafenidin, bentazon, benzofenap, bifenox, bromacil, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butroxydim, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron, chlorotoluro, clethodim, clodinafop, clomazone, cyanazine, cycloxydim, cyhalofop, desmedipham, desmetryn, dicamba, diclofop, diflufenican, dimefuron, diuron, dithiopyr, ethofumesate, fenoxaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, flufenacet, fluometuron, flufenpyr-ethyl, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluoroglycofen, fluthiacet- methyl, fomesafe, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, glyphosate, glufosinate, haloxyfop, hexazinone, imazamox, imazaquin, imazethapyr, indaziflam, iodosulfuron, ioxynil, isoproturon, isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, mesosulfuron, mesotrion, metamitron, metazochlor, methibenzuron , metolachlor (and S-metolachlor ), metoxuron, metribuzin, monolinuron, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, phenmedipham, pretilachlor, profoxydim, prometon, prometry, propachlor, propanil , propaquizafop, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazon, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyridate, quizalofop, quizalofop-P (e.g., quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl, clodinafop- propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop- methyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl), saflufenacil, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simetryn, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, tebuthiuron, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, thaxtomin (e.g., the thaxtomins described in US Patent No.: 7,989,393), thenylchlor, thiencarbazone-methyl, tralkoxydim, triclopyr, trietazine, tropramezone, salts and esters thereof; racemic mixtures and resolved isomers thereof and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, flumioxazin, fomesafen, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, quizalofop, saflufenacil, sulcotrione, S-3100 and/or 2,4-D. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D, acetochlor, metolachlor, pyroxasulfone, flumioxazin, fomesafen, lactofen, metribuzin, mesotrione, and/or ethyl 2-((3-(2-chloro-4- fluoro-5-(3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3-dihydro pyrimidin-1(6H)-yl)phenoxy)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetate. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors, photosystem II inhibitors, photosystem I inhibitors, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO or Protox) inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, enolpyruvyl shikimate-3- phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibitor, glutamine synthetase inhibitor, dihydropteroate synthetase inhibitor, mitosis inhibitors, 4- hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibitors, synthetic auxins, auxin herbicide salts, auxin transport inhibitors, nucleic acid inhibitors and/or one or more salts, esters, racemic mixtures and/or resolved isomers thereof.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chemical insecticides and/or nematicides. Non-limiting examples of chemical insecticides and nematicides include abamectin, acrinathrin, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, alpha-cypermethrin, betacyfluthrin, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, fosthiazate, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, permethrin, tau-fluvalinate, transfluthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, eflusilanat, fubfenprox, pyrethrin, resmethrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, lufenuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, novaluron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, bistrifluoron, noviflumuron, buprofezin, cyromazine, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, halofenozide, chromafenozide, endosulfan, fipronil, ethiprole, pyrafluprole, pyriprole, flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, cyazypyr, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, abamectin, ivermectin, milbemectin, lepimectin, tebufenpyrad, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, fenazaquin, pyrimidifen, tolfenpyrad, dicofol, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, acequinocyl, fluacrypyrin, bifenazate, diafenthiuron, etoxazole, clofentezine, spinosad, triarathen, tetradifon, propargite, hexythiazox, bromopropylate, chinomethionat, amitraz, pyrifluquinazon, pymetrozine, flonicamid, pyriproxyfen, diofenolan, chlorfenapyr, metaflumizone, indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, pyridalyl, spinctoram, acephate, triazophos, profenofos, oxamyl, spinetoram, fenamiphos, fenamipclothiahos, 4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluoroethyl)amino}fura n- 2(5H)-one, 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds, 3-phenyl-5-(thien-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole, cadusaphos, carbaryl, carbofuran, ethoprophos, thiodicarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, metamidophos, methiocarb, sulfoxaflor, methamidophos, cyantraniliprole and tioxazofen and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise abamectin, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, bifenthrin, carbofuran, chlorantraniliporle, chlothianidin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyantraniliprole, deltamethrin, dinotefuran, emamectin, ethiprole, fenamiphos, fipronil, flubendiamide, fosthiazate, imidacloprid, ivermectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, milbemectin, nitenpyram, oxamyl, permethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodichlofen, spirotetramat, tefluthrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, tioxazofen and/or thiodicarb. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more carbamates, diamides, macrocyclic lactones, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins, spinosyns, synthetic pyrethroids, tetronic acids and/or tetramic acids. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise an insecticide selected from the group consisting of clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, fluopyram and tioxazafen.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more biopesticides (e.g., one or more biofungicides, bioinsecticides and/or bionematicides). Examples of microbial strains that exhibit biopesticidal activity are included in Appendix A, along with strains that exhibit nitrogen-fixing activity, phosphate-solubilizing activity, etc. Additional examples of pesticides may be found in Bradley, Managing Diseases, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); Hager, Weed Management, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); LOUX ET AL., WEED CONTROL GUIDE FOR OHIO, INDIANA AND ILLINOIS (2015); Niblack, Nematodes, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008); and Steffey and Gray, Managing Insect Pests, in ILLINOIS AGRONOMY HANDBOOK (2008).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable plant signal molecule(s), including, but not limited to, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), flavonoids, non-flavonoid node-gene inducers, jasmonic acid or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid or derivatives thereof, linolenic acid or derivatives thereof and karrikins.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable LCO(s). LCOs, sometimes referred to as symbiotic nodulation (Nod) signals or Nod factors, consist of an oligosaccharide backbone of β-l,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine ("GIcNAc") residues with an N-linked fatty acyl chain condensed at the non-reducing end. LCOs differ in the number of GIcNAc residues in the backbone, in the length and degree of saturation of the fatty acyl chain and in the substitutions of reducing and non-reducing sugar residues. See, e.g., Denarie, et al., ANN. REV. BIOCHEM.65:503 (1996); Hamel, et al., PLANTA 232:787 (2010); Prome, et al., PURE & APPL. CHEM.70(1):55 (1998).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by formula LI:

in which G is a hexosamine which can be substituted, for example, by an acetyl group on the nitrogen, a sulfate group, an acetyl group and/or an ether group on an oxygen; R1, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7, which may be identical or different, represent H, CH3 CO--, C _x H _y CO-- where x is an integer between 0 and 17 and y is an integer between 1 and 35, or any other acyl group such as, for example, a carbamoyl; R4 represents a saturated or mono-, di- or tri-unsaturated aliphatic chain containing at least 12 carbon atoms; and n is an integer between 1 and 4.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by formula LII:

in which R represents H or CH ₃ CO-- and n is equal to 2 or 3. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No.5,549,718. A number of Bradyrhizobium japonicum-derived LCOs have also been described, including BjNod-V (C _18:1 ), BjNod-V (A _C , C _18:1 ), BjNod-V (C _16:1 ) and BjNod-V (AC, C16:0) (with "V" indicating the presence of five N-acetylglucosamines, "Ac" an acetylation, the number following the "C" indicating the number of carbons in the fatty acid side chain and the number following the ":" indicating the number of double bonds). See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.5,175,149 and 5,321,011. Additional LCOs obtained from bacterial strains include NodRM, NodRM-1, NodRM-3. When acetylated (the R=CH ₃ CO--), they become AcNodRM-1 and AcNodRM-3, respectively (U.S. Patent No.5,545,718).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs represented by formula LIII:

in which n = 1 or 2; R ₁ represents C16, C16:0, C16:1, C16:2, C18:0, C18:1Δ9Z or C18:1Δ11Z; and R ₂ represents hydrogen or SO3H.

LCOs included in compositions and methods of the present disclosure may be obtained from any suitable source. In some embodiments, the LCO is obtained (i.e., isolated and/or purified) from a bacterial strain. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs obtained from a of Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium (e.g., B. japonicum), Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium (e.g., R. leguminosarum), or Sinorhizobium (e.g., S. meliloti).

In some embodiments, the LCO is obtained (i.e., isolated and/or purified) from a mycorrhizal fungus. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs obtained from a strain of Glomerocycota (e.g., Glomus intraradicus). See, e.g., WO 2010/049751 (in which the LCOs are referred to as "Myc factors").

In some embodiments, the LCO is synthetic. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more of the synthetic LCOs described in WO 2005/063784, WO 2007/117500 and/or WO 2008/071674. In some embodiments, the synthetic LCO contains one or more modifications or substitutions, such as those described in Spaink, CRIT. REV. PLANT SCI.54:257 (2000) and D'Haeze, supra. LCOs and precursors for the construction of LCOs (e.g., COs, which are themselves useful as plant signal molecules) may be synthesized by genetically engineered organisms. See, e.g., Samain et al., CARBOHYDRATE RES.302:35 (1997); Cottaz, et al., METH. ENG.7(4):311 (2005); and Samain, et al., J. BIOTECHNOL.72:33 (1999) (e.g., Fig.1 therein, which shows structures of COs that can be made recombinantly in E. coli harboring different combinations of genes nodBCHL).

Further examples of LCOs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful in compositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below as formula LIV:

in which R1 represents C14:0, 3OH-C14:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0, 3-OH-C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:1, C16:2, C16:3, iso-C17:0, iso- C17:1, C18:0, 3OH-C18:0, C18:0/3-OH, C18:1, OH-C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C18:4, C19:1 carbamoyl, C20:0, C20:1, 3-OH-C20:1, C20:1/3-OH, C20:2, C20:3, C22:1 and C18-26(ω-1)-OH (which according to D'Haeze, et al., Glycobiology 12:79R-105R (2002), includes C18, C20, C22, C24 and C26 hydroxylated species and C16:1Δ9, C16:2 (Δ2,9) and C16:3 (Δ2,4,9)); R ₂ represents hydrogen or methyl; R3 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R4 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R5 represents hydrogen, acetyl or carbamoyl; R ₆ represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, fucosyl, acetyl, SO ₃ H, sulfate ester, 3-0-S-2-0-MeFuc, 2-0- MeFuc and 4-0-AcFuc; R7 represents hydrogen, mannosyl or glycerol; R8 represents hydrogen, methyl, or–CH2OH; R9 represents hydrogen, arabinosyl, or fucosyl; R ₁₀ represents hydrogen, acetyl or fucosyl; and n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3. Naturally occurring LCOs embraced by this structure are described in D'Haeze, et al., supra.

Further examples of LCOs (and derivatives thereof) that may be useful in compositions and methods of the present disclosure are provided below as structures LV–LXXXIII:

(LXI)

(LXVIII)

(LXXIV)

(LXXVII) (LXXXI)

It is to be understood that compositions and methods of the present disclosure may comprise analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and/or solvates of LCOs.

Thus, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more LCOs represented by one or more of formulas LI–LIV and/or structures LV–LXXXIII and/or one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, salts and/or solvates of LCOs represented by one or more of formulas LI–LIV and/or structures LV–LXXXIII.

LCOs (and derivatives thereof) may be utilized in various forms of purity and may be used alone or in the form of a culture of LCO-producing bacteria or fungi. In some embodiments, the LCO(s) included in compositions of the present disclosure is/are at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or more pure.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable chitin(s) and/or chitosan See, e.g., (s), including, but not limited to, chitin (IUPAC: N-[5-[[3-acetylamino-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2yl ]methoxymethyl]-2-[[5- acetylamino-4,6-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yI]methoxy methyl]-4-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-ys]ethanamide), chitosan(IUPAC: 5-amino-6-[5-amino-6-[5-amino-4,6-dihydroxy-2(hydroxymethyl) oxan-3-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-2- (hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-2(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4-diol) and isomers, salts and solvates thereof.

Chitins and chitosans may be obtained commercially or prepared from insects, crustacean shells, or fungal cell walls. Methods for the preparation of chitin and chitosan are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.4,536,207 (preparation from crustacean shells) and 5,965,545 (preparation from crab shells and hydrolysis of commercial chitosan); Pochanavanich, et al., LETT. APPL. MICROBIOL.35:17 (2002) (preparation from fungal cell walls).

