IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT & TRADEMARK RECEIVING OFFICE PCT INTERNATIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

POLYMER COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED STABILITY FOR NITROGEN

FIXING MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/776,782, filed December 07, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] The contents of the text file submitted electronically herewith are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: A computer readable format copy of the Sequence Listing filename: PIVO_009_01WO_SeqList_ST25.txt, date created, November 30, 2019, file size ~ 632 kilobytes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] By 2050 the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization projects that total food production must increase by 70% to meet the needs of a growing population, a challenge that is exacerbated by numerous factors, including: diminishing freshwater resources, increasing competition for arable land, rising energy prices, increasing input costs, and the likely need for crops to adapt to the pressures of a drier, hoter, and more extreme global climate.

[0004] Current agricultural practices are not well equipped to meet this growing demand for food production, while simultaneously balancing the environmental impacts that result from increased agricultural intensity.

[0005] One of the major agricultural inputs needed to satisfy global food demand is nitrogen fertilizer. However, the current industrial standard utilized to produce nitrogen fertilizer, is an artificial nitrogen fixation method called the Haber-Bosch process, which converts atmospheric nitrogen (N½) to ammonia (NIL) by a reaction with hydrogen (Eh) using a metal catalyst under high temperatures and pressures. This process is resource intensive and deleterious to the environment.

[0006] In contrast to the synthetic Haber-Bosch process, certain biological systems have evolved to fix atmospheric nitrogen. These systems utilize an enzyme called nitrogenase that catalyzes the reaction between N2 and Eh, and results in nitrogen fixation. For example, rhizobia are diazotrophic bacteria that fix nitrogen after becoming established inside root nodules of legumes. An important goal of nitrogen fixation research is the extension of this phenotype to non- leguminous plants, particularly to important agronomic grasses such as wheat, rice, and com. However, despite the significant progress made in understan ding the devel opment of the nitrogen fixing symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes, the path to use that knowledge to induce nitrogen fixing nodules on non-leguminous crops is still not clear.

[0007] Consequently, the vast majority of modem row crop agriculture utilizes nitrogen fertilizer that is produced via the resource intensive and environmentally deleterious Haber-Bosch process. For instance, the USDA indicates that the average U.S corn farmer typically applies between 130 and 200 lb. of nitrogen per acre (146 to 224 kg/ha). This nitrogen is not only produced m a resource intensive synthetic process, but is applied by heavy machiner crossing/impacting the field’s soil, burning petroleum, and requiring hours of human labor.

[0008] Furthermore, the nitrogen fertilizer produced by the industrial Haber-Bosch process is not well utilized by the target crop. Rain, runoff, heat, volatilization, and the soil microbiome degrade the applied chemical fertilizer. This equates to not only wasted money, but also adds to increased pollution instead of harvested yield. To this end, the United Nations has calculated that nearly 80% of fertilizer is lost before a crop can utilize it. Consequently, modern agricultural fertilizer production and delivery is not only deleterious to the environment, but it is extremely inefficient.

[0009] While improved microbes capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen are desirable, methods of preserving the microbes or extending the natural stability of the microbes are further desirable.

[0010] In order to meet the world’s growing food supply needs— while also balancing resource utilization and providing minimal impacts upon environmental systems— a better approach to nitrogen fixation and delivery to plants is urgently needed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The disclosure provides compositions, and methods of creating said compositions, which are able to preserve nitrogen fixing microbes. The microbial compositions taught herein are stable. That is, the microbial viability in said compositions is improved.

[0012] Thus, in embodiments, a microbial composition, comprising: one or more isolated bacteria; and a polymer composition comprising one or more polymers, wherein the one or more polymers are exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria, is taught. The microbial composition may further comprise: one or more biofilms exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria. In embodiments, the one or more biofilms comprise species within a genus selected from the following genera: Pseudomonas, Kosakonia, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Candida, Saccharomyces, and Agrobacterium In embodiments, the one or more biofilms comprise Kosakonia sacchari. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella and the one or more biofilms comprise a microbe of the genus Kosakonia. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiella variicola and the one or more biofilms comprise Kosakonia sacchari. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiella variicola 137-1036 strain and the one or more biofilms coixvpxri&Kosakonia sacchari. In embodiments, the one or more biofilms comprises two biofilms produced by two different biofilm producing microbes. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from the following genera: Achromobacter, Agrobacterium, Anabaena, Azorhizohium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Candida, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Kosakonia, Mesorhizobium, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Rahnella, Rhizobium, Saccharomyces, Sinorhizobium, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from: Achromobacter marpJatensis, Achromobacter spiritinm, Azospirillum Upoferum, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella variicola, Kluyvera intermedia, Kosakonia pseudosacchari, Kosakonia sacchari, Microbacterium murale, Rahnella aquatilis, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is & Klebsiella variicola. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is a Klebsiella variicola 137-1036 strain.

[0013] In embodiments, the one or more polymers are selected from: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (PVP-VA), carboxymethyi cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, alginate, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the one or more polymers is polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (PVP-VA). In embodiments, the one or more polymers is an electrospun polymer. In embodiments, the one or more polymers comprises a copolymer. In embodiments, the one or more isolated bacteria is capable of fixing nitrogen.

[0014] In embodiments, the viability of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers. In embodiments, the viability of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored for at least 30 days, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers. In embodiments, the viabili ty of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored in liquid culture. In aspects, the term “stability” is used, which in the context of the disclosure often relates to the“viability” of the microbes found in the composition

[0015] In aspects, the composition is a solid, liquid, or semi-solid. In aspects, the composition is a seed coat present on a plant seed or other plant propagation material. In aspects, the composition is a seed coat present on a corn seed that has an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or nematicide present on said seed. In aspects, the composition is an in-furrow formulation

[0016] In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospheric. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are wild type bacteria. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are transgenic bacteria. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria selected from Table 1 , or progeny or derivatives thereof. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are non- intergeneric remodeled bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria comprising: at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulator _} network. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria comprises an introduced control sequence operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into a member selected from the group consisting of: nifA, nifL, ntrB, ntrC, polynucleotide encoding glutamine synthetase, glnA, glnB, glnK, drat, amtB, polynucleotide encoding glutaminase, glnD, glnE, nifJ, nifli , nifD, nijK, nifY, niJE, niJN, niflJ, nifS, nifV, nifW, nijZ, nijM, nifF, nifli, niJQ, a gene associated with biosynthesis of a mtrogenase enzyme, or combinations thereof. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network that results in one or more of: increased expression or activity' of NifA or glutaminase; decreased expression or activity of NifL, NtrB, glutamine synthetase, GlnB, GlnK, DraT, AmtB, decreased adenylyl-removing activity' of GlnE: or decreased uridyly 1 -removing activity of GlnD. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nifL gene. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated ginE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl -removing (AR) domain. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one of: a mutated nijL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene; a mutated ginE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain; a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene; and combinations thereof. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nijL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene and a mutated ginE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nijL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene, a mutated ginE gene that results m a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain, and a mutated amtB gene that results the lack of expression of said amtB gene. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes involved in a pathway selected from the group consisting of: exopolysaccharide production, endo-polygaiaturonase production, trehalose production, and glutamine conversion. In aspects, each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes selected from the group consisting of: bcsii, bcsiii , yjbE, jhaB , pehA, otsB, treZ, g!sA2, and combinations thereof. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria selected from: a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201701002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708004, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708003, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712001, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712002, and combinations thereof. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence that shares at least about 90%, 95%, or 99% sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 177- 260, 296-303, and 458-469. In aspects, the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 177-260, 296-303, and 458-469.

[0017] In some aspects, the compositions of the disclosure are synergistic, in that the elements of the composition lead to microbial viability that is more than the additive viability that would be seen from each individual component of the composition on its own. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG, 1A depicts an overview of the guided microbial remodeling process, in accordance with embodiments.

[0019] FIG, IB depicts an expanded view of the measurement of microbiome composition as shown in FIG, LA.

[0020] FIG, 1C depicts a problematic“traditional bioprospecting” approach, which has several drawbacks compared to the taught guided microbial remodeling (GMR) platform

[0021] FIG. ID depicts a problematic“field- first approach to bioprospecting” system, which has several drawbacks compared to the taught guided microbial remodeling (GMR) platform.

[0022] FIG. I E depicts the time period in the corn growth cycle, at which nitrogen is needed most by the plant.

[0023] FIG. IF depicts an overview of a field development process for a remodeled microbe.

[0024] FIG. 1G depicts an overview of a guided microbial remodeling platform embodiment.

[0025] FIG. HI depicts an overview' of a computationally-guided microbial remodeling platform.

[0026] FIG. II depicts the use of field data combined with modeling in aspects of the guided microbial remodeling platform.

[0027] FIG. 1 J depicts 5 properties that can be possessed by remodeled microbes of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. IK depicts a schematic of a remodeling approach for a microbe, PBC6.1.

[0029] FIG. 1L depicts decoupled nifA expression from endogenous nitrogen regulation in remodeled microbes.

[0030] FIG. 1M depicts improved assimilation and excretion of fixed nitrogen by remodeled microbes.

[0031] FIG. IN depicts corn yield improvement attributable to remodeled microbes.

[0032] FIG. lO illustrates the inefficiency of current nitrogen delivery systems, which result in under fertilized fields, over fertilized fields, and environmentally deleterious nitrogen runoff.

[0033] FIG, 2A depicts stability of 137-1036 formulation after 1-week storage at 25°C.

[0034] FIG. 2B depicts stability of 137-1036 formulation after 1 -week storage at 37°C.

[0035] FIG, 3A depicts stability of 137-1036 formulation after 2-weeks storage at 25°C.

[0036] FIG. 3B depicts stability of 137-1036 formulation after 2-weeks storage at 37°C.

[0037] FIG, 4A depicts stability of 137-1034 formulation after 1-week storage at 25°C. [0038] FIG. 4B depicts stability of 137-1034 formulation after 1 -week storage at 37°C.

[0039] FIG. 5A depicts stability of 137-1034 formulation after 2-weeks storage at 25°C.

[0040] FIG. SB depicts stability of 137-1034 formulation after 2-weeks storage at 37°C.

[0041] FIG 6A depicts stability' of 137- 1036 formulation comprising biofilm and PVP-VA at 37°C storage for 30 days. The viability loss comparison demonstrates that at any given biofilm concentration, addition of 5% PVP-VA improved the in-can viability loss (lower log loss).

[0042] FIG 6B depicts stability of 137-1036 formulation comprising biofilm and PVP-VA at 25°C storage for 30 days. The viability loss comparison demonstrates that at 20% and 5% biofilm, addition of 5% PVP-VA improved the in-can viability loss (lower log loss), 10% biofilm was not conclusive.

[0043] FIG 6C depicts stability of 137-1034 formulation comprising biofilm and PVP-VA at 37°C storage for 30 days. The viability loss comparison demonstrates that at any given biofilm concentration, addition of 5% PVP-VA improved the in-can viability loss (lower log loss). There was no benefit detected at 25C

[0044] FIG. 7A depicts the results of a PVP-VA formulation stability study at 4°C, which demonstrated a variable stability response across different commercial com germplasms. As illustrated, some corn seeds maintained target CFU/seed over 7 weeks, whereas others lose viability more rapidly. Viability loss w¾s higher in formulations without PVP-VA and impact of PVP-VA was dependent on seed type.

[0045] FIG. 7B depicts the results of a PVP-VA formulation stability' study at 10°C, which demonstrated a variable stability' response across different commercial com germplasms. As illustrated, different hybrid seeds showed different stability responses to PVP-VA. While PVP- VA had positive impact on ail seeds, PVP-VA impacts on seed stability was more pronounced for seeds with more negative impact on microbe. Channel seeds > Heine seeds > Golden Harvest seed [0046] FIG. 7C depicts the results of a PVP-VA formulation stability study at 25°C, which demonstrated that all cells lost viability within 1 week, regardless of commercial corn germplasm, or PVP-VA treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0047] While various embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed.

[0048] Increased fertilizer utilization brings with it environmental concerns and is also likely not possible for many economically stressed regions of the globe. Furthermore, many industry players in the microbial arena are focused on creating intergeneric microbes. However, there is a heavy regulatory burden placed on engineered microbes that are characterized/classified as intergeneric. These intergeneric microbes face not only a higher regulatory burden, which makes widespread adoption and implementation difficult, but they also face a great deal of public perception scrutiny.

[0049] Currently, there are no engineered microbes on the market that are non-intergeneric and that are capable of increasing nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops. This dearth of such a microbe is a missing element in helping to usher in a truly environmentally friendly and more sustainable 21 ^st century agricultural system.

[0050] The present disclosure solves the aforementioned problems and provides a non intergeneric microbe that has been engineered to readily fix nitrogen in crops. These microbes are not charactenzed/classified as intergeneric microbes and thus will not face the steep regulatory burdens of such. Further, the taught non- intergeneric microbes will serve to help 21 ^st century farmers become less dependent upon utilizing ever increasing amounts of exogenous nitrogen fertilizer.

Definitions

[0051] The use of the terms“a” and“an” and“the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms“comprising,”“having,”“including,” and“containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it w ^r ere individually recited herein. For example, if the range 10-15 is disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary' language (e.g.,“such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essentia l to the practice of the disclosure.

[0052] The terms“polynucleotide”,“nucleotide”,“nucleotide sequence”, “nucleic acid” and “oligonucleotide” are used interchangeably. They refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof. Polynucleotides may- have any three dimensional structure, and may perform any function, known or unknown. The following are non-limiting examples of polynucleotides: coding or non-coding regions of a gene or gene fragment, loci (locus) defined from linkage analysis, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), short- hairpin RNA (shRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), nbozymes, cDNA, recombinant polynucleotides, branched polynucleotides, plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and primers. A polynucleotide may comprise one or more modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. If present, modifications to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted by non-nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may be further modified after polymerization, such as by conjugation with a labeling component.

[0053]“Hybridization” refers to a reaction m which one or more polynucleotides react to form a complex that is stabilized via hydrogen bonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues. The hydrogen bonding may occur by Watson Crick base pairing, Hoogstein binding, or in any other sequence specific manner according to base complementarity. The complex may comprise two strands forming a duplex structure, three or more strands forming a multi stranded complex, a single self-hybridizing strand, or any combination of these. A hybridization reaction may constitute a step in a more extensive process, such as the initiation of PCR, or the enzymatic cleavage of a polynucleotide by an endonuclease. A second sequence that is complementary to a first sequence is referred to as the“complement” of the first sequence. The term“hybridizable” as applied to a polynucleotide refers to the ability- of the polynucleotide to form a complex that is stabilized via hydrogen bonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues in a hybridization reaction.

[0054] As used herein,“biofilm” or“mature biofilm” refers to associated and/or accumulated and/or aggregated microbial cells, their products (e.g. exopolymeric substances) and inorganic particles adherent to a living or inert surface. [0055] As used herein,“polymer” or“polymeric substance” refers to a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization/copolymerization and comprising repeating structural units. The term“polymer” is understood to encompass a polymer comprising repeating units of the same monomer and a polymer comprising repeating units of two or more different types of monomers (copolymer).

[0056] As used herein, a polymer“substantially free of solvent” contains less than about 1 ,000 parts per million solvent

[0057] As used herein,‘log loss” is the log {initial CFU/'ml} - log (CFU/ml after storage}.

[0058]“Complementarity” refers to the ability of a nucleic acid to form hydrogen bond(s) with another nucleic acid sequence by either traditional Watson-Crick or other non-traditional types. A percent complementarity indicates the percentage of residues in a nucleic acid molecule which can form hydrogen bonds (e.g., Watson-Crick base pairing) with a second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 out of 10 being 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% complementary, respectively).“Perfectly complementary” means that all the contiguous residues of a nucleic acid sequence will hydrogen bond with the same number of contiguous residues in a second nucleic acid sequence. “Substantially complementary” as used herein refers to a degree of complementarity that is at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% over a region of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more nucleotides, or refers to two nucleic acids that hybridize under stringent conditions. Sequence identity, such as for the purpose of assessing percent complementarity, may be measured by any suitable alignment algorithm, including but not limited to the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (see e.g. the EMBOSS Needle aligner available at www.ebi.ac.uk/Tools/psa/emboss_needle/nucleotide.html, optionally with default settings), the BLAST algorithm (see e.g. the BLAST alignment tool available at blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi, optionally with default settings), or the Smith-Waterman algorithm (see e.g. the EMBOSS Water aligner available at www.ebi.ac.uk/Tools/psa/emboss_water/nucleotide.html, optionally with default settings). Optimal alignment may be assessed using any suitable parameters of a chosen algorithm, including default parameters.

[0059] In general,“stringent conditions” for hybridization refer to conditions under which a nucleic acid having complementarity to a target sequence predominantly hybridizes with a target sequence, and substantially does not hybridize to non-target sequences. Stringent conditions are generally sequence-dependent and vary depending on a number of factors. In general, the longer the sequence, the higher the temperature at which the sequence specifically hybridizes to its target sequence. Non-limiting examples of stringent conditions are described in detail in Tijssen (1993), Laboratory Techniques In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology-Hybridization With Nucl eic Acid Probes Part I, Second Chapter“Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleic acid probe assay”, Elsevier, N.Y.

[0060] As used herein,“expression” refers to the process by which a polynucleotide is transcribed from a DNA template (such as into and mRNA or other RNA transcript) and/or the process by which a transcribed mRNA is subsequently translated into peptides, polypeptides, or proteins. Transcripts and encoded polypeptides may be collectively referred to as“gene product.” If the polynucleotide is derived from genomic DNA, expression may include splicing of the mRNA in a eukaryotic cell.

[0061] The terms“polypeptide”,“peptide” and“protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of ammo acids of any length. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified ammo acids, and it may be interrupted by non-ammo acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycGsylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation, such as conjugation with a labeling component. As used herein the term“ammo acid” includes natural and/or unnatural or synthetic amino acids, including glycine and both the D or L optical isomers, and amino acid analogs and peptidomimetics.

[0062] As used herein, the term“about” is used synonymously with the term“approximately.” Illustratively, the use of the term“about” with regard to an amount indicates that values slightly outside the cited values, e.g., plus or minus 0.1% to 10%.

[0063] The term“biologically pure culture” or“substantially pure culture” refers to a culture of a bacterial species described herein containing no other bacterial species in quantities sufficient to interfere with the replication of the culture or be detected by normal bacteriological techniques.

[0064]“Plant productivity” refers generally to any aspect of growth or development of a plant that is a reason for which the plant is grown. For food crops, such as grains or vegetables,“plant productivity'” can refer to the yield of grain or fruit harvested from a particular crop. As used herein, improved plant productivity refers broadly to improvements in yield of grain, fruit, flowers, or other plant parts harvested for various purposes, improvements in growth of plant parts, including stems, leaves and roots, promotion of plant growth, maintenance of high chlorophyll content in leaves, increasing fruit or seed numbers, increasing fruit or seed unit weight, reducing NO2 emission due to reduced nitrogen fertilizer usage and similar improvements of the growth and development of plants.

[0065] Microbes in and around food crops can influence the traits of those crops. Plant traits that may be influenced by microbes include: yield (e.g., grain production, biomass generation, fruit development, flower set); nutrition (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, micronutrient acquisition); abiotic stress management (e.g., drought tolerance, salt tolerance, heat tolerance); and biotic stress management (e.g, pest, weeds, insects, fungi, and bacteria). Strategies for altering crop traits include: increasing key metabolite concentrations; changing temporal dynamics of microbe influence on key metabolites; linking microbial metabolite production/degradation to new environmental cues; reducing negative metabolites; and improving the balance of metabolites or underlying proteins.

[0066] As used herein, a “control sequence” refers to an operator, promoter, silencer, or terminator.

[0067] As used herein,“in p!anta” may refer to in the plant, on the plant, or intimately associated with the plant, depending upon context of usage (e.g. endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospheric associations). The plant may comprise plant parts, tissue, leaves, roots, root hairs, rhizomes, stems, seed, ovules, pollen, flowers, fruit, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, native or endogenous control sequences of genes of the present disclosure are replaced with one or more intrageneric control sequences.

[0069] As used herein,“introduced” refers to the introduction by means of modern biotechnology, and not a naturally occurring introduction.

[0070] In some embodiments, the bacteria of the present disclosure have been modified such that they are not naturally occurring bacteria.

[0071] In some embodiments, the bacteria of the present disclosure are present in the plant in an amount of at least 10 ³ cfu, 10 ⁴ cfu, lO ⁵ cfu, ! 0 ⁶ cfu, 10' cfu, 10 ^s cfu, ! 0 ⁹ cfu, IO ¹⁰ cfu, 10 ¹¹ cfu, or 10 ¹² cfu per gram of fresh or dry weight of the plant. In some embodiments, the bacteria of the present disclosure are present in the plant in an amount of at least about 10 ³ cfu, about iO ⁴ cfu, about I0 ⁵ cfu, about 10° cfu, about 10' cfu, about 10 ^s cfu, about 10 ⁹ cfu, about IO ¹⁰ cfu, about 10 ¹¹ cfu, or about 10 ⁱ cfu per gram of fresh or dry weight of the plant. In some embodiments, the bacteria of the present disclosure are present in the plant in an amount of at least 1 Q ³ to 10 ⁹ , 10 ³ to 10 ⁷ , 10 ³ to 10 ⁵ , 10 ⁵ to I0 ⁹ , lO ⁵ to 10 ⁷ , 10 ⁶ to 10 ¹⁰ , I0 ⁶ to 10 ⁷ cfu per gram of fresh or dry weight of the plant.

[0072] Fertilizers and exogenous nitrogen of the present disclosure may comprise the following nitrogen-containing molecules: ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, glutamine, etc. Nitrogen sources of the present disclosure may include anhydrous ammonia, ammonia sulfate, urea, diammonium phosphate, urea-form, monoammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, nitrogen solutions, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, etc.

[0073] As used herein,“exogenous nitrogen” refers to non-atmospheric nitrogen readily available in the soil, field, or growth medium that is present under non-nitrogen limiting conditions, including ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, urea, uric acid, ammonium acids, etc.

[0074] As used herein,“non-nitrogen limiting conditions” refers to non-atmospheric nitrogen available m the soil, field, media at concentrations greater than about 4 ml nitrogen, as disclosed by Kant et al. (2010. J. Exp. Biol. 62(4): 1499-1509), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] As used herein, an“intergeneric microorganism” is a microorganism that is formed by the deliberate combination of genetic material originally isolated from organisms of different taxonomic genera. An“intergeneric mutant” can be used interchangeably with“intergeneric microorganism”. An exemplary “intergeneric microorganism” includes a microorganism containing a mobile genetic element which was first identified in a microorganism in a genus different from the recipient microorganism. Further explanation can be found, inter alia, m 40 C.F.R. § 725.3.

[0076] In aspects, microbes taught herein are“non-intergeneric,” which means that the microbes are not intergeneric.

[0077] As used herein, an“intrageneric microorganism” is a microorganism that is formed by the deliberate combination of genetic material originally isolated from organisms of the same taxonomic genera. An“intrageneric mutant” can be used interchangeably with“intrageneric microorganism”.

[0078] As used herein,“introduced genetic material” means genetic material that is added to, and remains as a component of, the genome of the recipient.

[0079] As used herein, in the context of non-intergeneric microorganisms, the term“remodeled” is used synonymously with the term“engineered”. Consequently, a“non-intergeneric remodeled microorganism” has a synonymous meaning to“non-intergeneric engineered microorganism,” and will be utilized interchangeably. Further, the disclosure may refer to an“engineered strain” or “engineered derivative” or “engineered non-intergeneric microbe,” these terms are used synonymously with“remodeled strain” or“remodeled derivative” or“remodeled non-intergeneric microbe.”

[008Q] In some embodiments, the nitrogen fixation and assimilation genetic regulatory network comprises polynucleotides encoding genes and non-coding sequences that direct, modulate, and/or regulate microbial nitrogen fixation and/or assimilation and can comprise polynucleotide sequences of the «//cluster (e.g , nif A, nij , nif , . m /-} polynucleotides encoding nitrogen regulatory protein C, polynucleotides encoding nitrogen regulatory protein B, polynucleotide sequences of the gin cluster (e.g. gin A and glnD), draT, and ammonia transporters/permeases. In some cases, the Nif cluster may comprise NifB, NifH, NifD, NifK, NifE, NifN, NifX, hesa, and NifV. In some cases, the Nif cluster may comprise a subset of NifB, NifH, NifD, NifK, NifE, NifN, NifX, hesa, and NifV.

[0081] In some embodiments, fertilizer of the present disclosure comprises at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 1 1%, 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%, 40%, 41%,

42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%,

59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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% nitrogen by weight.

[0082] In some embodiments, fertilizer of the present disclosure comprises at least about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about

22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about

30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about

38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about 43%, about 44%, about 45%, about

46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about

54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about 60%, about 61%, about

62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about

70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about

78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about

86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91 %, about 92%, about 93%, about

94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% nitrogen by weight. [0083] In some embodiments, fertilizer of the present disclosure comprises about 5% to 50%, about 5% to 75%, about 10% to 50%, about 10% to 75%, about 15% to 50%, about 15% to 75%, about 20% to 50%, about 20% to 75%, about 25% to 50%, about 25% to 75%, about 30% to 50%, about 30% to 75%, about 35% to 50%, about 35% to 75%, about 40% to 50%, about 40% to 75%, about 45% to 50%, about 45% to 75%, or about 50% to 75% nitrogen by weight

[0084] In some embodiments, the increase of nitrogen fixation and/or the production of 1% or more of the nitrogen in the plant are measured relative to control plants, which have not been exposed to the bacteria of the present disclosure. All increases or decreases in bacteria are measured relative to control bacteria. All increases or decreases in plants are measured relative to control plants.

[0085] As used herein, a“constitutive promoter” is a promoter, which is active under most conditions and/or during most development stages. There are several advantages to using constitutive promoters in expression vectors used in biotechnology, such as: high level of production of proteins used to select transgenic cells or organisms; high level of expression of reporter proteins or scorahle markers, allowing easy detection and quantification; high level of production of a transcription factor that is part of a regulatory transcription system; production of compounds that requires ubiquitous activity m the organism; and production of compounds that are required during all stages of development. Non-limiting exemplary constitutive promoters include, CaMV 35S promoter, opine promoters, ubiquitin promoter, alcohol dehydrogenase promoter, etc.

[0086] As used herein, a“non- constitutive promoter” is a promoter which is active under certain conditions, in certain types of cells, and/or during certain development stages. For example, tissue specific, tissue preferred, cell type specific, cell type preferred, inducible promoters, and promoters under development control are non-constitutive promoters. Examples of promoters under developmental control include promoters that preferentially initiate transcription m certain tissues.

[0087] As used herein,“inducible” or“repressib!e” promoter is a promoter which is under chemical or environmental factors control. Examples of environmental conditions that may affect transcription by inducible promoters include anaerobic conditions, certain chemicals, the presence of light, acidic or basic conditions, etc.

[0088] As used herein, a“tissue specific” promoter is a promoter that initiates transcription only in certain tissues. Unlike constitutive expression of genes, tissue-specific expression is the result of several interacting levels of gene regulation. As such, m the art sometimes it is preferable to use promoters from homologous or closely related species to achieve efficient and reliable expression of transgenes in particular tissues. This is one of the main reasons for the large amount of tissue-specific promoters isolated from particular tissues found in both scientific and patent literature.

[0089] As used herein, the term“operably linked” refers to the association of nucleic acid sequences on a single nucleic acid fragment so that the function of one is regulated by the other. For example, a promoter is operably linked with a coding sequence when it is capable of regulating the expression of that coding sequence (i.e., that the coding sequence is under the transcriptional control of the promoter). Coding sequences can be operably linked to regulatory sequences in a sense or antisense orientation. In another example, the complementary RNA regions of the disclosure can be operably linked, either directly or indirectly, 5' to the target mRNA, or 3' to the target mRNA, or within the target mRNA, or a first complementar region is 5' and its complement is 3 ^f to the target mRNA.

[0090] In aspects,“applying to the plant a plurality of non-intergeneric bacteria,” includes any means by which the plant (including plant parts such as a seed, root, stem, tissue, etc.) is made to come into contact {i.e. exposed) with said bacteria at any stage of the plant’s life cycle. Consequently,“applying to the plant a plurality of non-intergeneric bacteria,” includes any of the following means of exposing the plant (including plant parts such as a seed, root, stem, tissue, etc.) to said bacteria: spraying onto plant, dripping onto plant, applying as a seed coat, applying to a field that will then be planted with seed, applying to a field already planted with seed, applying to a field with adult plants, etc.

[0091] As used herein“MRTN” is an acronym for maximum return to nitrogen and is utilized as an experimental treatment in the Examples. MRTN was developed by Iowa State University and information can be found at: //cnrc. agron.iastate.edu/ The MRTN is the nitrogen rate where the economic net return to nitrogen application is maximized. The approach to calculating the MRTN is a regional approach for developing com nitrogen rate guidelines in individual states. The nitrogen rate trial data was evaluated for Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin where an adequate number of research trials were available for corn plantings following soybean and com plantings following com. The trials were conducted with spring, side dress, or split preplant/side dress applied nitrogen, and sites were not irrigated except for those that were indicated for irrigated sands in Wisconsin. MRTN was developed by Iowa State University due to apparent differences in methods for determining suggested nitrogen rates required for corn production, misperceptions pertaining to nitrogen rate guidelines, and concerns about application rates. By calculating the MRTN, practitioners can determine the following: (1) the nitrogen rate where the economic net return to nitrogen application is maximized, (2) the economic optimum nitrogen rate, which is the point where the last increment of nitrogen returns a yield increase large enough to pay for the additional nitrogen, (3) the value of corn grain increase attributed to nitrogen application, and the maximum yield, which is the yield where application of more nitrogen does not result in a corn yield increase. Thus the MRTN calculations provide practitioners with the means to maximize corn crops in different regions while maximizing financial gains from nitrogen applications.

[0092] The term mmol is an abbreviation for millimole, which is a thousandth ( 10’ ) of a mole, abbreviated herein as mol.

[0093] As used herein the terms“microorganism” or“microbe” should be taken broadly. These terms, used interchangeably, include but are not limited to, the two prokaryotic domains, Bacteria and Archaea. The term may also encompass eukaryotic fungi and protists.

[0094] The term“microbial consortia” or“microbial consortium” refers to a subset of a microbial community of individual microbial species, or strains of a species, which can be described as carrying out a common function, or can be described as participating in, or leading to, or correlating with, a recognizable parameter, such as a phenotypic trait of interest.

[0095] The term“microbial community” means a group of microbes comprising two or more species or strains. Unlike microbial consortia, a microbial community does not have to be carrying out a common function, or does not have to be participating m, or leading to, or correlating with, a recognizable parameter, such as a phenotypic trait of interest.