Chitin and chitosan compositions formulated for seed treatment are commercially available. Commercial products include, for example, ELEXA® (Plant Defense Boosters, Inc.) and BEYOND™ (Agrihouse, Inc.).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable flavonoid(s), including, but not limited to, anthocyanidins, anthoxanthins, chalcones, coumarins, flavanones, flavanonols, flavans and isoflavonoids, as well as analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds having the general structure of two aromatic rings connected by a three-carbon bridge. Classes of flavonoids include are known in the art. See, e.g., Jain et al., J. PLANT BIOCHEM. & BIOTECHNOL.11:1 (2002); Shaw et al., ENVIRON. MICROBIOL.11:1867 (2006). Flavonoid compounds are commercially available, e.g., from Novozymes BioAg, Saskatoon, Canada; Natland International Corp., Research Triangle Park, NC; MP Biomedicals, Irvine, CA; LC Laboratories, Woburn MA. Flavonoid compounds may be isolated from plants or seeds, e.g., as described in U.S. Patents 5,702,752; 5,990,291; and 6,146,668. Flavonoid compounds may also be produced by genetically engineered organisms, such as yeast, as described in Ralston et al., PLANT PHYSIOL.137:1375 (2005).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anthocyanidins. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anthoxanthins. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more flavones (e.g., apigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate, 6—hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin) and/or flavonols (e.g., amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein, fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3-hydroxyflavone, hyperoside, icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain, pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhamnazin, rhamnetin, robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more flavanones. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more flavanonols. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises dihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more flavans. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechins (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg), epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol, gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol, mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, theflavin- 3,3'-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforol and/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4-diols (e.g., leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin, leucopeonidin, leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin) and/or dimers, trimers, oligomers and/or polymers thereof (e.g., one or more proanthocyanidins).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more isoflavonoids. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more isoflavones (e.g, biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein), isoflavanes (e.g., equol, ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavenes (e.g., glabrene, haginin D and/or 2-methoxyjudaicin), coumestans (e.g., coumestrol, plicadin and/or wedelolactone), pterocarpans and/or roetonoids.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable flavonoid derivative, including, but not limited to, neoflavonoids (e.g, calophyllolide, coutareagenin, dalbergichromene, dalbergin, nivetin) and pterocarpans (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A, erybraedin B, erythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1, erycristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol, maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin, striatine, trifolirhizin).

Flavonoids and derivatives thereof may be incorporated into compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, polymorphic and crystalline forms.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable non-flavonoid nod-gene inducer(s), including, but not limited to, jasmonic acid ([1R-[1α,2β(Z)]]-3-oxo-2-(pentenyl)cyclopentaneacetic acid; JA), linoleic acid ((Z,Z)-9,12- Octadecadienoic acid) and linolenic acid ((Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid), as well as analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof.

Jasmonic acid and its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), collectively known as jasmonates, are

octadecanoid-based compounds that occur naturally in some plants (e.g., wheat), fungi (e.g., Botryodiplodia theobromae, Gibbrella fujikuroi), yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli). Linoleic acid and linolenic acid may be produced in the course of the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid. Jasmonates, linoleic acid and linolenic acid (and their derivatives) are reported to be inducers of nod gene expression or LCO production by rhizobacteria. See, e.g., Mabood, et al. PLANT PHYSIOL. BIOCHEM.44(11):759 (2006); Mabood et al., AGR. J.98(2):289 (2006); Mabood, et al., FIELD CROPS RES.95(2- 3):412 (2006); Mabood & Smith, Linoleic and linolenic acid induce the expression of nod genes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 3, PLANT BIOL. (2001). Non-limiting examples of derivatives of jasmonic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid include esters, amides, glycosides and salts. Representative esters are compounds in which the carboxyl group of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid has been replaced with a --COR group, where R is an --OR ¹ group, in which R ¹ is: an alkyl group, such as a C1-C8 unbranched or branched alkyl group, e.g., a methyl, ethyl or propyl group; an alkenyl group, such as a C ₂ -C ₈ unbranched or branched alkenyl group; an alkynyl group, such as a C2-C8 unbranched or branched alkynyl group; an aryl group having, for example, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or a heteroaryl group having, for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatoms in the heteroaryl group can be, for example, N, O, P, or S. Representative amides are compounds in which the carboxyl group of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid has been replaced with a --COR group, where R is an NR ² R ³ group, in which R ² and R ³ are independently: hydrogen; an alkyl group, such as a C1-C8 unbranched or branched alkyl group, e.g., a methyl, ethyl or propyl group; an alkenyl group, such as a C ₂ -C ₈ unbranched or branched alkenyl group; an alkynyl group, such as a C ₂ -C ₈ unbranched or branched alkynyl group; an aryl group having, for example, 6 to 10 carbon atoms; or a heteroaryl group having, for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein the heteroatoms in the heteroaryl group can be, for example, N, O, P, or S. Esters may be prepared by known methods, such as acid-catalyzed nucleophilic addition, wherein the carboxylic acid is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of a mineral acid. Amides may also be prepared by known methods, such as by reacting the carboxylic acid with the appropriate amine in the presence of a coupling agent such as dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC), under neutral conditions. Suitable salts of linoleic acid, linolenic acid and jasmonic acid include e.g., base addition salts. The bases that may be used as reagents to prepare metabolically acceptable base salts of these compounds include those derived from cations such as alkali metal cations (e.g., potassium and sodium) and alkaline earth metal cations (e.g., calcium and magnesium). These salts may be readily prepared by mixing together a solution of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or jasmonic acid with a solution of the base. The salts may be precipitated from solution and be collected by filtration or may be recovered by other means such as by evaporation of the solvent.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable karrakin(s), including, but not limited to, 2H- furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones, as well as analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more karrakins represented by formula LXXXIV:

O O

R ₃

(LXXXIV)

in which Z is O, S or NR ₅ ; R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ and R ₄ are each independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, phenyloxy, benzyloxy, CN, COR6, COOR=, halogen, NR6R7, or NO2; and R5, R6 and R7 are each independently H, alkyl or alkenyl, or a biologically acceptable salt thereof.

Examples of biologically acceptable salts of karrakins include acid addition salts formed with biologically acceptable acids, examples of which include hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate or bisulphate, phosphate or hydrogen phosphate, acetate, benzoate, succinate, fumarate, maleate, lactate, citrate, tartrate, gluconate; methanesulphonate, benzenesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonic acid. Additional biologically acceptable metal salts may include alkali metal salts, with bases, examples of which include the sodium and potassium salts. Examples of compounds embraced by formula XXXX and which may be suitable for use in the present disclosure include 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R ₁ =CH ₃ , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ =H), 2H-furo[2,3- c]pyran-2-one (where R1, R2, R3, R4=H), 7-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R1, R2, R4=H, R3=CH3), 5-methyl-2H- furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ =H, R ₄ =CH ₃ ), 3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R ₁ , R ₃ =CH ₃ , R ₂ , R ₄ =H), 3,5-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R1, R4=CH3, R2, R3=H), 3,5,7-trimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R1, R ₃ , R ₄ =CH ₃ , R ₂ =H), 5-methoxymethyl-3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R ₁ =CH ₃ , R ₂ , R ₃ =H, R ₄ =CH ₂ OCH ₃ ), 4- bromo-3,7-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (where R ₁ , R ₃ =CH ₃ , R ₂ =Br, R ₄ =H), 3-methylfuro[2,3-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (where Z=NH, R1=CH3, R2, R3, R4=H) and 3,6-dimethylfuro[2,3-c]pyridin-2(6H)-one (where Z=N--CH3, R1=CH3, R2, R3, R4=H). See, e.g., U.S. Patent No.7,576,213; Halford, Smoke Signals, in CHEM. ENG. NEWS (April 12, 2010) (reporting that karrikins or butenolides contained in smoke act as growth stimulants and spur seed germination after a forest fire and can invigorate seeds such as corn, tomatoes, lettuce and onions that had been stored).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise gluconolactone and/or one or more analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and/or solvates thereof.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable excipient(s), including, but not limited to, dispersants, drying agents, anti-freezing agents, seed flowability agents, safeners, anti-settlign agents, pH buffers and adhesives.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable agriculturally acceptable dispersant(s), including, but not limited to, surfactants and wetting agents. Selection of appropriate dispersants will depend on the intended application(s) and the microorganism(s) present in the composition. In general, the dispersant(s) will have low toxicity for the microorganism(s) in the composition and for the plant part(s) to which the composition is to be applied. In some embodiments, the dispersant(s) will be selected to wet and/or emulsify one or more soils. Non-limiting examples of dispersants include Atlox™ (e.g., 4916, 4991; Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), Atlox METASPERSE™ (Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), BIO-SOFT® (e.g., N series, such as N1-3, N1-7, N1-5, N1-9, N23-3, N2.3-6.5, N25-3, N25-7, N25-9, N91-2.5, N91-6, N91-8; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), MAKON® nonionic surfactants (e.g., DA-4, DA-6 and DA-9; Stepan Company, Northfield, IL), MORWET® powders (Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Chicago, IL), MULTIWET™ surfactants (e.g., MO-85P-PW-(AP); Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ), SILWET® L-77 (Helena Chemical Company, Collierville, TN), SPAN™ surfactants (e.g., 20, 40, 60, 65, 80 and 85; Croda Inc., Edison NJ), TAMOL™ dispersants (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI ), TERGITOL™ surfactants (e.g., TMN-6 and TMN-100X; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), TERSPERSE surfactants (e.g., 2001, 2020, 2100, 2105, 2158, 2700, 4894 and 4896; Hunstman Corp., The Woodlands, TX), TRITON™ surfactants (e.g., X-100; The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), TWEEN® surfactants (e.g., TWEEN® 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81 and 85; Croda International PLC, Edison, NJ) and combinations thereof. Additional examples of dispersants may be found in BAIRD & ZUBLENA.1993. SOIL FACTS: USING WETTING AGENTS (NONIONIC SURFACTANTS) ON SOIL (North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publication AG-439-25) (1993); BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012); MCCARTY, WETTING AGENTS (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Publication) (2001).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more anionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more water-soluble anionic surfactants and/or one or more water-insoluble anionic surfactants, optionally one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl carboxylates (e.g., sodium stearate), alkyl sulfates (e.g., alkyl lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amido ether sulfates, alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl amide sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acyl sarconsinates, acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, N-acyl-N- alkyltaurates, benzene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, ethoxylated sulfosuccinates, lignin sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, monoglyceride sulfates, perfluorobutanesulfonate, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phosphate ester, styrene acrylic polymers, toluene sulfonates and xylene sulfonates.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more cationic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more pH-dependent amines and/or one or more quaternary ammonium cations, optionally one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyltrimethylammonium salts (e.g., cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride), cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide and/or octenidine dihydrochloride.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more nonionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more water-soluble nonionic surfactants and/or one or more water- insoluble nonionic surfactants, optionally one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., TERGITOL™ 15-S surfactants, such as TERGITOL™15-S-9 (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI)), alkanolamides, alkanolamine condensates, carboxylic acid esters, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA, dodecyldimethylamine oxides, ethanolamides, ethoxylates of glycerol ester and glycol esters, ethylene oxide polymers, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, glucoside alkyl ethers, glycerol alkyl ethers, glycerol esters, glycol alkyl ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers), glycol alkylphenol ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene glycol alkylphenol ethers,), glycol esters, monolaurin, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ethers, poloxamer, polyamines, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate, polyoxyethylenated fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated mercaptans, polyoxyethylenated polyoxyproylene glycols, polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymers, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ethers, polyvinyl pynolidones, sugar-based alkyl polyglycosides, sulfoanylamides, sorbitan fatty acid alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester and/or tertiary acetylenic glycols.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one nonionic surfactant. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one water insoluble nonionic surfactant and at least one water soluble nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise a combination of nonionic surfactants having hydrocarbon chains of substantially the same length.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more zwitterionic surfactants. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more betaines and/or one or more sultaines, optionally one or more zwitterionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and/or one or more sphingomyelins.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more soaps and/or organosilicone surfactants. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more alkali metal salts of fatty acids.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more wetting agents. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more naphthalene sulfonates, optionally one or more alkyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate), one or more isopropyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate) and/or one or more butyl naphthalene sulfonates (e.g., sodium n-butyl naphthalene sulfonate).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable drying agent(s), including, but not limited to, drying powders. Non-limiting examples of drying agents include AEROSIL® hydrophobic fumed silica powders (Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, NJ), BENTOLITE® powders (BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, Germany), INCOTEC® powders (INCOTEC Inc., Salinas, CA), SIPERNAT® silica powders (Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, NJ) and combinations thereof. Additional examples of drying agents may be found in BURGES, FORMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES: BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS, NEMATODES AND SEED TREATMENTS (Springer Science & Business Media) (2012). In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise calcium stearate, clay (e.g., attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay), graphite, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica, precipitated silica), soy lecithin and/or talc.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable anti-freezing agent(s), including, but not limited to, ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol and urea.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any seed flowability agent to improve the lubricity of the treated seeds. The flowability agent may comprise one or more liquid lubricants, solid lubricants, liquid emulsions, or suspensions of solid lubricants. Non-limiting examples of flowability agents include, for example, lubricants such as fats and oils, natural and synthetic waxes, graphite, talc, fluoropolymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), and solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide. In some instances, the flowability agent comprises a wax material. Non-limiting examples of wax materials that can be incorporated into the liquid seed treatment composition include plant and animal-derived waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricury wax, beeswax, spermaceti, and petroleum derived waxes, such as paraffin wax. For example, in some instances, the flowability agent comprises carnauba wax. In some instances, the flowability agent comprises an oil. For example, the flowability agent may comprise soybean oil. Non-limiting examples of commercially available wax materials suitable for use as flowability agents include AQUAKLEAN 418 supplied by Micro Powders, Inc. (an anionic aqueous emulsion comprising extra light carnauba wax at 35% solids content).

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable safener(s), including, but not limited to, napthalic anhydride.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable pH buffer(s), including, but not limited to, potassium phosphate monobasic and potassium phosphate dibasic. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more pH buffers selected to provide a composition having a pH of less than 10, typically from about 4.5 to about 9.5, from about 6 to about 8, or about 7.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable anti-settling agent(s), including, but not limited to, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohols with different degrees of hydrolysis, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyacrylates, acrylate-, polyol- or polyester-based paint system binders which are soluble or dispersible in water, moreover copolymers of two or more monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, vinylpyrrolidone, ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as ethylene, butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, styrene, divinylbenzene, ot-methylstyrene or p-methylstyrene, further vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride, additionally vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or vinyl stearate, moreover vinyl methyl ketone or esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with monohydric alcohols or polyols such as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethylene methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, decyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylamino-ethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2- hydroxypropyl methacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate, furthermore diethyl esters or monoesters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, furthermore (meth)acrylamido-N-methylol methyl ether, amides or nitriles such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N- methylol(meth)acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and also N-substituted maleiraides and ethers such as vinyl butyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether or vinyl phenyl ether, and combinations thereof.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable adhesive(s), including, but not limited to, adhesive compositions comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more disaccharides (e.g. maltose), gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having a DEV of about 10 to about 20), monosaccharides, oils (e.g., mineral oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil and/or sunflower oil) and/or oligosaccharides.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable effect pigment(s). Effect pigments, which are sometimes also referred to in the art as "pearl pigments," are a class of materials that provide reflectivity, shine, and/or a pearlescent effect when applied as a coating. In some instances, the effect pigment is in the form of a powder comprising a substrate material and a metal oxide coating. For example, the effect pigment may comprise a substrate material including but not limited to talc, silicate materials (e.g., mica), clay minerals, calcium carbonate, kaolin, phlogopite, alumina, and similar substances. In some instances, the substrate material comprises a hydrophilic material. The substrate material may be coated with a semi-transparent layer of a metal oxide, including but not limited to titanium dioxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, or zirconium oxide. Alternatively, in some instances, the effect pigment comprises metal powder or metal flakes. The metal powder or metal flakes may comprise a metal including, but not limited to aluminum, copper, silver, or bronze. In some instances, the effect pigment comprises a silicate based substrate. Non-limiting examples of particulate silicates that can be incorporated into the dry powder coating include mica coated with titanium dioxide (e.g., SUNMICA FINE WHITE 2800102, which is commercially available from Sun Chemical Corp.). Other non-limiting examples of commercially available effect pigments that can be incorporated into the dry powder include MAGNA PEARL, LUMINA and MEARLIN pigments from BASF Corporation; PHIBRO PEARL from PhibroChem; and IRIDESIUM 120 from Aakash Chemicals. In some instances, the dry powder has a mean particle size of from about 1 to about 25 microns.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable microorganism(s), including, but not limited to, agriculturally beneficial microorganisms such as diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi and biopesticides. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microorganisms selected from the genera and species listed in Appendix A. Selection of additional microbes (if any) will depend on the intended application(s).

Non-limiting examples of bacteria that may be included in compositions of the present disclosure include Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az-39, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B 50349, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS27 (deposited as NRRL B-5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA- 6506), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), Bacillus cereus I-1562, Bacillus firmus I-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B 21662, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060, Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilis QST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillus subtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC 13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRL B-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN 401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346, Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA-12, Bacillus thuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillus thuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB- 125, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-176, BRADY, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305- 01), Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU114, Sinorhizobium fredii USDA 205, Yersinia entomophaga O82KB8 and combinations thereof, as well as microorganisms having at least at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 97.5.98, 98.5, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, 99.9% or more identical to any of the aforementioned strains on the basis of 16S rDNA sequence identity.

Non-limiting examples of fungi that may be included in compositions of the present disclosure include Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus intraradices RTI-801, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1, Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atroviride LC52, Trichoderma atroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R, Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichoderma harzianum ATCC 52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichoderma harzianum T-22, Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T-39, Trichoderma harzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma virens Gl-3, Trichoderma virens GL-21, Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, Trichoderma viridae TV1 and combinations thereof, as well as microorganisms having at least at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 97.5.98, 98.5, 99, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, 99.9% or more identical to any of the aforementioned strains on the basis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and/or cytochrome c oxidase (CO1) sequence identity.

Non-limiting examples of mycorrhizal fungi that may be included in compositions of the present disclosure include mycorrhizal strains such as Gigaspora margarita, Glomus aggregatum, Glomus brasilianum, Glomus clarum, Glomus deserticola, Glomus etunicatum, Glomus intraradices, Glomus monosporum, Glomus mosseae, Laccaria bicolor, Laccaria laccata, Paraglomus brazilianum, Pisolithus tinctorius, Rhizopogon amylopogon, Rhizopogon fulvigleba, Rhizopogon luteolus, Rhizopogon villosuli, Scleroderma cepa and Scleroderma citrinum and combinations thereof.

Compositions of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable growth medium suitable for culturing microorganisms in the composition. For example, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise Czapek-Dox medium, glycerol yeast extract, mannitol yeast extract, potato dextrose broth and/or YEM media.

Chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, carriers, stabilizing compounds, biostimulants, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and/or feeding stimulants, pesticides, LCOs, chitins, chitosans, flavonoids, dispersants, drying agents, safeners, flowability agents, anti-settling agents, buffers, adhesives, microorganisms, etc. may be incorporated into compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). The absolute value of the amount/concentration that is/are sufficient to cause the desired effect(s) may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of material to which the compositon will be applied, the type(s) of chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) in the composition, the number of chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides in the composition, the stability of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) in the composition; the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select effective

amounts/concentrations using routine dose-response experiments. Guidance for the selection of appropriate

amounts/concentrations can be found, for example, in International Patent Publication Nos. WO2017/044473, WO2017/044545, WO2017/116837, WO2017/116846, WO2017/210163 and WO2017/210166, in International Patent Publication No.

PCT/US2017/066929, filed December 18, 2017, and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/511,408; 62/511,420 and 62/511,434.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharides at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitin oligosaccharides (e.g., one, two, three, four or more of the chitin oligosaccharides set forth above).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitosan oligosaccharides at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (e.g., one, two, three, four or more of the chitosan oligosaccharides set forth above).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates (e.g., one, two, three, four or more of the chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates set forth above).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates (e.g., one, two, three, four or more of the chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates set forth above).

As noted above, Applicant has found that chitin oligosaccharides and highly acetylated chitosan oligosaccharides are useful for enhancing myriad abiotic stress tolerances, including, but not limited to, cold stress tolerance, drought stress tolerance, heat stress tolerance, pH stress tolerance and salt stress tolerance.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof); one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated; and/or one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

As noted above, Applicant has also found that chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides having a low molecular weight and/or low degree of polymerization may be particularly useful for enhancing abiotic stress tolerances.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10- ² M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milligrams of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s) thereof) per kilogram of composition.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise about/at least 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s) thereof) per kilogram of composition.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more carriers in an amount/concentration of about 1 to about 99% or more (by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition). For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprsise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% (by weight) of one or more non-aqueous carriers.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 95% or more (by weight, based upon the total of the composition). For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0001 to about 0.001, about 0.001 to about 1%, about 0.25 to about 5%, about 1 to about 10%, about 5 to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 30 to about 60%, about 50 to about 75%, or about 75 to about 95% (by weight), optionally about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95%, of one or more maltodextrins, monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acids, betaines, prolines, sarcosines, peptones, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers and/or UV protectants.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-20 M to about 1 x 10 ^-1 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M, optionally about 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more, of one or more maltodextrins, monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, humic acids, betaines, prolines, sarcosines, peptones, oxidation control components, hygroscopic polymers and/or UV protectants.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more monosaccharides in an amount/concentration of about 0.005 to about 50% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25% (by weight) of one or more monosaccharides (e.g., arabinose, fructose and/or glucose). In some embodiments, one or more monosaccharides is/are present in a concentration ranging from about 1 x 10 ^-20 M to about 1 x 10 ^-1 M. For example, one or more monosaccharides may be included at a concentration of about/at least/less than1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more disaccharides in an amount/concentration of about 0.005 to about 50% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25% (by weight) of one or more disaccharides (e.g., maltose, sucrose and/or trehalose). In some embodiments, one or more disaccharides is/are present in a concentration ranging from about 1 x 10 ^-20 M to about 1 x 10 ^-1 M. For example, one or more disaccharides may be included at a concentration of about/at least/less than 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins in an amount/concentration of about 0.001 to about 95% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the maltodextrin(s) comprise(s) about 0.001 to about 1%, about 0.25 to about 5%, about 1 to about 10%, about 5 to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50 to about 75%, or about 75 to about 95% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more sugar alcohols in an amount/concentration of about 0.001 to about 95% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol(s) (e.g., arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and/or xylitol) comprise(s) about 0.001 to about 1%, about 0.25 to about 5%, about 1 to about 10%, about 5 to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50 to about 75%, or about 75 to about 95% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and/or xylitol).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more humic acids in an

amount/concentration of about 0.001 to about 95% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the humic acid(s) (e.g., potassium humate) comprise(s) about 0.001 to about 1%, about 0.25 to about 5%, about 1 to about 10%, about 5 to about 25%, about 10% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50 to about 75%, or about 75 to about 95% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more humic acids (e.g., potassium humate and/or sodium humate).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more UV protectants in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the UV protectant(s) (e.g., calcium lignosulfate and/or sodium lignosulfate) comprise(s) about 0.0001 to about 0.001, about 0.001 to about 1%, about 0.25 to about 5%, (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more UV protectants (e.g., calcium lignosulfate and/or sodium lignosulfate).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more oxidation control components in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about/at least/less than 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5% of one or more oxidation control components. In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of oxidation control components is about 0.005 to about 2% (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the oxidation control component(s) is/are present in a concentration ranging from about 1 x 10 ^-20 M to about 1 x 10 ^-1 M. For example, one or more oxidation control components may be added at a concentration of about/at least/less than 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more commercial antioxidants used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended

amounts/concentrations. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more commercial oxygen scavengers used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure the chitin oligosaccharide(s) and/or chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) remain(s) stable following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% of the chitin oligosaccharide(s) and/or chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) remain(s) stable following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise two or more stabilizing compounds that synergistically enhance the stability of the chitin oligosaccharide(s) and/or chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure the microorganism(s) therein remain(s) viable following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% of the microorganism(s) therein remain(s) viable following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 1 x 10 ¹ , 1 x 10 ² , 1 x 10 ³ , 1 x 10 ⁴ , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x 10 ⁷ , 1 x 10 ⁸ , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ¹⁰ or more colony-forming units of the microorganism(s) therein remain(s) viable per gram and/or milliliter of composition following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more; cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more stabilizing compounds in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure the deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) of the composition is less than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 at the temperature(s) at which the composition is to be stored (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise two or more stabilizing compounds that synergistically enhance the stability and/or survival of the microorganism(s) therein remain(s).

Stablizing compounds may be incorporated into compositions of the present disclosure in any suitable ratio(s).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more maltodextrins and one or more monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols and/or humic acids in a maltodextrin:(monosaccharide, disaccharide, sugar alcohol and/or humic acid) ratio of about 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having a DEV of about 15 to about 20) and one or more sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol and/or xylitol) and/or humic acids (e.g., potassium humate) in a maltodextrin:(sugar alcohol/humic acid) ratio of about 5:95, about 15:85, about 25:75 or about 50:50.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more biostimulants in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the biostimulant(s) (e.g., glycine and/or seaweed extract) comprise(s) about about 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.00075, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more biostimulants (e.g., glycine and/or seaweed extract).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microbial extracts in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the microbial extract(s) comprise(s) about 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.00075, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more microbial extracts.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more nutrients in an

amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the nutrient(s) (e.g., phosphorous, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and/or zinc) comprise(s) about 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.00075, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more the nutrients (e.g., phosphorous, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and/or zinc).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more pest attractant(s) and/or feeding stimulant(s) in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the pest attractant(s) and/or feeding stimulant(s) comprise(s) about 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.00075, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more pest attractants and/or feeding stimulants.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more LCOs at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more LCOs (e.g., one, two, three, four or more of the LCOs set forth above).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitins at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitins.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more chitosans at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^-15 M to about 1 x 10 ^-10 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-14 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10- ¹² M to about 1 x 10 ^-8 M, about 1 x 10 ^-12 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, about 1 x 10 ^-10 M to about 1 x 10 ^-6 M, or about 1 x 10 ^-8 M to about 1 x 10 ^-2 M. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more of one or more chitosans.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more dispersants in an

amount/concentration of about 0.001 to about 25% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the dispersant(s) comprise(s) 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 to about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20% or more (by weight) of one or more dispersants (e.g., one or more surfactants and/or wetting agents).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more drying agents in an amount/concentration of about 0.001 to about 95% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the drying agent(s) comprise(s) about ) 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 to about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05.0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of one or more drying agents (e.g., lecithin and/or talc).