[0096] As used herein,“isolate,”“isolated,”“isolated microbe,” and like terms, are intended to mean that the one or more microorganisms has been separated from at least one of the materials with which it is associated in a particular environment (for example soil, water, plant tissue, etc.). Thus, an“isolated microbe” does not exist in its naturally occurring environment; rather, it is through the various techniques described herein that the microbe has been removed from its natural setting and placed into a non-naturally occurring state of existence. Thus, the isolated strain or isolated microbe may exist as, for example, a biologically pure culture, or as spores (or other forms of the strain). In aspects, the isolated microbe may be in association with an acceptable carrier, which may be an agriculturally acceptable carrier. [0097] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the isolated microbes exist as“isolated and biologically pure cultures.” It will be appreciated by one of skill m the art, that an isolated and biologically pure culture of a particular microbe, denotes that said culture is substantially free of other living organisms and contains only the individual microbe in question. The culture can contain varying concentrations of said microbe. The present disclosure notes that isolated and biologically pure microbes often“necessarily differ from less pure or impure materials.” See, e.g. In re Bergstrom, 427 F.2d 1394, (CCPA 1970)(discussing purified prostaglandins), see also, In re Bergy, 596 F 2d 952 (CCPA 1979)(discussing purified microbes), see also, Parke-Davis & Co. v. ILK. Mulford & Co. , 189 F 95 (S.D.N. Y. 191 1 ) (Learned Hand discussing purified adrenaline), affi d in part, rev’d in part, 196 F. 496 (2d Cir. 1912), each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, in some aspects, the disclosure provides for certain quantitative measures of the concentration, or purity limitations, that must be found within an isolated and biologically pure microbial culture. The presence of these puri ty values, in certain embodiments, is a further attribute that distinguishes the presently disclosed microbes from those microbes existing in a natural state. See, e.g., Merck & Co. v. Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp., 253 F.2d 156 (4th Cir. 1958) (discussing purity limitations for vitamin B12 produced by microbes), incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] As used herein,“individual isolates” should be taken to mean a composition, or culture, comprising a predominance of a single genera, species, or strain, of microorganism, following separation from one or more other microorganisms.

[0099] Microbes of the present disclosure may include spores and/or vegetative cells. In some embodiments, microbes of the present disclosure include microbes in a viable but non-cuiturable (VBNC) state. As used herein,“spore” or“spores” refer to structures produced by bacteria and fungi that are adapted for survival and dispersal. Spores are generally characterized as dormant structures; however, spores are capable of differentiation through the process of germination. Germination is the differentiation of spores into vegetative cells that are capable of metabolic activity', growth, and reproduction. The germination of a single spore results in a single fungal or bacterial vegetative cell. Fungal spores are units of asexual reproduction, and m some cases are necessary ⁷ structures in fungal life cycles. Bacterial spores are structures for surviving conditions that may ordinarily be nonconducive to the survival or growth of vegetative cells.

[0100] As used herein,“microbial composition” refers to a composition comprising one or more microbes of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a microbial composition is administered to plants (including various plant parts) and/or in agricultural fields. [0101] As used herein,“carrier,”“acceptable carrier,” or“agriculturally acceptable carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the microbe can be administered, which does not detrimentally effect the microbe.

Regulation of Nitrogen Fixation

[0102] In some cases, nitrogen fixation pathway may act as a target for genetic engineering and optimization. One trait that may be targeted for regulation by the methods described herein is nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fertilizer is the largest operational expense on a farm and the biggest driver of higher yields in row crops like corn and wheat. Described herein are microbial products that can deliver renewable forms of nitrogen in non-leguminous crops. While some endophytes have the genetics necessary for fixing nitrogen in pure culture, the fundamental technical challenge is that wild-type endophytes of cereals and grasses stop fixing nitrogen in fertilized fields. The application of chemical fertilizers and residual nitrogen levels in field soils signal the microbe to shut down the biochemical pathway for nitrogen fixation.

[0103] Changes to the transcriptional and post-translational levels of components of the nitrogen fixation regulatory network may be beneficial to the development of a microbe capable of fixing and transferring nitrogen to corn in the presence of fertilizer. To that end, described herein is Host- Microbe Evolution (HoME) technology to precisely evolve regulatory networks and elicit novel phenotypes. Also described herein are unique, proprietary libraries of nitrogen-fixing endophytes isolated from com, paired with extensive omics data surrounding the interaction of microbes and host plant under different environmental conditions like nitrogen stress and excess. In some embodiments, this technology enables precision evolution of the genetic regulatory network of endophytes to produce microbes that actively fix nitrogen even in the presence of fertilizer in the field. Also described herein are evaluations of the technical potential of evolving microbes that colonize corn root tissues and produce nitrogen for fertilized plants and evaluations of the compatibility of endophytes with standard formulation practices and diverse soils to determine feasibility of integrating the microbes into modern nitrogen management strategies.

[0104] In order to utilize elemental nitrogen (N) for chemical synthesis, life forms combine nitrogen gas (N2) available in the atmosphere with hydrogen in a process known as nitrogen fixation. Because of the energy-intensive nature of biological nitrogen fixation, diazotrophs (bacteria and arehaea that fix atmospheric nitrogen gas) have evolved sophisticated and tight regulation of the nif gene cluster in response to environmental oxygen and available nitrogen. Nif genes encode enzymes involved in nitrogen fixation (such as the nitrogenase complex) and proteins that regulate nitrogen fixation. Shamseldin (2013. Global J. Biotechnol. Biochem. 8(4): 84-94) discloses detailed descriptions of nif genes and their products, and is incorporated herein by reference. Described herein are methods of producing a plant with an improved trait comprising isolating bacteria from a first plant, introducing a genetic variation into a gene of the isolated bacteria to increase nitrogen fixation, exposing a second plant to the variant bacteria, isolating bacteria from the second plant having an improved trait relative to the first plant, and repeating the steps with bacteria isolated from the second plant.

[0105] In Proteobacteria, regulation of nitrogen fixation centers around the os4-dependent enhancer-binding protein Nif A, the positive transcriptional regulator of the nif cluster. Intracellular levels of active NifA are controlled by two key factors: transcription of the niflA operon, and inhibition of NifA activity by protein-protein interaction with NifL. Both of these processes are responsive to intracellular glutamine levels via the PII protein signaling cascade. This cascade is mediated by GlnD, which directly senses glutamine and catalyzes the uridylylation or deuridylylation of two PII regulator} proteins - GlnB and GlnK - m response the absence or presence, respectively, of bound glutamine. Under conditions of nitrogen excess, unmodified GlnB signals the deactivation of the nifLA promoter. However, under conditions of nitrogen limitation, GlnB is post-translationally modified, which inhibits its activity and leads to transcription of the nifLA operon. In this way, nifLA transcription is tightly controlled in response to environmental nitrogen via the PII protein signaling cascade. On the post-translational level of NifA regulation, GlnK inhibits the NifL/NifA interaction in a matter dependent on the overall level of free GlnK within the ceil.

[0106] NifA is transcribed from the nifLA operon, whose promoter is activated by phosphorylated NtrC, another a54-dependent regulator. The phosphorylation state of NtrC is mediated by the histidine kinase NtrB, which interacts with deuridy!ylated GlnB but not uridylylated GlnB. Under conditions of nitrogen excess, a high intracellular level of glutamine leads to deuridylylation of GlnB, which then interacts with NtrB to deactivate its phosphorylation activity and activate its phosphatase activity', resulting in dephosphorylation of NtrC and the deactivation of the nifLA promoter. However, under conditions of nitrogen limitation, a low level of intracellular glutamine results in uridylylation of GlnB, which inhibits its interaction with NtrB and allows the phosphorylation of NtrC and transcription of the nifLA operon. In this way, niflA expression is tightly controlled in response to environmental nitrogen via the PII protein signaling cascade. nifA, ntrB, ntrC, and glnB, are all genes that can be mutated in the methods described herein. These processes may also be responsive to intracellular or extracellular levels of ammonia, urea or nitrates.

[0107] The activity of NifA is also regulated post-translationally m response to environmental nitrogen, most typically through NifL-mediated inhibition of NifA activity. In general, the interaction of NifL and NifA is influenced by the PIT protein signaling cascade via GlnK, although the nature of the interactions between GlnK and NifL/NifA varies significantly between diazotrophs. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, both forms of GlnK inhibit the NifL/NifA interaction, and the interaction between GlnK and NifL/NifA is determined by the overall level of free GlnK within the cell. Under nitrogen-excess conditions, deuridylylated GlnK interacts with the ammonium transporter AmtB, which serves to both block ammonium uptake by AmtB and sequester GlnK to the membrane, allowing inhibition of NifA by NifL. On the other hand, in Azotobacter vinelandii, interaction with deuridylylated GlnK is required for the NifL/NifA interaction and NifA inhibition, while uridylylation of GlnK inhibits its interaction with NifL. In diazotrophs lacking the nifL gene, there is evidence that NifA activity is inhibited directly by interaction with the deuridylylated forms of both GlnK and GlnB under nitrogen-excess conditions. In some bacteria the M/ cluster may be regulated by glnR, and further in some cases this may comprise negative regulation. Regardless of the mechanism, post- translational inhibition of NifA is an important regulator of the nif cluster in most known diazotrophs. Additionally, nifL, aihΐB, gltiK, and glnR are genes that can be mutated in the methods described herein.

[0108] In addition to regulating the transcription of the nif gene cluster, many diazotrophs have evolved a mechanism for the direct post-translational modification and inhibition of the mtrogenase enzyme itself, known as nitrogenase shutoff. This is mediated by ADP-ribosylation of the Fe protein (NifH) under nitrogen-excess conditions, which disrupts its interaction with the MoFe protein complex (NifDK) and abolishes nitrogenase activity . DraT catalyzes the ADP- ribosylation of the Fe protein and shutoff of nitrogenase, while DraG catalyzes the removal of ADP-ribose and reactivation of nitrogenase. As with nifLA transcription and NifA inhibition, mtrogenase shutoff is also regulated via the PII protein signaling cascade. Under nitrogen-excess conditions, deuridylylated GlnB interacts with and activates DraT, while deuridylylated GlnK interacts with both DraG and AmtB to form a compl ex, sequestering DraG to the membrane. Lin der nitrogen-limiting conditions, the uridylylated forms of GlnB and GlnK do not interact with DraT and DraG, respectively, leading to the inactivation of DraT and the diffusion of DraG to the Fe protein, where it removes the ADP-ribose and activates mtrogenase. The methods described herein also contemplate introducing genetic variation into the nifli, nifl), nifl, and draT ^' genes

[0109] Although some endophytes have the ability to fix nitrogen in vitro , often the genetics are silenced in the field by high levels of exogenous chemical fertilizers. One can decouple the sensing of exogenous nitrogen from expression of the nitrogenase enzyme to facilitate field-based nitrogen fixation. Improving the integral of nitrogenase activity across time further serves to augment the production of nitrogen for utilization by the crop. Specific targets for genetic variation to facilitate field-based nitrogen fixation using the methods described herein include one or more genes selected from the group consisting of nijA ^’ , nifl mrB, mrC, glnA, glnB, ginK, draT, arnlB, gln , giriE, nifJ, nifli , nifl), nifl, niJY, nijE, niJN, nifli, nijS, nifli, niflV, nijZ, nifli, nifl ⁷ , niJB, and nijQ.

[0110] An additional target for genetic variation to facilitate field-based nitrogen fixation using the methods described herein is the NifA protein. The NifA protein is typically the activator for expression of nitrogen fixation genes. Increasing the production of NifA (either constitutively or during high ammonia condition) circumvents the native ammonia-sensing pathway. In addition, reducing the production of NifL proteins, a known inhibitor of NifA, also leads to an increased level of freely active NifA. In addition, increasing the transcription level of the nifAL operon (either constitutively or during high ammonia condition) also leads to an overall higher level of NifA proteins. Elevated level of nifAL expression is achieved by altering the promoter itself or by reducing the expression of NtrB (part of ntrB and ntrC signaling cascade that originally would result in the shutoff of nifAL operon during high nitrogen condition). High level of NifA achieved by these or any other methods described herein increases the nitrogen fixation activity of the endophytes.

[0111] Another target for genetic variation to facilitate field-based nitrogen fixation using the methods described herein is the GlnD/GlnB/GlnK PII signaling cascade. The intracellular glutamine level is sensed through the GlnD/GlnB/GlnK PII signaling cascade. Active site mutations in G!nD that abolish the uridylyl-removing activity of GlnD disrupt the nitrogen-sensing cascade. In addition, reduction of the GlnB concentration short circuits the glutamine-sensing cascade. These mutations“trick” the cells into perceiving a nitrogen-limited state, thereby increasing the nitrogen fixation level activity'. These processes may also be responsive to intracellular or extracellular levels of ammonia, urea or nitrates.

[0112] The amtB protein is also a target for genetic variation to facilitate field-based nitrogen fixation using the methods described herein. Ammonia uptake from the environment can be reduced by decreasing the expression level of amtB protein. Without intracellular ammonia, the endophyte is not able to sense the high level of ammonia, preventing the down-regulation of nitrogen fixation genes. Any ammonia that manages to get into the intracellular compartment is converted into glutamine. Intracellular glutamine level is the major currency of nitrogen sensing. Decreasing the intracellular glutamine level prevents the cells from sensing high ammonium levels in the environment. This effect can be achieved by increasing the expression level of glutaminase, an enzyme that converts glutamine into glutamate. In addition, intracellular glutamine can also be reduced by decreasing glutamine synthase (an enzyme that converts ammonia into glutamine). In diazotrophs, fixed ammonia is quickly assimilated into glutamine and glutamate to be used for cellular processes. Disruptions to ammonia assimilation may enable diversion of fixed nitrogen to be exported from the cell as ammonia. The fixed ammonia is predominantly assimilated into glutamine by glutamine synthetase (GS), encoded by glnA, and subsequently into glutamine by glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT). In some examples, glnS encodes a glutamine synthetase. GS is regulated post- translational ly by GS adenylyl transferase (GlnE), a bi-functional enzyme encoded by g!nE that catalyzes both the adenylylation and de-adenylylation of GS through activity of its adenylyl-transferase (AT) and adenylyl-removing (AR) domains, respectively. Under nitrogen limiting conditions, glnA is expressed, and GlnE’s AR domain de-adynylylates GS, allowing it to be active. Under conditions of nitrogen excess, glnA expression is turned off, and GlnE’s AT domain is activated allosterically by glutamine, causing the adenylylation and deactivation of GS.

[0113] Furthermore, the draT gene may also be a target for genetic variation to facilitate field- based nitrogen fixation using the methods described herein. Once nitrogen fixing enzymes are produced by the cell, nitrogenase shut-off represents another level in which cell downregulates fixation activity in high nitrogen condition. This shut-off could be removed by decreasing the expression level of DraT.

[0114] Methods for imparting new microbial phenotypes can be performed at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. The transcriptional level includes changes at the promoter (such as changing sigma factor affinity or binding sites for transcription factors, including deletion of all or a portion of the promoter) or changing transcription terminators and attenuators. The translational level includes changes at the ribosome binding sites and changing mRN A degradation signals. The post-translational level includes mutating an enzyme’s active site and changing protein-protein interactions. These changes can be achieved in a multitude of ways. Reduction of expression level (or complete abolishment) can be achieved by swapping the native ribosome binding site (RBS) or promoter with another with lower strength/efficiency. ATG start sites can be swapped to a GTG, TTG, or CTG start codon, which results in reduction in translational activity of the coding region. Complete abolishment of expression can be done by knocking out (deleting) the coding region of a gene. Frameshifting the open reading frame (ORF) likely will result in a premature stop codon along the ORF, thereby creating a non-functional truncated product. Insertion of in-frame stop codons will also similarly create a non-functional truncated product. Addition of a degradation tag at the N or C terminal can also be done to reduce the effective concentration of a particular gene.

[0115] Conversely, expression level of the genes described herein can be achieved by using a stronger promoter. To ensure high promoter activity during high nitrogen level condition (or any other condition), a transcription profile of the whole genome m a high nitrogen level condition could be obtained and active promoters with a desired transcription level can be chosen from that dataset to replace the weak promoter. Weak start codons can be swapped out with an ATG start codon for better translation initiation efficiency. Weak ribosomal binding sites (RBS) can also be swapped out with a different RBS with higher translation initiation efficiency. In addition, site specific mutagenesis can also be performed to alter the activity ⁷ of an enzyme.

[0116] Increasing the level of nitrogen fixation that occurs m a plant can lead to a reduction m the amount of chemical fertilizer needed for crop production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., nitrous oxide).

Regulation of Colonization Potential

[0117] In some embodiments, pathways and genes involved in colonization may act as a target for genetic engineering and optimization.

[0118] In some cases, exopolysaccharides may be involved in bacterial colonization of plants. In some cases, plant colonizing microbes may produce a biofilm. In some cases, plant colonizing microbes secrete molecules which may assist in adhesion to the plant, or in evading a plant immune response. In some cases, plant colonizing microbes may excrete signaling molecules winch alter the plants response to the microbes. In some cases, plant colonizing microbes may secrete molecules which alter the local microenvironment. In some cases, a plant colonizing microbe may alter expression of genes to adapt to a plant said microbe is in proximity to. In some eases, a plant colonizing microbe may detect the presence of a plant in the local environment and may change expression of genes in response

[0119] In some embodiments, to improve colonization, a gene involved in a pathway selected from the group consisting of: exopolysaccharide production, endo-polygalaturonase production, trehalose production, and glutamine conversion may be targeted for genetic engineering and optimization

[0120] In some embodiments, an enzyme or pathway involved in production of exopolysaccharides may be genetically modified to improve colonization. Exemplary genes encoding an exopolysaccharide producing enzyme that may be targeted to improve colonization include, but are not limited to, hcsii, bcsiii, and yjhE.

[0121] In some embodiments, an enzyme or pathway involved in production of a filamentous hemagglutinin may be genetically modified to improve colonization. For example, a fliaB gene encoding a filamentous hemagglutinin may be targeted to improve colonization

[0122] In some embodiments, an enzyme or pathway involved in production of an endo- polygalaturonase may be genetically modified to improve colonization. For example, a pehA gene encoding an endo-polygalaturonase precursor may be targeted to improve colonization

[0123] In some embodiments, an enzyme or pathway involved in production of trehalose may be genetically modified to improve colonization. Exemplary genes encoding a trehalose producing enzyme that may be targeted to improve colonization include, but are not limited to, otsB and treZ.

[0124] In some embodiments, an enzyme or pathway involved in conversion of glutamine may be genetically modified to improve colonization. For example, the glsA2 gene encodes a glutaminase which converts glutamine into ammonium and glutamate. Upregulating glsA2 improves fitness by increasing the cell’s glutamate pool, thereby increasing available N to the cells. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the glsA2 gene may be targeted to improve colonization.

[0125] In some embodiments, colonization genes selected from the group consisting of: bcsii, bcsiii, yjhE, fliaB, pehA, otsB, treZ, glsA2, and combinations thereof, may be genetically modified to improve colonization.

[0126] Colonization genes that may be targeted to improve the colonization potential are also described in a PCX publication, WO/2019/032926, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety . Generation of Bacterial Populations

Isolation of Bacteria

[0127] Microbes useful in methods and compositions disclosed herein can be obtained by extracting microbes from surfaces or tissues of native plants. Microbes can be obtained by grinding seeds to isolate microbes. Microbes can be obtained by planting seeds m diverse soil samples and recovering microbes from tissues. Additionally, microbes can be obtained by inoculating plants with exogenous microbes and determining which microbes appear in plant tissues. Non-limiting examples of plant tissues may include a seed, seedling, leaf, cutting, plant, bulb, or tuber.

[0128] A method of obtaining microbes may be through the isolation of bacteria from soils. Bacteria may be collected from various soil types. In some example, the soil can be characterized by traits such as high or low fertility, levels of moisture, levels of minerals, and various cropping practices. For example, the soil may be involved in a crop rotation where different crops are planted in the same soil in successive planting seasons. The sequential growth of different crops on the same soil may prevent disproportionate depletion of certain minerals. The bacteria can be isolated from the plants growing in the selected soils. The seedling plants can be harvested at 2-6 weeks of growth. For example, at least 400 isolates can be collected in a round of harvest. Soil and plant types reveal the plant phenotype as well as the conditions, which allow' for the downstream enrichment of certain phenotypes.

[0129] Microbes can be isolated from plant tissues to assess microbial traits. The parameters for processing tissue samples may be varied to isolate different types of associative microbes, such as rhizospheric bacteria, epiphytes, or endophytes. The isolates can be cultured in nitrogen-free media to enrich for bacteria that perform nitrogen fixation. Alternatively, microbes can be obtained from global strain banks.

[0130] In planta analytics are performed to assess microbial traits. In some embodiments, the plant tissue can be processed for screening by high throughput processing for DNA and RNA. Additionally, non-invasive measurements can be used to assess plant characteristics, such as colonization. Measurements on wild microbes can be obtained on a plant-by-plant basis. Measurements on wild microbes can also be obtained in the field using medium throughput methods. Measurements can be done successively over time. Model plant system can be used including, but not limited to, Setana [0131] Microbes in a plant system can be screened via transcriptional profiling of a microbe in a plant system. Examples of screening through transcriptional profiling are using methods of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), molecular barcodes for transcript detection, Next Generation Sequencing, and microbe tagging with fluorescent markers. Impact factors can be measured to assess colonization in the greenhouse including, but not limited to, microbiome, abiotic factors, soil conditions, oxygen, moisture, temperature, inoculum conditions, and root localization. Nitrogen fixation can be assessed in bacteria by measuring 15N gas/fertilizer (dilution) with IRMS or NanoSIMS as described herein NanoSIMS is high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry. The NanoSIMS technique is a way to investigate chemical activity from biological samples. The catalysis of reduction of oxidation reactions that drive the metabolism of microorganisms can be investigated at the cellular, subeeliular, molecular and elemental level. NanoSIMS can provide high spatial resolution of greater than 0.1 pm. NanoSIMS can detect the use of isotope tracers such as C, ⁱ⁵ N, and ^{f 8} 0. Therefore, NanoSIMS can be used to the chemical activity nitrogen in the cell.

[0132] Automated greenhouses can be used for planta analytics. Plant metrics in response to microbial exposure include, but are not limited to, biomass, chloroplast analysis, CCD camera, volumetric tomography measurements.

[0133] One way of enriching a microbe population is according to genotype. For example, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with a targeted primer or specific primer. Primers designed for the nifH gene can be used to identity diazotrophs because diazotrophs express the nifH gene in the process of nitrogen fixation. A microbial population can also be enriched via single-cell culture-independent approaches and chemotaxis-guided isolation approaches. Alternatively, targeted isolation of microbes can be performed by culturing the microbes on selection media. Premeditated approaches to enriching microbial populations for desired traits can be guided by bioinformatics data and are described herein.

Enriching for Microbes with Nitrogen Fixation Capabilities Using Bioinformatics

[0134] Biomformatic tools can be used to identify and isolate plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), which are selected based on their ability to perform nitrogen fixation. Microbes with high nitrogen fixing ability can promote favorable traits in plants. Bioinformatic modes of analysis for the identification of PGPRs include, but are not limited to, genomics, metagenomics, targeted isolation, gene sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and modeling. [0135] Genomics analysis can be used to identify PGPRs and confirm the presence of mutations with methods of Next Generation Sequencing as described herein and microbe version control.

[0136] Metagenomics can be used to identify and isolate PGPR using a prediction algorithm for colonization. Metadata can also be used to identify the presence of an engineered strain in environmental and greenhouse samples.

[0137] Transcriptomic sequencing can be used to predict genotypes leading to PGPR phenotypes. Additionally, transcriptomic data is used to identify promoters for altering gene expression. Transcriptomic data can be analyzed in conjunction with the Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) to generate models of metabolism and gene regulatory networks.

Domestication of Microbes

[0138] Microbes isolated from nature can undergo a domestication process wherein the microbes are converted to a form that is genetically trackable and identifiable. One way to domesticate a microbe is to engineer it with antibiotic resistance. The process of engineering antibiotic resistance can begin by determining the antibiotic sensitivity in the wild type microbial strain. If the bacteria are sensitive to the antibiotic, then the antibiotic can be a good candidate for antibiotic resistance engineering. Subsequently, an antibiotic resistant gene or a counterselectable suicide vector can be incorporated into the genome of a microbe using recombineering methods. A counterselectable suicide vector may consist of a deletion of the gene of interest, a selectable marker, and the counterselectable marker sacB. Counterselection can be used to exchange native microbial DNA sequences with antibiotic resistant genes. A medium throughput method can be used to evaluate multiple microbes simultaneously allowing for parallel domestication. Alternative methods of domestication include the use of homing nucleases to prevent the suicide vector sequences from looping out or from obtaining intervening vector sequences.

[0139] DNA vectors can be introduced into bacteria via several methods including electroporation and chemical transformations. A standard library of vectors can be used for transformations. An example of a method of gene editing is CRISPR preceded by Cas9 testing to ensure activity of Cas9 in the microbes.

L' on-transgenic Engineering of Microbes

[0140] A microbial population with favorable traits can be obtained via directed evolution. Direct evolution is an approach wherein the process of natural selection is mimicked to evolve proteins or nucleic acids towards a user-defined goal. An example of direct evolution is when random mutations are introduced into a microbial population, the microbes with the most favorable traits are selected, and the growth of the selected microbes is continued. The most favorable traits in growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) may be in nitrogen fixation. The method of directed evolution may be iterative and adaptive based on the selection process after each iteration.

[0141] Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) with high capability of nitrogen fixation can be generated. The evolution of PGPRs can be carried out via the introduction of genetic variation. Genetic variation can be introduced via polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, saturation mutagenesis, fragment shuffling mutagenesis, homologous recombination, CRISPR/Cas9 systems, chemical mutagenesis, and combinations thereof. These approaches can introduce random mutations into the microbial population. For example, mutants can be generated using synthetic DNA or RNA via oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. Mutants can be generated using tools contained on plasmids, which are later cured. Genes of interest can be identified using libraries from other species with improved traits including, but not limited to, improved PGPR properties, improved colonization of cereals, increased oxygen sensitivity, increased nitrogen fixation, and increased ammonia excretion. Intrageneric genes can be designed based on these libraries using software such as Generous or Platypus design software. Mutations can be designed with the aid of machine learning. Mutations can be designed with the aid of a metabolic model. Automated design of the mutation can be done using a la Platypus and will guide RNAs for Cas-directed mutagenesis.

[0142] The intra-generic genes can be transferred into the host microbe. Additionally, reporter systems can also be transferred to the microbe. The reporter systems characterize promoters, determine the transformation success, screen mutants, and act as negative screening tools.

[0143] The microbes carrying the mutation can be cultured via serial passaging, A microbial colony contains a single variant of the microbe. Microbial colonies are screened with the aid of an automated colony picker and liquid handler. Mutants with gene duplication and increased copy number express a higher genotype of the desired trait.

Selection of plant growth promoting microbes based on nitrogen fixation

[0144] The microbial colonies can be screened using various assays to assess nitrogen fixation. One way to measure nitrogen fixation is via a single fermentative assay, which measures nitrogen excretion. An alternative method is the acetylene reduction assay (ARA) with in-line sampling over time. ARA can be performed in high throughput plates of microtube arrays. ARA can be performed with live plants and plant tissues. The media formulation and media oxygen concentration can be varied in ARA assays. Another method of screening microbial variants is by using biosensors. The use of NanoSIMS and Raman microspectroscopy can be used to investigate the activity of the microbes. In some cases, bacteria can also be cultured and expanded using methods of fermentation in bioreactors. The bioreactors are designed to improve robustness of bacteria growth and to decrease the sensitivity of bacteria to oxygen. Medium to high TP plate- based microfermentors are used to evaluate oxygen sensitivity, nutritional needs, nitrogen fixation, and nitrogen excretion. The bacteria can also be co-cultured with competitive or beneficial microbes to elucidate cryptic pathways. Flow cytometry can be used to screen for bacteria that produce high levels of nitrogen using chemical, colorimetric, or fluorescent indicators. The bacteria may be cultured in the presence or absence of a nitrogen source. For example, the bacteria may be cultured with glutamine, ammonia, urea or nitrates.

Guided Microbial Remodeling - An Overview

[0145] Guided microbial remodeling is a method to systematically identify and improve the role of species within the crop microbiome. In some aspects, and according to a particular methodology of grouping/categorization, the method comprises three steps: 1) selection of candidate species by mapping plant-microbe interactions and predicting regulator} networks linked to a particular phenotype, 2) pragmatic and predictable improvement of microbial phenotypes through intra species crossing of regulatory networks and gene clusters within a microbe’s genome, and 3) screening and selection of new microbial genotypes that produce desired crop phenotypes.

[0146] To systematically assess the improvement of strains, a model is created that links colonization dynamics of the microbial community to genetic activity by key species. The model is used to predict genetic targets for non- intergeneric genetic remodeling (/.<?. engineering the genetic architecture of the microbe in a non-transgenie fashion). See, FIG, 1 for a graphical representation of an embodiment of the process.

[0147] As illustrated in FIG, 1, rational improvement of the crop microbiome may be used to increase soil biodiversity, tune impact of keystone species, and/or alter timing and expression of important metabolic pathways. [0148] To this end, the inventors have developed a platform to identify and improve the role of strains within the crop microbiome. In some aspects, the inventors call this process microbial breeding

[0149] The aforementioned“Guided Microbial Remodeling” process will be further elaborated upon in the Examples, for instance in Example 1 , entitled:“Guided Microbial Remodeling - A Platform for the Rational Improvement of Microbial Species for Agriculture.”

Serial Passage

[0150] Production of bacteria to improve plant traits (e.g., nitrogen fixation) can be achieved through serial passage. The production of this bacteria can be done by selecting plants, which have a particular improved trait that is influenced by the microbial flora, in addition to identifying bacteria and/or compositions that are capable of imparting one or more improved traits to one or more plants. One method of producing a bacteria to improve a plant trait includes the steps of: (a) isolating bacteria from tissue or soil of a first plant; (b) introducing a genetic variation into one or more of the bacteria to produce one or more variant bacteria; (c) exposing a plurality of plants to the variant bacteria; (d) isolating bacteria from tissue or soil of one of the plurality of plants, wherein the plant from which the bacteria is isolated has an improved trait relative to other plants in the plurality of plants; and (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) with bacteria isolated from the plant with an improved trait (step (d)). Steps (b) to (d) can be repeated any number of times (e.g., once, twice, three times, four times, five times, ten times, or more) until the improved trait in a plant reaches a desired level. Further, the plurality of plants can be more than two plants, such as 10 to 20 plants, or 20 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, 300 or more, 500 or more, or 1000 or more plants.