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure comprise about 0.5 to about 10 grams of drying powder per liter of composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 grams or more of drying powder per liter of composition.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more buffers in an amount/concentration of about 0.0001 to about 5% or more (by weight) of the composition. In some embodiments, the buffer(s) comprise(s) about 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.0035, 0.004, 0.0045, 0.005, 0.0055, 0.006, 0.0065, 0.007, 0.0075, 0.008, 0.0085, 0.009, 0.0095, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.02, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 to about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% (by weight) of the composition. For example, compositions of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.0005, 0.00075, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4., 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5% or more (by weight) of one or more buffers (e.g., potassium phosphate monobasic and/or potassium phosphate dibasic).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microorganisms in an effective amount/concentration for fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, controlling one or more phytopathogenic pests, enhancing stress tolerance and/or enhancing plant growth/yield when the composition is introduced into a plant growth medium (e.g., a soil).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microorganisms in an effective amount/concentration for fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, controlling one or more phytopathogenic pests, enhancing stress tolerance and/or enhancing plant growth/yield when the composition is applied to a plant or plant part.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more microorganisms in an amount ranging from about 1 x 10 ¹ to about 1 x 10 ¹² colony-forming units (cfu) per gram and/or millilitre of composition. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises about 1 x 10 ¹ , 1 x 10 ² , 1 x 10 ³ , 1 x 10 ⁴ , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x 10 ⁷ , 1 x 10 ⁸ , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ¹⁰ , 1 x 10 ¹¹ , 1 x 10 ¹² or more cfu of one or more microorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of composition (e.g., about 1 x 10 ⁴ to about 1 xo 10 ⁹ cfu/g of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 (also known as 1BE, isolate ATCC BAA-390), BRADY, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma virens Gl-3, and/or Yersinia entomophaga O82KB8). In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least 1 x 10 ⁴ , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x 10 ⁷ , 1 x 10 ⁸ , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ¹⁰ , 1 x 10 ¹¹ , 1 x 10 ¹² cfu of one or more additional microorganisms per gram and/or millilitre of composition.

In some embodiments, spores from one or more microorganims comprise about 0.1 to about 90% (by weight) of the composition. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more (by weight) of microbial spores from one or more microorganisms (e.g., about 10% Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, Penicillium bilaiae ATCC 20851, Penicillium bilaiae RS7B-SD1 and/or Trichoderma virens Gl-3 spores). In some embodiments, the amount/concentration of microbial spores from one or more additional microorganisms is about 1 to about 25%, about 5 to about 20%, about 5 to about 15%, about 5 to about 10% or about 8 to about 12% (by weight) of the composition.

It is to be understood that microorganisms in compositions of the present disclosure may comprise vegetative cells and/or dormant spores. According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more microorganims are present in compositons of the present disclosure as vegetative cells.

According to some embodiments, at least 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more microorganims are present in compositons of the present disclosure as spores.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more commercial carriers, antioxidants, oxygen scavengers, hygroscopic polymers, UV protectants, biostimulants, microbial extracts, nutrients, pest attractants and/or feeding stimulants, pesticides, plant signal molecules, disperants, drying agents, anti-freezing agents, buffers, adhesives and/or agriculturally beneficial microorgnaims used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended amounts/concentrations.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated as any suitable type of composition, including, but not limited to, foliar inoculants, seed coatings and soil inoculants.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as amorphous solids.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as amorphous liquids.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as wettable powders.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated as liquid compositions that are subsequently dried to produce a powder or granuale. For example, in some embodiments, liquid compositions of the present disclosure are drum dried, evaporation dried, fluidized bed dried, freeze dried, spray dried, spray-freeze dried, tray dried and/or vacuum dried to produce powders/granuales. Such powders/granuales may be further processed using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, flocculation, granulation and milling, to achieve a desired particle size or physical format. The precise method(s) and parameters of processing dried powders/granuales that are appropriate in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the desired particle size(s), the type, size and volume of material to which the compositon will be applied, the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select appropriate methods and parameters using routine experiments.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are frozen for cryopreservation. For example, in some embodiments, liquid compositions of the present disclosure are flash-frozen and stored in a cryopreservation storage unit/facility. The precise method(s) and parameters of freezing and preserving compositions of the present disclosure that are appropriate in a given situation may be affected by factors such as the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and the storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select appropriate methods and parameters using routine experiments.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated as aqueous or non-aqueous compositions. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise no water. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise a trace amount of water. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure comprise less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.750.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5% water by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated to have a pH of about 4.5 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 6 to about 7.5. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure have a pH of about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 or 8.5.

In some embodiments, of one or more chitin oligosaccharides and/or chitosan oligosaccharides (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates) is/are incorporated into an ACCELERON®, ACTINOVATE®, CELL-TECH®, JUMPSTART®, MET52®, NEMASTRIKE™, NITRAGIN®, OPTIMIZE®, QUICKROOTS®, TAGTEAM®, or TORQUE® product.

As noted above, compositions of the present disclosure may contain a variety of carriers, stabilizers, nutrients, pesticides, plant signal molcules, dispersants, etc. It is to be understood that the components to be included in the composition and the order in which components are incorporated into the composition may be chosen or designed to maintain or enhance the dispersion and/or stability of the chitin oligosaccharide(s) and/or chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) during storage, distribution, and/or application of the composition.

It is to be understood that compositions of the present disclosure are non-naturally occurring compositions. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more non-naturally occurring components. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises a non-naturally occurring combination of naturally occurring components.

The present disclosure extends to kits comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of two or more containers, each comprising one or more components of an compositon of the present disclosure. For example, the chitin oligosaccharide(s) and/or chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) and the agriculturally acceptable carrier may be housed in separate containers for long-term storage, then combined prior to applying the composition to a plant or plant propagation material. Optional constituents, such as stabilizing compounds, pesticides, plant signaling molecules and microorganisms, may be added to either of the two containers or housed in one or more separate containers for long-term storage. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, mixtures of ferrous carbonate and metal halide catalysts, sodium chloride and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The containers may comprise any suitable material(s), including, but not limited to, materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture and/or oxygen that contact the coated plant propagation material when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the containers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a material having light permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%. In some embodiments, the containers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm ³ /m ² ·day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient light that reaches said coated plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient moisture that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the containers reduce the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any plant type, including, but not limited to, row crops and vegetables. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for the treatment of one or more plants selected from the families Amaranthaceae (e.g., chard, spinach, sugar beet, quinoa), Asteraceae (e.g., artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, zinnias), Brassicaceae (e.g., arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, Arabidopsis thaliana), Cucurbitaceae (e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, zucchini), Fabaceae (e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, vetch), Malvaceae (e.g., cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra), Poaceae (e.g., bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, wheat and other cereal crops, Polygonaceae (e.g., buckwheat), Rosaceae (e.g., almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, strawberries), Solanaceae (e.g., bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato) and Vitaceae (e.g., grape). In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for the treatment of one or more acaricide-, fungicide-, gastropodicide-, herbicide-, insecticide-, nematicide-, rodenticide- and/or virucide-resistant plants (e.g., one or more plants resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors (e.g., imidazolinone, pryimidinyoxy(thio)benzoates,

sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone, sulfonylurea, triazolopyrimidines), bialaphos, glufosinate, glyphosate,

hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenase inhibitors and/or phosphinothricin). Non-limiting examples of plants that may be treated with compositions of the present disclosure include plants sold by Monsanto Company (St. Louis, MO) under the BOLLGARD II®, DROUGHTGARD®, GENUITY®, RIB COMPLETE®, ROUNDUP READY®, ROUNDUP READY 2 YIELD®, ROUNDUP READY 2 EXTEND™, SMARTSTAX®, VT DOUBLE PRO®, VT TRIPLE PRO®, YIELDGARD®, YIELDGARD VT ROOTWORM/RR2®, YIELDGARD VT TRIPLE® and/or XTENDFLEX™ tradenames.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any part/portion of a plant, including, but not limited to, plant propagation materials (e.g., cuttings, rhizomes, seeds and tubers), roots and foliage. In some embodiments, they are applied to both the roots and the foliage of one or more plants. In some embodiments, they are applied to plant propagation materials and to the plants that grow from said plant propagation materials.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to any plant growth medium, including, but not limited to, soil. Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant parts and/or plant growth media in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, on-seed application, in-furrow application and foliar application.

Strains of the present disclosure and inoculant compositions of the present disclosure may be applied using any suitable method(s), including, but not limited to, coating, dripping, dusting, encapsulating, immersing, spraying and soaking. Batch systems, in which predetermined batch sizes of material and compositions of the present disclosure are delivered into a mixer, may be employed. Continuous treatment systems, which are calibrated to apply compositions of the present disclosure at a predefined rate in proportion to a continuous flow of material, may also be employed.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied directly to plant propagation material (e.g., seeds). According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are soaked in a composition of the present disclosure for at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 36, 48 hours. According to some embodiments, plant propagation materials are coated with one or more compositions of the present disclosure. Plant propagation materials may be coated with one or more additional layers (e.g., one or more protective layers that serves to enhance the stability of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) and/or one or more sequestration layers comprising substances that may reduce the stability of the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s)) if included in same layer as the chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide(s) (and/or chitin/chitosan hydrate(s)/salt(s)/solvate(s))). In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition of the present disclosure and a drying powder.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied directly to a plant growth medium (e.g., a soil). According to some embodiments, the composition(s) is/are applied in the vicinity of a plant propagation material (e.g., a seed). According to some embodiments, the composition(s) is/are applied to the root zone of a plant. According to some embodiments, the composition(s) is/are applied using a drip irrigation system.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied directly to plants. According to some embodiments, the composition(s) is/are sprayed and/or sprinkled on the plant(s) to be treated.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be freeze- spray- or spray-freeze-dried and then applied to plants/plant parts. For example, in some embodiments, a composition of the present disclosure is freeze- spray- or spray-freeze-dried, mixed with a drying powder (e.g., a drying powder comprising calcium stearate, attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica) and/or talc), then coated on seed that was been pre-treated with one or more adhesives (e.g., an adhesive composition comprising one or more maltodextrins, one or more mono-, di- or oligosaccharides, one or more peptones, etc.), one or more pesticides and/or one or more agriculturally beneficial microorganisms (e.g., one or more diazotrophs and/or phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms).

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant parts and/or plant growth media in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s).

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.05 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure the plant propagation materials are coated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of compositions per kilogram of plant propagation material. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each seed.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per plant. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each plant is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each plant.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per acre of treated crops. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of treated crops is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each acre of treated crops.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied at a rate of about 0.5 to about 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition per acre of plant growth media. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure each acre of plant growth media is treated with about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 milliliters and/or grams of composition. According to some embodiments, one or more compositions of the present diclosure is/are applied in an amount sufficient to ensure that an average of about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5 milliliters and/or grams of composition is applied to each acre of plant growth media.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to that of plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are introduced into a plant growth medium in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of plants and plant propagation materials therein under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants and plant propagation materials in a control medium.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance the germination and/or emergence of said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions in the by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied to a plant propagation material in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of the plant(s) arising from said plant propagation material under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to plants arising from a control plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant growth/development characteristics (e.g., root area, diameter, lateralization, length, mass, number, surface area and/or volume) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to a control plant.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present diclosure are applied to a plant in an amount/concentration effective to enhance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plant yield characteristics (e.g., bushels per acre) of said plant under cold, drought, heat, pH, osmotic and/or salt stress conditions by about/at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 150, 175, 200% or more as compared to control plant.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to plants, plant parts and/or plant growth media at any time, including, but not limited to, prior to planting, at the time of planting, after planting, prior to germination, at the time of germination, after germination, prior to seedling emergence, at the time of seedling emergence, after seedling emergence, prior to the vegetative stage, during the vegetative stage, after the vegetative stage, prior to the reproductive stage, during the reproductive stage, after the reproductive stage, prior to flowering, at the time of flowering, after flowering, prior to fruiting, at the time of fruiting, after fruiting, prior to ripening, at the time of ripening, and after ripening. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks prior to planting. In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) at the time of planting.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plant propagation materials (e.g., seeds) after planting but before germination.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure are applied to plants following emergence.

The present disclosure extends to plants and plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to plants that grow from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to plant parts harvested from plants that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to plant parts harvested from plants that grow from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to processed products derived from plants that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to processed products derived from plants that grow from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, to crops comprising a plurality of plants that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure, and to crops comprising a plurality of plants that grow from plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with chitin/chitosan oligosaccharides, chitin/chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or compositions of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides coated plant propagation materials comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a plant propagation material and a coating that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the plant propagation material, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosacchardies, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates and/or a compositions of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the coating comprises two, three, four, five or more layers. According to some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer that contains one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosacchardies, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates and one or more outer layers free or substantially free of chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosacchardies, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, and chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates. In some embodiments, the coating comprises an inner layer that is an composition of the present disclosure and an outer layer that is equivalent to an composition of the present disclosure except that it does not contain chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosacchardies, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, or chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates.

In some embodiments, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of an composition of the present disclosure and a drying powder. Drying powders may be applied in any suitable amount(s)/concentration(s). The absolute value of the amount/concentration that is/are sufficient to cause the desired effect(s) may be affected by factors such as the type, size and volume of material to which the compositon will be applied, the type(s) of microorganisms in the composition, the number of microorganisms in the composition, the stability of the microorganisms in the composition and storage conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, duration). Those skilled in the art will understand how to select an effective amount/concentration using routine dose-response experiments. Guidance for the selection of appropriate amounts/concentrations can be found, for example, in International Patent Publication Nos. WO2017/044473, WO2017/044545, WO2017/116837, WO2017/116846, WO2017/210163 and WO2017/210166 and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/296,798; 62/271,857; 62/347,773; 62/343,217; 62/296,784; 62/271,873; 62/347,785; 62/347,794; and 62/347,805. In some embodiments, the drying powder is applied in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 10 grams of drying powder per kilogram of plant propagation material. For example, in some embodiments, about 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 grams or more of drying powder (e.g., drying powder comprising magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, powdered milk, silica, soy lecithin and/or talc) is applied per kilogram of seed. In some embodiments, a drying powder comprising calcium stearate, attapulgite clay, montmorillonite clay, graphite, magnesium stearate, silica (e.g., fumed silica, hydrophobically-coated silica and/or precipitated silica) and/or talc is applied to seeds coated with an composition of the present disclosure at a rate of about 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or 3 grams per kilogram of seed.

In some embodiments, the coating completely covers the outer surface of the plant propagation material.

In some embodiments, the average thickness of the coating is at least 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 µm or more. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the coating is about 1.5 to about 3.0 µm.

The present disclosure extends to kits comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more plants and/or plant parts (e.g., coated plant propagation materials) that have been treated with one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosacchardies, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates/salts/solvates and/or compositions of the present disclosure and a container housing the treated plant(s) and/or plant part(s). In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more oxygen scavengers, such as activated carbon, ascorbic acid, iron powder, mixtures of ferrous carbonate and metal halide catalysts, sodium chloride and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The container may comprise any suitable material(s), including, but not limited to, materials that reduce the amount of light, moisture and/or oxygen that contact the coated plant propagation material when the container is sealed. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having light permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%. In some embodiments, the container comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm ³ /m ² ·day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient light that reaches said coated plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient moisture that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, the container reduces the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

In some embodiments, kits of the present disclosure comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more additional containers. The additional containers may comprise any suitable component(s) or composition(s), including, but not limited to, agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, drying agents, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides. Examples of agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, biostimulants, drying agents, nutrients, oxidation control components and pesticides that may be included in the additional containers are described above.

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A compositon comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

2. The compositon of paragraph 1, said compositon comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more fully acetylated chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) and/or one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more acetylated in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

3. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–2, said compositon comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitin oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa in an agriculturally acceptable carrier. 4. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–1, said compositon comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are less than 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75% deacetylated into a plant propagation medium; one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) that is/are at least 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or more deacetylated and/or one or more fully deacetylated chitosan oligosaccharides (or

hydrates/salts/solvates thereof) in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

5. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–4, said compositon comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more chitosan oligosaccharides (or hydrates/salts/solvates thereof), optionally one or more chitosan oligosaccharides having an average degree of polymerization of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 and/or an average molecular weight of less than 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 kDa in an agriculturally acceptable carrier.

6. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–5, said one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates present at a concentration of about/at least 1 x 10 ^-20 M, 1 x 10 ^-19 M, 1 x 10 ^-18 M, 1 x 10 ^-17 M, 1 x 10 ^-16 M, 1 x 10 ^-15 M, 1 x 10 ^-14 M, 1 x 10 ^-13 M, 1 x 10 ^-12 M, 1 x 10 ^-11 M, 1 x 10 ^-10 M, 1 x 10 ^-9 M, 1 x 10 ^-8 M, 1 x 10 ^-7 M, 1 x 10 ^-6 M, 1 x 10 ^-5 M, 1 x 10 ^-4 M, 1 x 10 ^-3 M, 1 x 10 ^-2 M, 1 x 10 ^-1 M or more.

7. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–5, said composition comprising about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 moles of chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) per kilogram of composition.

8. The compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–5, said composition comprising about/at least 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.2.5, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 grams of chitin oligosaccharide(s), chitin oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitin oligosaccharide salt(s), chitin oligosaccharide solvate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide(s), chitosan oligosaccharide hydrate(s), chitosan oligosaccharide salt(s), and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvate(s) per kilogram of composition.

9. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–8, said composition further comprising one or more stabilizing compounds.

10. The composition of paragraph 9, said one or more stabilizing compounds comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of:

one or more monosaccharides, optionally arabinose, fructose and/or glucose;

one or more disaccharides, optionally maltose, sucrose and/or trehalose;

one or more maltodextrins, optionally one or more maltodextrins (e.g., one or more maltodextrins (each and/or collectively) having a DEV value of about 15 to about 20;

one or more sugar alcohols, optionally arabitol, mannitol, sorbitol and/or xylitol;

one or more humic acids, optionally potassium humate and/or sodium humate;

one or more hygroscopic polymers, optionally one or more albumins, alginates, celluloses, gums (e.g., cellulose gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum combretum, xantham gum), methyl celluloses, nylons, pectins, polyacrylic acids, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycols (PEG), polyethylenimines (PEI), polylactides, polymethylacrylates (PMA), polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), propylene glycols, sodium carboxymethyl celluloses and/or starches;

one or more oxidation control components, optionally one or more antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, calcium ascorbate, one or more carotenoids, lipoic acid, one or more phenolic compounds (e.g., one or more flavonoids, flavones and/or flavonols), potassium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, one or more thiols (e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid and/or N-acetyl cysteine), one or more tocopherols, one or more tocotrienols, ubiquinone and/or uric acid) and/or one or more oxygen scavengers, optionally ascorbic acid and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate; and/or

one or more UV protectants, optionally one or more lignosulfites.

11. The composition of any one paragraphs 9–10, said one or more stabilizing compounds comprising about 0.0001 to about 10% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 2 to about 6% (by weight) of said composition, optionally about 0.0005, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10% (by weight) of said composition.

12. The composition of any one of paragraphs 9–11, wherein said one or more stabilizing compounds is/are present in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure said one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates remain(s) stable in said composition following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

13. The composition of any one of paragraphs 9–11, wherein said one or more stabilizing compounds is/are present in an amount/concentration sufficient to ensure at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% of said one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates remain(s) stable in said composition following:

storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

cryopreservation at or below -80°C for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

application to plant propagation material (optionally, seed);

application to plant propagation material and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more;

application to a plant propagation material and storage at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more relative humidity for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more;

foliar application;

foliar application and desiccation by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more; and/or

foliar application and exposure to temperatures of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40°C and relative humidities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95% or more for a period of 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 days or more.

14. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–13, said composition further comprising one or more biostimulants, optionally one or more seaweed extracts, myo-inositol and/or glycine.

15. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–14, said composition further comprising one or more microbial extracts, optionally one or more of the microbial extracts expressly disclosed above.

16. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–15, said composition further comprising one or more nutrients, optionally one or more vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B complex (i.e., vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B ₆ , vitamin B ₇ , vitamin B ₈ , vitamin B ₉ , vitamin B ₁₂ and/or choline) vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and/or vitamin K), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and/or zeaxanthin), macrominerals (e.g., calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and/or sodium), trace minerals (e.g., boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and/or zinc) and/or organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic aclid and/or taurine).

17. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–16, said composition further comprising one or more pest attractant and/or feeding stimulants, optionally brevicomin, ceralure, codlelure, cue-lure, disparlure, dominicalure, eugenol, frontalin, gossyplure, grandlure, hexalure, ipsdienol, ipsenol, japonilure, latitlure, lineatin, litlure, looplure, medlure, megatomic acid, methyl eugenol, moguchun, α-multistriatin, muscalure, orfalure, oryctalure, ostramone, rescalure, siglure, sulcatol, trimedlure and/or trunc-call.

18. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–17, said composition further comprising one or more pesticides, optionally:

one or more fungicides, optionally one or more of the fungicides expressly disclosed above;

one or more herbicides, optionally one or more of the herbicides expressly disclosed above;

one or more insecticides, optionally one or more of the insecticides expressly disclosed above; and/or

one or more nematicides, optionally one or more of the nematicides expressly disclosed on above.

19. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–18, said composition further comprising one or more lipo- chitooligosaccharides, optionally one or more of the lipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by formulas LI–LIV abovee.

20. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–18, said composition further comprising one or more of the lipo-chitooligosaccharides represented by structures LV–LXXXIII above. 21. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–20, said composition further comprising one or more one or more chitins and/or one or more chitosans.

22. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–21, said composition further comprising one or more flavonoids, optionally one or more anthocyanidins, such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and/or petunidin; anthoxanthins, such as flavones (e.g., apigenin, baicalein, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, diosmin, flavoxate, 6— hydroxyflavone, luteolin, scutellarein, tangeritin and/or wogonin) and/or flavonols (e.g., amurensin, astragalin, azaleatin, azalein, fisetin, furanoflavonols galangin, gossypetin, 3-hydroxyflavone, hyperoside,icariin, isoquercetin, kaempferide, kaempferitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, morin, myricetin, myricitrin, natsudaidain, pachypodol, pyranoflavonols quercetin, quericitin, rhamnazin, rhamnetin, robinin, rutin, spiraeoside, troxerutin and/or zanthorhamnin); flavanones, such as butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin and/or sterubin; flavanonols, such as dihydrokaempferol and/or taxifolin; flavans, such as flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechin (C), catechin 3-gallate (Cg), epicatechins (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin 3-gallate (ECg), epigallcatechin 3-gallate (EGCg), epiafzelechin, fisetinidol, gallocatechin (GC), gallcatechin 3-gallate (GCg), guibourtinidol, mesquitol, robinetinidol, theaflavin-3- gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, theflavin-3,3'-digallate, thearubigin), flavan-4-ols (e.g., apiforol and/or luteoforol) and/or flavan-3,4- diols (e.g., leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, leucofisetinidin, leucomalvidin, luecopelargonidin, leucopeonidin,

leucorobinetinidin, melacacidin and/or teracacidin); and/or isoflavonoids, such as isoflavones (e.g, biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein and/or glycitein), isoflavanes (e.g., equol, ionchocarpane and/or laxifloorane), isoflavandiols, isoflavenes (e.g., glabrene, haginin D and/or 2-methoxyjudaicin), coumestans (e.g., coumestrol, plicadin and/or wedelolactone), pterocarpans and/or roetonoids; and/or one oor more analogues, derivatives, hydrates, isomers, polymers, salts and solvates thereof, such as neoflavonoids (e.g, calophyllolide, coutareagenin, dalbergichromene, dalbergin and/or nivetin) and/or pterocarpans (e.g., bitucarpin A, bitucarpin B, erybraedin A, erybraedin B, erythrabyssin II, erthyrabissin-1, erycristagallin, glycinol, glyceollidins, glyceollins, glycyrrhizol, maackiain, medicarpin, morisianine, orientanol, phaseolin, pisatin, striatine and/or trifolirhizin).

23. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–22, said composition further comprising jasmonic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

24. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–23, said composition further comprising linoleic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

25. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–24, said composition further comprising linolenic acid and/or one or more derivatives thereof.

26. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–25, said composition further comprising one or more karrakins, optionally one or more karrakins represented by formula LXXXIV of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/050529.

27. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–26, said composition further comprising gluconolactone. 28. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1–27, said composition further comprising one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms.

29. The composition of paragraph 28, said one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more microorganisms that improve the availability of a soil nutrient, optionally one or more diazotrophs and/or phosphate-solubilixing microorganisms.

30. The composition of paragraph 28, said one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of Azospirillum brasilense INTA Az-39, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-50349, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IN937a, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS27 (deposited as NRRL B-5015), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6506), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B- 50104), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), Bacillus cereus I-1562, Bacillus firmus I-1582, Bacillus lichenformis BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516), Bacillus lichenformis BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), Bacillus mycoides NRRL B-21664, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-21662, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-30087, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55608, Bacillus pumilus ATCC 55609, Bacillus pumilus GB34, Bacillus pumilus KFP9F, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55078, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55079, Bacillus subtilis MBI 600, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21661, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-21665, Bacillus subtilis CX-9060, Bacillus subtilis GB03, Bacillus subtilis GB07, Bacillus subtilis QST-713, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, Bacillus subtilis D747, Bacillus subtilis 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), Bacillus thuringiensis ATCC 13367, Bacillus thuringiensis GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis NRRL B-21619, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-1857, Bacillus thuringiensis SAN 401 I, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6305, Bacillus thuringiensis ABG-6346, Bacillus thuringiensis AM65-52, Bacillus thuringiensis SA-12, Bacillus thuringiensis SB4, Bacillus thuringiensis ABTS-351, Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 2348, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7826, Bacillus thuringiensis EG 7841, Bacillus thuringiensis DSM 2803, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-125, Bacillus thuringiensis NB-176, BRADY, Pseudomonas jessenii PS06, Rhizobium leguminosarum SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), Sinohizobium fredii CCBAU114 and/or Sinohizobium fredii USDA 205, and/or Yersinia entomophaga O82KB8.