[0151] In addition to obtaining a plant with an improved trait, a bacterial population comprising bacteria comprising one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes (e.g., genes regulating nitrogen fixation) is obtained. By repeating the steps described above, a population of bacteria can be obtained that include the most appropriate members of the population that correlate with a plant trait of interest. The bacteria in this population can be identified and their beneficial properties determined, such as by genetic and/or phenotypic analysis. Genetic analysis may occur of isolated bacteria in step (a). Phenotypic and/or genotypic information may be obtained using techniques including: high through-put screening of chemical components of plant origin, sequencing techniques including high throughput sequencing of genetic material, differential display techniques (including DDRT-PCR, and DD-PCR), nucleic acid microarray techniques, RNA-sequencing (Whole Transcriptome Shotgun Sequencing), and qRT-PCR (quantitative real time PCR) Information gained can be used to obtain community' profiling information on the identity and activity of bacteria present, such as phylogenetic analysis or microarray-based screening of nucleic acids coding for components of rRNA operons or other taxonomically informative loci. Examples of taxonomically informative loci include 16S rRNA gene, 23S rRNA gene, 5S rRNA gene, 5.8S rRNA gene, 12S rRNA gene, I BS rRNA gene, 28S rRNA gene, gyrB gene, rpoB gene, fusA gene, recA gene, coxl gene, nifD gene. Example processes of taxonomic profiling to determine taxa present in a population are described in US20140155283. Bacterial identification may comprise characterizing activity of one or more genes or one or more signaling pathways, such as genes associated with the nitrogen fixation pathway. Synergistic interactions (where two components, by virtue of their combination, increase a desired effect by more than an additive amount) between different bacterial species may also be present in the bacterial populations.

Genetic Variation - Locations and Sources of Genomic Alteration

| 0152] The genetic variation may be a gene selected from the group consisting of: mfA, mfL, ntrB, ntrC, glnA, glnB, glnK, draT, amtB, glnD, glnE, nifj, nifH, nifD, nifK , nifY, nifE, nifN, nifU, nifS, mfV, nifW, mfZ, nifM, nifF, nifB, and mfQ. The genetic variation may be a variation in a gene encoding a protein with functionality selected from the group consisting of: glutamine synthetase, glutannnase, glutamine synthetase adenylyltransferase, transcriptional activator, anti- transcriptional activator, pyruvate flavodoxin oxidoreductase, flavodoxm, or NAD+-dinitrogen- reduetase aDP-D-ribosyltransferase. The genetic variation may be a mutation that results in one or more of: increased expression or activity of NifA or glutaminase; decreased expression or activity of NifL, NtrB, glutamine synthetase, GlnB, GlnK, DraT, AmtB; decreased adenylyl- removing activity of GlnE; or decreased uridylyl-removing activity of GlnD. Introducing a genetic variation may comprise insertion and/or deletion of one or more nucleotides at a target site, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, or more nucleotides. The genetic variation introduced into one or more bacteria of the methods disclosed herein may be a knock-out mutation (e.g. deletion of a promoter, insertion or deletion to produce a premature stop codon, deletion of an entire gene), or it may be elimination or abolishment of activity of a protein domain (e.g. point mutation affecting an acti ve site, or deletion of a portion of a gene encoding the relevant portion of the protein product), or it may alter or abolish a regulatory' sequence of a target gene. One or more regulatory sequences may also be inserted, including heterologous regulatory sequences and regulatory' sequences found within a genome of a bacterial species or genus corresponding to the bacteria into which the genetic variation is introduced. Moreover, regulatory' sequences may be selected based on the expression level of a gene in a bacterial culture or within a plant tissue. The genetic variation may be a pre-determined genetic variation that is specifically introduced to a target site. The genetic variation may be a random mutation within the target site. The genetic variation may be an insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides. In some cases, a plurality of different genetic variations (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more) are introduced into one or more of the isolated bacteria before exposing the bacteria to plants for assessing trait improvement. The plurality of genetic variations can be any of the above types, the same or different types, and in any combination. In some cases, a plurality of different genetic variations are introduced serially, introducing a first genetic variation after a first isolation step, a second genetic variation after a second isolation step, and so forth so as to accumulate a plurality of genetic variations in bacteria imparting progressively improved traits on the associated plants.

Genetic Variation - Methods of Introducing Genomic Alteration

[0153] In general, the term “genetic variation” refers to any change introduced into a polynucleotide sequence relative to a reference polynucleotide, such as a reference genome or portion thereof, or reference gene or portion thereof. A genetic variation may be referred to as a “mutation,” and a sequence or organism comprising a genetic variation may be referred to as a “genetic variant” or“mutant”. Genetic variations can have any number of effects, such as the increase or decrease of some biological activity, including gene expression, metabolism, and cell signaling. Genetic variations can be specifically introduced to a target site, or introduced randomly. A variety of molecular tools and methods are available for introducing genetic variation. For example, genetic variation can be introduced via polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, saturation mutagenesis, fragment shuffling mutagenesis, homologous recombination, recombineering, lambda red mediated recombination, CRISPR/Cas9 systems, chemical mutagenesis, and combinations thereof. Chemical methods of introducing genetic variation include exposure of DNA to a chemical mutagen, e.g., ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), N-nitrosourea (EN U), N-methyl-N- nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidine, 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide, diethylsulfate, benzopyrene, cyclophosphamide, bleomycin, triethylme!amine, acrylamide monomer, nitrogen mustard, vincristine, diepoxyalkanes (for example, di epoxy butane), ICR- 170, formaldehyde, procarbazine hydrochloride, ethylene oxide, dimethylnitrosamine, 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, chlorambucil, hexamethylphosphoramide, bisulfan, and the like. Radiation mutation-inducing agents include ultraviolet radiation, g-irradiation, X-rays, and fast neutron bombardment. Genetic variation can also be introduced into a nucleic acid using, e.g., trimethylpsoralen with ultraviolet light. Random or targeted insertion of a mobile DNA element, e.g., a transposable element, is another suitable method for generating genetic variation. Genetic variations can be introduced into a nucleic acid during amplification in a cell-free in vitro system, e.g., using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique such as error-prone PCR. Genetic variations can be introduced into a nucleic acid in vitro using DNA shuffling techniques (e.g., exon shuffling, domain swapping, and the like). Genetic variations can also be introduced into a nucleic acid as a result of a deficiency in a DNA repair enzyme in a cell, e.g., the presence in a cell of a mutant gene encoding a mutant DNA repair enzyme is expected to generate a high frequency of mutations (i.e., about 1 mutation/100 genes- 1 mutation/10,000 genes) in the genome of the cell. Examples of genes encoding DNA repair enzymes include but are not limited to Mut H, Mut S, Mut L, and Mut U, and the homologs thereof in other species (e.g., MSH 1 6, PMS 1 2, MLH 1, GTBP, ERCC-1, and the like). Example descriptions of various methods for introducing genetic variations are prov ided m e.g., Stemple (2004) Nature 5: 1-7; Chiang et al. (1993) PCR Methods Appl 2(3): 210-217; Stemmer (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 91 : 10747-10751; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,861, and 6,773,900.

[0154] Genetic variations introduced into microbes may be classified as transgenic, cisgenie, intragenomie, intrageneric, intergeneric, synthetic, evolved, rearranged, or SNPs.

[0155] Genetic variation may be introduced into numerous metabolic pathways within microbes to elicit improvements in the traits described above. Representative pathways include sulfur uptake pathways, glycogen biosynthesis, the glutamine regulation pathway, the molybdenum uptake pathway, the nitrogen fixation pathway, ammonia assimilation, ammonia excretion or secretion, nitrogen uptake, glutamine biosynthesis, annamox, phosphate solubilization, organic acid transport, organic acid production, agglutinins production, reactive oxygen radical scavenging genes, Indole Acetic Acid biosynthesis, trehalose biosynthesis, plant cell wall degrading enzymes or pathways, root attachment genes, exopolysaccharide secretion, glutamate synthase pathway, iron uptake pathways, siderophore pathway, clutinase pathway, ACC deaminase, glutathione biosynthesis, phosphorous signaling genes, quorum quenching pathway, cytochrome pathways, hemoglobin pathway, bacterial hemoglobin-like pathway, small RNA rsmZ, rhizobitoxine biosynthesis, lapA adhesion protein, AHL quorum sensing pathway, phenazine biosynthesis, cyclic lipopeptide biosynthesis, and antibiotic production.

[0156] CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) /CRISPR- associated (Cas) systems can be used to introduce desired mutations. CRISPR/Cas9 provide bacteria and archaea with adaptive immunity against viruses and plasmids by using CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) to guide the silencing of invading nucleic acids. The Cas9 protein (or functional equivalent and/or variant thereof, i.e., Cas9-like protein) naturally contains DNA endonuclease activity that depends on the association of the protein with two naturally occurring or synthetic RNA molecules called crRNA and tracrRNA (also called guide RNAs). In some cases, the two molecules are covalently link to form a single molecule (also called a single guide RNA (“sgRNA”). Thus, the Cas9 or Cas9-like protein associates with a DNA-targeting RNA (which term encompasses both the two-molecule guide RNA configuration and the single-molecule guide RNA configuration), which activates the Cas9 or Cas9-!ike protein and guides the protein to a target nucleic acid sequence. If the Cas9 or Cas9-like protein retains its natural enzymatic function, it wall cleave target DNA to create a double-stranded break, which can lead to genome alteration (i.e., editing: deletion, insertion (when a donor polynucleotide is present), replacement, etc.), thereby altering gene expression. Some variants of Cas9 (which variants are encompassed by the term Cas9-like) have been altered such that they have a decreased DNA cleaving activity (m some cases, they cleave a single strand instead of both strands of the target DNA, wftile in other cases, they have severely reduced to no DNA cleavage activity). Further exemplary descriptions of CRISPR systems for introducing genetic variation can be found m, e.g. US8795965.

[0157] As a cyclic amplification technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mutagenesis uses mutagenic primers to introduce desired mutations. PCR is performed by cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension. After amplification by PCR, selection of mutated DNA and removal of parental plasmid DNA can be accomplished by: 1) replacement of dCTP by hydroxymethylated- dCTP during PCR, followed by digestion with restriction enzymes to remove non- hydroxymethylated parent DNA only; 2) simultaneous mutagenesis of both an antibiotic resistance gene and the studied gene changing the plasmid to a different antibiotic resistance, the new antibiotic resistance facilitating the selection of the desired mutation thereafter; 3) after introducing a desired mutation, digestion of the parent methylated template DNA by restriction enzyme Dpnl which cleaves only methylated DNA , by which the mutagenized unmethylated chains are recovered; or 4) circularization of the mutated PCR products in an additional ligation reaction to increase the transformation efficiency of mutated DNA Further description of exemplary' methods can be found m e.g. US7132265, US6713285, US6673610, US6391548, US5789166, US5780270, US 5354670, 1JS5071743, and US20100267147.

[0158] Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, also called site-directed mutagenesis, typically utilizes a synthetic DNA primer. This synthetic primer contains the desired mutation and is complementary to the template DNA around the mutation site so that it can hybridize with the DNA in the gene of interest. The mutation may be a single base change (a point mutation), multiple base changes, deletion, or insertion, or a combination of these. The single-strand primer is then extended using a DNA polymerase, which copies the rest of the gene. The gene thus copied contains the mutated site, and may then be introduced into a host cell as a vector and cloned. Finally, mutants can be selected by DNA sequencing to check that they contain the desired mutation.

[0159] Genetic variations can be introduced using error-prone PCR. In this technique the gene of interest is amplified using a DNA polymerase under conditions that are deficient in the fidelity of replication of sequence. The result is that the amplification products contain at least one error in the sequence. When a gene is amplified and the resulting product(s) of the reaction contain one or more alterations in sequence when compared to the template molecule, the resulting products are mutagenized as compared to the template. Another means of introducing random mutations is exposing cells to a chemical mutagen, such as nitrosoguanidine or ethyl methanesulfonate (Nestmann, Mutat Res 1975 June; 28(3):323-30), and the vector containing the gene is then isolated from the host.

[0160] Saturation mutagenesis is another form of random mutagenesis, in which one tries to generate all or nearly all possible mutations at a specific site, or narrow region of a gene. In a general sense, saturation mutagenesis is comprised of mutagenizing a complete set of mutagenic cassettes (wherein each cassette is, for example, 1-500 bases in length) in defined polynucleotide sequence to be mutagenized (wherein the sequence to be mutagenized is, for example, from 15 to 100, 000 bases in length). Therefore, a group of mutations (e.g ranging from 1 to 100 mutations) is introduced into each cassette to be mutagenized. A grouping of mutations to be introduced into one cassette can be different or the same from a second grouping of mutations to be introduced into a second cassette during the application of one round of saturation mutagenesis. Such groupings are exemplified by deletions, additions, groupings of particular codons, and groupings of particular nucleotide cassettes.

[0161] Fragment shuffling mutagenesis, also called DNA shuffling, is a way to rapidly propagate beneficial mutations. In an example of a shuffling process, DNAse is used to fragment a set of parent genes into pieces of e.g. about 50-100 bp in length. This is then followed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) without primers— DNA fragments with sufficient overlapping homologous sequence will anneal to each other and are then be extended by DNA polymerase. Several rounds of this PCR extension are allowed to occur, after some of the DNA molecules reach the size of the parental genes. These genes can then be amplified with another PCR, this time with the addition of primers that are designed to complement the ends of the strands. The primers may have additional sequences added to their 5' ends, such as sequences for restriction enzyme recognition sites needed for ligation into a cloning vector. Further examples of shuffling techniques are provided in US20050266541.

[0162] Homologous recombination mutagenesis involves recombination between an exogenous DNA fragment and the targeted polynucleotide sequence. After a double-stranded break occurs, sections of DNA around the 5' ends of the break are cut away m a process called resection. In the strand invasion step that follows, an overhanging 3' end of the broken DNA molecule then "invades" a similar or identical DNA molecule that is not broken. The method can be used to delete a gene, remove exons, add a gene, and introduce point mutations. Homologous recombination mutagenesis can be permanent or conditional. Typically, a recombination template is also provided. A recombination template may be a component of another vector, contained in a separate vector, or provided as a separate polynucleotide. In some embodiments, a recombination template is designed to serve as a template in homologous recombination, such as within or near a target sequence nicked or cleaved by a site-specific nuclease. A template polynucleotide may be of any suitable length, such as about or more than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 500, 1000, or more nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the template polynucleotide is complementary to a portion of a polynucl eotide comprising the target sequence. When optimally aligned, a template polynucleotide might overlap with one or more nucleotides of a target sequences (e.g. about or more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more nucleotides). In some embodiments, when a template sequence and a polynucleotide comprising a target sequence are optimally aligned, the nearest nucleotide of the template polynucleotide is within about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, or more nucleotides from the target sequence. Non-limiting examples of site- directed nucleases useful in methods of homologous recombination include zinc finger nucleases, CRISPR nucleases, TALE nucleases, and meganuclease. For a further description of the use of such nucleases, see e.g. US8795965 and 11820140301990.

[0163] Mutagens that create primarily point mutations and short deletions, insertions, transversions, and/or transitions, including chemical mutagens or radiation, may be used to create genetic variations. Mutagens include, but are not limited to, ethyl methanesulfonate, methylmethane sulfonate, N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea, triethyimelamme, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, procarbazine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, diethyl sulfate, acrylamide monomer, melphalan, nitrogen mustard, vincristine, dimethyinitrosamine, N-methyl-N'-nitro-Nitrosoguanidine, mtrosoguanidine, 2-aminopurine, 7,12 dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene, ethylene oxide, hexamethylphosphoramide, bisulfan, diepoxyalkanes (diepoxyoctane, diepoxybutane, and the like), 2-methoxy-6-ehloro-9[3-(ethyi-2-chloro- ethyi)aminopropylamino]acridine dihydrochloride and formaldehyde.

[0164] Introducing genetic variation may be an incomplete process, such that some bacteria in a treated population of bacteria carry a desired mutation while others do not. In some cases, it is desirable to apply a selection pressure so as to enrich for bacteria carrying a desired genetic variation. Traditionally, selection for successful genetic variants involved selection for or against some functionality imparted or abolished by the genetic variation, such as in the case of inserting antibiotic resistance gene or abolishing a metabolic activity capable of converting a non-lethal compound into a lethal metabolite. It is also possible to apply a selection pressure based on a polynucleotide sequence itself, such that only a desired genetic variation need be introduced (e.g. without also requiring a selectable marker). In this case, the selection pressure can comprise cleaving genomes lacking the genetic variation introduced to a target site, such that selection is effectively directed against the reference sequence into which the genetic variation is sought to be introduced. Typically, cleavage occurs within 100 nucleotides of the target site (e.g. within 75, 50, 25, 10, or fewer nucleotides from the target site, including cleavage at or within the target site). Cleaving may be directed by a site-specific nuclease selected from the group consisting of a Zinc Finger nuclease, a CRISPR nuclease, a TALE nuclease (TALEN), or a meganuclease. Such a process is similar to processes for enhancing homologous recombination at a target site, except that no template for homologous recombination is provided. As a result, bacteria lacking the desired genetic variation are more likely to undergo cleavage that, left unrepaired, results in cell death. Bacteria surviving selection may then be isolated for use in exposing to plants for assessing conferral of an improved trait.

[0165] A CRISPR nuclease may be used as the site-specific nuclease to direct cleavage to a target site. An improved selection of mutated microbes can be obtained by using Cas9 to kill non- mutated cells. Plants are then inoculated with the mutated microbes to re-confirm symbiosis and create evolutionary pressure to select for efficient symbionts. Microbes can then be re-isolated from plant tissues. CRISPR nuclease systems employed for selection against non-variants can employ similar elements to those described above with respect to introducing genetic variation, except that no template for homologous recombination is provided. Cleavage directed to the target site thus enhances death of affected cells.

[0166] Other options for specifically inducing cleavage at a target site are available, such as zinc finger nucleases, TALE nuclease (TALEN) systems, and meganuclease. Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial DNA endonucleases generated by fusing a zinc finger DNA binding domain to a DN A cleavage domain. ZFNs can be engineered to target desired DNA sequences and this enables zinc-finger nucleases to cleave unique target sequences. When introduced into a cell, ZFNs can be used to edit target DNA in the cell (e.g., the cell's genome) by inducing double stranded breaks. Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are artificial DNA endonucleases generated by fusing a TAL (Transcription activator-like) effector DNA binding domain to a DNA cleavage domain. TALEN S can be quickly engineered to bind practically any desired DNA sequence and when introduced into a cell, TALENs can be used to edit target DNA m the cell (e.g., the cell's genome) by inducing double strand breaks. Meganucleases (homing endonuclease) are endodeoxyribonucleases characterized by a large recognition site (double- stranded DNA sequences of 12 to 40 base pairs. Meganucleases can be used to replace, eliminate or modify sequences in a highly targeted way. By modifying their recognition sequence through protein engineering, the targeted sequence can be changed. Meganucleases can be used to modify all genome types, whether bacterial, plant or animal and are commonly grouped into four families: the LAGLIDADG family (SEQ ID NO: 1), the GIY-YIG family, the His-Cyst box family and the HNH family. Exemplary homing endonucleases include I-Scel, I-Ceul, PI-PspI, Pl-Sce, 1-SceIV, I-Csml, I-Panl, I-Scell, I~PpoI, I -Seel H . I-Crel, I-Tevl, I-TevII and I-TevIII. Genetic Variation - Methods of Identification

[0167] The microbes of the present disclosure may be identified by one or more genetic modifications or alterations, which have been introduced into said microbe. One method by which said genetic modification or alteration can be identified is via reference to a SEQ ID NO that contains a portion of the microbe’s genomic sequence that is sufficient to identify the genetic modification or alteration.

[0168] Further, in the case of microbes that have not had a genetic modification or alteration (e.g. a wild type, WT) introduced into their genomes, the disclosure can utilize 16S nucleic acid sequences to identify said microbes. A 16S nucleic acid sequence is an example of a“molecular marker” or“genetic marker,” which refers to an indicator that is used in methods for visualizing differences in characteristics of nucleic acid sequences. Examples of other such indicators are restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion mutations, microsatellite markers (SSRs), sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs), cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers or isozyme markers or combinations of the markers described herein which defines a specific genetic and chromosomal location. Markers further include polynucleotide sequences encoding 16S or 18S rRNA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, which are sequences found between small-subunit and large-subunit rRN A genes that have proven to be especially useful in elucidating relationships or distinctions when compared against one another. Furthermore, the disclosure utilizes unique sequences found m genes of interest (e.g. nif H,D,K,L,A, glnE, amtB, etc.) to identify microbes disclosed herein.

[0169] The primary structure of major rRNA subunit 16S comprise a particular combination of conserved, variable, and hypervariable regions that evolve at different rates and enable the resolution of both very ancient lineages such as domains, and more modern lineages such as genera. The secondary structure of the 16S subunit include approximately 50 helices which result in base pairing of about 67% of the residues. These highly conserved secondary' structural features are of great functional importance and can be used to ensure positional homology in multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis. Over the previous few decades, the 16S rRNA gene has become the most sequenced taxonomic marker and is the cornerstone for the current systematic classification of bacteria and archaea (Yarza et al. 2014. Nature Rev Micro 12:635- 45). [0170] Thus, in certain aspects, the disclosure provides for a sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to any sequence m Tables 23, 24, 25, and 26.

[0171] Thus, in certain aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises a sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 62-303. These sequences and their associated descriptions can be found in Tables 25 and 26.

[0172] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises a 16S nucleic acid sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 85, 96, 111, 121, 122, 123, 124, 136, 149, 1 57, 167, 261, 262, 269, 277-283. These sequences and their associated descriptions can be found in Table 26.

[0173] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises a nucleic acid sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 86-95, 97-110, 112-120, 125-135, 137-148, 150-156, 158-166, 168-176, 263-268, 270-274, 275, 276, 284-295. These sequences and their associated descriptions can be found in Table 26.

[0174] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises a nucleic acid sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 177-260, 296-303. These sequences and their associated descriptions can be found in Table 26.

[0175] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises, or primer that comprises, or probe that comprises, or non- native junction sequence that comprises, a nucleic acid sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 304-424. These sequences are described in Table 27. [0176] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises a non-native junction sequence that shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 372-405. These sequences are described in Table 27.

[0177] In some aspects, the disclosure provides for a microbe that comprises an amino acid sequence, which shares at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 77, 78, 81, 82, or 83. These sequences and their associated descriptions can be found in Table 25.

Genetic Variation - Methods of Detection: Primers, Probes, and Assays

[0178] The present disclosure teaches primers, probes, and assays that are useful for detecting the microbes taught herein. In some aspects, the disclosure provides for methods of detecting the WT parental strains. In other aspects, the disclosure provides for methods of detecting the non- intergeneric engineered microbes derived from the WT strains. In aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of identifying non-intergeneric genetic alterations in a microbe.

[0179] In aspects, the genomic engineering methods of the present disclosure lead to the creation of non-natural nucleotide“junction” sequences in the derived non-intergeneric microbes. These non-naturally occurring nucleotide junctions can be used as a type of diagnostic that is indicative of the presence of a particular genetic alteration in a microbe taught herein.

[0180] The present techniques are able to detect these non-naturally occurring nucleotide junctions via the utilization of specialized quantitative PCR methods, including uniquely designed primers and probes. In some aspects, the probes of the disclosure bind to the non-naturally occurring nucleotide junction sequences. In some aspects, traditional PCR is utilized. In other aspects, real- time PCR is utilized. In some aspects, quantitative PCR (qPCR) is utilized.

[0181] Thus, the disclosure can cover the utilization of two common methods for the detection of PCR products in real-time: (1) non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double- stranded DNA, and (2) sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary sequence. In some aspects, only the non-naturally occurring nucleotide junction will be amplified via the taught primers, and consequently can be detected via either a non-specific dye, or via the utilization of a specific hybridization probe. In other aspects, the primers of the disclosure are chosen such that the primers flank either side of a junction sequence, such that if an amplification reaction occurs, then said junction sequence is present.

[0182] Aspects of the disclosure involve non-natura!ly occurring nucleotide junction sequence molecules per se, along with other nucleotide molecules that are capable of binding to said non- natural ly occurring nucleotide junction sequences under mild to stringent hybridization conditions. In some aspects, the nucleotide molecules that are capable of binding to said non-naturally occurring nucleotide junction sequences under mild to stringent hybridization conditions are termed“nucleotide probes.”

[0183] In aspects, genomic DNA can be extracted from samples and used to quantify the presence of microbes of the disclosure by using qPCR. The primers utilized in the qPCR reaction can be primers designed by Primer Blast (//www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/iools/primer-blast/) to amplify unique regions of the wild-type genome or unique regions of the engineered non-intergeneric mutant strains. The qPCR reaction can be carried out using the SYBR GreenER qPCR SuperMix Universal (Thermo Fisher P/N 11762100) kit, using only forward and reverse amplification primers; alternatively, the Kapa Probe Force kit (Kapa Biosystems P/N KK4301) can he used wath amplification primers and a TaqMan probe containing a FAM dye label at the 5’ end, an internal ZEN quencher, and a minor groove binder and fluorescent quencher at the 3’ end (Integrated DNA Technologies).

[0184] Certain primer, probe, and non-native junction sequences are listed in Table 27. qPCR reaction efficiency can be measured using a standard curve generated from a known quantity of gDNA from the target genome. Data can be normalized to genome copies per g fresh weight using the tissue weight and extraction volume.

[0185] Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a method of quantifying, in real time, the amplification of one or more nucleic acid sequences. The real time quantification of the PCR assay permits determination of the quantity of nucleic acids being generated by the PCR amplification steps by comparing the amplifying nucleic acids of interest and an appropriate control nucleic acid sequence, which may act as a calibration standard.

[0186] TaqMan probes are often utilized in qPCR assays that require an increased specificity for quantifying target nucleic acid sequences. TaqMan probes comprise a oligonucleotide probe with a fluorophore attached to the 5’ end and a quencher attached to the 3’ end of the probe. When the TaqMan probes remain as is with the 5’ and 3’ ends of the probe in close contact with each other, the quencher prevents fluorescent signal transmission from the fluorophore. TaqMan probes are designed to anneal within a nucleic acid region amplified by a specific set of primers. As the Taq polymerase extends the primer and synthesizes the nascent strand, the 5’ to 3’ exonuclease activity of the Taq polymerase degrades the probe that annealed to the template. This probe degradation releases the fluorophore, thus breaking the close proximity to the quencher and allowing fluorescence of the fluorophore. Fluorescence detected in the qPCR assay is directly proportional to the fluorophore released and the amount of DNA template present in the reaction.

[0187] The features of qPCR allow the practitioner to eliminate the labor-intensive post amplification step of gel electrophoresis preparation, which is generally required for observation of the amplified products of traditional PCR assays. The benefits of qPCR over conventional PCR are considerable, and include increased speed, ease of use, reproducibility, and quantitative ability.

Improvement of Traits

[0188] Methods of the present disclosure may be employed to introduce or improve one or more of a variety of desirable traits. Examples of traits that may introduced or improved include; root biomass, root length, height, shoot length, leaf number, water use efficiency, overall biomass, yield, fruit size, grain size, photosynthesis rate, tolerance to drought, heat tolerance, salt tolerance, resistance to nematode stress, resistance to a fungal pathogen, resistance to a bacterial pathogen, resistance to a viral pathogen, level of a metabolite, and proteome expression. The desirable traits, including height, overall biomass, root and/or shoot biomass, seed germination, seedling survival, photosynthetic efficiency, transpiration rate, seed/fruit number or mass, plant grain or fruit yield, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, root length, or any combination thereof, can be used to measure growth, and compared with the growth rate of reference agricultural plants (e.g., plants without the improved traits) grown under identical conditions.

[0189] A preferred trait to be introduced or improved is nitrogen fixation, as described herein. In some cases, a plant resulting from the methods described herein exhibits a difference in the trait that is at least about 5% greater, for example at least about 5%, at least about 8%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least 100%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 400% or greater than a reference agricultural plant grown under the same conditions in the soil. In additional examples, a plant resulting from the methods described herein exhibits a difference in the trait that is at least about 5% greater, for example at least about 5%, at least about 8%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least 100%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 400% or greater than a reference agricultural plant grown under similar conditions in the soil.

[0190] The trait to be improved may be assessed under conditions including the application of one or more biotic or abiotic stressors. Examples of stressors include abiotic stresses (such as heat stress, salt stress, drought stress, cold stress, and low nutrient stress) and biotic stresses (such as nematode stress, insect herbivory stress, fungal pathogen stress, bacterial pathogen stress, and viral pathogen stress).

[0191] The trait improved by methods and compositions of the present disclosure may be nitrogen fixation, including in a plant not previously capable of nitrogen fixation. In some cases, bacteria isolated according to a method described herein produce 1% or more (e.g. 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more) of a plant’s nitrogen, which may represent an increase in nitrogen fixation capability of at least 2-fold (e.g. 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9- fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, 1000-fold, or more) as compared to bacteria isolated from the first plant before introducing any genetic variation. In some cases, the bacteria produce 5% or more of a plant’s nitrogen. The desired level of nitrogen fixation may be achieved after repeating the steps of introducing genetic variation, exposure to a plurality' of plants, and isolating bacteria from plants with an improved trait one or more times (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 25, or more times). In some cases, enhanced levels of nitrogen fixation are achieved m the presence of fertilizer supplemented with glutamine, ammonia, or other chemical source of nitrogen. Methods for assessing degree of nitrogen fixation are known, examples of which are described herein.

[0192] Microbe breeding is a method to systematically identify and improve the role of species within the crop microbiome. The method comprises three steps: 1) selection of candidate species by mapping plant-microbe interactions and predicting regulatory' networks linked to a particular phenotype, 2) pragmatic and predictable improvement of microbial phenotypes through intra species crossing of regulatory networks and gene clusters, and 3) screening and selection of new' microbial genotypes that produce desired crop phenotypes. To systematically assess the improvement of strains, a model is created that links colonization dynamics of the microbial community to genetic activity by key species. The model is used to predict genetic targets for breeding and improve the frequency of selecting improvements in microbiome-encoded traits of agronomic relevance.

Measuring Nitrogen Delivered in an Agriculturally Relevant Field Context

[0193] In the field, the amount of nitrogen delivered can be determined by the function of colonization multiplied by the activity .