31. The composition of paragraph 28, said one or more agriculturally beneficial microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of Gliocladium virens ATCC 52045, Gliocladium virens GL-21, Glomus intraradices RTI- 801, Metarhizium anisopliae F52, PENI, Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1, Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012, Trichoderma atroviride LC52, Trichoderma atroviride CNCM 1-1237, Trichoderma fertile JM41R, Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080, Trichoderma hamatum ATCC 52198, Trichoderma harzianum ATCC 52445, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2, Trichoderma harzianum T-22, Trichoderma harzianum TH-35, Trichoderma harzianum T-39, Trichoderma harzianum ICC012, Trichoderma reesi ATCC 28217, Trichoderma virens ATCC 58678, Trichoderma virens Gl-3, Trichoderma virens GL-21, Trichoderma virens G-41, Trichoderma viridae ATCC 52440, Trichoderma viridae ICC080, and/or Trichoderma viridae TV1.

32. The composition of paragraph 28, said one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more biopesticides, optionally one or more acaricidal, insecticidal and/or nematicidal microorganisms and one or more fungicidal microorganisms.

33. The composition of any one of claims 28–32, said composition comprising about 1 x 10 ³ to about 1 x 10 ¹² colony-forming units (cfu) of said one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition, optionally about/at least 1 x 10 ³ , 1 x 10 ⁴ , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x 10 ⁷ , 1 x 10 ⁸ , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ¹⁰ , 1 x 10 ¹¹ , or 1 x 10 ¹² cfu of said one or more agriculltrually beneficial microorganisms per gram and/or milliliter of inoculant composition.

34. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–33, wherein said composition is non-aqueous.

35. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–33, wherein said composition comprises, consists essentially of or is aqueous.

36. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–33, wherein said composition comprises less than 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75 or 5% water (by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition).

37. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–36, wherein said composition is an amorphous liquid.

38. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–36, wherein said composition is an amorphous solid.

39. The composition of any one paragraphs 1–36, wherein said composition is a freeze-, spray- or spray- freeze-dried composition, optionally a freeze-, spray- or spray-freeze-dried powder.

40. A plant or plant part to which the inoculant composition of any one of paragraphs 1–39 has been applied. 41. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is a monocot.

42. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is a dicot.

43. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is leguminous.

44. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is non-leguminous.

45. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Amaranthaceae, optionally chard, spinach, sugar beet, or quinoa. 46. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Asteraceae, optionally artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, or zinnias.

47. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Brassicaceae, optionally arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, or Arabidopsis thaliana.

48. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Cucurbitaceae, optionally cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash (e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash), watermelon, or zucchini.

49. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Fabaceae, optionally alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, or vetch.

50. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Malvaceae, optionally cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, or okra.

51. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Poaceae, optionally bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass (e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, bluegrass, Buffalograss, Centipede grass, Fescue, or Zoysia), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, or wheat.

52. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Polygonaceae, optionally buckwheat.

53. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Rosaceae, optionally almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blueberry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, or strawberries.

54. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Solanaceae, optionally bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, or tomato.

55. The plant or plant part of paragraph 40, in which said plant or plant part is of the family Vitaceae, optionally grape.

56. The plant part of any one of paragraphs 40–55, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a plant propagation material, optionally a seed; and

a coating that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of said plant propagation material, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the inoculation composition of any one of paragraphs 3–38.

57. The plant part of paragraph 56, said coating comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an inner coating layer that comprises one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates and an outer coating layer that is devoid (or essentially devoid) of chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates.

58. A kit, comprising, consisting essentially or consisting of:

the plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs any one of paragraphs 40–57; and

a container housing said plant or plant part.

59. The kit of claim 58, said container reducing the amount of ambient light that reaches said coated plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

60. The kit of any one of paragraphs 58–59, said container reducing the amount of ambient oxygen that reaches said plant propagation material by about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% when sealed.

61. The kit of any one of paragraphs 58–60, said container comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a material having light permeability of less than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75%.

62. The kit of any one of paragraphs 58–61, said container comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a material having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 cm ³ /m ² ·day (as measured in accordance with ASTM D3985).

63. The kit of any one of paragraphs 58–62, said kit furthering comprising one or more oxygen-absorbing compound, optionally activated carbon, iron powder, sodium chloride, ferrous carbonate, one or more metal halide catalysts and/or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

64. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of applying the compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–39 to a plant or plant part, optionally a seed.

65. The method of paragraph 64, in which said isolated strain, biologically pure culture, composition is applied to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, at the time of planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

66. The method of paragraph 64, in which said composition is applied to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48 hours or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

67. The method of paragraph 64, in which said composition is applied to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

68. The method of paragraph 64, in which said composition is applied to a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or more prior to planting said plant propagation material in a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

69. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of:

introducing the compositon of any one of paragraphs 1–39 into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil.

70. The method of paragraph 69, in which said composition is introduced into said plant growth medium about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48 hours or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

71. The method of paragraph 69, in which said composition is introduced into said plant growth medium about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104 weeks or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

72. The method of paragraph 69, in which said composition is introduced into said plant growth medium about/at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 months or more prior to planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

73. The method of paragaph 69, in which said composition is introduced into said plant growth medium at the time of planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

74. The method of paragaph 69, in which said composition is introduced into said plant growth medium after planting a plant propagation material, optionally a seed, in said plant growth medium.

75. A method, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of:

introducing the plant or plant part of any one of paragraphs 40–57 into a plant growth medium, optionally a soil. 76. The method of paragraph 75, wherein said plant or plant part is introduced into soil in which plants of the same genus as said plant or plant part were cultivated in at least one of the three years prior to said introducing, optionally in each of the one, two or three years immediately preceding said introducing.

77. Use of a composition comprising one or more chitin oligosaccharides, chitin oligosaccharide hydrates, chitin oligosaccharide salts, chitin oligosaccharide solvates, chitosan oligosaccharides, chitosan oligosaccharide hydrates, chitosan oligosaccharide salts, and/or chitosan oligosaccharide solvates for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in a plant or plant propagation material EXAMPLES

The following examples are not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the present disclosure may be implemented or of all the features that may be added to the present disclosure. Subjects skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof. Example 1

Corn seeds (PETERSON™ 98L90 GT/CB/LL; Peterson Farms Seed, Harwood, ND) were treated with sterilized water (control) or sterilized water fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M) at a rate of ten milliliters per kilogram of seed, then placed in petriplates containing moist germination paper. Following incubation in the dark under cold stress conditions (four days at 8°C, followed by three days at 24°C) or heat stress conditions (four days at 37°C, followed by three days at 24°C), root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited both enhanced cold tolerance and enhanced heat tolerance, as evidenced by significant increases in root length (33% and 40%, respectively) and root surface area (27% and 30%, respectively). Example 2

Lentil seeds (Sprouting, green unhulled; Mountain Valley Seed Co., Salt Lake City, UT) were treated with sterilized water or sterilized water fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M) at a rate of five milliliters per kilogram of seed, then placed in petriplates containing moist germination paper. Following incubation in the dark under cold stress conditions (four days at 8°C, followed by three days at 24°C), root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, as evidenced by significant increases in root length (24%), root surface area (21%) and root volume (17%). Example 3

Lentil seeds (Sprouting, green unhulled; Mountain Valley Seed Co., Salt Lake City, UT) were sterilized with 10% bleach in sterile water and then placed in petriplates containing water agar medium containing 10% polyethylene glycol (to mimic drought conditions) or water agar medium containing 10% polyethylene glycol and fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M). Following incubation in the dark for seven days at 24°C, root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced drought tolerance, as evidenced by enhanced root growth. Example 4

Pea seeds (DS Admiral; Johnny's Selected Seeds, Winslow, ME) were treated with sterilized water (control) or sterilized water fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M) at a rate of five milliliters per kilogram of seed, then placed in petriplates containing germination paper moistened with acidic water (pH 3.25). Following incubation in the dark for seven days at 24°C, root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced pH tolerance, as evidenced by significant increases in root length (55%), root surface area (31%) and number of lateral roots (153%). Example 5

Soybean seeds (PIONEER™ 93M1; DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA) were treated with sterilized water or sterilized water fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M) at a rate of three milliliters per kilogram of seed, then placed in petriplates containing moist germination paper. Following incubation in the dark under cold stress conditions (four days at 8°C, followed by three days at 24°C), root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, as evidenced by significant increases in root length (62%), root surface area (58%) and root volume (56%). Example 6

Tomato seeds (MOUNTAIN FRESH PLUS (F1); Johnny's Selected Seeds, Winslow, ME) were sterilized with 10% bleach in sterile water and then placed in petriplates containing sterilized water agar medium (control) or sterilized water agar medium fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M). Following incubation in the dark under cold stress conditions (four days at 8°C, followed by three days at 24°C), root growth parameters were measured using WINRHIZO™ (Regent Instruments Inc., Canada). Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, as evidenced by significant increases in root length (10%), root surface area (56%) and root volume (150%). Example 7

Methyl jasmonate has been shown to inhibit germination when applied to seeds.Corbineau et al., PLANT GROWTH REG. 7:157 (1998); Norastehnia et al. GEN. APPL. PLANT PHYSIOL.33:13 (2007).

Corn seeds (PETERSON™ 98L90 GT/CB/LL; Peterson Farms Seed, Harwood, ND) were treated with sterilized water (water), sterilized water containing 150 ppm methyl jasmonate (MJ) or sterilized water containing 150 ppm methyl jasmonate and fortified with the chitin oligosaccharide represented by structure XV (1x10 ^-8 M), then placed in petriplates containing moist germination paper. The petriplates were incubated in the dark at 24°C for seven days. Seeds treated with the chitin oligosaccharide exhibited enhanced abiotic stress tolerance, as evidenced by a significant increase in seed germination (37%) as compared to the seeds treated with methyl jasmonate. Example 8

Alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, cucumber, lentil, pea, pepper, soybean, tomato and wheat seeds are treated with one of the seed treatments set forth in Table 1 at a rate of 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 millilters per kilogram of seed. Table 1.

Treated seeds are planted in a growth medium and grown under cold stress (germination/growth at 8°C), heat stress

(germination/growth at 37 °C), drought stress (germination/growth under reduced water conditions) or pH stress (growth medium having a pH below 4 or above 10) prior to analysis of various growth parameters. Seeds treated with one of the chitin oligosaccharides exhibit enhanced abiotic stress tolerance as evidenced by significant increases in biomass, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, survival rate and/or yield (e.g., bushels per acre, GWTPP, YPP). Example 9

Alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, cucumber, lentil, pea, pepper, soybean, tomato and wheat seeds are treated as described in Example 8 above except insofar as each of the chitin oligosaccharides set forth in Table 1 is replaced with a corresponding chitosan oligosaccharide. Treated seeds are planted in a growth medium and grown under cold stress (germination/growth at 8°C), heat stress (germination/growth at 37 °C), drought stress (germination/growth under reduced water conditions) or pH stress (growth medium having a pH below 4 or above 10) prior to analysis of various growth parameters. Seeds treated with one of the chitosan oligosaccharides exhibit enhanced abiotic stress tolerance as evidenced by significant increases in biomass, height, leaf length, leaf mass, leaf number, leaf surface area, leaf volume, root area, root diameter, root lateralization (e.g., lateral root mass, lateral root number, lateral root volume), root length, root mass, root nodulation (e.g., nodule mass, nodule number, nodule volume), root number, root surface area, root volume, seed germination, seedling emergence, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoot mass, shoot number, shoot surface area, shoot volume, spread, survival rate and/or yield (e.g., bushels per acre, GWTPP, YPP).