Nitrogen delivered = j Colonization x Activity

Tsroe & Space

[0194] The above equation requires (1) the average colonization per unit of plant tissue, and (2) the activity as either the amount of nitrogen fixed or the amount of ammonia excreted by each microbial cell To convert to pounds of nitrogen per acre, com growth physiology is tracked over time, e.g., size of the plant and associated root system throughout the maturity stages

[0195] The pounds of nitrogen delivered to a crop per acre-season can be calculated by the following equation:

Nitrogen delivered Jpiant Tlssuel ^' t) x Cofonization(i) x Activity(t dt

[0196] The Plant Tissue(t) is the fresh weight of corn plant tissue over the growing time (t). Values for reasonably making the calculation are described m detail in the publication entitled Roots, Growth and Nutrient Uptake (Mengel. Dept of Agronomy Pub.# AGRY-95-08 (Rev. May-95 p.

1-8. ).

[0197] The Colonization (t) is the amount of the microbes of interest found within the plant tissue, per gram fresh weight of plant tissue, at any particular time,†, during the growing season. In the instance of only a single time point available, the single time point is normalized as the peak colonization rate over the season, and the colonization rate of the remaining time points are adjusted accordingly.

[0198] Activity(t) is the rate of which N is fixed by the microbes of interest per unit time, at any particular time, t, during the growing season. In the embodiments disclosed herein, this activit - rate is approximated by in vitro acetylene reduction assay (ARA) in ARA media in the presence of 5 mM glutamine or Ammonium excretion assay in ARA media in the presence of 5mM ammonium ions.

[0199] The Nitrogen delivered amount is then calculated by numerically integrating the above function in cases where the values of the variables described above are discretely measured at set time points, the values in between those time points are approximated by performing linear interpolation.

Nitrogen Fixation

[02QQ] Described herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a plant, comprising exposing the plant to bacteria comprising one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes regulating nitrogen fixation, wherein the bacteria produce 1% or more of nitrogen in the plant (e.g. 2%, 5%, 10%, or more), which may represent a nitrogen-fixation capability of at least 2-fold as compared to the plant in the absence of the bacteria. The bacteria may produce the nitrogen in the presence of fertilizer supplemented with glutamine, urea, nitrates or ammonia. Genetic variations can be any genetic variation described herein, including examples provided above, in any number and any combination. The genetic variation may be introduced into a gene selected from the group consisting of nifA, nifL, ntrB, ntrC, glutamine synthetase, glnA, glnB, glnK, draT, amtB, glutaminase, glnD, gltiE, mfj, nifH, mfD, nifK , nifY, niffi, nifN, nifU, nifS, nifV, nifW, nifZ, nifM, nifF, nifB, and nifQ. The genetic variation may be a mutation that results in one or more of: increased expression or activity of nifA or glutaminase; decreased expression or activity of nifL, ntrB, glutamine synthetase, glnB, glnK, draT, amtB; decreased adenylyl- removing activity of GlnE; or decreased uridylyl-removmg activity of GlnD. The genetic variation introduced into one or more bacteria of the methods disclosed herein may be a knock-out mutation or it may abolish a regulatory sequence of a target gene, or it may comprise insertion of a heterologous regulator sequence, for example, insertion of a regulatory sequence found within the genome of the same bacterial species or genus. The regulatory sequence can be chosen based on the expression level of a gene in a bacterial culture or within plant tissue. The genetic variation may be produced by chemical mutagenesis. The plants grown in step (c) may be exposed to biotic or abiotic stressors.

[0201] The amount of nitrogen fixation that occurs in the plants described herein may be measured in several ways, for example by an acetylene-reduction (AR) assay. An acetylene-reduction assay can be performed in vitro or in vivo. Evidence that a particular bacterium is providing fixed nitrogen to a plant can include: 1 ) total plant N significantly increases upon inoculation, preferably with a concomitant increase in N concentration in the plant; 2) nitrogen deficiency symptoms are relieved under N-limiting conditions upon inoculation (which should include an increase in dry mater); 3) N2 fixation is documented through the use of an ¹⁵ N approach (which can be isotope dilution experiments, ^I5 N2 reduction assays, or ¹⁵ N natural abundance assays); 4) fixed N is incorporated into a plant protein or metabolite; and 5) all of these effects are not be seen m non- inoculated plants or in plants inoculated with a mutant of the inoculum strain.

[02Q2] The wild-type nitrogen fixation regulatory cascade can be represented as a digital logic circuit where the inputs O2 and NH-ti pass through a NOR gate, the output of which enters an AND gate m addition to ATP. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein disrupt the influence of NH-ti on this circuit, at multiple points m the regulatory cascade, so that microbes can produce nitrogen even m fertilized fields. However, the methods disclosed herein also envision altering the impact of ATP or O2 on the circuitry, or replacing the circuitry with other regulatory cascades in the cell, or altering genetic circuits other than nitrogen fixation. Gene clusters can be re engineered to generate functional products under the control of a heterologous regulatory system. By eliminating native regulatory elements outside of, and within, coding sequences of gene clusters, and replacing them with alternative regulatory systems, the functional products of complex genetic operons and other gene clusters can be controlled and/or moved to heterologous cells, including cells of different species other than the species from which the native genes were derived. Once re-engmeered, the synthetic gene clusters can be controlled by genetic circuits or other inducible regulatory systems, thereby controlling the products’ expression as desired. The expression cassettes can be designed to act as logic gates, pulse generators, oscillators, switches, or memory devices. The controlling expression cassette can be linked to a promoter such that the expression cassette functions as an environmental sensor, such as an oxygen, temperature, touch, osmotic stress, membrane stress, or redox sensor.

j02G3] As an example, the iiifL, nifA, niff, and nifX genes can be eliminated from the nif gene cluster. Synthetic genes can be designed by codon randomizing the DNA encoding each amino acid sequence. Codon selection is performed, specifying that codon usage be as divergent as possible from the codon usage in the native gene. Proposed sequences are scanned for any undesired features, such as restriction enzyme recognition sites, transposon recognition sites, repetitive sequences, sigma 54 and sigma 70 promoters, cryptic ribosome binding sites, and rho independent terminators. Synthetic ribosome binding sites are chosen to match the strength of each corresponding native ribosome binding site, such as by constructing a fluorescent reporter plasmid in which the 150 bp surrounding a gene's start codon (from -60 to +90) is fused to a fluorescent gene. This chimera can be expressed under control of the Ptae promoter, and fluorescence measured via flow cytometry. To generate synthetic ribosome binding sites, a library of reporter plasmids using 150 bp (-60 to +90) of a synthetic expression cassette is generated. Briefly, a synthetic expression cassette can consist of a random DNA spacer, a degenerate sequence encoding an RBS library, and the coding sequence for each synthetic gene. Multiple clones are screened to identify the synthetic ribosome binding site that best matched the native ribosome binding site. Synthetic operons that consist of the same genes as the native operons are thus constructed and tested for functional complementation. A further exemplary description of synthetic operons is provided in US20140329326

Bacterial Species

[0204] Microbes useful in the methods and compositions disclosed herein may be obtained from any source. In some cases, microbes may be bacteria, archaea, protozoa or fungi. The microbes of this disclosure may be nitrogen fixing microbes, for example a nitrogen fixing bacteria, nitrogen fixing archaea, nitrogen fixing fungi, nitrogen fixing yeast, or nitrogen fixing protozoa. Microbes useful in the methods and compositions disclosed herein may be spore forming microbes, for example spore forming bacteria. In some cases, bacteria useful in the methods and compositions disclosed herein may be Gram positive bacteria or Gram negative bacteria. In some cases, the bacteria may be an endospore forming bacteria of the Firmicute phylum. In some cases, the bacteria may be a diazotroph. In some cases, the bacteria may not be a diazotroph.

[0205] The methods and compositions of this disclosure may be used with an archaea, such as, for example, Methanothermobacter thermoautoiropkicus .

[0206] In some cases, bacteria which may be useful include, but are not limited to, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus acidoterresiris, Bacillus agri, Bacillus aizawai, Bacillus albolactis, Bacillus alcalophilus, Bacillus alvei, Bacillus aminoglucosidicus, Bacillus aminovorans, Bacillus amylolyticus (also known as Paenibacillus amylolyticus) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus aneurinolyticus, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus azotof ormans, Bacillus badius, Bacillus cereus (synonyms: Bacillus endorhythmos, Bacillus medusa). Bacillus chitinosporus, Bacillus circulans , Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus endoparasiticus Bacillus fastidiosus , Bacillus firmus, Bacillus kurstaki, Bacillus lacticola, Bacillus lactimorbus, Bacillus !actis, Bacillus laterosporus (also known as Brevibacillus later osporus), Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentimorbus, Bacillus lerstus, Bacillus licheniformis , Bacillus maroccanus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus metiens, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus naito, Bacillus nematocida, Bacillus nigrificans, Bacillus nigrum, Bacillus pantothenticus, Bacillus papillae, Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus uniflagellatus, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Brevihacillus brevis Brevibacillus laterosporus (formerly Bacillus laterosporus), Chromobacterium subtsugae, Delftia acidovorans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lysobacier antibioticus, Lysobacter enzymogenes, Paenibacillus alvei, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Paenibacillus popil!iae (formerly Bacillus popilliae), Pantoea agglomerans, Pasteuria penetrans (formerly Bacillus penetrans), Pasteuria usgae, Pectobacterium carotovorum (formerly Erwinia carotovora), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Pseudomonas cepacia (formerly known as Burkholderia cepacia). Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas jluorescens, Pseudomonas proradix, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas syringae, Serratia entomophila, Serrano marcescens, Streptomyces coiornhiensis, Streptomyces galhus, Streptomyces goshikiensis, Streptomyces griseoviridis, Streptomyces lavendulae, Streptomyces prasinus, Streptomyces saraceticus, Streptomyces venezuelae, Xanthomonas campestris, Xenorhabdiis luminescens, Xenorhabdus nematophila, Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663), Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ 177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609), Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522), and Streptomyces sp. strain NRRL Accession No. B-30145. In some cases the bacterium may be Azotobacter chroococcum, Methanosarcina barkeri, Klesiella pneumoniae, Azotobacter vinelandii, Azospirilhim brasilense, Rhodobacter spharoides, Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobcter palustris, Rhodosporillum rubrum, Rhizobium leguminosarum or Rhizobium etli.

[0207] In some cases the bacterium may be a species of Clostridium, for example Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium heijerinckii, Clostridium perjringens, Clostridium tetani, Clostridium acetobutylicum.

[0208] In some cases, bacteria used with the methods and compositions of the present disclosure may be cyanobacteria. Examples of cyanobacteria! genera include Anabaena (for example Anagaena sp. PCC7120), Nostoc (for example Nostoc punciiforme), or Synechocystis (for example Synechocystis sp. PCC6803).

[0209] In some cases, bacteria used with the methods and compositions of the present disclosure may belong to the phylum Chlorobi, for example Chlorobium tepidum

[0210] In some cases, microbes used with the methods and composition s of the present disclosure may comprise a gene homologous to a known NifH gene. Sequences of known NifH genes may ^¬ be found in, for example, the Zehr lab NifH database. (://wwwzehr. pmc.ucsc.edu/nifH_Database__Piiblic/, April 4, 2014), or the Buckley lab NifH database (://www.css. cornell.edu/faculty/buckley/nifh.htm, and Gaby, John Christian, and Daniel H Buckley "A comprehensive aligned nifH gene database: a multipurpose tool for studies of nitrogen-fixing bacteria." Database 2014 (2014): bauOOl .). In some cases, microbes used with the methods and compositions of the present disclosure may comprise a sequence which encodes a polypeptide with at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 96%, 98%, 99% or more than 99% sequence identity to a sequence from the Zehr lab NifH database, (://wwwzehr.pmc.ucsc.edu/nifH_Database_Public/, April 4, 2014). In some cases, microbes used with the methods and compositions of the present disclosure may comprise a sequence which encodes a polypeptide with at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 96%, 98%, 99% or more than 99% sequence identity to a sequence from the Buckley lab NifH database, (Gaby. John Christian, and Daniel H. Buckley. "A comprehensive aligned nifH gene database: a multipurpose tool for studies of nitrogen-fixing bacteria." Database 2014 (2014): bauOOl ).

[0211] Microbes useful in the methods and compositions disclosed herein can be obtained by extracting microbes from surfaces or tissues of native plants; grinding seeds to isolate microbes; planting seeds in diverse soil samples and recovering microbes from tissues; or inoculating plants with exogenous microbes and determining which microbes appear m plant tissues. Non-limiting examples of plant tissues include a seed, seedling, leaf, cutting, plant, bulb, tuber, root, and rhizomes. In some cases, bacteria are isolated from a seed. The parameters for processing samples may be varied to isolate different types of associative microbes, such as rhizospheric, epiphytes, or endophytes. Bacteria may also be sourced from a repository, such as environmental strain collections, instead of initially isolating from a first plant. The microbes can be genotyped and phenotyped, via sequencing the genomes of isolated microbes; profiling the composition of communities in planta ; characterizing the transcriptomic functionality of communities or isolated microbes; or screening microbial features using selective or phenotypic media (e.g., nitrogen fixation or phosphate solubilization phenotypes). Selected candidate strains or populations can be obtained via sequence data; phenotype data; plant data (e.g., genome, phenotype, and/or yield data); soil data (e.g , pH, N/P/K content, and/or bulk soil biotic communities); or any combination of these.

[0212] The bacteria and methods of producing bacteria described herein may apply to bacteria able to self-propagate efficiently on the leaf surface, root surface, or inside plant tissues without inducing a damaging plant defense reaction, or bacteria that are resistant to plant defense responses. The bacteria described herein may be isolated by culturing a plant tissue extract or leaf surface wash in a medium with no added nitrogen. However, the bacteria may be unculturable, that is, not known to be culturab!e or difficult to culture using standard methods known in the art. The bacteria described herein may be an endophyte or an epiphyte or a bacterium inhabiting the plant rhizosphere (rhizosphenc bacteria). The bacteria obtained after repeating the steps of introducing genetic variation, exposure to a plurality of plants, and isolating bacteria from plants with an improved trait one or more times (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 25, or more times) may be endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospherie. Endophytes are organisms that enter the interior of plants without causing disease symptoms or eliciting the formation of symbiotic structures, and are of agronomic interest because they can enhance plant growth and improve the nutrition of plants (e.g., through nitrogen fixation). The bacteria can be a seed-borne endophyte. Seed-borne endophytes include bacteria associated with or derived from the seed of a grass or plant, such as a seed-borne bacterial endophyte found in mature, dry, undamaged (e.g., no cracks, visible fungal infection, or prematurely germinated) seeds. The seed-borne bacterial endophyte can be associated with or derived from the surface of the seed; alternatively, or in addition, it can be associated with or derived from the interior seed compartment (e.g., of a surface-sterilized seed). In some cases, a seed-borne bacterial endophyte is capable of replicating within the plant tissue, for example, the interior of the seed. Also, m some cases, the seed-borne bacterial endophyte is capable of surviving desiccation.

[0213] The bacterial isolated according to methods of the disclosure, or used in methods or compositions of the disclosure, can comprise a plurality of different bacterial taxa in combination. By way of example, the bacteria may include Proteobactena (such as Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Rhizobium, HerbaspiriUum, Pantoea, Serratia, Rahnella, Azospirillum, Azorhizobium, Azotobacter, Duganella, Delftia, Bradyrhizobiun, Sinorhizobium and Halomonas), Firmicutes (such as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Lactobacillus, Mycoplasma, and Acetabacterium), and Actinobacteria (such as Streptomyces, Rhodacoccus, Microbacterium, and Curtobacterium). The bacteria used in methods and compositions of this disclosure may include nitrogen fixing bacterial consortia of two or more species. In some cases, one or more bacterial species of the bacterial consortia may be capable of fixing nitrogen. In some cases, one or more species of the bacterial consortia may facilitate or enhance the ability of other bacteria to fix nitrogen. The bacteria which fix nitrogen and the bacteria which enhance the ability of other bacteria to fix nitrogen may be the same or different. In some examples, a bacterial strain may be able to fix nitrogen when in combination with a different bacterial strain, or in a certain bacterial consortia, but may be unable to fix nitrogen in a monoculture. Examples of bacterial genera which may be found in a nitrogen fixing bacterial consortia include, but are not limited to, Herbaspirillum, Azospirillum, Enterobacter, and Bacillus

[0214] Bacteria that can be produced by the methods disclosed herein include Azotobacter sp., Bradyrhizohium sp., Klebsiella sp., and Sinorhizobium sp. In some cases, the bacteria may be selected from the group consisting of: Azotobacter vinelandii, Azospirillum brasilense , Bradyrhizohium japonicum, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Sinorhizobium meliloti. In some cases, the bacteria may be of the genus Enterobacter or Rahnella. In some cases, the bacteria may be of the genus Frankia, or Clostridium. Examples of bacteria of the genus Clostridium include, but are not limited to, Clostridium acetobutilicum, Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium perfringens , and Clostridium tetani. In some cases, the bacteria may be of the genus Paenibacillus, for example Paenibacillus azotofixans, Paenibacillus borealis, Paenibacillus durus, Paenibacillus macerans, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Paenibacillus alvei, Paenibacillus amylolyticus, Paenibacillus campinasensis, Paenibacillus chibensis, Paenibacillus glucanolyticus, Paenibacillus illinoisensis, Paenibacillus larvae subsp. Larvae, Paenibacillus larvae subsp. Pulvifaciens, Paenibacillus lautus, Paenibacillus macerans, Paenibacillus macquariensis, Paenibacillus macquariensis, Paenibacillus pabuli, Paenibacillus peoriae, or Paenibacillus polymyxa.

[0215] In some examples, bacteria isolated according to methods of the disclosure can be a member of one or more of the following taxa: Achromobacter, Acidithiobacillus, Acidovorax, Acidovoraz, Acinetobacter, Actinoplanes, Adlercreutzia, Aerococcus, Aeromonas, Afipia, Agromyces, Ancylobacter, Arthrobacter, Atopostipes, Azospirillum, Bacillus, Bdellovibrio, Beijerinckia, Bosea, Bradyrhizohium, Brevibacillus, Brevundimonas, Burkholderia, Candidatus Haloredivivus, Caulobacter, Cellulomonas, Cellvibrio, Chryseobacterium, Citrobacter, Clostridium, Coraliomargarita, Corynebacterium, Cupriavidus, Curtobacterium, Curvibacter, Deinococcus, Delftia, Desemzia, Devosia, Dokdonella, Dyella, Enhydrobacter, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Erwinia, Escherichia, Escherichia/Shigella, Exiguobacterium, Ferroglobus, Filimonas, Finegoldia, Fiavisoiibacter, Fiavohacterium, Frigoribacterium, Gluconacetobacter, Hafriia, Halobaculum, Halomonas, Halosimpiex, Herbaspirillum, Hymenobacter, Klebsiella, Kocuria, Kosakonia, Lactobacillus, Leclercia, Lentzea, Luteibacter, Luteimonas, Massilia, Mesorkizobium, Methylobacterium, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Microvirga, Mycobacterium, Neisseria , Nocardia, Oceanibaculum, Ochrobaclrum, Okibacterium, Oligotropha, Oryzihumus, Oxalophagus, Paenibacillus, Panteoa, Pantoea, Pelomonas, Perlucidibaca, Plantihacter , Polynucleobacter, Propionihacterium, Propioniciclava, Pseudoclavibacter, Pseudomonas, Pseudonocar dia, Pseudoxanthomonas, Psychrobacter, Rahnella, Ralstonia, Rheinheimera, Rhizobium, Rhodococcus, Rhodopseudomonas, Roseateles, Ruminococcus, Sehaldella, SediminihacUlus, Sediminibacteriurn, Serratia, Shigella, Shinella , Sinorhizohium, Si nosporangium , Sphingobacterium, Sphingomonas, Sphingopyxis, Sphingosinicella, Staphylococcus, 25 Stenotrophomonas, Strenotrophomonas, Streptococcus, Streptomyces, Stygiolobus, Sulfitrisphaera, Tatumella, Tepidimonas, Thermomonas, Thiohacillus, Variovorax, WPS-2 genera incertae sedis, Xanthomonas, and Zimmermannella.

[0216] In some cases, a bacterial species selected from at least one of the following genera are utilized: Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kosakonia, and Rahnella. In some cases, a combination of bacterial species from the following genera are utilized: Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kosakonia, and Rahnella. In some cases, the species utilized can be one or more of: Enterobacter sacchari, Klebsiella variicola, Kosakonia sacchari, and Rahnella aquatilis.

[0217] In some eases, a Gram positive microbe may have a Molybdenum-Iron nitrogenase system comprising: nifli, nijD ^' , nifiC, nifB, nijE, nifN, nifX, hesA, ni/V, niflV, nifU, nifS, nifll, and nifl2. In some cases, a Gram positive microbe may have a vanadium nitrogenase system comprising: vnjDG , vn K, vnJE, vnfN, vupC, vupB, vupA, vnjV, vnJRl, vnfli, vnfR2, vnfA (transcriptional regulator). In some cases, a Gram positive microbe may have an iron-only nitrogenase system comprising: anfK, anfG, anil), anfH, an A (transcriptional regulator). In some cases a Gram positive microbe may have a nitrogenase system comprising glnB, and glnK (nitrogen signaling proteins). Some examples of enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism in Gram positive microbes include glnA (glutamine synthetase), gdh (glutamate dehydrogenase), bdh (3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase), glutammase, gltAB/gltB/gltS (glutamate synthase), asnA/asnB (aspartate- ammonia ligase/asparagine synthetase), and ansA/ansZ (asparaginase). Some examples of proteins involved in nitrogen transport in Gram positive microbes include amtB (ammonium transporter), glnK (regulator of ammonium transport), glnPHQ/ ginQHMP (ATP-dependent glutamine/glutamate transporters), glnT/alsT/yrbD/yflA (glutamine-like proton symport transporters), and gltP/gltT/yhcl/nqt (glutamate-like proton symport transporters).

[0218] Examples of Gram positive microbes which may be of particular interest include Paenibacillus polymixa, Paenibacillus riograndensis, Paenibacillus sp., F ankia sp., Heliobacterium sp., Heliobacterium chlorum, Heliobacillus sp., Heliophilum sp., Heliorestis sp., Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium sp., Mycobacterium flaum, Mycobacteriu sp., Arthrobacter sp., Agromyces sp., Corynebacierium autitrophicum, Corynebacterium sp., Micromonspora sp., Propioni bacteria sp., Streptomyces sp., and Microbacterium sp..

[0219] Some examples of genetic alterations winch may be made in Gram positive microbes include: deleting glnR to remove negative regulation of BNF in the presence of environmental nitrogen, inserting different promoters directly upstream of the «// ^" cluster to eliminate regulation by GlnR in response to environmental nitrogen, mutating glnA to reduce the rate of ammonium assimilation by the GS-GOGAT pathway, deleting amtB to reduce uptake of ammonium from the media, mutating glnA so it is constitutively in the feedback-inhibited (FBJ-GS) state, to reduce ammonium assimilation by the GS-GOGAT pathway.

[0220] In some cases, glnR is the main regulator of N metabolism and fixation in Paenibacillus species. In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may not contain a gene to produce glnR In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may not contain a gene to produce glnE or glnD. In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may contain a gene to produce glnP or glnK. For example Paenibacillus sp. WLY78 doesn’t contain a gene for glnB, or its homologs found in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis, nifll and nifI2. In some cases, the genomes of Paenibacillus species may ⁷ be variable. For example, Paenibacillus polymixa E681 lacks glnK and gdh, has several nitrogen compound transporters, but only amtB appears to be controlled by GlnR. In another example, Paenibacillus sp. JDR2 has glnK , gdh and most other central nitrogen metabolism genes, has many fewer nitrogen compound transporters, but does have glnPHQ controlled by GlnR. Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5 contains a standard glnRA operon, an fdx gene, a main «//operon, a secondary ⁷ nif operon, and an anf operon (encoding iron- only nitrogenase). Putative glnR/tnrA sites were found upstream of each of these operons. GlnR may regulate all of the above operons, except the anf operon. GlnR may bind to each of these regulatory sequences as a dimer.

[0221] Paenibacillus N-fixing strains may fall into two subgroups: Subgroup I, which contains only a minimal nif gene cluster and subgroup II, which contains a minimal cluster, plus an uncharacterized gene between nifX and hesA, and often other clusters duplicating som e of the nif genes, such as nifli, nifilDK, nifBEN, or clusters encoding vanadium nitrogenase (vnf) or iron- only mtrogenase (anf) genes. [0222] In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may not contain a gene to produce gltiB or glnK. In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may contain a minimal nif cluster with 9 genes transcribed from a sigma-70 promoter. In some cases a Paenibacillus nif cluster may be negatively regulated by nitrogen or oxygen. In some cases, the genome of a Paenibacillus species may not contain a gene to produce sigma-54. For example, Paenibacillus sp. WLY78 does not contain a gene for sigma-54. In some cases, a nif cluster may be regulated by glnR, and/or TnrA. In some cases, activity of a nif cluster may be altered by altering activity of glnR, and/or TnrA.

[0223] In Bacilli, glutamine synthetase (GS) is feedback-inhibited by high concentrations of intracellular glutamine, causing a shift in confirmation (referred to as FBI-GS). Nif clusters contain distinct binding sites for the regulators GlnR and TnrA in several Bacilli species. GlnR binds and represses gene expression in the presence of excess intracellular glutamine and AMP. A role of GlnR may be to prevent the influx and intracellular production of glutamine and ammonium under conditions of high nitrogen availability. TnrA may bind and/or activate (or repress) gene expression in the presence of limiting intracellular glutamine, and/or in the presence of FBI-GS. In some cases the activity of a Bacilli nif cluster may be altered by altering the activity of GlnR.

[0224] Feedback-inhibited glutamine synthetase (FBI-GS) may bind GlnR and stabilize binding of GlnR to recognition sequences. Several bacterial species have a GlnR/TnrA binding site upstream of the nif cluster. Altering the binding of FBI-GS and GlnR may alter the activity of the nif pathway.

Sources of Microbes

[0225] The bacteria (or any microbe according to the disclosure) may be obtained from any general terrestrial environment, including its soils, plants, fungi, animals (including invertebrates) and other biota, including the sediments, water and biota of lakes and rivers; from the marine environment, its biota and sediments (for example, sea water, marine muds, marine plants, marine invertebrates (for example, sponges), marine vertebrates (for example, fish)); the terrestrial and marine geosphere (regohth and rock, for example, crushed subterranean rocks, sand and clays); the cryosphere and its meltwater; the atmosphere (for example, filtered aerial dusts, cloud and rain droplets); urban, industrial and other man-made environments (for example, accumulated organic and mineral matter on concrete, roadside gutters, roof surfaces, and road surfaces). [0226] The plants from which the bacteria (or any microbe according to the disclosure) are obtained may be a plant having one or more desirable traits, for example a plant which naturally grows in a particular environment or under certain conditions of interest. By way of example, a certain plant may naturally grow m sandy soil or sand of high salinity', or under extreme temperatures, or with little water, or it may be resistant to certain pests or disease present in the environment, and it may be desirable for a commercial crop to be grown in such conditions, particularly if they are, for example, the only conditions available in a particular geographic location. By way of further example, the bacteria may be collected from commercial crops grown in such environments, or more specifically from individual crop plants best displaying a trait of interest amongst a crop grown in any specific environment: for example the fastest-growing plants amongst a crop grown in saline-limiting soils, or the least damaged plants in crops exposed to severe insect damage or disease epidemic, or plants having desired quantities of certain metabolites and other compounds, including fiber content, oil content, and the like, or plants displaying desirable colors, taste or smell. The bacteria may be collected from a plant of interest or any material occurring in the environment of interest, including fungi and other animal and plant biota, soil, water, sediments, and other elements of the environment as referred to previously.

[0227] The bacteria (or any microbe according to the disclosure) may be isolated from plant tissue. This isolation can occur from any appropriate tissue in the plant, including for example root, stem and leaves, and plant reproductive tissues. By way of example, conventional methods for isolation from plants typically include the sterile excision of the plant material of interest (e.g. root or stem lengths, leaves), surface sterilization with an appropriate solution (e.g. 2% sodium hypochlorite), after which the plant material is placed on nutrient medium for microbial growth. Alternatively, the surface-sterilized plant material can be crushed in a sterile liquid (usually water) and the liquid suspension, including small pieces of the crushed plant material spread over the surface of a suitable solid agar medium, or media, which may or may not he selective (e.g. contain only phytic acid as a source of phosphorus). This approach is especially useful for bacteria which form isolated colonies and can he picked off individually to separate plates of nutrient medium, and further purified to a single species by well-known methods. Alternatively, the plant root or foliage samples may not be surface sterilized but only washed gently thus including surface-dwelling epiphytic microorganisms in the isolation process, or the epiphytic microbes can be isolated separately, by imprinting and lifting off pieces of plant roots, stem or leaves onto the surface of an agar medium and then isolating individual colonies as above. This approach is especially useful for bacteria, for example. Alternatively, the roots may be processed without washing off small quantities of soil attached to the roots, thus including microbes that colonize the plant rhizosphere. Otherwise, soil adhering to the roots can be removed, diluted and spread out onto agar of suitable selective and non-selective media to isolate individual colonies of rhizospheric bacteria.

BUDAPEST TREATY ON THE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE DEPOSIT OF MICROORGANISMS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PATENT PROCEDURES

[0228] The microbial deposits of the present disclosure were made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure (Budapest Treaty).

[0229] Applicants state that pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.808(a)(2)“all restrictions imposed by the depositor on the availability to the public of the deposited material will be irrevocably removed upon the granting of the patent.” This statement is subject to paragraph (b) of this section (i.e. 37 C.F.R. § 1.808(b)).

[0230] The Emerobacier sacchari has now been reclassified as Kosakonia sacchari, the name for the organism may be used interchangeably throughout the manuscript.

[0231] Many microbes of the present disclosure are derived from two wild-type strains. Strain CI006 is a bacterial species previously classified in the genus Enterobacter (see aforementioned reclassification into Kosakonia). Strain CIO 19 is a bacterial species classified in the genus RahneUa. The deposit information for the CI006 Kosakonia wild type (WT) and CIO 19 Rahnella WT are found m the below Table 1.

[0232] Some microorganisms described in this application were deposited on January' 06, 2017 or August 11, 2017 with the Bigelow National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA), located at 60 Bigelow' Drive, East Boothbay, Maine 04544, USA. As aforementioned, ail deposits were made under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The Bigelow' National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota accession numbers and dates of deposit for the aforementioned Budapest Treaty deposits are provided m Table 1.

[0233] Biologically pure cultures of Kosakonia sacchari (WT), Rahnella aquatiJis (WT), and a variant/remodeled Kosakonia sacchari strain were deposited on January' 06, 2017 with the Bigelow' National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA), located at 60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay, Maine 04544, USA, and assigned NCMA Patent Deposit Designation numbers 201701001, 201701003, and 201701002, respectively. The applicable deposit information is found below in Table 1.

[0234] Biologically pure cultures of variant/remode!ed Kosakonia sacchari strains were deposited on August 11, 2017 with the Bigelow National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA), located at 60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay, Maine 04544, USA, and assigned NCMA Patent Deposit Designation numbers 201708004, 201708003, and 201708002, respectively. The applicable deposit information is found below in Table 1.

[0235] A biologically pure culture of ^' Klebsiella variicola (WT) was deposited on August 11, 2017 with the Bigelow National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA), located at 60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay, Maine 04544, USA, and assigned NCMA Patent Deposit Designation number 201708001. Biologically pure cultures of two Klebsiella variicola variants/remodeled strains were deposited on December 20, 2017 with the Bigelow National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA), located at 60 Bigelow Drive, East Boothbay, Maine 04544, USA, and assigned NCMA Patent Deposit Designation numbers 201712001 and 201712002, respectively. The applicable deposit information is found below in Table 1.

Table 1: Microorganisms Deposited under the Budapest Treaty

Isolated and Biologically Pore Microorganisms

[0236] The present disclosure, in certain embodiments, provides isolated and biologically pure microorganisms that have applications, inter alia, in agriculture. The disclosed microorganisms can be utilized in their isolated and biologically pure states, as well as being formulated into compositions (see below section for exemplary composition descriptions). Furthermore, the disclosure provides microbial compositions containing at least two members of the disclosed isolated and biologically pure microorganisms, as well as methods of utilizing said microbial compositions. Furthermore, the disclosure provides for methods of modulating nitrogen fixation in plants via the utilization of the disclosed isolated and biologically pure microbes.

[0237] In some aspects, the isolated and biologically pure microorganisms of the disclosure are those from Table 1. In other aspects, the isolated and biologically pure microorganisms of the disclosure are derived from a microorganism of Table 1. For example, a strain, child, mutant, or derivative, of a microorganism from Table 1 are provided herein. The disclosure contemplates all possible combinations of microbes listed in Table 1, said combinations sometimes forming a microbial consortia. The microbes from Table 1, either individually or in any combination, can be combined with any plant, active molecule (synthetic, organic, etc.), adjuvant, carrier, supplement, or biological, mentioned in the disclosure.

[0238] In some aspects, the disclosure provides microbial compositions comprising species as grouped in Tables 2-8. In some aspects, these compositions comprising various microbial species are termed a microbial consortia or consortium.

[0239] With respect to Tables 2-8, the letters A through I represent a non-limiting selection of microorganisms of the present disclosure, defined as:

[0240] A = Microbe with accession number 201701001 identified in Table 1;

[0241] B = Microbe with accession number 201701003 identified in Table 1 ;

[0242] C = Microbe with accession number 201701002 identified in Table 1;

[0243] D = Microbe with accession number 201708004 identified in Table 1;

[0244] E = ^: Microbe with accession number 201708003 identified in Table 1;

[0245] F = Microbe with accession number 201708002 identified in Table 1;

[0246] G = Microbe with accession number 201708001 identified in Table 1;

[0247] H = Microbe with accession number 201712001 identified in Table 1; and

[0248] 1 = Microbe with accession number 201712002 identified in Table 1.

Table 2 : Eight and Nine Strain Compositions

Table 3: Seven Strain Compositions

Table 4: Six Strain Compositions

Table 5: Five Strain Compositions

Table 6: Four Strain Compositions Table 7 : Three Strain Compositions

Table 8: Two Strain Compositions

[0249] In some embodiments, microbial compositions may be selected from any member group from Tables 2-8.

[0250] In some embodiments, any microbe of the present disclosure may be modified or optimized to excrete ammonium constitutively or non-constitutively. In some embodiments, the modification of any microbe of the present disclosure is a transgenic modification. In some embodiments, the microbess are already a transgenic organism and the strains are modified such that they no longer contain a transgenic element. In some embodiments, the modification of any microbe of the present disclosure is a non-transgenic modification. In some embodiments, any two or more PGPR are combined in a microbial consortia. In some embodiments, any two or more microbes of the present disclosure, or those derived therefrom, are combined in a microbial consortia. In some embodiments, the microbial consortia are applied to any one or more plants of the present disclosure and/or the surrounding soil or growth medium. In some embodiments, any PGPR is applied to any one or more of the plants of the present disclosure and/or the surrounding soil or growth medium.

[0251] In some embodiments, the microbes of the present disclosure are modified or optimized to enhance or increase the ability to colonize plants. In some embodiments, the enhanced or increased ability to colonize plants is an enhanced or increased ability to colonize the surface of the roots. Agricultural Compositions

[0252] Compositions comprising bacteria or bacterial populations produced according to methods described herein and/or having characteristics as described herein can be in the form of a liquid, a foam, or a dry product. Compositions comprising bacteria or bacterial populations produced according to methods described herein and/or having characteristics as described herein may also be used to improve plant traits. In some examples, a composition comprising bacterial populations may be in the form of a dry powder, a slurry of powder and water, or a flowable seed treatment. The compositions comprising bacterial populations may be coated on a surface of a seed, and may ^¬ be in liquid form.

[0253] The composition can be fabricated in bioreactors such as continuous stirred tank reactors, batch reactors, and on the farm. In some examples, compositions can be stored in a container, such as a jug or in mini bulk. In some examples, compositions may be stored within an object selected from the group consisting of a bottle, jar, ampule, package, vessel, bag, box, bin, envelope, carton, container, silo, shipping container, truck bed, and/or case.

[0254] Compositions may also be used to improve plant traits. In some examples, one or more compositions may be coated onto a seed. In some examples, one or more compositions may be coated onto a seedling. In some examples, one or more compositions may be coated onto a surface of a seed. In some examples, one or more compositions may be coated as a layer above a surface of a seed. In some examples, a composition that is coated onto a seed may be m liquid form, in dry- product form, in foam form, in a form of a slurry of powder and water, or in a flowable seed treatment. In some examples, one or more compositions may be applied to a seed and/or seedling by spraying, immersing, coating, encapsulating, and/or dusting the seed and/or seedling with the one or more compositions. In some examples, multiple bacteria or bacterial populations can be coated onto a seed and/or a seedling of the plant. In some examples, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, at least ten, or more than ten bacteria of a bacterial combination can be selected from one of the following genera: Acidovorax, Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Burkho!deria, Chryseobacterium, Curtohacterium, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Methylobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Saccharibacillus, Sphingomonas, and Stenotrophomonas.

[0255] In some examples, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, at least ten, or more than ten bacteria and bacterial populations of an endophytic combination are selected from one of the following families: Bacillaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, F!avohacteriaceae,

Methylobacteriaceae, Microhacteriaceae, Paembaciilileae, Pseudomonnaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Cladosporiaceae, Gnomoniaceae, Incertae sedis, Lasiosphaeriaceae, Netriaceae, and Pleosporaceae.

[0256] In some examples, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least night, at least ten, or more than ten bacteria and bacterial populations of an endophytic combination are selected from one of the following families: Bacillaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Flavobacteriaceae,

Methylobacteriaceae, Microhacteriaceae, Paenibacillileae, Pseudomonnaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Cladosporiaceae, Gnomoniaceae, Incertae sedis, Lasiosphaeriaceae, Netriaceae, Pleosporaceae .

[0257] Examples of compositions may include seed coatings for commercially important agricultural crops, for example, sorghum, canola, tomato, strawberry, barley, rice, maize, and wheat. Examples of compositions can also include seed coatings for corn, soybean, canola, sorghum, potato, rice, vegetables, cereals, and oilseeds. Seeds as provided herein can be genetically modified organisms (GMO), non-GMO, organic, or conventional. In some examples, compositions may be sprayed on the plant aerial parts, or applied to the roots by inserting into furrows in which the plant seeds are planted, watering to the soil, or dipping the roots in a suspension of the composition. In some examples, compositions may be dehydrated m a suitable manner that maintains cell viability/stability and the ability to artificially inoculate and colonize host plants. The bacterial species may be present in compositions at a concentration of between 10 ^s to 10 ¹⁰ CFU/ml. In some examples, compositions may be supplemented with trace metal ions, such as molybdenum ions, iron ions, manganese ions, or combinations of these ions. The concentration of ions in examples of compositions as described herein may between about 0.1 mM and about 50 mM. Some examples of compositions may also be formulated with a carrier, such as beta-glucan, carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC), bacterial extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), sugar, animal milk, or other suitable carriers. In some examples, peat or planting materials can be used as a carrier, or biopolymers in which a composition is entrapped in the biopolymer can be used as a carrier. The compositions comprising the bacterial populations described herein can improve plant traits, such as promoting plant growth, maintaining high chlorophyll content in leaves, increasing fruit or seed numbers, and increasing fruit or seed unit weight. [0258] The compositions comprising the bacterial populations described herein may be coated onto the surface of a seed. As such, compositions comprising a seed coated with one or more bacteria described herein are also contemplated. The seed coating can be formed by mixing the bacterial population with a porous, chemically inert granular carrier. Alternatively, the compositions may be inserted directly into the furrows into which the seed is planted or sprayed onto the plant leaves or applied by dipping the roots into a suspension of the composition. An effective amount of the composition can be used to populate the sub-soil region adjacent to the roots of the plant with viable bacterial growth, or populate the leaves of the plant with viable bacterial growth. In general, an effective amount is an amount sufficient to result in plants with improved traits (e.g. a desired level of nitrogen fixation).

[0259] Bacterial compositions described herein can be formulated using an agriculturally acceptable carrier. The formulation useful for these embodiments may include at least one member selected from the group consisting of a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, a preservative, a stabilizer, a surfactant, an anti-complex agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a fertilizer, a rodenticide, a desiccant, a bactericide, a nutrient, or any combination thereof. In some examples, compositions may be shelf-stable. For example, any of the compositions described herein can include an agriculturally acceptable carrier (e.g., one or more of a fertilizer such as a non-naturally occurring fertilizer, an adhesion agent such as a non- naturally occurring adhesion agent, and a pesticide such as a non-naturally occurring pesticide). A non-naturally occurring adhesion agent can be, for example, a polymer, copolymer, or synthetic wax. For example, any of the coated seeds, seedlings, or plants described herein can contain such an agriculturally acceptable carrier in the seed coating. In any of the compositions or methods described herein, an agriculturally acceptable carrier can be or can include a non-naturally occurring compound (e.g., a non-naturally occurring fertilizer, a non-naturally occurring adhesion agent such as a polymer, copolymer, or synthetic wax, or a non-naturally occurring pesticide). Non- limiting examples of agriculturally acceptable carriers are described below. Additional examples of agriculturally acceptable carriers are known in the art.

[0260] In some cases, bacteria are mixed with an agriculturally acceptable carrier. The carrier can be a solid carrier or liquid carrier, and in various forms including microspheres, powders, emulsions and the like. The carrier may be any one or more of a number of carriers that confer a variety of properties, such as increased stability, wettability, or dispersability. Wetting agents such as natural or synthetic surfactants, which can be nonionic or ionic surfactants, or a combination thereof can be included in the composition. Water-in-oil emulsions can also be used to formulate a composition that includes the isolated bacteria (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,485,451). Suitable formulations that may be prepared include wettable powders, granules, gels, agar strips or pellets, thickeners, and the like, microencapsulated particles, and the like, liquids such as aqueous flowabies, aqueous suspensions, water-in-oil emulsions, etc. The formulation may include grain or legume products, for example, ground grain or beans, broth or flour derived from grain or beans, starch, sugar, or oil.

[0261] In some embodiments, the agricultural carrier may be soil or a plant growth medium. Other agricultural carriers that may be used include water, fertilizers, plant-based oils, humectants, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the agricultural carrier may be a solid, such as diatomaceous earth, loam, silica, alginate, clay, bentonite, vermiculite, seed cases, other plant and animal products, or combinations, including granules, pellets, or suspensions. Mixtures of any of the aforementioned ingredients are also contemplated as earners, such as but not limited to, pesta (flour and kaolin clay), agar or flour-based pellets in loam, sand, or clay, etc. Formulations may include food sources for the bacteria, such as barley, rice, or other biological materials such as seed, plant parts, sugar cane bagasse, hulls or stalks from grain processing, ground plant material or wood from building site refuse, sawdust or small fibers from recycling of paper, fabric, or wood.

[0262] For example, a fertilizer can be used to help promote the growth or provide nutrients to a seed, seedling, or plant. Non-limiting examples of fertilizers include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, chloride, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and selenium (or a salt thereof). Additional examples of fertilizers include one or more amino acids, salts, carbohydrates, vitamins, glucose, NaCl, yeast extract, NH4H2PO4, (NHytiSCti, glycerol, valine, L-leucine, lactic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, citric acid, KH tartrate, xylose, lyxose, and lecithin. In one embodiment, the formulation can include a tackifier or adherent (referred to as an adhesive agent) to help bind other active agents to a substance (e.g., a surface of a seed). Such agents are useful for combining bacteria with carriers that can contain other compounds (e.g., control agents that are not biologic), to yield a coating composition. Such compositions help create coatings around the plant or seed to maintain contact between the microbe and other agents with the plant or plant part. In one embodiment, adhesives are selected from the group consisting of: alginate, gums, starches, lecithins, formononetin, polyvinyl alcohol, alkali formononetinate, hesperetm, polyvinyl acetate, eephalms, Gum Arabic, Xanthan Gum, Mineral Oil, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), Arabino- galactan. Methyl Cellulose, PEG 400, Chitosan, Polyacrylamide, Polyacrylate, Polyacrylonitrile, Glycerol, Triethylene glycol. Vinyl Acetate, Gellan Gum, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl, Carboxymethyl cellulose, Gum Ghatti, and polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene block copolymers.

[0263] In some embodiments, the adhesives can be, e.g. a wax such as camauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax, spermaceti wax, candelilla wax, castor wax, ouricury wax, and rice bran wax, a polysaccharide (e.g., starch, dextrins, maltodextrins, alginate, and chitosans), a fat, oil, a protein (e.g., gelatin and zeins), gum arables, and shellacs. Adhesive agents can be non-naturally occurring compounds, e.g., polymers, copolymers, and waxes. For example, non-limiting examples of polymers that can be used as an adhesive agent include: polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses (e.g., ethylcelluloses, methylcelluloses, hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylce!luloses, and carboxymethylcelluloses), polyvinylpyrolidones, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, polyvinylacrylates, polyethylene oxide, acylamide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide monomers, and polychloroprene.

[0264] In some examples, one or more of the adhesion agents, anti-fungal agents, growth regulation agents, and pesticides (e.g., insecticide) are non-naturally occurring compounds (e.g., in any combination). Additional examples of agriculturally acceptable carriers include dispersants (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate PVPIVA S-630), surfactants, binders, and filler agents.

[0265] The formulation can also contain a surfactant. Non-limiting examples of surfactants include nitrogen-surfactant blends such as Prefer 28 (Cenex), Surf-N(US), Inhance (Brandt), P-28 (Will arm) and Patrol (Helena): esterified seed oils include Sun-It II (AmCy), MSO (UAP), Scoil (Agsco), Hasten (Wilfarm) and Mes-100 (Drexel); and organo-silicone surfactants include Silwet L77 (UAP), Silikin (Terra), Dyne-Amic (Helena), Kinetic (Helena), Sylgard 309 (Wilbur-Ellis) and Century' (Precision). In one embodiment, the surfactant is present at a concentration of between 0.01% v/v to 10% v/v. In another embodiment, the surfactant is present at a concentration of between 0.1 % v/v to 1% v/v.

[0266] In certain cases, the formulation includes a microbial stabilizer. Such an agent can include a desiccant, which can include any compound or mixture of compounds that can be classified as a desiccant regardless of whether the compound or compounds are used in such concentrations that they in fact have a desiccating effect on a liquid inoculant. Such desiccants are ideally compatible with the bacterial population used, and should promote the ability of the microbial population to survive application on the seeds and to survive desiccation. Examples of suitable desiccants include one or more of trehalose, sucrose, glycerol, and Methylene glycol. Other suitable desiccants include, but are not limited to, non-reducing sugars and sugar alcohols (e.g., mannitol or sorbitol). The amount of desiccant introduced into the formulation can range from about 5% to about 50% by weight/volume, for example, between about 10% to about 40%, between about 1 5% to about 35%, or between about 20% to about 30%. In some cases, it is advantageous for the formulation to contain agents such as a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, bactericide, or a nutrient. In some examples, agents may include protectants that provide protection against seed surface-borne pathogens. In some examples, protectants may provide some level of control of soil-borne pathogens. In some examples, protectants may be effective predominantly on a seed surface.

[0267] In some examples, a fungicide may include a compound or agent, whether chemical or biological, that can inhibit the growth of a fungus or kill a fungus. In some examples, a fungicide may include compounds that may be fungistatic or fungicidal. In some examples, fungicide can be a protectant, or agents that are effective predominantly on the seed surface, providing protection against seed surface-borne pathogens and providing some level of control of soil-borne pathogens. Non-limiting examples of protectant fungicides include captan, maneb, thiram, or fludioxonil.

[0268] In some examples, fungicide can be a systemic fungicide, which can be absorbed into the emerging seedling and inhibit or kill the fungus inside host plant tissues. Systemic fungicides used for seed treatment include, but are not limited to the following: azoxystrobin, carboxin, mefenoxam, metalaxyl, thiabendazole, trifloxystrobin, and various triazole fungicides, including difenoconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, and triticonazole. Mefenoxam and metalaxyl are primarily used to target the water mold fungi Pythium and Phytophthora. Some fungicides are preferred over others, depending on the plant species, either because of subtle differences in sensitivity of the pathogenic fungal species, or because of the differences in the fungicide distribution or sensitivity of the plants. In some examples, fungicide can be a biological control agent, such as a bacterium or fungus. Such organisms may be parasitic to the pathogenic fungi, or secrete toxins or other substances which can kill or otherwise prevent the growth of fungi. Any type of fungicide, particularly ones that are commonly used on plants, can be used as a control agent in a seed composition.

[0269] In some examples, the seed coating composition comprises a control agent which has antibacterial properties. In one embodiment, the control agent with antibacterial properties is selected from the compounds described herein elsewhere. In another embodiment, the compound is Streptomycin, oxytetracycline, oxolime acid, or gentamicin. Other examples of antibacterial compounds which can be used as part of a seed coating composition include those based on dichlorophene and benzy!a!cohol hemi formal (Proxel® from ICI or Aeticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK 25 from Rohm & Haas) and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolmones (Aeticide® MBS from Thor Chemie).

[0270] In some examples, growth regulator is selected from the group consisting of; Abscisic acid, amidochior, ancymidol, 6-benzylammopurme, brassinolide, butratin, ch!ormequat (chlormequat chloride), choline chloride, cyclamlide, darmnozide, dikegulac, dimethipin, 2,6-dimethylpuridme, ethephon, flumetralin, flurprimidol, fluthiaeet, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid, inabenfkle, indole-3-acetic acid, maleic hydrazide, mefluidide, mepiquat (mepiquat chloride), naphthaleneacetic acid, N-6-benzyfadenine, paclobutrazol, prohexadione phosphorotrithioate, 2,3,5-tn-iodobenzoic acid, trinexapac-ethyl and uniconazole. Additional non-limiting examples of growth regulators include brassinosteroids, cytokinmes (e.g., kinetin and zeatin), auxins (e.g., indolylacetic acid and mdolylacetyl aspartate), flavonoids and isoflavanoids (e.g., formononetin and diosmetin), phytoaixins (e.g., glyceolline), and phytoalexm-indueing oligosaccharides (e.g., pectin, eiiitin, chitosan, polygalacuronic acid, and oligogalacturoiiic acid), and gibeileriiis. Such agents are ideally compatible with the agricultural seed or seedling onto which the formulation is applied (e.g., it should not be deleterious to the growth or health of the plant). Furthermore, the agent is ideally one which does not cause safety concerns for human, animal or industrial use (e.g., no safety issues, or the compound is sufficiently labile that the commodity plant product derived from the plant contains negligible amounts of the compound).

[0271] Some examples of nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agents include ARF18; 30 Arthrobotrys spp ; Chaetommm spp.; Cylindrocarpon spp.; Exophiha spp ; Fusarium spp.; Gliocladium spp.; Hirsutella spp.; Lecanicillium spp.; Monacrosporium spp.; Myrothecium spp.; Neocosmospora spp.; Paecilomyces spp.; Pochonia spp.; Stagonospora spp.; vesicular- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Burkholderia spp.; Pasteuna spp., Brevibacillus spp.; Pseudomonas spp.; and Rhizobacteria. Particularly preferred nematode-antagonistic biocontrol agents include ARF18, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Arthrobotrys dactyloides, Chaetomium globosum, Cylindrocarpon heteronema, Exophilia jeanselmei, Exophilia pisciphila, Fusarium aspergilus, Fusarium solani, Gliocladium catenuiatum, Gliocladium roseum, Gliocladium vixens, Hirsutella rhossihensis, Hirsutella rninnesotensis, Lecanicillium lecanii, Monacrosporium drechslen, Monacrosporium gephyropagum, Myrotehcium verrucaria, Neocosmospora vasinfecta, Paecilomyces liiacinus, Pochonia chiamydosporia, Stagonospora heteroderae, Stagonospora phaseoii, vesicular- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Burkholderia cepacia, Pasteuria penetrans, Pasteuria thornei, Pasteuria nishizawae, Pasteuria ramosa, Pastrueia usage, Brevibacillus iaterosporus strain G4, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Rhizobacteria.

[0272] Some examples of nutrients can be selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen fertilizer including, but not limited to Urea, Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium sulfate. Non-pressure nitrogen solutions, Aqua ammonia, Anhydrous ammonia, Ammonium thiosulfate, Sulfur-coated urea. Urea-formaldehydes, IBDU, Polymer-coated urea, Calcium nitrate, Ureaforrn, and Methylene urea, phosphorous fertilizers such as Diammonium phosphate. Monoammonium phosphate, Ammonium polyphosphate, Concentrated superphosphate and Triple superphosphate, and potassium fertilizers such as Potassium chloride, Potassium sulfate, Potassium-magnesium sulfate, Potassium nitrate. Such compositions can exist as free salts or ions within the seed coat composition. Alternatively, nutrients/fertilizers can be complexed or chelated to provide sustained release over time.

[0273] Some examples of rodenticides may include selected from the group of substances consisting of 2-isovalerylindan- 1,3 - dione, 4-(quinoxalin-2-ylamino) benzenesulfonamide, alpha- chiorohydrin, aluminum phosphide, antu, arsenous oxide, barium carbonate, bisthiosemi, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, calcium cyanide, chioralose, chlorophaeinone, ehoiecalciferoi, eoumaehior, coumafuryl, coumatetralyl, crimidine, difenacoum, difethialone, diphaeinone, ergocalciferol, flocoumafen, fluoroacetamide, flupropadine, flupropadine hydrochloride, hydrogen cyanide, iodomethane, lindane, magnesium phosphide, methyl bromide, iiorbormide, phosaeetim, phosphine, phosphorus, pindone, potassium arsenite, pyrinuron, scilliroside, sodium arsenite, sodium cyanide, sodium fluoroacetate, strychnine, thallium sulfate, warfarin and zinc phosphide.

[0274] In the liquid form, for example, solutions or suspensions, bacterial populations can be mixed or suspended in water or in aqueous solutions. Suitable liquid diluents or carriers include water, aqueous solutions, petroleum distillates, or other liquid carriers.

[0275] Solid compositions can be prepared by dispersing the bacterial populations in and on an appropriately divided solid carrier, such as peat, wheat, bran, vermicu!ite, clay, talc, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, fuller’s earth, pasteurized soil, and the like. When such formulations are used as wettab!e powders, biologically compatible dispersing agents such as non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, or cationic dispersing and emulsifying agents can be used.

[0276] The solid carriers used upon formulation include, for example, mineral carriers such as kaolin clay, pyrophyllite, bentonite, montmori!lonite, diatomaceous earth, acid white soil, vermicuiite, and pearlite, and inorganic salts such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium chloride, and calcium carbonate. Also, organic fine powders such as wheat flour, wheat bran, and rice bran may be used. The liquid carriers include vegetable oils such as soybean oil and cottonseed oil, glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, etc.

Pests

[0277] Agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more pesticides.

[0278] The pesticides that are combined with the microbes of the disclosure may target any of the pests mentioned below.

[0279]“Pest” includes but is not limited to, insects, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, mites, ticks and the like. Insect pests include insects selected from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Maflophaga, Homoptera, Hemiptera Orthroptera, Thysanoptera, Dennaptera, Isoptera, Anoplura, Siphonaptera, Tnchoptera, etc., particularly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.

[0280] Those skilled in the art will recognize that not all compounds are equally effective against all pests. Compounds that may be combined with microbes of the disclosure may display activity against insect pests, which may include economically important agronomic, forest, greenhouse, nursery ornamentals, food and fiber, public and animal health, domestic and commercial structure, household and stored product pests.

[0281] As aforementioned, the agricultural compositions of the disclosure (which may comprise any microbe taught herein) are m embodiments combined with one or more pesticides. These pesticides may be active against any of the following pests:

[0282] Larvae of the order Lepidoptera include, but are not limited to, armywOrms, cutworms, loopers and heliothines in the family Noctuidae Spodoptera fnigiperda JE Smith (fall army Orm); S exigua Hubner (beet armyworm); S. litura Fabricius (tobacco cutworm, cluster caterpillar); Mamestra configurata Walker (bertha armyworm); M brassicae Linnaeus (cabbage moth); Agrotis ipsikm Hufnagel (black cutworm); A. orthogonia Morrison (western cutworm); A. suhterranea Fabricius (granulate cutworm); Alabama argillacea Hubner (coton leaf worm); Trichoplusia ni Hubner (cabbage looper); Pseudoplusia includens Walker (soybean looper); Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner (velvet bean caterpillar); Hypena scabra Fabricius (green clover worm); Heliothis virescens Fabricius (tobacco budworm); Pseudaletia unipuncta Haworth (armyworm); Alhetis mindara Barnes and Medunnough (rough skinned cutworm); Euxoa messoria Harris (darksided cutworm); Earias insulana Boisduval (spiny boll worm); E. vitlella Fabricius (spoted bollworm); Helicoverpa artnigera Hubner (American boll worm); H. zea Boddie (com earworm or coton bollworm); Melanchm picta Harris (zebra caterpillar); Egira ( Xylomyges ) curialis Grote (citrus cutworm); borers, case bearers, webworms, coneworms, and skeletonizers from the family Pyralidae Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (European corn borer); Amyelois transitella Walker (naval orangeworm); Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Mediterranean flour moth); Cadra cautella Walker (almond moth); Chilo suppressaiis Walker (rice stem borer); C. parteUus, (sorghum borer); Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (rice moth); C ^' rumbas caliginosellus Clemens (corn root web worm); C. teterrellus Zincken (bluegrass web worm); Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee (rice leaf roller); Desmia fimeraiis Hubner (grape leaffolder); Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus (melon worm); D. nitidalis Stoll (pickleworm); Diatraea grandiosella Dyar (southwestern corn borer), D. saccharalis Fabricius (surgarcane borer); Eoreuma loftini Dyar (Mexican rice borer); Ephestia elutella Hubner (tobacco (cacao) moth); Galleria metonella Linnaeus (greater wax moth); Herpetogramma licarsisalis Walker (sod web worm); H omoeosom electellum Hulst (sunflower moth); Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (lesser cornstalk borer); Achroia grisella Fabricius (lesser wax moth); Loxostege sticticalis Linnaeus (beet web worm); Orthaga thyrisalis Walker (tea tree web moth); Maruca testulalis Geyer (bean pod borer); Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Indian meal moth); Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (yellow stem borer); Udea rn hi gal is Guenee (celery lea flier); and leafrol!ers, budworms, seed worms and fruit worms in the family Tortricidae Acieris gloverana Walsingham (Western blackheaded budworm); A. variana Fernald (Eastern blackheaded budworm); Archips argyrospila Walker (fruit tree leaf roller); A. rosana Linnaeus (European leaf roller); and other Archips species, Adoxophyes orana Fischer von Rosslerstamm (summer fruit tortrix moth); Cochylis hospes Walsingham (banded sunflower moth); Cydia latiferreana Walsingham (filbertworm); C. pomonella Linnaeus (colding moth); Platynota flavedana Clemens (variegated leafroller); P. stultana Walsingham (omnivorous leafroller); Lohesia holrana Denis & Schiffermuiler (European grape vine moth); Spilonola ocellana Denis & Schiffermuiler (eyespotted bud moth); Endopiza viteana Clemens (grape berry moth); Eupoeciiia ambiguella Hubner (vine moth); Bonagota saluhricoia Meyrick (Brazilian apple leafrolier); Grapholita molesta Busck (oriental fruit moth); Suleima helianthana Riley (sunflower bud moth); Argyrotaenia spp.; Choristoneura spp.

[0283] Selected other agronomic pests in the order Lepidoptera include, but are not limited to, Alsophila pometaria Harris (fall cankerworm); Anarsia lineatella Zeller (peach twig borer); Anisota senaloria J. E Smith (orange striped oakworm); Antheraea pernyi Guerin-Meneville (Chinese Oak Tussah Moth); Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Silkworm); Bucculatrix thurberiella Busck (cotton leaf perforator); Colias eurytheme Boisduval (alfalfa caterpillar); Datana iniegerrima Grote & Robinson (walnut caterpillar); Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetwerikov (Siberian silk moth), Ennomos subsignaria Hubner (elm spanworm); Erannis tiliaria Harris (linden looper); Euproclis chrysorrhoea Linnaeus (browntail moth); Harrisina americana Guerin-Meneville (grapeleaf skeletonizer); Hemileuca oliviae Cockrell (range caterpillar); Hyphcmtria cunea Drury (fall web-worm); Keiferia lycopersicella Walsingham (tomato pinworm); Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria Hulst (Eastern hemlock looper); L. fiscellaria lugubrosa Hulst (Western hemlock looper); Leucoma salicis Linnaeus (satin moth); Lymantria dispar Linnaeus (gypsy moth); Manduca quinquemaculata Haworth (five spotted hawk moth, tomato homworm); M. sexta Haworth (tomato homworm, tobacco homworm); Operophtera hrumata Linnaeus (winter moth); Pa!eacrita vernata Peck (spring cankerworm); Papilio cresphontes Cramer (giant swallowtail orange dog); Phryganidia califomica Packard (California oakworm); Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (citrus leafminer); Phyllonorycter blancardella Fabricius (spotted tentiform leafminer); Pieris brassicae Linnaeus (large white butterfly); P. rapae Linnaeus (small white butterfly); P. napi Linnaeus (green veined white butterfly); Platyptilia carduidactyla Riley (artichoke plume moth); PhiteUa xylostella Linnaeus (diamondback moth); Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (pink bollworm); Pontia protodice Boisduval and Leconte (Southern cabbage-worm); Sabulodes aegrotata Guenee (omnivorous looper); Schizura concinna J. E. Smith (red humped caterpillar); Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Angoumois grain moth); Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiffermul!er (pine processionary' caterpillar); Tineola bisselliella Hummel (webbing clothes moth); Tuta absoiuta Meyrick (tomato leafminer); Yponomeuta padella Linnaeus (ermine moth); Heliothis subflexa Guenee; Malacosoma spp. and Orgyia spp.; Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer); seed corn maggot; Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm).