Appendix A

Acinetobacter, Actinomycetes, Aegerita, Agrobacterium (e.g., A. radiobacter strains such as K1026 and K84), Akanthomyces, Alcaligenes, Alternaria, Aminobacter (e.g., A. aganoensis, A. aminovorans, A. anthyllidis, A. ciceronei, A. lissarensis, A. niigataensis), Ampelomyces (e.g., A. quisqualis strains such as M-10), Anabaena (e.g., A. aequalis, A. affinis, A. angstumalis angstumalis, A. angstumalis marchita, A. aphanizomendoides, A. azollae, A. bornetiana, A. catenula, A. cedrorum, A. circinalis, A. confervoides, A. constricta, A. cyanobacterium, A. cycadeae, A. cylindrica, A. echinispora, A. felisii, A. flos- aquae flos-aquae, A. flos-aquae minor, A. flos-aquae treleasei, A. helicoidea, A. inaequalis, A. lapponica, A. laxa, A.

lemmermannii, A. levanderi, A. limnetica, A. macrospora macrospora, A. macrospora robusta, A. monticulosa, A. nostoc, A. ascillarioides, A. planctonica, A. raciborski, A. scheremetievi, A. sphaerica, A. spiroides crassa, A. spiroides sprroides, A. subcylindrica, A. torulosa, A. unispora, A. variabilis, A. verrucosa, A. viguieri, A. wisconsinense, A. zierlingii), Arthrobacter, Arthrobotrys (e.g., A. aggregata, A. alaskana, A. ameropora, A. anomala, A. apscheronica, A. arthrobotryoides, A. azerbaijanica, A. bakunika, A. botryospora, A. brochopaga, A. chazarica, A. chilensis, A. cladodes, A. calvispora, A. compacta, A. conoides, A. constringens, A. cylindrospora, A. dactyloides, A. deflectans, A. dendroides, A. doliiformis, A. drechsleri, A. elegans, A.

ellipsospora, A. entomopaga, A. ferox, A. foliicola, A. fruticulosa, A. globospora, A. hatospora, A. hertziana, A. indica, A. irregularis, A. javanica, A. kirghizica, A. longa, A. longiphora, A. longiramulifera, A. longispora, A. mangrovispora, A.

megaspora, A. microscaphoides, A. microspora, A. multisecundaria, A. musiformis, A. nematopaga, A. nonseptata, A. oligospora, A. oudemansii, A. oviformis, A. perpasta, A. polycephala, A. pseudoclavata, A. pyriformis, A. recta, A. robusta, A. rosea, A. scaphoides, A. sclerohypha, A. shahriari, A. shizishanna, A. sinensis, A. soprunovii, A. stilbacea, A. straminicola, A. superba, A. tabrizica, A. venusta, A. vermicola, A. yunnanensis), Aschersonia, Ascophaera, Aspergillus (e.g., A. flavus strains such as NRRL 21882, A. parasiticus), Aulosira (e.g., A. aenigmatica, A. africana, A. bohemensis, A. bombayensis, A. confluens, A. fertilissima, A. fertilissma var. tenius, A. fritschii, A. godoyana, A. implexa, A. laxa, A. plantonica, A. prolifica, A. pseuodoramosa, A. schauinslandii, A. striata, A. terrestris, A. thermalis), Aureobacterium, Aureobasidium (e.g., A. pullulans strains such as DSM 14940 and DSM 14941), Azobacter, Azorhizobium (e.g., A. caulinodans, A. doebereinerae, A. oxalatiphilum), Azospirillum (e.g. , A. amazonense strains such as BR 11140 (SpY2T), A. brasilense strains such as INTA Az-39, AZ39, XOH, BR 11002, BR 11005, Ab-V5 and Ab-V6, A. canadense, A. doebereinerae, A. formosense, A. halopraeferans, A. irakense, A. largimobile, A. lipoferum strains such as BR 11646, A. melinis, A. oryzae, A. picis, A. rugosum, A. thiophilum, A. zeae), Azotobacter (e.g., A. agilis, A. armeniacus, A. sp. AR, A. beijerinckii, A. chroococcum, A. DCU26, A. FA8, A. nigricans, A. paspali, A. salinestris, A. tropicalis, A. vinelandii), Bacillus (e.g., B. amyloliquefaciens strains such as D747, NRRL B-50349, TJ1000 (also known as 1BE, isolate ATCC BAA-390), FZB24, FZB42, IN937a, IT-45, TJ1000, MBI600, BS27 (deposited as NRRL B-5015), BS2084 (deposited as NRRL B-50013), 15AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6507), 3AP4 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6506), LSSA01 (deposited as NRRL B-50104), ABP278 (deposited as NRRL B-50634), 1013 (deposited as NRRL B-50509), 918 (deposited as NRRL B-50508), 22CP1 (deposited as ATCC PTA-6508) and BS18 (deposited as NRRL B-50633), B. cereus strains such as I- 1562, B. firmus strains such as I-1582, B. laevolacticus, B. lichenformis strains such as BA842 (deposited as NRRL B-50516) and BL21 (deposited as NRRL B-50134), B. macerns, B. firmus, B. mycoides strains such as NRRL B-21664, B. pasteurii, B. pumilus strains such as NRRL B-21662, NRRL B-30087, ATCC 55608, ATCC 55609, GB34, KFP9F and QST 2808, B. sphaericus, B. subtilis strains such as ATCC 55078, ATCC 55079, MBI 600, NRRL B-21661, NRRL B-21665, CX-9060, GB03, GB07, QST 713, FZB24, D747 and 3BP5 (deposited as NRRL B-50510), B. thuringiensis strains such as ATCC 13367, GC-91, NRRL B- 21619, ABTS-1857, SAN 401 I, ABG-6305, ABG-6346, AM65-52, SA-12, SB4, ABTS-351, HD-1, EG 2348, EG 7826, EG 7841, DSM 2803, NB-125 and NB-176), Beijerinckia, Beauveria (e.g., B. bassiana strains such as ATCC 26851, ATCC 48023, ATCC 48585, ATCC 74040, ATCC-74250, DSM 12256 and PPRI 5339), Beijerinckia, Blastodendrion, Bosea (e.g., B. eneae, B. lathyri, B. lupini, B. massiliensis, B. minatitlanensis, B. robiniae, B. thiooxidans, B. vestrisii), Bradyrhizobium (e.g., B. arachidis, B. bete, B. canariense, B. cytisi, B. daqingense, B. denitrificans, B. diazoefficiens, B. elkanii strains such as SEMIA 501, SEMIA 587 and SEMIA 5019, B. ganzhouense, B. huanghuauhaiense, B.icense, B. ingae, B. iriomotense, B. japonicum strains such as NRRL B-50586 (also deposited as NRRL B-59565), NRRL B-50587 (also deposited as NRRL B-59566), NRRL B-50588 (also deposited as NRRL B-59567), NRRL B-50589 (also deposited as NRRL B-59568), NRRL B-50590 (also deposited as NRRL B- 59569), NRRL B-50591 (also deposited as NRRL B-59570), NRRL B-50592 (also deposited as NRRL B-59571), NRRL B- 50593 (also deposited as NRRL B-59572), NRRL B-50594 (also deposited as NRRL B-50493), NRRL B-50608, NRRL B- 50609, NRRL B-50610, NRRL B-50611, NRRL B-50612, NRRL B-50726, NRRL B-50727, NRRL B-50728, NRRL B-50729, NRRL B-50730, SEMIA 566, SEMIA 5079, SEMIA 5080, USDA 6, USDA 110, USDA 122, USDA 123, USDA 127, USDA 129 and USDA 532C, B. jicamae, B. lablabi, B. liaoningense, B. manausense, B. neotropicale, B. oligotrophicum, B. ottawaense, B. pachyrhizi, B. paxllaeri, B. retamae, B. rifense, B. valentinum, B. yuanmingense), Burkholderia (e.g., B. acidipaludis, B. ambifaria, B. andropogonis, B. anthina, B. arboris, B. bannensis, B. bryophila, B. caledonica, B. caribensis, B. caryophylli, B. cenocepacua, B. choica, B. cocovenenans, B. contaminans, B. denitrificans, B. diazotrophica, B. diffusa, B. dilworthii, B. dolosa, B. eburnea, B. endofungorum, B. ferrariae, B. fungorum, B. ginsengisoli, B. gladioli, B. glathei, B. glumae, B. graminis, B. grimmiae, B. heleia, B. hospital, B. humi, B. kururiensis, B. lata, B. latens, B. mallei, B. megapolitana, B. metallica, B.

mimosarum, B. multivorans, B. nodosa, B. norimbergensis, B. oklahomensis, B. phenazinium, B. phenoliruptrix, B. phymatum, B. phytofirmans, B. pickettii, B. plantarii, B. pseudomallei, B. pseudomultivorans, B. pyrrocinia, B. rhizoxinica, B. rhynchosiae, B. sabiae, B. sacchari, B. sartisoli, B. sediminicola, B. seminalis, B. silvatlantica, B. singaporensis, B. soli, B. sordidcola, B. sp. strains such as A396, B. sprentiae, B. stabilis, B. symbiotica, B. telluris, B. terrae, B. terrestris, B. terricola, B. thailandensis, B. tropica, B. tuberum, B.ubonensis, B.udeis, B.unamae, B.vandii, B.vietnamiensis, B.xenovorans, B.zhejiangensis), Brevibacillus, Burkholderia (e.g., B. sp. A396 nov. rinojensis NRRL B-50319), Calonectria, Candida (e.g., C. oleophila such I-182, C.

saitoana), Candidatus (e.g., C. Burkholderia calva, C. Burkholderia crenata, C. Burkholderia hispidae, C. Burkholderia kirkii, C. Burkholderia mamillata, C. Burkholderia nigropunctata, C. Burkholderia rigidae, C. Burkholderia schumannianae, C.

Burkholderia verschuerenii, C. Burkholderia virens, C. Phytoplasma allocasuarinae, C. Phytoplasma americanum, C.

Phytoplasma asteris, C. Phytoplasma aurantifolia, C. Phytoplasma australiense, C. Phytoplasma balanitae, C. Phytoplasma brasiliense, C. Phytoplasma caricae, C. Phytoplasma castaneae, C. Phytoplasma cocosnigeriae, C. Phytoplasma cocostanzaniae, C. Phytoplasma convolvuli, C. Phytoplasma costaricanum, C. Phytoplasma cynodontis, C. Phytoplasma fragariae, C.

Phytoplasma fraxini, C. Phytoplasma graminis, C. Phytoplasma japonicum, C. Phytoplasma luffae, C. Phytoplasma lycopersici, C. Phytoplasma malasianum, C. Phytoplasma mali, C. Phytoplasma omanense, C. Phytoplasma oryzae, C. Phytoplasma palmae, C. Phytoplasma palmicola, C. Phytoplasma phoenicium, C. Phytoplasma pini, C. Phytoplasma pruni, C. Phytoplasma prunorum, C. Phytoplasma pyri, C. Phytoplasma rhamni, C. Phytoplasma rubi, C. Phytoplasma solani, C. Phytoplasma spartii, C.

Phytoplasma sudamericanum, C. Phytoplasma tamaricis, C. Phytoplasma trifolii, C. Phytoplasma ulmi, C. Phytoplasma vitis, C. Phytoplasma ziziphi), Chromobacterium (e.g., C. subtsugae NRRL B-30655 and PRAA4-1, C. vaccinia strains such as NRRL B- 50880, C. violaceum), Chryseomonas, Clavibacter, Clonostachys (e.g., C. rosea f. catenulata (also referred to as Gliocladium catenulatum) strains such as J1446), Clostridium, Coelemomyces, Coelomycidium, Colletotrichum (e.g., C. gloeosporioides strains such as ATCC 52634), Comomonas, Conidiobolus, Coniothyrium (e.g., C. minitans strains such as CON/M/91-08), Cordyceps, Corynebacterium, Couchia, Cryphonectria (e.g., C. parasitica), Cryptococcus (e.g., C. albidus), Cryptophlebia (e.g., C. leucotreta), Culicinomyces, Cupriavidus (e.g., C. alkaliphilus, C. basilensis, C. campinensis, C. gilardii, C. laharis, C. metallidurans, C. numazuensis, C. oxalaticus, C. pampae, C. pauculus, C. pinatubonensis, C. respiraculi, C. taiwanensis), Curtobacterium, Cydia (e.g., C. pomonella strains such as V03 and V22), Dactylaria (e.g., D. candida), Delftia (e.g., D.

acidovorans strains such as RAY209), Desulforibtio, Desulfovibrio, Devosia (e.g., D. neptuniae), Dilophosphora (e.g., D. alopecuri), Engyodontium, Enterobacter, Entomophaga, Entomophthora, Erynia, Escherichia (e.g., E. intermedia),

Eupenicillium, Exiguobacaterium, Filariomyces, Filobasidiella, Flavobacterium (e.g., F. H492 NRRL B-50584), Frankia (e.g., F. alni), Fusarium (e.g., F. laterium, F. oxysporum , F. solani), Gibellula, Gigaspora (e.g.¸G. margarita), Gliocladium (e.g., G.virens strains such as ATCC 52045 and GL-21), Glomus (e.g.¸ G. aggregatum¸G. brasilianum¸G. clarum¸G. deserticola¸G. etunicatum¸G. fasciculatum¸G. intraradices strains such as RTI-801¸ G. monosporum¸ G. mosseae), Gluconobacter,