[0284] Larvae and adults of the order Coleoptera including weevils from the families Anthnbidae, Bruchidae and Curculionidae (including, but not limited to: Anlhonomus grandis Boheman (boll weevil); Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (rice water weevil); Sitophilus granarius Linnaeus (granary weevil); S. oryzae Linnaeus (rice weevil); Hypera punctata Fabricius (clover leaf weevil); Cyiindrocopturus adspersus LeConte (sunflower stem weevil); Smicronyx fulvus LeConte (red sunflower seed weevil); S. sordidus LeConte (gray sunflower seed weevil); Sphenophorus maidis Chittenden (maize billbug)); flea beetles, cucumber beetles, rootworms, leaf beetles, potato beetles and leafminers in the family Chrysomelidae (including, but not limited to: Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Colorado potato beetle); Diahrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (western corn rootworm); D. harheri Smith and Lawrence (northern com rootworrn); D. undecimpunctata howardi Barber (southern corn rootworm); Chaetocnema pulicaria Melsheimer (corn flea beetle); Phylknreta cruciferae Goeze (Crucifer flea beetle); Phyllotreta striolata (stripped flea beetle); Colaspis hrimnea Fabricius (grape colaspis); Oulema melanopus Linnaeus (cereal leaf beetle); Zygogramma exclamation.! Fabricius (sunflower beetle)); beetles from the family Coccine!lidae (including, but not limited to: Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Mexican bean beetle)); chafers and other beetles from the family Scarabaeidae (including, but not limited to: Popillia japonica Newman (Japanese beetle); Cyclocephala borealis Arrow' (northern masked chafer, white grub); C. immaculata Olivier (southern masked chafer, white grub); Rhizotrogus majalis Razoumowsky (European chafer); Phyllophaga crinita Burmeister (white grub); Ligyrus gibbosus De Geer (carrot beetle)); carpet beetles from the family Dermestidae; wireworms from the family Elateridae, Eleodes spp., Melanotus spp.; Conoderus son.: Limonius spp.; Agriotes spp.; Ctenicera spp.; Aeolus spp.; bark beetles from the family Scolytidae and beetles from the family Tenebnonidae; Cerotoma trifurcate (bean leaf beetle); and wireworm.

[0285] Adults and miniatures of the order Diptera, including leafminers Agromyza parvicomis Loew (corn blotch leafminer); midges (including, but not limited to: Contarinia sorghicola Coquill ett (sorghum midge); Mayetiola destructor Say (Hessian fly); Sitodiplosis moselkma Gehin (wheat midge); Neolasioptera murtfeldtiana Felt (sunflower seed midge)); fruit flies (Tephritidae), Oscinella frit Linnaeus (fruit flies); maggots (including, but not limited to: Delia platura Meigen (seedcorn maggot); D. coarctata Fallen (wheat bulb fly) and other Delia spp., Meromyza americana Fitch (wheat stem maggot); Musca domestica Linnaeus (house flies); Fannia canicularis Linnaeus, F. femoralis Stein (lesser house flies); Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus (stable flies)); face flies, horn flies, blow' flies, Chrysomya spp.; Phormia spp. and other muscoid fly pests, horse flies Tahanus spp.; bot flies Gastrophilus spp.; Oestrus spp.; cattle grubs Hypoderma spp.; deer flies Chrysops spp.; Melophagus ovinus Linnaeus (keds) and other Braeliycera, mosquitoes Aedes spp ; Anopheles spp.; Culex spp.; black flies Prosimulium spp.; Simulium spp ; biting midges, sand flies, sciands, and other Nematocera.

[0286] Adults and nymphs of the orders Hemiptera and Homoptera such as, but not limited to, adelgids from the family Ade!gidae, plant bugs from the family Miridae, cicadas from the family Cicadidae, leafhoppers, Empoasca spp ; from the family Cicadellidae, planthoppers from the families Cixndae, Flatidae, Fuigoroidea, Issidae and Delphacidae, treehoppers from the family Membracidae, psyllids from the family Psyllidae, wluteflies from the family Aleyrodidae, aphids from the family Aphididae, phylloxera from the family Phylloxeridae, mealybugs from the family Pseudococcidae, scales from the families Asterolecanidae, Coccidae, Dactylopiidae, Diaspididae, Eriococcidae Ortheziidae, Phoenicococci dae and Margarodidae, lace bugs from the family Tingidae, stink bugs from the family Pentatomidae, emch bugs, Blissus spp.; and other seed bugs from the family Lygaeidae, spittlebugs from the family Cercopidae squash bugs from the family Coreidae and red bugs and cotton stamers from the family Pyrrhocoridae.

[0287] Agronomically important members from the order Homoptera further include, but are not limited to: Acyrthisiphon pi sum Harris (pea aphid); Aphis craccivora Koch (cowpea aphid); A. feibae Scopoli (black bean aphid); A. gossypii Glover ( cotton aphid, melon aphid); A. maidiradicis Forbes (corn root aphid); A. pomi De Geer (apple aphid); A. spiraeco!a Patch (spirea aphid); Aulacorthum soiani Kaltenbach (foxglove aphid); Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell (strawberry aphid); Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov/Mordvilko (Russian wheat aphid); Dysaphis plantaginea Paaserini (rosy apple aphid); Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann (woolly apple aphid); Brevicotyne brassicae Linnaeus (cabbage aphid); Hya!opterus pruni Geoffrey (mealy plum aphid); Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach (turnip aphid); Metopolophium dirrhodum Walker (cereal aphid); Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (potato aphid); Myzus persicae Sulzer (peach potato aphid, green peach aphid); Nasonovia ribisnigri Mosley (lettuce aphid); Pemphigus spp. (root aphids and gall aphids); Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch (corn leaf aphid); R. padi Linnaeus (bird cherry-oat aphid); Schizaphis graminum Rondani (greenbug); Sipha flava Forbes (yellow sugarcane aphid); Sitobion avenae Fabricius (English grain aphid); Therioaphis maculata Buckton (spotted alfalfa aphid); Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (black citrus aphid) and T. citricida Kirkaldy (brown citrus aphid); Melanaphis sacchari (sugarcane aphid); Adelges spp. (adelgids); Phylloxera devastatrix Pergande (pecan phylloxera); Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (tobacco whitefly, sweetpotato whitefly); B. argentifolii Bellows & Perring (silverleaf whitefly); Dialeiirodes citri Ashmead (citrus whitefly); Trialeurodes abuliloneus (bandedwinged whitefly) and T. vaporariorum Westwood (greenhouse whitefly); Empoasca fabae Harris (potato ieafhopper); Laodelphax striatellus Fallen (smaller brown planthopper); Macrolestes quadrilineatus Forbes (aster Ieafhopper); Nephotettix cinticeps Uhler (green Ieafhopper); N. nigropictus Stal (rice Ieafhopper); Niiapan>ata lugens Stal (brown planthopper); Peregtinus maidis Ashmead (corn planthopper); Sogatella fitrcifera Horvath (white backed planthopper); Sogatodes orizico!a Muir (rice delphacid); Typhlocyba pomaria McAfee (white apple Ieafhopper); Erythroneoura spp. (grape leafhoppers); Magicicada septendecim Linnaeus (periodical cicada); lcerya purchasi Masked (cottony cushion scale); Quadraspidiolus perniciosus Comstock (San Jose scale); Planococcus citri Risso (citrus mealybug); Pseudococcus spp. (other mealybug complex); Cacopsylla pyricola Foerster (pear psylla); Trioza diospyri Ashmead (persimmon psylld).

[0288] Species from the order Hemiptera include, but are not limited to; Acrostemum hilare Say (green stink bug); Anasa tristis De Geer (squash bug); Blissus leucopterus leucopterus Say (chinch bug); Corythuca gossypii Fabncius (cotton lace bug); Cyrtopeltis modesta Distant (tomato bug); Dysdercus suturetus Herrich-Schaffer (cotton Stainer); Euschistus servus Say (brown stink bug); E. variolarius Palisot de Beauvais (one spotted stink bug); Graptostethus spp. (complex of seed bugs); Leptoglossus corculus Say (leaf footed pine seed bug); Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvais (tarnished plant bug); L. Hesperus Knight (Western tarnished plant bug); L. pratensis Linnaeus (common meadow bug); L. rugulipenms Poppius (European tarnished plant bug); Lygocoris pabulinus Linnaeus (common green capsid); Nezara viridtda Linnaeus (southern green stink bug); Oebalus pugnax Fabncius (rice stink bug); Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas (large milk- weed bug); Pseudatomoscelis seriatus Reuter (cotton flea hopper).

[0289] Hemiptera such as, Calocoris norvegicus Gmeim (strawberry bug); Orthops campestris Linnaeus; Plesiocoris rugico!!is Fallen (apple capsid); Cyrtopeltis modestus Distant (tomato bug); Cyrtopeltis notatus Distant (suckfly); Spanagonicus alhofasciatus Reuter (whitemarked fleahopper); Diaphnocoris chlorionis Say (honey!ocust plant bug); Labopidicola allii Knight (onion plant bug); Pseudatomoscelis seriatus Reuter (cotton fleahopper); Adelphocoris rapidus Say (rapid plant bug); Poecilocapsus lineatus Fabricius (four lined plant bug); Nysius ericae Schilling (false chinch bug); Nysius raphanus Howard (false chinch bug); Nezara viridula Linnaeus (Southern green stink bug); Eurygaster spp.; Coreidae spp.; Pyrrhocoridae spp.; Tinidae spp.; Blostomatidae spp.; Reduviidae spp. and Cimicidae spp.

[0290] Adults and larvae of the order Acari (mites) such as Aceria iosicheUa Keifer (wheat curl mite); Petrobia latens Muller (brown wheat mite); spider mites and red mites in the family Tetranyehidae, Panonychus ulmi Koch (European red mite); Tetranychus urticae Koch (two spotted spider mite); (T. mcdanieli McGregor (McDaniel mite); T. cinnabarinus Boisduval (carmine spider mite); T. tnrkestani Ugarov & Nikolski (strawberry spider mite); flat mites in the family Tenuipaipidae, Brevipalpus lewisi McGregor (citrus flat mite); rust and bud mites in the family Eriophyidae and other foliar feeding mites and mites important in human and animal health, i.e , dust nntes in the family Epidermoptidae, follicle mites in the family Demodicidae, grain mites in the family Glycyphagidae, ticks in the order Ixodidae. Ixodes scapularis Say (deer tick); I holocyclus Neumann (Australian paralysis tick); Dermacentor variabilis Say (American dog tick); Amblyomma arnericanurn Linnaeus (lone star tick) and scab and itch mites in the families Psoroptidae, Pyemotidae and Sarcoptidae.

[0291] Insect pests of the order Thysanura, such as Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus (silverfish); Thermobia domestica Packard (firebrat).

[0292] Additional arthropod pests include: spiders in the order Araneae such as Loxosceles rec!usa Gertsch and Mulaik (brown recluse spider) and the Latrodectus mactans Fabncius (black widow spider) and centipedes in the order Scutigeromorpha such as Scutigera coleoptrata Linnaeus (house centipede).

[0293] Superfamily of stink bugs and other related insects including but not limited to species belonging to the family Pentatomidae ( Nezara viriduia, Halyomorpha halys, Piezodorus guildini, Euschistus servus, Acrostemum hilare, Euschistus hems, Euschistus tristigmus, Acrostemum hilare, Dichelops fnrcatus, Dichelops melacanthus, and Bagrada hilaris (Bagrada Bug)), the family Plataspidae ( Megacopta cribraria- Bean plataspid) and the family Cydnidae ( Scaptocoris castanea- Root stink bug) and Lepidoptera species including but not limited to: diamond-back moth, e.g., Helicoverpa zea Boddie; soybean looper, e.g., Pseudoplusia indiidens Walker and velvet bean caterpillar e.g., Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner.

[0294] Nematodes include parasitic nematodes such as root-knot, cyst and lesion nematodes, including Heterodera spp., Meloidogyne spp. and Globodera spp.; particularly members of the cyst nematodes, including, but not limited to, Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode); Heterodera schachtii (beet cyst nematode); Heterodera venae (cereal cyst nematode) and Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida (potato cyst nematodes). Lesion nematodes include Pratylenchus spp.

Pestlddal Compositions Comprising a Pesticide and Microbe of the Disclosure [0295] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more pesticides. Pesticides can include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, etc.

[0296] In some embodiments the pesticides/microbial combinations can be applied in the form of compositions and can be applied to the crop area or plant to be treated, simultaneously or in succession, with other compounds. These compounds can be fertilizers, weed killers, cryoprotectants, surfactants, detergents, pesticidal soaps, dormant oils, polymers, and/or time release or biodegradable carrier formulations that permit long term dosing of a target area following a single application of the formulation. They can also be selective herbicides, chemical insecticides, virucides, microbicides, amoebicides, pesticides, fungicides, bactenocides, nematicides, molluscicides or mixtures of several of these preparations, if desired, together with further agriculturally acceptable carriers, surfactants or application promoting adjuvants customarily employed m the art of formulation. Suitable carriers ( i.e . agriculturally acceptable carriers) and adjuvants can be solid or liquid and correspond to the substances ordinarily employed in formulation technology, e.g. natural or regenerated mineral substances, solvents, dispersants, wetting agents, sticking agents, tackifiers, binders or fertilizers. Likewise the formulations may be prepared into edible baits or fashioned into pest traps to permit feeding or ingestion by a target pest of the pesticidal formulation.

[0297] Exemplary chemical compositions, which may be combined with the microbes of the disclosure, include:

[0298] Fruits/Vegetables Herbicides: Atrazine, Bromacil, Diuron, Glyphosate, Linuron, Metribuzin, Simazine, Trifluralin, Fluazifop, Glufosinate, Halo sulfuron Gowan, Paraquat, Propyzamide, Sethoxydim, Butafenaeii, Haiosulfuron, Indaziflam; Fruits/Veqetafoies Insecticides: Aldicarb, Bacillus thmingiensis, Carbary 1, Carbofuran, Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Diazinon, Malathion, Abamectin, Cyfluthrin/betacyfluthrin, Esfenvalerate, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Aeequinocyl, Bifenazate, Methoxyfenozide, Novaluron, Chromafenozide, Thiacioprid, Dinotefuran, FluaCrypyrim, Tolfenpyrad, Clothianidin, Spirodiclofen, Gamma- cyhalothrm, Spiromesifen, Spinosad, Rynaxypyr, Cyazypyr, Spinoteram, Triflumuron, Spirotetramat, Imidacloprid, Flubendiamide, Thiodicarb, Metaflumizone, Sulfoxaflor, Cyflumetofen, Cyanopyrafen, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Spinotoram, Thiodicarb, Flonicamid, Methiocarb, Emamectin benzoate, Indoxacarb, Forthiazate, Fenamiphos, Cadusaphos, Pyriproxifen, Fenbutatin oxide, Hexthiazox, Methomyl, 4-[[(6-Chlorpyridin-3- yl)methyl](2, 2-difluorethyl)amino]furan-2(5H)-on; Fruits Vegetables Fungicides: Carbendazim, Chlorothalonil, EBDCs, Sulphur, Thiophanate-methyl, Azoxystrobin, Cymoxanii, Fluazinam, Fosetyl, Iprodione, Kresoxim-methyl, Metalaxyl/mefenoxam, Trifloxystrobin, Ethaboxam, Iprovalicarb, Trifloxystrobin, Fenhexamid, Oxpoconazole fumarate, Cyazofamid, Fenamidone, Zoxamide, Picoxystrobra, Pyraclostrobin, Cyflufenamid, Boscalid;

[0299] Cereals Herbicides: Isoproturon, Bromoxynil, loxyml, Phenoxies, Chiorsulfuron, Clodinafop, Diclofop, Diflufenican, Fenoxaprop, Floras ulam, Fiuoroxypyr, Metsulfuron, Triasulfuron, Flucarbazone, lodosuifuron, Propoxycarbazone, Picolin-afen, Mesosulfuron, Beflubutamid, Pinoxaden, Amidosulfuron, Thifensulfuron Methyl, Tribenuron, Flupyrsulfuron, Suifosulfuron, Pyrasuifotole, Pyroxsulam, Flufenacet, Tralkoxydira, Pyroxasulfon; Cereals Fungicides: Carbendazim, Chlorothalonil, Azoxystrobin, Cyproconazole, Cyprodinil, Fenpropimorph, Epoxiconazole, Kresoxim-methyl, Quinoxyfen, Tebuconazole, Trifloxystrobin, Simeconazole, Picoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, Dimoxystrobin, Prothioconazole, Fluoxastrobin; Cereals Insecticides: Dimethoate, Lambda-eyhalothrin, Deltamethrin, alpha-Cypermethrin, b- cyfluthrin, Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Thiacloprid, Acetamiprid, Dinetofuran, Clorphyriphos, Metamidophos, Oxidemethon methyl, Pirimicarb, Methiocarb;

[0300] Maize Herbicides: Atrazine, Alachlor, Bromoxynil, Acetochlor, Dicamba, Clopyralid, S- Dimethenamid, Glufosinate, Glyphosate, Isoxaflutole, S-Metolachlor, Mesotrione, Nicosulfuron, Primisulfuron, Rimsulfuron, Sulcotrione, Foramsulfuron, Topramezone, Tembotrione, Saflufenacil, Thiencarbazone, Flufenacet, Pyroxasulfon; Maize Insecticides: Carbofuran, Chlorpyrifos, Bifenthrin, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Lambda-Cyhaiothnn, Tefluthrin, Terbufos, Thiamethoxam, Clothianidin, Spiromesifen, Flubendiamide, Triflumuron, Rynaxypyr,

Deltamethrin, Thiodicarb, b-Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Bifenthrin, Lufenuron, Triflumoron, Tefluthrin, Tebupirim-phos, Ethiprole, Cyazypyr, Thiacloprid, Acetamiprid, Dinetofuran, Avermectin, Methiocarb, Spirodiclofen, Spirotetramat; Maize Fungicides: Fenitropan, Thiram, Prothioconazole, Tebuconazole, Trifloxystrobin;

[0301] Rice Herbicides: Butachlor, Propanil, Azimsulfuron, Bensulfuron, Cyhalo-fop, Daimuron, Fentrazamide, Imazosulfuron, Mefenacet, Oxaziclomefone, Pyrazosulfuron, Pynbuticarb, Quinclorac, Thiobencarb, Indanofan, Flufenacet, Fentrazamide, Halosulfuron, Oxaziclomefone, Benzobicyclon, Pyriftalid, Penoxsulam, Bispyribac, Oxadiargyl, Ethoxysulfuron, Pretilachlor, Mesotrione, Tefuryltrione, Oxadiazone, Fenoxaprop, Pyrimisulfan; Rice Insecticides: Diazinon, Fenitro-thion, Fenobucarb, Monocrotophos, Benfuracarb, Buprofezin, Dinotefuran, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Isoprocarb, Thiacloprid, Chromafenozide, Thiacioprid, Dinotefuran, Clothianidin, Ethiprole, Flubendiamide, Rynaxypyr, Deltamethrin, Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam, Cyazypyr, Spinosad, Spinotoram, Emamectin-Benzoate, Cypermethrin, Chlorpyriphos, Cartap, Methamidophos, Etofen-prox, Triazophos, 4-[[(6- Chlorpyridin-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluorethyl)amino]furan-2(5H) -on, Carbofuran, Benfuracarb; Rice Fungicides: Thiophanate-methyl, Azoxystrobin, Carpropamid, Edifenphos, Fenmzone, Iprobenfos, Isoprothiolane, Pencycuron, Probenazole, Pyroquilon, Tricyclazole, Trifloxystrobin, Diclocymet, Fenoxanil, Simeconazole, Tiadimi;

[0302] Cotton Herbicides: Diuron, Fluometuron, MSMA, Oxyfluorfen, Prometryn, Trifluralin, Carfentrazone, Clethodim, Fluazifop-butyl, Glyphosate, Norflurazon, Pendimethalin, Pyrithiobac- sodium, Trifloxysulfuron, Tepraioxydmi, Glufosinate, Flumioxazin, Thidiazuron; Cotton Insecticides: Acephate, Aldicarb, Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Malathion, Monocrotophos, Abamectin, Acetamiprid, Emamectin Benzoate, imidacloprid, Indoxacarb, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Spinosad, Thiodicarb, Gamma-Cyhalothrin, Spiromesifen, Pyridalyl, Flomcamid, Flubendiamide, Triflumuron, Rynaxypyr, Beta-Cyfluthrin, Spirotetramat, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Thiacloprid, Dinetofuran, Flubendiamide, Cyazypyr, Spinosad, Spinotoram, gamma Cyhaiothrin, 4-[[(6-Chlorpyridin-3-yl) methyl](2,2- difluorethyl)amino]furan-2(5H)-on, Thiodicarb, Avermeetin, Flomcamid, Pyridalyl, Spiromesifen, Sulfoxaflor, Profenophos, Thriazophos, Endosulfan; Cotton Fungicides: Etridiazole, Metalaxyl, Quintozene;

[0303] Soybean Herbicides: Alachlor, Bentazone, Trifluralin, Chlorimuron-Ethyl, Cloransulam- Methyl, Fenoxaprop, Fomesafen, Flu-azifop, Glyphosate, Imazamox, Imazaquin, Imazethapyr, (S- )Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Pendimethalin, Tepraioxydmi, Glufosinate; Soybean Inseetieides: Lambda-eyhalothrin, Methomyl, Parathion, Thiocarb, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Thiacioprid, Acetamiprid, Dinetofuran, Flubendiamide, Rynaxypyr, Cyazypyr, Spinosad, Spinotoram, Emamectin-Benzoate, Fipronil, Ethiprole, Deltamethrin, b-Cyfluthrin, gamma and lambda Cyhaiothrin, 4-[[(6-Chlorpyridin-3-y Ijmethyl] (2,2-difluorethyl)amino]furan-2(5H)-on, Spirotetramat, Spinodiclofen, Triflumuron, Flomcamid, Thiodicarb, beta-Cyfluthrin; Soybean Fungicides: Azoxystrobin, Cyproconazoie, Epoxiconazole, Flutriafoi, Pyraclostrobin,

Tebuconazole, Trifloxystrobin, Prothioconazole, Tetraconazole;

[0304] Sugarbeet Herbicides: Chloridazon, Desmedipham, Ethofumesate, Phenmedipham, Triallate, Clopyralid, Fluazifop, Lenacil, Metamitron, Quinmerac, Cycioxydim, Triflusulfuron, Tepral-oxydim, Quizalofop; Sugarbeet Insecticides: Imidacloprid, Ciothianidm, Thiamethoxam, Thiacioprid, Acetamiprid, Dinetofuran, Deltamethrin, b-Cyfluthrin, gamma/lambda Cyhalothrin, 4-[[(6-Chlorpyridin-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluor-ethyl)amino]fur an-2(5H)-on, Tefluthrin,

Rynaxypyr, Cyaxypyr, Fipronil, Carbofuran;

[0305] Canola Herbicides: Clopyralid, Diclofop, Fluazifop, Glufosinate, Glyphosate, Metazachlor, Tnfluraim Ethametsulfuron, Quinmerac, Quizalofop, Clethodim, Tepraloxydim; Canola Fungicides; Azoxystrobin, Carbendazim, Fludioxonil, Iprodione, Prochloraz, Vinclozoiin; Canola Insecticides: Carbofuran organophos-phates, Pyrethroids, Thiacioprid, Deltamethrin, Imidacloprid, Ciothianidm, Thiamethoxam, Acetamiprid, Dineto-furan, b-Cyfluthrin, gamma and lambda Cyhalothrin, tau-Fluvaleriate, Ethiprole, Spinosad, Spinotoram, Flubendiamide, Rynaxypyr, Cyazypyr, 4-[j (6-Ch!orpyridin-3-yl)meth\Tj (2,2-difluorethyl)amino] furan-2(5H)- on.

Insecticidal Compositions Comprising an Insecticide and Microbe of the Disclosure

[0306] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more insecticides.

[0307] In some embodiments, insecticidal compositions may be included in the compositions set forth herein, and can be applied to a plant(s) or a part(s) thereof simultaneously or m succession, with other compounds. Insecticides include ammonium carbonate, aqueous potassium silicate, boric acid, copper sulfate, elemental sulfur, lime sulfur, sucrose octanoate esters, 4-[[(6- Chlorpyridin-3-yl)methyl](2, 2-difluorethyI)amino]furan-2(5H)-on, abamectin, notenone, fenazaqum, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, pyrimedifen, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, acephate, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin, milbemectin, hdroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen, methryl bromide and other alkyl halides, fulfuryl fluoride, chloropicrin, borax, disodium octaborate, sodium borate, sodium metaborate, tartar emetic, dazomet, metam, pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazon, flofentezme, diflovidazin, hexythiazox, bifenazate, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, fenpyroximate, azadirachtin, permethrin, esfenvalerate, acetamiprid, bifenthrin, indoxacarb, azadirachtin, pyrethrin, imidacloprid, beta-cyfluthrin, sulfotep, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, tnazophos, alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfluracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, methymyl, metolcarb, oxarnyl, primicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb, acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfox, trichlorfon, vamidothion, chlordane, endosulfan, ethiprole, fipronil, acrinathrin, a!lethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioalletherin X-cyclopentenyl, bioresmethrin, cyclorothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin [(lR)-trans-isomers], deltamethrin, empenthrin [(EZ)- (1R)- isomers], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrm, fen valerate, fluey thrinate, flumethrin, halfenprox, kadathrm, phenothrin [(lR)-trans-isomer] prallethrin, pyrethrins (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethrm, tetramethrin [(l R)-i somers], tralomethrin, transfluthrin, alpha- cypermethrin, beta-cyfluthrm, beta-cypermethrin, d-eis-trans allethrm, d-trans allethrin, gamma- cyhalothnn, lamda-cyhalothrin, tau-fluvalinate, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, rn ethoxy chi or, nicotine, sulfoxaflor, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, mtenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxan, tebuprimphos, beta-cyfluthrin, clothianidin, flonicamid, hydramethylnon, amitraz, flubendiamide, blorantraniliprole, lambda cyhalothrin, spinosad, gamma cyhalothrin, Beauveria bassiana, capsicum oleoresin extract, garlic oil, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, sulfoxaflor, lambda cyhalothrin, Chlorfenvinphos, Chlormephos, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Coumaphos, Cyanophos, Demeton-S-methyl, Diazinon, Diehl orvos/ DD VP, Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, Dimethylvinphos, Disulfoton, EPN, Ethion, Ethoprophos, Famphur, Fenamiphos, Fenitrothion, Fenthion, Fosthiazate, Heptenophos, Imicyafos, Isofenphos, Isopropyl O-(methoxyaminothio-phosphoryl) salicylate, Isoxathion, Malathion, Mecarbam, Methamidophos, Methidathion, Mevinphos, Monocrotophos, Naled, Omethoate, Oxydemeton- methyl, Parathion, Parathion-methyl, Phenthoate, Phorate, Phosalone, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Phoxim, Pirimiphos-methyl, Profenofos, Propetamphos, Prothiofos, Pyraclofos, Pyridaphenthion, Quinaiphosfluacrypynm, tebufenozide, chlorantranihprole, Bacillus thuringiensis subs. Kurstaki, terbufos, mineral oil, fenpropathrm, metaldehyde, deltamethrin, diazinon, dimethoate, diflubenzuron, pyriproxyfen, reosemary oil, peppermint oil, geraniol, azadirachtin, piperonyl butoxide, cyantraniliprole, alpha cypermethrin, tefluthrin, pymetrozine, malathion. Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, dicofol, bromopropylate, benzoximate, azadirachtin, flonicamid, soybean oil, Chromobacterium subisugae strain PRAA4-1, zeta cypermethrin, phosmet, methoxyfenozide, paraffinic oil, spirotetramat, methomy!, Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52, ethoprop, tetradifon, propargite, fenbutatin oxide, azocyclotin, cyhexatin, diafenthiuron. Bacillus sphaericus , etoxazole, flupyradifurone, azadirachtin, Beauveria bassiana, cyflumetofen, azadirachtin, chinomethionat, acephate, Isaria fumosorosea Apopka strain 97, sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate, emamectin benzoate, cryolite, spinetoram, Chenopodium amhrosioides extract, novaluron, dinotefuran, carbary!, acequinocy!, fiupyradifurone, iron phosphate, kaolin, buprofezin, eyromazine, chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluey cloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, nocaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam, thiosultap-sodium, DNOC, chlorfenapyr, sulfuramid, phorate, tolfenpyrad, sulfoxaflor, neem oil, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrioms strain SA-10, eyromazine, heat-killed Burkholderia spp., eyantraniliprole, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, sodium cyanide, potassium cyanide, calcium cyanide, aluminum phosphide, calcium phosphide, phosphine, zinc phosphide, spriodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, metaflumizone, f!ubendiamide, pyflubumide, oxamyl, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, etoxazole, and esfenvalerate

Table 9. Exemplary insecticides associated with various modes of action, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Table 10. Exemplary list of pesticides, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

[0308] Insecticides also include synergists or activators that are not in themselves considered toxic or insecticidal, but are materials used with insecticides to synergize or enhance the activity of the insecticides. Synergists or activators include piperonyl butoxide

Biorational Pesticides

[0309] Insecticides can be biorational, or can also be known as biopesticides or biological pesticides Biorational refers to any substance of natural origin (or man-made substances resembling those of natural origin) that has a detrimental or lethal effect on specific target pest(s), e.g., insects, weeds, plant diseases (including nematodes), and vertebrate pests, possess a unique mode of action, are non-toxic to man, domestic plants and animals, and have little or no adverse effects on wildlife and the environment.

[0310] Biorational insecticides (or biopesticides or biological pesticides) can be grouped as; (1 ) biochemicals (hormones, enzymes, pheromones and natural agents, such as insect and plant growth regulators), (2) microbial (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes), or (3) Plant- Incorporated protectants (PIPs) - primarily transgenic plants, e.g., Bt corn.

[0311] Biopesticides, or biological pesticides, can broadly include agents manufactured from living microorganisms or a natural product and sold for the control of plant pests. Biopesticides can be; microorganisms, biochemicals, and semiochemicals. Biopesticides can also include peptides, proteins and nucleic acids such as double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, double- stranded RNA, single- stranded RNA and hairpin DNA or RNA.

[0312] Bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses and protozoa are all used for the biological control of insect pests. The most widely used microbial biopesticide is the insect pathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces a protein crystal (the Bt d-endotoxin) during bacterial spore formation that is capable of causing lysis of gut cells when consumed by susceptible insects. Microbial Bt biopesticides consist of bacterial spores and d-endotoxin crystals mass-produced in fermentation tanks and formulated as a sprayable product. Bt does not harm vertebrates and is safe to people, beneficial organisms and the environment. Thus, Bt sprays are a growing tactic for pest management on fruit and vegetable crops where their high level of selectivity and safety are considered desirable, and where resistance to synthetic chemical insecticides is a problem. Bt sprays have also been used on commodity crops such as maize, soybean and cotton, but with the advent of genetic modification of plants, farmers are increasingly growing Bt transgenic crop varieties.

[0313] Other microbial insecticides include products based on entomopathogemc baculoviruses. Baculoviruses that are pathogenic to arthropods belong to the virus family and possess large circular, covalently closed, and double-stranded DNA genomes that are packaged into nudeocapsids. More than 700 baculoviruses have been identified from insects of the orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. Baculoviruses are usually highly specific to their host insects and thus, are safe to the environment, humans, other plants, and beneficial organisms. Over 50 baculovirus products have been used to control different insect pests worldwide. In the US and Europe, the Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is used as an inundative biopesticide against codlingmoth on apples. Washington State, as the biggest apple producer in the US, uses CpGV on 13% of the apple crop. In Brazil, the nucieopolyhedrovirus of the soybean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis was used on up to 4 million ha (approximately 35%) of the soybean crop in the mid- 1990s. Viruses such as Gemstar® (Certis USA) are available to control larvae of Heliothis and Helicoverpa species.

[0314] At least 170 different biopesticide products based on entomopathogemc fungi have been developed for use against at least five insect and acarine orders in glasshouse crops, fruit and field vegetables as well as commodity crops. The majority' of products are based on the ascomycetes Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae. M. anisopliae has also been developed for the control of locust and grasshopper pests in Africa and Australia and is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for locust management.

[0315] A number of microbial pesticides registered m the United States are listed in Table 16 of Kabaiuk et al. 2010 (Kabaluk, J.T. et al. (ed.) 2010. The Use and Regulation of Microbial Pesticides in Representative Jurisdictions Worldwide. lOBC Global. 99pp.) and microbial pesticides registered in selected countries are listed in Annex 4 of Hoeschle-Zeledon el al. 2013 (Hoeschle-Zeledon, I., P. Neuenschwander and L Kumar (2013). Regulatory Challenges for biological control. SP-IPM Secretariat, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. 43 pp.), each of which is incorporated herein m its entirety.

[0316] Plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites that deter herbivores from feeding on them. Some of these can be used as biopesticides. They include, for example, pyrethrms, which are fast-acting insecticidal compounds produced by Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. They have low mammalian toxicity but degrade rapidly after application. This short persistence prompted the development of synthetic pyrethrms (pyrethroids). The most widely used botanical compound is neem oil, an insecticidal chemical extracted from seeds of Azadirachta indica. T O highly active pesticides are available based on secondary metabolites synthesized by soil actinomycetes, but they have been evaluated by regulatory authorities as if they wore synthetic chemical pesticides. Spmosad is a mixture of two macrolide compounds from Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It has a very low mammalian toxicity and residues degrade rapidly in the field. Farmers and growers used it widely following its introduction in 1997 but resistance has already developed in some important pests such as western flower thrips. Abamectin is a macrocyclic lactone compound produced by Streptomyces avermitilis. It is active against a range of pest species but resistance has developed to it also, for example, in tetranyehid mites.

[0317] Peptides and proteins from a number of organisms have been found to possess pesticidal properties. Perhaps most prominent are peptides from spider venom (King, G.F. and Hardy, M.C. (2013) Spider-venom peptides: structure, pharmacology, and potential for control of insect pests. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 58: 475-496). A unique arrangement of disulfide bonds in spider venom peptides render them extremely resistant to proteases. As a result, these peptides are highly stable in the insect gut and hemolymph and many of them are orally acti ve. The peptides target a wide range of receptors and ion channels in the msec† nervous system. Other examples of insecticidal peptides include: sea anemone venom that act on voltage-gated Na+ channels (Bosnians, F. and Tytgat, J (2007) Sea anemone venom as a source of insecticidal peptides acting on voltage-gated Na+ channels. Toxicon 49(4): 550-560); the PAlb (Pea Albumin 1, subunit b) peptide from Legume seeds with lethal activity on several insect pests, such as mosquitoes, some aphids and cereal weevils (Eyraud, V. et al. (2013) Expression and Biological Activity of the Cystine Knot Bioinsecticide PAlb (Pea Albumin 1 Subunit b). PLoS ONE 8(12): e81619); and an internal 10 kDa peptide generated by enzymatic hydrolysis of CanavaUa emiformis (jack bean) urease within susceptible insects (Martineili, A.H.S., et al. (2014) Structure-function studies on jaburetox, a recombinant insecticidal peptide derived from jack bean ( CanavaUa emiformis) urease. Biochirnica et Biophysica Acta 1840: 935-944). Examples of commercially available peptide insecticides include Spear™ - T for the treatment of thrips in vegetables and ornamentals in greenhouses, Spear™ - P to control the Colorado Potato Beetle, and Spear™ - C to protect crops from lepidopteran pests (Vestaron Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI). A novel insecticidal protein from Bacillus bombysepticus, called parasporal crystal toxin (PC), shows oral pathogenic activity and lethality towards silkworms and Cry 1 Ac-resistant Helicoverpa armigera strains (Lin, P. et al. (2015) PC, a novel oral insecticidal toxin from Bacillus bombysepticus involved in host lethality via APN and BtR-175. Sci. Rep. 5: 1 1 101).

[0318] A semiochemicaJ is a chemical signal produced by one organism that causes a behavioral change in an individual of the same or a different species. The most widely used semiochemicals for crop protection are insect sex pheromones, some of which can now be synthesized and are used for monitoring or pest control by mass trapping, lure-and-kill systems and mating disruption. Worldwide, mating disruption is used on over 660,000 ha and has been particularly useful in orchard crops.

[0319] As used herein,“transgenic insecticidal trait” refers to a trait exhibited by a plant that has been genetically engineered to express a nucleic acid or polypeptide that is detrimental to one or more pests. In one embodiment, the plants of the present disclosure are resistant to attach and/or infestation from any one or more of the pests of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the trait comprises the expression of vegetative insecticidal proteins (VIPs) from Bacillus thuringiensis, lectins and proteinase inhibitors from plants, terpenoids, cholesterol oxidases from Streptomyces spp., insect chitinases and fungal chitinolytic enzymes, bacterial insecticidal proteins and early recognition resistance genes. In another embodiment, the trait comprises the expression of a Bacillus thuringiensis protein that is toxic to a pest. In one embodiment, the Bt protein is a Cry protein (crystal protein). Bt crops include Bt corn, Bt cotton and Bt soy. Bt toxins can be from the Cry family (see, for example, Crickmore et al, 1998, Microbiol Mol Biol. Rev. 62 : 807-812), which are particularly effective against Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera.

[0320] Bt Cry and Cyt toxins belong to a class of bacterial toxins known as pore-forming toxins (PFT) that are secreted as water-soluble proteins undergoing conformational changes in order to insert into, or to translocate across, cell membranes of their host. There are two mam groups of PFT: (i) the a-helical toxins, in which a-helix regions form the trans-membrane pore, and (ii) the b-barrel toxins, that insert into the membrane by forming a b-barrel composed of sheet hairpins from each monomer. See, Parker MW ⁷ , Feil SC,“Pore-forming protein toxins: from structure to function,” Prog. Biophys. Mol. Biol. 2005 May; 88(1):91 -142. The first class of PFT includes toxins such as the colicms, exotoxin A, diphtheria toxin and also the Cry three-domain toxins. On the other hand, aerolysin, a-hemolysin, anthrax protective antigen, cholesterol-dependent toxins as the perfringolysin O and the Cyt toxins belong to the b-barrel toxins. Id. in general, PFT producing-bacteria secrete their toxins and these toxins interact with specific receptors located on the host cell surface. In most cases, PFT are activated by host proteases after receptor binding inducing the formation of an oligomeric structure that is insertion competent. Finally, membrane insertion is triggered, in most cases, by a decrease m pH that induces a molten globule state of the protein. Id.

[0321] The development of transgenic crops that produce Bt Cry proteins has allowed the substitution of chemical insecticides by environmentally friendly alternatives. In transgenic plants the Cry toxin is produced continuously, protecting the toxin from degradation and making it reachable to chewing and boring insects. Cry protein production in plants has been improved by engineering cry genes with a plant biased codon usage, by removal of putative splicing signal sequences and deletion of the carboxy -terminal region of the protoxin. See, Schuler TH, et al., “Insect-resistant transgenic plants,” Trends Biotechno!. 1998;16: 168-175. The use of insect resistant crops has diminished considerably the use of chemical pesticides in areas where these transgenic crops are planted. See, Qaim M, Zilberman D,“Yield effects of genetically modified crops in developing countries,” Science. 2003 Feb 7; 299(5608): 900-2.

[0322] Known Cry proteins include: d-endotoxins including but not limited to: the Cry! , Cry 2. Cry3, Cry4, Cry5, Cry6, Cry 7, Cry8, Cry9, Cry 10, CiyT l, Cry 12, CryI3, Cry!4, Cry! 5, Cry 16, Cry 17, Cry 18, Cry! 9, Cry20, Cry21, Cry22, Cry23, Cry24, Cry25, Cry26, Cry27, Cry 28, Cry' 29, Cry 30, Cry31, Cry32, Cry33, Cry34, Cry35, Cry36, Cry 37, Cry38, Cry39, Cry40, Cry41 , Cry42, Cry 43, Cry44, Cry45, Cry 46, Cry47, Cry49, Cry 51, Cry52, Cry 53, Cry 54, Cry55, Cr 56, Cry 57, Cry58, Cry59. Cry60, Cry61, Cry62, Cry63, Cry64, Cry65, Cry66, Cry67, Cry68, Cry69, Cry70 and Cry71 classes of d-endotoxin genes and the 5. thuringiensis cytolytic cytl and cyt2 genes [0323] Members of these classes of B. thuringiensis insecticidal proteins include, but are not limited to: CrylAal (Accession # AAA22353); CrylAa2 (Accession # Accession # AAA22552); CrylAaS (Accession # BAA 00257); Cryl Aa4 (Accession # CAA31886); CrylAaS (Accession # BAA04468); Cryl Aa6 (Accession # AAA 86265); Cryl Aa7 (Accession # A D46139); Cryl AaS (Accession # 126149); Cryl Aa9 (Accession # BAA77213); CrylAal 0 (Accession # AAD55382); CrylAal 1 (Accession # CAA70856); Cry! Aal2 (Accession # AAP80146); Cry1Aal3 (Accession

# AAM44305); CrylAal 4 (Accession # AAP40639); Cryl Aal 5 (Accession # AAY66993); Cryl Aal 6 (Accession # HQ439776); CrylAal7 (Accession # HQ439788); CrylAal 8 (Accession

# HQ439790); Cryl Aal 9 (Accession # HQ685121); CrylAa20 (Accession # JF340156); Cryl Aa2! (Accession # JN651496); CrylAa22 (Accession # KC158223); CrylAbl (Accession # AAA22330); Cryl Ab2 (Accession # AAA22613); CrylAbS (Accession # AAA22561); Cryl Ab4 (Accession # BAA00071); CrylAbS (Accession # CAA28405); Cryl Ab6 (Accession # AAA22420); Cryl Ab7 (Accession # CAA31620); CrylAbS (Accession # AAA22551); Cryl Ab9 (Accession # CAA38701); CrylAblO (Accession # A29125); CrydAbl l (Accession # 112419); CrylAbl2 (Accession # AAC64003); CrylAbl3 (Accession # AAN76494); CrylAbl4 (Accession # AAG16877); CrylAbl 5 (Accession # AA013302); CrylAbl6 (Accession #AAK55546); CrylAbl? (Accession # AAT46415); CrylAbl 8 (Accession # AAQ88259); CrylAbl9 (Accession # AAW31761); CrylAb20 (Accession # ABB72460); CrylAb21 (Accession # ABS18384); CrylAb22 (Accession # ABW87320); CrylAb23 (Accession # HQ439777); CrylAb24 (Accession # HQ439778); CrylAb25 (Accession # HQ685122); Cryl Ab26 (Accession # HQ847729); Cryl Ab27 (Accession # JN135249); Cryl Ab28 (Accession

# JN135250); CtylAb29 (Accession # JN135251); CrylAb30 (Accession # JN135252); CrylAb31 (Accession # JN135253); CrylAb32 (Accession # JN135254); CrylAb33 (Accession

# AAS93798); CrylAb34 (Accession # KC 156668); CrylAb-like (Accession # AAK14336); CrylAb-like (Accession # AAK14337); CrylAb-like (Accession # AAK14338); CrylAb-like (Accession # ABG88858); Cryl Ac 1 (Accession # AAA22331); CrylAc2 (Accession # AAA22338); Cryl Ac3 (Accession # CAA38098); Cryl Ac4 (Accession # AAA73077); CrylAcS (Accession # AAA22339); CrylAc6 (Accession #AAA86266); CrylAc7 (Accession # AAB46989); Cry! AeS (Accession # AAC44841); Cry l Ac9 (Accession # AAB49768); CrylAclO (Accession # CAA05505); Cryl Ac 11 (Accession # CAA 10270); Cry 1 Acl 2 (Accession # 112418); CrylAc13 (Accession # AAD38701); CrylAcl4 (Accession # AAQ06607); CrylAcl5 (Accession # AAN07788); Cryl Acl6 (Accession # AAU87037); CrylAcl7 (Accession # AAX18704); CrylAclS (Accession # AAY88347); CrylAcl9 (Accession # ABD37053); Cry 1 Ac20 (Accession # ABB89046); CrylAc21 (Accession # AAY66992); CrylAc22 (Accession

# ABZ01836); Cry l Ac23 (Accession # CAQ30431 ); Cryl Ac24 (Accession # ABL01535); Cry! Ac25 (Accession # FJ513324); Cry1Ac26 (Accession # FJ617446); CrylAc27 (Accession # FJ617447); CrylAc28 (Accession # ACM90319); Ciyl Ac29 (Accession # DQ438941); Cry! Ac30 (Accession # GQ227507); CrylAc31 (Accession # GU446674); Cry1Ac32 (Accession

# HM061081 ); Cryl Ac33 (Accession # GQ866913); CrylAc34 (Accession # HQ230364); Cry! Ac35 (Accession # JF340157); CrylAc36 (Accession # JN387137); Cryl Ac37 (Accession # JQ317685); CrylAdl (Accession # AAA22340); CrylAd2 (Accession # CAA01880); CrylAel (Accession # AAA22410); CrylAf! (Accession # AAB82749); Ciy!Agl (Accession # AAD46137); CrylAhl (Accession # AAQ14326); Cryl Ah2 (Accession # ABB76664); Cryl Ah3 (Accession # HQ439779); Cryl Ail (Accession # AA039719); Cryl Ai2 (Accession # HQ439780); Cryl A-like (Accession # AAK14339); CtylBal (Accession # CAA29898); CrylBa2 (Accession

# CAA65003); Cry 1 Ba3 (Accession # AAK63251 ); Cry 1 Ba4 (Accession # AAK51084); Cry 1 Ba5 (Accession # AB020894); CrylBa6 (Accession # ABL60921); CrylBa7 (Accession # HQ439781); CrylBbl (Accession # AAA22344); CrylBb2 (Accession # HQ439782); CrylBcl (Accession # CAA86568); CrylBcl! (Accession # AAD10292); CrylBd2 (Accession # AAM93496); CrylBel (Accession # AAC32850); CrylBe2 (Accession # AAQ52387); CrylBe3 (Accession # ACV96720); CrylBe4 (Accession # HM070026); CrylBfl (Accession # CAC50778); CiylB£2 (Accession # AAQ52380); CiylBgl (Accession # AA039720): Oyl Bh! (Accession # HQ589331); CrylBi! (Accession # KC156700); Cryl Cai (Accession # CAA30396); CrylCa2 (Accession # CAA31951); CrylCa3 (Accession # AAA22343); CrylCa4 (Accession # CAA01886); CrylCaS (Accession # CAA65457); CrylCa6 [1 ] (Accession # AAF37224); CrylCa7 (Accession # AAG50438); CrylCaS (Accession # AAM00264); CrylCa9 (Accession # AAL79362); CrylCalO (Accession # AAN16462); Cry l Cal 1 (Accession # AAX53094); CrylCal2 (Accession # HM070027); Cryl Cal 3 (Accession # HQ412621); CrylCal4 (Accession #JN651493); CrylCbl (Accession # M97880); CrylCb2 (Accession # AAG35409); CrylCbS (Accession # ACD50894); CrylCb-like (Accession # AAX63901); Cryl Dal (Accession # C A A38099); CrylDa2 (Accession # 17641 5); Cryl DaS (Accession # FIQ439784); Cry! Dbl (Accession # CAA80234); Cry! Db2 (Accession # AAK48937); Cryl Del (Accession # ABK35074); CrylEal (Accession # CAA37933); CrylEa2 (Accession# CAA39609); CrylEa3 (Accession # AAA22345); CrylEa4 (Accession # AAD04732); CrylEa5 (Accession # A15535); CryIEa6 (Accession # AAL50330); CrylEa7 (Accession # AAW72936); CrylEa8 (Accession # ABX11258); CrylEa9 (Accession # HQ439785); CrylEal 0 (Accession # ADR00398); CrylEal 1 (Accession # JQ652456); Cry!Ebl (Accession # AAA22346); CrylFal (Accession # AAA22348); Cryl Fa2 (Accession# AAA22347); CrylFaS (Accession # HM070028); CrylFa4 (Accession #HM439638); Cryl Fbl (Accession # CAA80235); Cryl Fb2 (Accession# BAA25298); Cryl FbS (Accession# A AF21767); CrylFb4 (Accession# AAC10641); CrylFbS (Accession # AA013295); CrylFbb (Accession # ACD50892); CrylFb7 (Accession # ACD50893); CrylGal (Accession # CAA80233); CrylGa2 (Accession # CAA70506); CrylGbl (Accession # AAD10291); CrylGb2 (Accession # AA013756); CrylGcl (Accession # AAQ52381); CrylHal (Accession# CAA80236); CrylHbl (Accession # AAA79694); CrylHb2 (Accession # HQ439786); CrylH-like (Accession # AAF01213); Cryllal (Accession # CAA44633); Crylla2 (Accession # AAA22354); Crylla3 (Accession # AAC36999); Crylla4 (Accession # AAB00958); Crylla5 (Accession # CAA70124); Cryllab (Accession # AAC26910); Crylla7 (Accession # AAM73516); CryllaB (Accession # AAK66742); Crylla9 (Accession# AAQ08616); CryllalO (Accession # AAP86782); Cryllal 1 (Accession # CAC85964); CrylXal2 (Accession # AAV53390); CryllalS (Accession # ABF 83202); Cryllal4 (Accession # ACG63871); CryllalS (Accession #FJ617445); Cryllal6 (Accession # FJ617448); Cryllal7 (Accession # GU989199); Cryllal8 (Accession # ADK23801 ); Cryllal9 (Accession # HQ439787); Crylla20 (Accession # JQ228426); Crylla21 (Accession # JQ228424); Crylla22 (Accession #JQ228427); Crylla23 (Accession # JQ228428); Crylla24 (Accession # JQ228429); Crylla25 (Accession # JQ228430); Crylla26 (Accession # JQ228431); Crylla27 (Accession # JQ228432); Crylla28 (Accession # JQ228433); Crylla29 (Accession #JQ228434); Crylla30 (Accession# JQ317686); Crylla31 (Accession # JX944038); Crylla32 (Accession # JX944039); CrylXa33 (Accession # JX944040); Cryllbl (Accession # AAA821 14); Cryllb2 (Accession # ABW88019); CrylXb3 (Accession # ACD75515); Cryllb4 (Accession # HM051227); Cryllb5 (Accession # HM070028); Ciyllb6 (Accession # ADK38579); Cryllb7 (Accession # JN571740); CryllbS (Accession # JN675714); CrylXb9 (Accession # JN675715); Cryilbl O (Accession # JN675716); CryHbii (Accession # JQ228423); CrylXcl (Accession # AAC62933); Cryllc2 (Accession # AAE71691); Crylldl (Accession # AAD44366); Crylld2 (Accession # JQ228422); Cryllei (Accession # AAG43526); Crylle2 (Accession # HM439636); CiylleS (Accession # KC156647); Crylle4 (Accession # KC156681); Cryilf! (Accession # AAQ52382); Cryllg! (Accession# KC156701); Cryll-like (Accession # AAC31094); Cryll-like (Accession # ABG88859); CrylJal (Accession # AAA22341); CrylJa2 (Accession # HM070030); CrylJa3 (Accession # JQ228425); CrylJbl (Accession # AAA98959); CrylJcl (Accession # AAC31092); CrylJc2 (Accession # AAQ52372); CrylJdl (Accession# CAC50779); CrylKal (Accession # AAB00376); Cry1Ka2 (Accession # HQ439783); CrylLal (Accession# AAS60191); Cryl La2 (Accession # HM070031); CrylMal (Accession # FJ884067); Cry1Ma2 (Accession # KCi 56659); CrylNal (Accession # KC156648); CrylNbl (Accession # KC156678); Cryl-iike (Accession # AAC31091); Cry2Aal (Accession # AAA22335); Cry2Aa2 (Accession # AAA83516); Cry2Aa3 (Accession # D86064); Cry2Aa4 (Accession # AAC04867); Cry2Aa5 (Accession # CAA 10671); Cry2Aa6 (Accession # CAA 10672); Cry2Aa7 (Accession # CAA10670); Cry2Aa8 (Accession # AA013734); Cry2Aa9 (Accession # AA013750); Cry2Aal O (Accession # AAQ04263); Cry2Aal 1 (Accession # AAQ52384); Cry2Aal2 (Accession # AB183671); Cry2Aal3 (Accession # ABL01536); Cry2Aal4 (Accession # ACF04939); Cry 2 Aa 15 (Accession # JN426947); Cry2Abl (Accession # AAA22342); Cry2Ab2 (Accession # CAA39075); Cry2Ab3 (Accession # AAG36762); Cry2Ab4 (Accession # AA013296); Cry2Ab5 (Accession # AAQ04609); Cry2Ab6 (Accession # AAP59457); Cry2Ab7 (Accession # AAZ66347); Cry2Ab8 (Accession # ABC95996); Cry2Ab9 (Accession # ABC74968); Cry2AblO (Accession # EF157306); Cry2Abil (Accession # CAM84575); Cry2Abl2 (Accession # ABM21764); Cry2Abl3 (Accession # ACG76120); Cry2Abl4 (Accession # ACG76121); Cry2Abl 5 (Accession # HM037126); Cry2Abl6 (Accession # GQ866914); Cry2Abl 7 (Accession

# HQ439789); Cry2Abl8 (Accession # JN135255); Cry2Abl9 (Accession # JN i 35256); Cry2Ab20 (Accession # JN135257); Cry2Ab21 (Accession # JN135258); Cry2Ab22 (Accession

# INI 35259); Cry2Ab23 (Accession # JN135260): Cry2Ab24 (Accession # JN 135261); Cry2Ab25 (Accession # JN415485); Cry2Ab26 (Accession # JN426946); Cry2Ab27 (Accession

# JN415764); Cry2Ab28 (Accession # JN651494); Cry2Acl (Accession # CAA40536); Cry2Ac2 (Accession # AAG35410); Cry2Ac3 (Accession # AAQ52385); Cry2Ac4 (Accession # ABC95997); Cry2Ac5 (Accession # ABC74969); Cry2Ac6 (Accession # ABC74793); Cry2Ac7 (Accession # CALI 8690); Cry2Ac8 (Accession # CAM09325); Cry2Ac9 (Accession # CAM09326); Cry2Acl0 (Accession # ABN15104); Cry2Acll (Accession # CAM83895); Cry2Acl2 (Accession# CAM83896); Cry2Adl (Accession # AAF09583); Cry2Ad2 (Accession # ABC86927); Cry2Ad3 (Accession # CAK29504); Cry2Ad4 (Accession # CAMS 2331 ); Cry2Ad5 (Accession # CA078739); Cry2Ael (Accession # AAQ52362); Cry2Afl (Accession # AB030519); Cry2Af2 (Accession # GQ866915); Cry2Agl (Accession # ACH91610); Cry2Ahl (Accession # EU939453); Cry2Ah2 (Accession # ACL80665); Cry2Ah3 (Accession # GU073380); Cry2Ah4 (Accession # KC156702); Cry2Ail (Accession # FJ788388); Cry2Aj (Accession #); Cry2Akl (Accession # KC156660); Cry2Ba! (Accession# KC 156658); CrySAal (Accession# AAA22336); Cry3Aa2 (Accession # AAA22541); Cry3Aa3 (Accession # CAA68482); Cry3Aa4 (Accession # AAA22542); Cry3Aa5 (Accession # AAA50255); Cry3Aa6 (Accession # AAC43266); Cry3Aa7 (Accession # CAB4141 1); Cry3Aa8 (Accession# AAS79487); Cry3Aa9 (Accession # AAW05659); CrySAaiO (Accession #AAU2941 1); Cry3Aall (Accession # AAW82872); Cry3Aal2 (Accession # ABY49136); CrySBal (Accession # CAA34983); Cry3Ba2 (Accession # CAA00645); Cry3Ba3 (Accession # JQ397327); Cry3Bbl (Accession # AAA22334); Cry3Bb2 (Accession # AAA74198); Cry3Bb3 (Accession # 115475); CrySCal (Accession # CAA42469); Cry4Aal (Accession # CAA68485); Cry4Aa2 (Accession # BAAOOl 79); Cry4Aa3 (Accession #CAD30148); Cry4Aa4 (Accession # AFB18317); Cry4A-like (Accession # AAY96321); Cry4Bal (Accession # CAA30312); Cry4Ba2 (Accession # CAA30114); Cry4Ba3 (Accession # AAA22337); Cry4Ba4 (Accession # BAAOOl 78); Cry4Ba5 (Accession # CAD30095); Cry4Ba- like (Accession # ABC47686); Cry4Cal (Accession # EU646202); Cry4Cbi (Accession # FJ403208); Cry4Cb2 (Accession # FJ597622); Cry4Cci (Accession # FJ403207); CrySAai (Accession # AAA67694); CrySAbl (Accession # AAA67693); CrySAcl (Accession # 134543); Cry5Adl (Accession # ABQ82087); CrySBal (Accession # AAA68598); Cry5Ba2 (Accession # ABW88931); Cry5Ba3 (Accession # AFJ04417); CrySCal (Accession # HM461869); Cry5Ca2 (Accession # ZP _04123426); Cry 5 Dai (Accession # HM461870); Cry5Da2 (Accession # ZP 04123980); CrySEai (Accession # HM485580); Ciy5Ea2 (Accession # ZP 04124038); Cry6Aal (Accession # AAA22357); Cry6Aa2 (Accession # AAM46849); Cry6Aa3 (Accession # ABH03377); Cry6Bal (Accession # AAA22358); Cry7 Aal (Accession # AAA22351); Cry7Abl (Accession # AAA21 I20); Cry7Ab2 (Accession # AAA21121); Cry7Ab3 (Accession # ABX24522); Cry7 Ab4 (Accession # EU380678); Cry7 Ab5 (Accession # ABX79555); Cry7 Ab6 (Accession# ACI44005); Cry 7 Ab7 (Accession# ADB89216); Cry 7 Ab8 (Accession # GUI 45299); Cry7Ab9 (Accession # ADD92572); CiyTBal (Accession # ABB70817); CryTBbl (Accession # KC 156653); Cry7Cal (Accession # ABR67863); Cry7Cbl (Accession # KG 156698); Cry7Dal (Accession # ACQ99547); Cry7Da2 (Accession # HM572236); Cry7Da3 (Accession# KC1 56679); CryTEai (Accession #HM035086); Ciy7Ea2 (Accession # HM132124); Ciy7Ea3 (Accession # EEM19403); Cry7Fal (Accession # HM035088); Cry7Fa2 (Accession # EEM19090); Cry7FbJ (Accession # HM572235); Cry7Fb2 (Accession # KC156682); Cry7Gai (Accession # HM572237); Cry7Ga2 (Accession # KC 156669); Cry7Gb! (Accession # KCl 56650); Cry7Gcl (Accession # KC 156654); Cry Gdl (Accession # KC 156697); Cry7Hal (Accession # KCl 56651 ); Cry7Ia! (Accession # KCl 56665); Cry7Jal (Accession # KCl 56671); Cry7Kal (Accession # KCl 56680); Cry7Kbl (Accession # BAM99306); Cry7Lal (Accession # BAM99307); CrySAal (Accession # AAA21 1 17); Cry8Abl (Accession # EU044830); CrySAel (Accession # KCl 56662); CrySAdl (Accession # KCl 56684); CrySBal (Accession # AAA21118); CrySBbl (Accession # CAD57542); Cry 8 Bel (Accession # CAD57543); CrySCal (Accession # AAA21119); Cry8Ca2 (Accession # AAR98783); Cry8Ca3 (Accession # EU625349); Cry8Ca4 (Accession # ADB54826); CrySDal (Accession # BAC07226); Cry8Da2 (Accession # BD133574); Cry8Da3 (Accession # BD133575); CryBDbl (Accession # BAF93483); CrySEal (Accession # AAQ73470); Cry8Ea2 (Accession # EU047597); Cry8Ea3 (Accession # KC855216); Cr SFal (Accession # AAT48690); Cry8Fa2 (Accession # HQ! 74208); Cry8Fa3 (Accession # AFH78109); CrySGal (Accession # AAT46073); Cry8Ga2 (Accession # ABC42043); Cry8Ga3 (Accession # FJ198072); CryBHai (Accession # AAW81032); CrySlai (Accession # EU381044); Cry8Ia2 (Accession # GU073381); Cry8ia3 (Accession # HM044664); Cr _j ^? 8Ia4 (Accession # KCl 56674); Cry8Ibl (Accession # GU325772); Crv 8Ib2 (Accession # KCl 56677); CrySJal (Accession # EU625348); CryBKal (Accession # FJ422558); Cry8Ka2 (Accession # ACN87262); Cry8Kbl (Accession # HM123758); Cry8Kb2 (Accession # KCl 56675); CrySLal (Accession # GU325771); CiySMal (Accession # HM044665); Cry8Ma2 (Accession # EEM86551); Cry8Ma3 (Accession # HM210574); CiySNal (Accession # HM640939); CrySPal (Accession # HQ388415); CrySQal (Accession # HQ441166); Cry8Qa2 (Accession # KCl 52468); CrySRal (Accession # AFP87548); CiySSai (Accession # JQ740599); Cry8Tal (Accession # KCl 56673); Cry8-like (Accession # FJ770571); Cry8-like (Accession # ABS53003); Cry9Aal (Accession # CAA41 122); Cry9Aa2 (Accession # CAA41425); Cry9Aa3 (Accession # GQ249293); Cry9Aa4 (Accession # GQ249294); Cry9Aa5 (Accession # JX1 74110); Cry9Aa like (Accession # AAQ52376); Cry9Bal (Accession # CAA52927); Cry9Ba2 (Accession # GU299522); Cry9Bbl (Accession # AAV28716); Cry9Cal (Accession # CAA85764); Cry9Ca2 (Accession # AAQ52375); Cry9Dal (Accession # BAA1 9948); Cry9Da2 (Accession # AAB97923); Cry9Da3 (Accession # GQ249293); Cry9Da4 (Accession # GQ249297); Cry9Dbl (Accession # AAX78439); Cry9Dcl (Accession #KC1 56683); Cry9Eal (Accession # BAA34908); Cry9Ea2 (Accession # AA012908); Cry9Ea3 (Accession# ABM21765); Cry9Ea4 (Accession # ACE88267); Cry9Ea5 (Accession # ACF04743); Cry9Ea6 (Accession #ACG63872); Cry9Ea7 (Accession # FJ380927); Cry9Ea8 (Accession # GQ249292); Cry9Ea9 (Accession # JN651495); Cry9Ebl (Accession # CAC50780); Cry9Eb2 (Accession # GQ249298); Cry9Eb3 (Accession # KC156646); Cry9Ecl (Accession # AAC63366); Cry9Edl (Accession # AAX78440); Cry9Eel (Accession # GQ249296); Cry9Ee2 (Accession # KC156664); Cry9Fa1 (Accession # KC156692); Cry9Gai (Accession # KC156699); Cry 9-1 ike (Accession # AAC63366); CrylOAal (Accession #AAA22614); CrylOAa2 (Accession #E00614); Cryl0Aa3 (Accession # CAD30098); Cryl OAa4 (Accession # AFB18318); CrylOA-like (Accession # DQ167578); Cry! lAal (Accession # AAA22352); Cry! lAa2 (Accession # AAA22611); Cryl lAa3 (Accession # CAD30081); Cry! ! Aa4 (Accession# AFB18319); CiyllAa-like (Accession # DQ 166531 ); CryllBal (Accession