Halospirulina, Harposporium (e.g., H. anguillulae), Hesperomyces, Hirsutella (e.g., H. minnesotensis, H. rhossiliensis, H. thomsonii strains such as ATCC 24874), Hydrogenophage, Hymenoscyphous (e.g., H. ericae), Hymenostilbe, Hypocrella, Isaria (e.g., I. fumosorosea strains such as Apopka-97 (deposited as ATCC 20874)), Klebsiella (e.g., K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca), Kluyvera, Laccaria (e.g., L. bicolor, L. laccata), Lactobacillus, Lagenidium, Lecanicillium (e.g., L. lecanii strains such as KV01, L. longisporum strains such as KV42 and KV71), Leptolegnia, Lysobacter (e.g., L. antibioticus strains such as 13-1 and HS124, L. enzymogenes strains such as 3.1T8), Massospora, Meristacrum (e.g., M. asterospermum), Mesorhizobium (e.g., M.

abyssinicae, M. albiziae, M. alhagi, M. amorphae, M. australicum, M. camelthorni, M. caraganae, M. chacoense, M. ciceri, M. gobiense, M. hawassense, M. huakuii, M. loti, M. mediterraneum, M. metallidurans, M. muleiense, M. opportunistum, M. plurifarium, M. qingshengii, M. robiniae, M. sangaii, M. septentrionale, M. shangrilense, M. shonense, M. silamurunense, M. tamadayense, M. tarimense, M. temperatum, M. thiogangeticum, M. tianshanense), Metarhizium (e.g., M. anisopliae (also referred to as M. brunneum, Metarrhizium anisopliae, and green muscadine) strains such as IMI 330189, FI-985, FI-1045, F52 (deposited as DSM 3884, DSM 3885, ATCC 90448, SD 170 and ARSEF 7711) and ICIPE 69), M. flavoviride strains such as ATCC 32969), Methylobacterium (e.g., M. adhaesivum, M. aerolatum, M. aminovorans, M. aquaticum, M. brachiatum, M. brachythecii, M. bullatum, M. cerastii, M. chloromethanicum, M. dankookense, M. dichloromethanicum, M. extorquens, M. fujisawaense, M. gnaphalii, M. goesingense, M. gossipiicola, M. gregans, M. haplocladii, M. hispanicum, M. iners, M. isbiliense, M. jeotgali, M. komagatae, M. longum, M. lusitanum, M. marchantiae, M. mesophilicum, M. nodulans, M. organophilum, M. oryzae, M. oxalidis, M. persicinum, M. phyllosphaerae, M. platani, M. podarium, M. populi, M. radiotolerans, M. rhodesianum, M. rhodinum, M. salsuginis, M. soli, M. suomiense, M. tardum, M. tarhaniae, M. thiocyanatum, M. thurigiense, M. trifolii, M. variabile, M.zatmanii), Metschnikowia (e.g., M. fructicola), Microbacterium (e.g., M. laevaniformans), Microdochium (e.g., M. dimerum), Microsphaeropsis (e.g., M. ochracea P130A), Microvirga (e.g., M. aerilata, M. aerophila, M. flocculans, M.

guangxiensis, M. lotononidis, M. lupini, M. subterranea, M. vignae, M. zambiensis), Monacrosporium (e.g., M. cionopagum), Mucor, Muscodor (e.g., M. albus such NRRL 30547, QST 20799 and SA-13, M. roseus strains such as NRRL 30548), Mycoderma, Myiophagus, Myriangium, Myrothecium (e.g., M. verrucaria), Nectria, Nematoctonus (e.g., N. geogenius, N. leiosporus), Neozygites, Nomuraea (e.g., N. rileyi strains such as SA86101, GU87401, SR86151, CG128 and VA9101), Nostoc (e.g., N. azollae, N. caeruleum, N. carneum, N. comminutum, N. commune, N. ellipsosporum, N. flagelliforme, N. linckia, N. longstaffi, N. microscopicum, N. muscorum, N. paludosum, N. pruniforme, N. punctifrome, N. sphaericum, N. sphaeroides, N. spongiaeforme, N. verrucosum), Ochrobactrum (e.g., O. anthropi, O. cicero, O. cytisi, O. daejeonense, O. gallinifaecis, O. grigonense, O. guangzhouense, O. haematophilum, O. intermedium, O. lupini, O. oryzae, O. pectoris, O. pituitosum, O.

pseudointermedium, O. pseudogrignonense, O. rhizosphaerae, O. thiophenivorans,O. tritici), Oidiodendron, Paecilomyces (e.g., P. fumosoroseus strains such as FE991 and FE 9901, P. lilacinus strains such as 251, DSM 15169 and BCP2), Paenibacillus (e.g., P. alvei strains such as NAS6G6, P. azotofixans, P. polymyxa strains such as ABP166 (deposited as NRRL B-50211)), Pandora, Pantoea (e.g., P. agglomerans strains such as NRRL B-21856, P. vagans strains such as C9-1), Paraglomus (e.g., P.

brazilianum), Paraisaria, Pasteuria, Pasteuria (e.g., P. nishizawae strains such as Pn1, P. penetrans, P. ramose, P. sp. strains such as ATCC PTA-9643 and ATCC SD-5832, P. thornea, P. usage), Penicillium (e.g., P. albidum, P. aurantiogriseum, P. bilaiae (formerly known as P. bilaii and P. bilaji) strains such as ATCC 18309, ATCC 20851, ATCC 22348, NRRL 50162, NRRL 50169, NRRL 50776, NRRL 50777, NRRL 50778, NRRL 50777, NRRL 50778, NRRL 50779, NRRL 50780, NRRL 50781, NRRL 50782, NRRL 50783, NRRL 50784, NRRL 50785, NRRL 50786, NRRL 50787, NRRL 50788 and RS7B-SD1, P. brevicompactum strains such as AgRF18, P. canescens strains such as ATCC 10419, P. chyrsogenum, P. citreonigrum, P. citrinum, P. digitatum, P. expansum strains such as ATCC 24692 and YT02, P. fellatanum strains such as ATCC 48694, P. frequentas, P. fuscum, P. fussiporus, P. gaestrivorus strains such as NRRL 50170, P. glabrum strains such as DAOM 239074 and CBS 229.28, P. glaucum, P. griseofulvum, P. implicatum, P. janthinellum strains such as ATCC 10455, P. lanosocoeruleum strains such as ATCC 48919, P. lilacinum, P. minioluteum, P. montanense, P.nigricans, P. oxalicum, P. pinetorum, P.

pinophilum, P. purpurogenum, P. radicum strains such as ATCC 201836, FRR 4717, FRR 4719 and N93/47267, P. raistrickii strains such as ATCC 10490, P. rugulosum, P. simplicissimum, P. solitum, P. variabile, P. velutinum, P. viridicatum), Phingobacterium, Phlebiopsis (e.g., P. gigantea), Photorhabdus, Phyllobacterium (e.g., P. bourgognense, P. brassicacearum, P. catacumbae, P. endophyticum, P. ifriqiyense, P. leguminum, P. loti, P. myrsinacearum, P. sophorae, P. trifolii), Pichia (e.g., P. anomala strains such as WRL-076), Pisolithus (e.g., P. tinctorius), Planktothricoides, Plectonema, Pleurodesmospora, Pochonia (e.g., P. chlamydopora), Podonectria, Polycephalomyces, Prochlorocoous (e.g., P. marinus), Prochloron (e.g., P. didemni), Prochlorothrix, Pseudogibellula, Pseudomonas (e.g., P. agarici, P. antartica, P. aurantiaca, P. aureofaciens, P. azotifigens, P. azotoformans, P. balearica, P. blatchfordae, P. brassicacearum, P. brenneri, P. cannabina, P. cedrina, P. cepacia, P.

chlororaphis strains such as MA 342, P. congelans, P. corrugata, P. costantinii, P. denitrificans, P. entomophila, P. fluorescens strains such as ATCC 27663, CL 145A and A506, P. fragii, P. fuscovaginae, P. fulva, P. gessardii, P. jessenii strains such as PS06, P. kilonensis, P. koreensis, P. libanensis, P. lili, P. lundensis, P. lutea, P. luteola, P. mandelii, P. marginalis, P.

meditrranea, P. meridana, P. migulae, P. moraviensis, P. mucidolens, P. orientalis, P. oryzihabitans, P. palleroniana, P. panacis, P. parafulva, P. peli, P. pertucinogena, P. plecoglossicida, P. protogens, P. proteolytica, P. putida, P. pyrocina strains such as ATCC 15958, P. rhodesiae, P. sp. strains such as DSM 13134, P. striata, P. stutzeri, P. syringae, P. synxantha, P. taetrolens, P. thisvervalensis, P. tolaasii, P. veronii), Pseudozyma (e.g., P. flocculosa strains such as PF-A22 UL), Pythium (e.g., P. oligandrum strains such as DV 74), Rhizobium (e.g., R. aggregatum, R. alamii, R. alkalisoli, P. alvei, P. azibense, P. borbori, R. calliandrae, R.cauense, R. cellulosilyticum, R. daejeonense, R. endolithicum, R. endophyticum, R. etli, R. fabae, R. flavum, R. fredii, R. freirei, R. galegae, R. gallicum, R. giardinii, R. grahamii, R. hainanense, R. halophytocola, R. halotolerans, R. helanshanense, R. herbae, R. huautlense, R. indigoferae, R. jaguaris, R. kunmingense, R. laguerreae, R. larrymoorei, R. leguminosarum strains such as SO12A-2 (IDAC 080305-01), R. lemnae, R. leucaenae, R. loessense, R. lupini, R. lusitanum, R. mayense, R. mesoamericanum, R. mesosinicum, R. miluonense, R. mongolense, R. multihospitium, R. naphthalenivorans, R. nepotum,, R. oryzae, R. pakistanensis, R. paknamense, R. paranaense, R. petrolearium, R. phaseoli, R. phenanthrenilyticum, R. pisi, R. pongamiae, R. populi, R. pseudoryzae, R. pusense, R. qilianshanese, r. radiobacter, R. rhizogenes, R. rhizoryzae, R. rozettiformans, R. rubi, R.

selenitireeducens, R. skierneiwicense, R. smilacinae, R. soli, R. sophorae, R. sophoriradicis, R. sphaerophysae, R. straminoryzae, R. subbaraonis, R. sullae, R. taibaishanense, R. tarimense, R. tibeticum, R. trifolii strains such as RP113-7, R. tropici strains such as SEMIA 4080, R. tubonense, R. undicola, R. vallis, R. viciae strains such as P1NP3Cst, SU303 and WSM 1455, R. vignae, R. vitis, R. yanglingense, R. yantingense), Rhizoctonia, Rhizopogon (e.g., R. amylopogon, R. fulvigleba, R. luteolus, R. villosuli), Rhodococcus, Saccharopolyspora (e.g., S. spinosa), Scleroderma (e.g., S. cepa S. citrinum), Septobasidium, Serratia, Shinella (e.g., S. kummerowiae), Sinorhizoium (e.g., S. abri, S. adhaerens, S. americanum, S. arboris, S. chiapanecum, S. fredii strains such as CCBAU114 and USDA 205, S. garamanticus, S. indiaense, S. kostiense, S. kummerowiae, S. medicae, S. meliloti strains such as MSDJ0848, S. mexicanus, S. numidicus, S. psoraleae, S. saheli, S. sesbaniae, S. sojae, S. terangae, S. xinjiangense), Sorosporella, Sphaerodes (e.g., S. mycoparasitica strains such as IDAC 301008-01), Spodoptera (e.g., S. littoralis),

Sporodiniella, Steinernema (e.g., S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. kraussei strains such as L137), Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces (e.g., S. NRRL B-30145, S. M1064, S. WYE 53 (deposited as ATCC 55750), S. cacaoi strains such as ATCC 19093, S. galbus strains such as NRRL 30232, S. griseoviridis strains such as K61, S. lydicus strains such as WYEC 108 (deposited as ATCC 55445), S. violaceusniger strains such as YCED-9 (deposited as ATCC 55660)), Streptosporangium, Stillbella, Swaminathania, Talaromyces (e.g., T. aculeatus, T. flavus strains such as V117b), Tetranacrium, Thiobacillus, Tilachlidium, Tolypocladium, Tolypothrix, Torrubiella, Torulospora, Trenomyces, Trichoderma (e.g. T. asperellum strains such as SKT-1, T. atroviride strains such as LC52 and CNCM 1-1237, T. fertile strains such as JM41R, T. gamsii strains such as ICC 080, T. hamatum strains such as ATCC 52198, T. harzianum strains such as ATCC 52445, KRL-AG2, T-22, TH-35, T-39 and ICC012, T. polysporum, T. reesi strains such as ATCC 28217 T. stromaticum, T. virens strains such as ATCC 58678, GL-3, GL-21 and G-41, T. viridae strains such as ATCC 52440, ICC080 and TV1), Typhula, Ulocladium (e.g., U. oudemansii strains such as HRU3), Uredinella, Variovorax, Verticillium (e.g., V. chlamydosporum , V. lecanii strains such as ATCC 46578), Vibrio, Xanthobacter,

Xanthomonas. Xenorhadbus, Yersinia (e.g., Y. entomophaga strains such as O82KB8), Zoophthora