# CAA60504); Cry!lBbl (Accession # AAC97162); Cryl lBb2 (Accession # HM068615); Cryl2Aal (Accession # AAA22355); Cr 13Aai (Accession # AAA22356); Cryl4Aai (Accession

# AAA21516); Cryl4Abl (Accession # KC156652); Cryl SAal (Accession # AAA22333); Cryl6Aaf (Accession # CAA63860); Cryl7Aai (Accession # CAA67841); CrylSAa! (Accession

# CAA67506); CrylBBal (Accession # AAF89667); CrylSCal (Accession # AAF89668); Cryl9Aal (Accession # CAA68875); Cryl9Bal (Accession # BAA32397); Cryl9Ca! (Accession

# AFM37572); Cry20Aai (Accession # AAB93476); Cry20Bal (Accession # ACS93601); Cry20Ba2 (Accession # KC156694); Crj ^? 20-like (Accession # GQ144333); Cry21Aal (Accession

# 132932); Cry21Aa2 (Accession # 166477); Cry21Bal (Accession # BAC06484); Cry21Cai (Accession # JF521577); Cry21Ca2 (Accession # KC 156687); Ciy21Dai (Accession # JF521578); Cry22Aal (Accession # 134547); Cry22Aa2 (Accession # CAD43579); Cry22Aa3 (Accession # ACD93211); Cry22Abl (Accession # AAK50456); Cry22Ab2 (Accession # CAD43577); Cry22Bal (Accession # CAD43578); Cry22Bbi (Accession # KC156672); Cry23Aai (Accession

# AAE76375); Cry24Aal (Accession # AAC61891); Cry24Bal (Accession # BAD32657); Cry24Cal (Accession # CAJ43600); Cry25Aal (Accession # AAC6I892); Cry26Aal (Accession # AAD25075); Cry27Aal (Accession # BA A 82796); Cry28Aal (Accession # AAD24I89); Cry28Aa2 (Accession # AAG00235); Cry29Aal ( Accession # CAC80985); Cry30 Aai (Accession

# CAC80986); Cry30Bal (Accession # BAD00052); Cry30Cal (Accession # BAD67157); Cry30Ca2 (Accession # ACU24781); Cry30Dal (Accession # EF095955); Cry30Dbl (Accession # BAE80088); Cry30Eal (Accession # ACC95445); Cry30Ea2 (Accession # FJ499389); Cry30Fal (Accession # ACI22625); CrySOGal (Accession # ACG60020); Cry30Ga2 (Accession #HQ638217); Cry31 Aa1 (Accession # BAB!l 757); Cry31Aa2 (Accession # AAL87458); Cry3IAa3 (Accession # BAE79808); Cry31Aa4 (Accession# BAF32571); Cry31Aa5 (Accession

# BAF32572); Cry31 Aa6 (Accession # BAI44026); CryS IAbl (Accession #BAE79809); Cry31Ab2 (Accession # BAF32570); Cry31 Ac1 (Accession # BAF34368); Cry31Ac2 (Accession

# AB731600); Cry31Adl (Accession # BA144022); Cry32Aal (Accession # AAG3671 1); Cry32Aa2 (Accession # GU063849); Cry32Abl (Accession #GU063850); Cry32Bal (Accession # BAB78601); Cry32Cal (Accession # BAB78602); Cry32Cbl (Accession # KC156708); Cry32Dal (Accession # BAB78603); Cry32Eal (Accession # GU324274); Cry32Ea2 (Accession # KC1 56686); Cry32Ebl (Accession # KC 156663); Cry32Fal (Accession # KC156656); Cry32GaI (Accession # KC156657); Cry32Hal (Accession # KC156661); Cry32Hb1 (Accession# KC156666); Ciy32Iai (Accession # KC1 56667); Cry32Jal (Accession # KC1 56685); Cry32Kal (Accession # KCi 56688); Cry32Lal (Accession # KC156689); Cry32Maf (Accession # KCI 56690); Cry32Mbl (Accession # KCI 56704); Cry32Nal (Accession # KC156691); Cry320al (Accession # KCI 56703); Cry32Pal (Accession# KCI 56705); Ciy32Qai (Accession #KC156706); Cry32RaI (Accession # KCI 56707); Cry32SaI (Accession # KCI 56709); Cry32Tal (Accession # KCI 56710); Cry32Ual (Accession # KCI 56655); Cry33Aal (Accession #AAL26871); Cry34AaI (Accession # AAG50341); Cry34Aa2 (Accession #AAK6456Q); Cry34Aa3 (Accession # AAT29032); Cry34Aa4 (Accession # AAT29030); Cry34Abi (Accession

# AAG41671); Cry34Acl (Accession # AAG5Q118); Cry34Ac2 (Accession # AAK64562); Cry34Ac3 (Accession # AAT29029); Cry34Bai (Accession # AAK64565); Cry34Ba2 (Accession

# AAT29033); Cry34Ba3 (Accession # AAT29031); Cry35Aal (Accession # AAG50342); Cry35Aa2 (Accession # AAK64561); Cry35Aa3 (Accession # AAT29028); Cry35Aa4 (Accession

# AAT29025); Cry35Abl (Accession # AAG41672); Cry35Ab2 (Accession # AAK64563); Cry35Ab3 (Accession # AY536891); Cry35Acl (Accession # AAG50117); Cry35Bal (Accession

# AAK64566); Cry35Ba2 (Accession # AAT29027); Cry35Ba3 (Accession # AAT29026); Cry36Aal (Accession # AAK64558); Cry37 Aai (Accession # AAF76376); Cry38Aal (Accession

# AAK64559); Cry39Aai (Accession # BAB72016); Cry40Aal (Accession # BAB72018); Cry40Bal (Accession # BAC77648); Cry40Cal (Accession # EU381045); Cry40Dal (Accession # ACF15199); Cry41Aal (Accession # BAD35157); Cry41 Abl (Accession # BAD35163); Cry41Bai (Accession # HM461871); Cry41Ba2 (Accession # ZP _04099652); Cry42Aal (Accession # BAD35166); Cry43Aal (Accession # BAD15301); Cry43Aa2 (Accession # BAD95474); Cry43Bal (Accession # BAD15303); Cry43Ca! (Accession # KCI 56676); Cry43Cbl (Accession

# KCI 56695); Cry43Ccl (Accession # KCI 56696); Cry43-like (Accession # BAD15305); Cry44Aa (Accession # BAD08532); Cry45Aa (Accession # BAD22577); Cry46Aa (Accession # BAC79010); Cry46Aa2 (Accession # BAG68906); Cry46Ab (Accession # BAD35170); Cry47 Aa (Accession # AAY24695); Cry48Aa (Accession # C All 8351); Cry48Aa2 (Accession # CAJ86545); Crv48Aa3 (Accession # CAJ86546); Cry48 Ah (Accession # CAJ86548); Cry48Ab2 (Accession # CAJ86549); Cry49Aa (Accession # CAH56541); Cry49Aa2 (Accession # CAJ86541); Cry49Aa3 (Accession # CAJ86543); Cry49Aa4 (Accession # CAJ86544); Cry49Abi (Accession # CAJ86542); CrySOAal (Accession # BAE86999); CrySOBal (Accession # GU446675); Cry50Ba2 (Accession # GU446676); Cry 51 Aal (Accession # AB114444); Cry51 Aa2 (Accession # GU570697); Cry52Aal (Accession # EF613489); Cry52Bal (Accession # FJ361760); Cry53Aal (Accession # EF633476); Cry53Ab! (Accession # FJ361759); Cry54Aal (Accession # ACA52194); Cry54Aa2 (Accession# GQ140349); Cry54Bal (Accession # GU446677); Cry55Aai (Accession # ABW88932); Cry54Abl (Accession # JQ916908); Cry55Aa2 (Accession # AAE33526); Cry56Aal (Accession # ACU57499); Cry56Aa2 (Accession # GQ483512); Cry56Aa3 (Accession # JX025567); Cry57Aal (Accession # ANC87261); Cry58Aal (Accession

# ANC87260); Cry59Bai (Accession # JN790647); Cry59AaI (Accession # ACR43758); Cry 60 Aal (Accession # ACU24782); Cry60Aa2 (Accession # EA057254); Cry6QAa3 (Accession

# EEM99278); Cry60Bal (Accession # GU810818); Cry60Ba2 (Accession # EA057253); Cry6QBa3 (Accession # EEM99279); Cry61Aai (Accession # HM035087); Cry61Aa2 (Accession

# HM132125); Cry61Aa3 (Accession # EEM19308); Cry62Aal (Accession # HM054509); Cry63Aal (Accession # BA144028); Cry64Aal (Accession # BAJ05397); Cry65Aal (Accession # HM461868); Cry65Aa2 (Accession # ZP J4123838); Cry66Aal (Accession # HM485581); Cry66Aa2 (Accession # ZP J4099945); Cry67Aai (Acces-sion #HM485582); Cry67Aa2 (Accession# ZP_04148882); Cry68Aal (Accession# HQ113114); Cry69Aal (Accession # HQ401006); Cry69Aa2 (Accession # JQ821388); Cry69Abl (Accession # JN209957); Cry70Aal (Accession # JN646781); Cry70Bal (Accession # AD051070); Cry70Bbl (Accession # EEL67276); Cry71Aal (Accession # 1X025568); Cry72Aal (Accession # JX025569); CytlAa (GenBank Accession Number X03182); CytlAb (GenBank Accession Number X98793); CytlB (GenBank Accession Number U37196); Cyt2A (GenBank Accession Number Z14147); and Cyt2B (GenBank Accession Number U52043).

[0324] Examples of d-endotoxins also include but are not limited to CrylA proteins of U.S Pat Nos 5,880,275, 7,858,849 8,530,41 1 , 8,575,433, and 8,686,233; a DIG-3 or DIG-11 toxin (N- terminal deletion of a-helix 1 and/or a-helix 2 variants of cry proteins such as CrylA, Cry3A) of U.S. Pat Nos. 8,304,604, 8,304,605 and 8,476,226; Cry IB of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/525,318; Cry 1C of U.S. Pat No. 6,033,874; Cry IF of U.S. Pat Nos. 5,188,960 and 6,218,188; CrylA/F chimeras of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,070, 982; 6,962,705 and 6,713,063); a Cry2 protein such as Cry2Ab protein of U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,249); a Cry3A protein including hut not limited to an engineered hybrid insecticidal protein (eHIP) created by fusing unique combinations of variable regions and conserved blocks of at least two different Cry proteins (US Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0017914); a Cry4 protein; a Cry5 protein; a Cry6 protein; Cry8 proteins of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,329,736, 7,449,552, 7,803,943, 7,476,781 , 7,105,332, 7,378,499 and 7,462,760; a Cry9 protein such as such as members of the Cry9A, Cry9B, Cry9C, Cry9D, Cry9E and Cry9F families, including but not limited to the Cry9D protein of U.S. Pat. No. 8,802,933 and the Cry9B protein of U.S. Pat. No. 8,802,934; a Cry 15 protein of Naimov, et a!., (2008),“Applied and Environmental Microbiology,” 74:7145-7151 ; a Cry 22, a Cry34Abi protein of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,127,180, 6,624,145 and 6,340,593; a CryET33 and cryET34 protein of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,248,535, 6,326,351 , 6,399,330, 6,949,626, 7,385,107 and 7,504,229; a CryET33 and CryET34 homologs of US Patent Publication Number 2006/0191034, 2012/0278954, and PCT Publication Number WO 2012/139004; a Cry35Abl protein of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,083,499, 6,548,291 and 6,340,593; a Cry46 protein, a Cry 51 protein, a Cry binary toxin; a TIC901 or related toxin; TIC807 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2008/0295207; ET29, ET37, TIC809, TIC810, TIC812, TIC 127, TIC128 of PCT US 2006/033867; TIC853 toxins of U.S. Pat. No. 8,513,494, AXMI-027, AXMU 036, and AXMI-038 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,757; AXMI-031, ACMΪ-039, AXMI-040, AXMI-049 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,923,602; AXMI-018, AXMI-020 and AXMU021 of WO 2006/083891 ; AXM!- 010 of WO 2005/038032; AXMU003 of WO 2005/021585; AXMI-008 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2004/ 0250311; AXMI-006 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2004/0216186; AXML-007 of US Patent Applica-tion Publication Number 2004/0210965; AXMI- 009 of US Patent Application Number 2004/0210964; AXMI-014 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2004/0197917; AXMI-004 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2004/0197916; AXMI-028 and AXMI-029 of WO 2006/1 19457; AXMI-007, AXMI-008, AXMI- 0080rf2, AXMI-009, AXMI-014 and AXMI-004 of WO 2004/074462; AXMI- 150 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,084,416; AXMI-205 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0023184; AXMI- 011, AXMI- 012, AXMI-013, AXMI-015, AXMI-019, AXMI -044. AXMI-037, AXMI-043, AXMI-033, AXMI-034, AXMI-022, AXMI-023, AXM1-041 , AXMI-063 and AXMI-064 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0263488; AXMI-R1 and related proteins of US Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0197592; AXMI22IZ, AXMI222z, AXMI223z, AXMI224z and AXMI225z of WO 2011/103248; AXMI218, AXMI219, ACMG220, AXMI226, AXMI227, AXMI228, AXMI229, AXMT230 and ANME231 of WO 2011/103247 and U.S. Pat No. 8,759,619; AXMI-115, AXMI-113, AXMI-005, AXMI-163 and AXMI-184 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,334,431; AXMI-001 , AXMf-002, AXMI-030, AXMI-035 and AXMI-045 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2010/029821 1 ; AXMI-066 and AXMI-076 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0144852; AXMI 128, AXMI130, AXMI131, ACMG133, AXMI 140, AXMI141 , AXMI 142, AXM1143, AXM1144, AXM1146, AXM1148, AXM1149, AXMI 152, AXMI153, AXMI154, ACMGI55, ACMG156, ACMG157, AXMT158, ACMG162, AXMI 165, AXMI 166, AXMI 167, AXMI 168, AXMI 169, AXMI 170, AXMI 171 , AXMI 172,

AXMI 173, AXMI 174, AXMI 175, AXMI 176, AXMI 177, AXMI178, AXMI 179, AXMI 180,

AXMI 181 , AXMI 182, AXMI185, AXMI 186, AXMI 187, AXMI 188, AXMI 189 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,318,900; AXMI079, AXM1080, ACMI08Ϊ , AXMI082, AXMI091, AXMI092, AXMI096, AXMI097, AXMI098, AXMI099, AXMI 100, AXMII OI , AXMI 102, AXMI 103, AXMI 104, AXMI 107, AXMI 108, AXMI 109, AXMI 110, AXMIl l l, AXMI 112, AXMI 114, AXMI 116,

AXMI 1 17, AXMI 1 18, AXMI 1 19, AXMI 120, AXMI121 , AXMI 122, AXMI 123, AXMI 124,

AXMI 1257. AXMI 1268, AXMI 127. AXMI129, AXMI i 64. AXMT151, AXMI161, AXMI 183. AXMI 132, AXMI 138, AXMI137 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0005543, AXMI.270 of US Patent Application Publication US20140223598, AXMI279 of US Patent Application Publication US20140223599, cry proteins such as Cryl A and Cry3 A having modified proteolytic sites of U.S. Pat. No. 8,319,019; a Cryl Ac, Cry2Aa and CrylCa toxin protein from Bacillus thuringiensis strain VBTS 2528 of US Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0064710. Other Cry proteins are well known to one skilled in the art. See, N. Crickmore, et al.,“Revision of the Nomenclature for the Bacillus thuringiensis Pesticidal Crystal Proteins,” Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews,” (1998) V ol 62: 807-813; see also, N. Crickmore, et al.,“ Bacillus thuringiensis toxin nomenclature” (2016), at ://www.btnom end ature. info/.

[0325] The use of Cry proteins as transgenic plant traits is well known to one skilled in the art and Cry-transgenic plants including but not limited to plants expressing Cryl Ac, CrylAc+Cry2Ab, CrylAb, CrylA.105, CrylF, CrylFa2, CrylF+CrylAc, Cry2Ab, Cry3A, mCry3A, Cry3Bbl, Cry34Abl, Cry35Abl, Vip3A, mCry3A, Cry9c and CBI-Bt have received regulatory approval. See, Sanahuja et al.,“ Bacillus thuringiensi : a century of research, development and commercial applications,” (201 1) Plant Biotech Journal, April 9(3):283-300 and the CERA (2010) GM Crop Database Center for Environmental Risk Assessment (CERA), ILSI Research Foundation, Washington D.C. at cera-gmc.org/index. php?action=gm_crop_database, which can be accessed on the world-wide web using the "www" prefix). More than one pesticidal proteins well known to one skilled in the art can also be expressed in plants such as VipSAb & CrylFa (US2012/0317682); CrylBE & CrylF (US2012/031 1746); CrylCA & CrylAB (US2012/ 031 1745); CrylF & CryCa (US2012/0317681); CiylDA& CrylBE (US2012/0331590); CrylDA & CrylFa (US2012/ 0331589); CrylAB & CrylBE (US2012/0324606); CrylFa & Cry2Aa and Cryll & CrylE (IJS2012/0324605); Cry34Ab/35Ab and Cry6Aa (US20130167269); Cry34Ab/ VCry35Ab & Cry3Aa (US20130167268); CrylAb & CrylF (US201401 82018); and Cry 3 A and CrydAb or Vip3 Aa (US201301 16170). Pesticidal proteins also include insecticidal Upases including lipid acyl hydrolases ofU.S. Pat. No. 7,491,869, and cholesterol oxidases such as from Streptomyces (Purcell et al. (1993) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 15: 1406-1413).

[0326] Pesticidal proteins also include VIP (vegetative insecticidal proteins) toxins. Entomopathogenic bacteria produce insecticidal proteins that accumulate in inclusion bodies or parasporal crystals (such as the aforementioned Cry and Cyt proteins), as well as insecticidal proteins that are secreted into the culture medium. Among the latter are the Vip proteins, which are divided into four families according to their amino acid identity. The Vipl and \Tp2 proteins act as binary toxins and are toxic to some members of the Coleoptera and Hemiptera. The Vipl component is thought to bind to receptors in the membrane of the insect midgut, and the Vip2 component enters the cell, where it displays its ADP-nbosyltransferase activity against actin, preventing microfilament formation. Vip 3 has no sequence similarity to Vipl or Vip2 and is toxic to a wide variety of members of the Lepidoptera. Its mode of action has been shown to resemble that of the Cry proteins m terms of proteolytic activation, binding to the midgut epithelial membrane, and pore formation, although Vip3A proteins do not share binding sites with Cry proteins. The latter property makes them good candidates to be combined with Cry' proteins in transgenic plants ( Bacillus thtmngiensis-ireaied crops [Bt crops]) to prevent or delay insect resistance and to broaden the insecticidal spectrum. There are commercially grown varieties of Bt cotton and Bt maize that express the Vip3Aa protein in combination with Cry' proteins. For the most recently reported Vip4 family, no target insects have been found yet. See, Chakroun et aί , “Bacterial Vegetative Insecticidal Proteins (Vip) from Entomopathogenic Bacteria,” Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016 Mar 2;80(2):329-50 VIPs can be found in U.S. Pat Nos. 5,877,012, 6,107,279 6,137,033, 7,244,820, 7,615,686, and 8,237,020 and the like. Other VIP proteins are well known to one skilled in the art (see, lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/home/Neil_Crickmore/Bt/vip.html, which can be accessed on the world-wide web using the "www" prefix).

[0327] Pesticida! proteins also include toxin complex (TC) proteins, obtainable from organisms such as Xenorhabdus, Photorhabdus and Paenibacillus (see, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,491 ,698 and 8,084,418). Some TC proteins have“stand alone” insecticidal activity and other TC proteins enhance the activity of the stand-alone toxins produced by the same given organism. The toxicity of a“stand-alone” TC protein (from Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus or Paenibacillus, for example) can be enhanced by one or more TC protein“potentiators” derived from a source organism of a different genus. There are three main types of TC proteins. As referred to herein, Class A proteins (“Protein A”) are stand-alone toxins. Class B proteins (“Protein B”) and Class C proteins (“Protein C”) enhance the toxicity of Class A proteins. Examples of Class A proteins are TcbA, TcdA, XptAl and XptA2. Examples of Class B proteins are TcaC, TcdB, XptB!Xb and XptCl Wi. Examples of Class C proteins are TecC, XptClXb and XptBl Wi. Pesticidal proteins also include spider, snake and scorpion venom proteins. Examples of spider venom peptides include, but are not limited to !y cotoxin- 1 peptides and mutants thereof (U.S. Pat. No. 8,334,366).

[0328] Some currently registered PIPs are listed in Table 11. Transgenic plants have also been engineered to express dsRNA directed against insect genes (Baum, J.A. et al (2007) Control of coleopteran insect pests through RNA interference. Nature Biotechnology 25: 1322-1326; Mao, Y.B. et al (2007) Silencing a cotton bollworm P450 monooxygenase gene by plant-mediated RNAi impairs larval tolerance of gossypol. Nature Biotechnology 25: 1307-1313). RNA interference can be triggered in the pest by feeding of the pest on the transgenic plant. Pest feeding thus causes injury or death to the pest.

Table 11. List of exemplary Plant-incorporated Protectants, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

[0329] In some embodiments, any one or more of the pesticides set forth herein may be utilized with any one or more of the m icrobes of the disclosure and can be applied to plants or parts thereof, including seeds.

Herbicides

[0330] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more herbicides.

[0331] Compositions comprising bacteria or bacterial populations produced according to methods described herein and/or having characteristics as described herein may further include one or more herbicides. In some embodiments, herbicidal compositions are applied to the plants and/or plant parts. In some embodiments, herbicidal compositions may be included in the compositions set forth herein, and can be applied to a plant(s) or a part(s) thereof simultaneously or in succession, with other compounds.

[0332] Herbicides include 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, acetochlor, aeifluorfen, alachlor, ametiyn, atrazine, aminopyralid, benefm, bensulfuron, bensuhde, bentazon, bicyclopyrone, bromacil, brornoxynil, butylate, carfentrazone, chlorimuron, chlorsulfuron, clethodim, clomazone, clopyralid, cloransulam, cycloate, DCPA, desmedipham, dicamba, dichlobeml, diclofop, diclosuiam, diflufenzopyr, dimethenamid, diquat, diuron, DSMA, endothali, EPTC, ethalfluralm, ethofumesate, fenoxaprop, fluazifop-P, flucarbzone, flufenacet, flumetsulam, flumiclorac, flumioxazin, fluometuron, fluroxypyr, fomesafen, foramsu!furon, g!ufosinate, glyphosate, halosulfuron, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazaquin, imazethapyr, isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, MCPA, MCPB, mesotrione, metolachlor-s, metribuzin, indaziflam, metsulfuron, molinate, MSMA, napropamide, naptalam, nicosulfuron, norflurazon, oryzalin, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pelargonic acid, pendimethalin, phenmedipham, picloram, primisulfuron, prodiamine, prometryn, pronamide, propanil, prosulfuron, pyrazon, pyrithioac, quinclorac, quizalofop, nrnsulfuron, N-metolachlor, sethoxydim, siduron, simazme, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, tebuthiuron, tembotrione, terbacil, thiazopyr, thifen sulfur on, thiobencarb, topramezone, tralkoxydim, trial late, triasulfuron, tribenuron, triclopyr, trifluralin, and triflusulfuron.

[0333] In some embodiments, any one or more of the herbicides set forth herein may be utilized with any one or more of the plants or parts thereof set forth herein.

[0334] Herbicidal products may include CORVUS, BALANCE FLEXX, CAPRENO, DIFLEXX, LIBERTY, LAUDIS, AUTUMN SUPER, and DIFLEXX DUO.

[0335] In some embodiments, any one or more of the herbicides set forth in the below Table 12 may be utilized with any one or more of the microbes taught herein, and can be applied to any one or more of the plants or parts thereof set forth herein.

Table 12. List of exemplary herbicides, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Fungicides

[0336] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more fungicides

[0337] Compositions comprising bacteria or bacterial populations produced according to methods described herein and/or having characteristics as described herein may further include one or more fungicides. In some embodiments, fungicidal compositions may be included in the compositions set forth herein, and can be applied to a plant(s) or a part(s) thereof simultaneously or m succession, with other compounds. The fungicides include azoxystrobin, captan, carboxin, ethaboxam, fludioxoml, mefenoxam, fludioxoml, thiabendazole, thiabendaz, ipconazole, mancozeb, cyazofamid, zoxamide, metalaxyl, PCNB, metaconazole, pyraclostrobin, Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713, sedaxane, thiamethoxam, fludioxoml, thiram, tolclofos-methyl, trifloxystrobm, Bacillus subtilis strain MBI 600, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808, chlorothalonil, copper, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, mancozeb, gludioxonil, penthiopyrad, triazole, propiconaozole, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin, picoxystrobin, qols, tetraconazole, trifloxystrobin, cyproconazole, flutriafol, SDHI, EBDCs, sedaxane, MAXIM QUATTRO (gludioxonil, mefenoxam, azoxystrobin, and thiabendaz), RAXIL (tebuconazole, prothioconazole, metalaxyl, and ethoxylated tallow alkyl amines), and benzovindrflupyr.

[0338] In some embodiments, any one or more of the fungicides set forth herein may be utilized with any one or more of the plants or parts thereof set forth herein.

Nematicides

[0339] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more nematicides.

[0340] Compositions comprising bacteria or bacterial populations produced according to methods described herein and/or having characteristics as described herein may further include one or more nematicide. In some embodiments, nematicidal compositions may be included in the compositions set forth herein, and can be applied to a plant(s) or a part(s) thereof simultaneously or in succession, with other compounds. The nematicides may be selected from D-D, 1,3-dichloropropene, ethylene dibromide, l ,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, methyl bromide, chloropicrm, metam sodium, dazomet, methylisothiocyanate, sodium tetrathiocarbonate, afdicarb, aldoxycarb, carbofuran, oxamyl, ethoprop, fenamiphos, cadusafos, fosthiazate, terbufos, fensulfothion, phorate, DiTera, clandosan, sincocm, methyl iodide, propargyl bromide, 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (DMDP), any one or more of the avermectins, sodium azide, furfural, Bacillus firmus, abamectrin, thiamethoxam, fludioxoml, ciothiandin, salicylic acid, and benzo-(l,2,3)-thiadiazole-7- carbothioic acid S-methyl ester.

[0341] In some embodiments, any one or more of the nematicides set forth herein may be utilized with any one or more of the plants or parts thereof set forth herein.

[0342] In some embodiments, any one or more of the nematicides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and/or pesticides set forth herein may be utilized with any one or more of the plants or parts thereof set forth herein.

Fertilizers, Nitrogen Stabilizers, and Urease Inhibitors [0343] As aforementioned, agricultural compositions of the disclosure, which may comprise any microbe taught herein, are sometimes combined with one or more of a: fertilizer, nitrogen stabilizer, or urease inhibitor.

[0344] In some embodiments, fertilizers are used in combination with the methods and bacteria of the present disclosure. Fertilizers include anhydrous ammonia, urea, ammonium nitrate, and urea- ammonium nitrate (UAN) compositions, among many others. In some embodiments, pop-up fertilization and/or starter fertilization is used in combination with the methods and bacteria of the present disclosure.

[0345] In some embodiments, nitrogen stabilizers are used in combination with the methods and bacteria of the present disclosure. Nitrogen stabilizers include nitrapyrin, 2-chloro-6- (trichloromethyl) pyridine, N-SERVE 24, INSTINCT, dicyandiamide (DCD).

[0346] In some embodiments, urease inhibitors are used in combination with the methods and bacteria of the present disclosure. Urease inhibitors include N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), AGROTAIN, AGROTAIN PLUS, and AGROTAIN PLUS SC, Further, the disclosure contemplates utilization of AGROTAIN ADVANCED 1.0, AGROTAIN DRI-MAXX, and AGROTAIN ULTRA.

[0347] Further, stabilized forms of fertilizer can be used. For example, a stabilized form of fertilizer is SUPER U, containing 46% nitrogen in a stabilized, urea-based granule, SUPERU contains urease and nitrification inhibitors to guard from denitrification, leaching, and volatilization. Stabilized and targeted foliar fertilizer such as NIT AMIN may also be used herein.

[0348] Pop-up fertilizers are commonly used in corn fields. Pop-up fertilization comprises applying a few pounds of nutrients with the seed at planting. Pop-up fertilization is used to increase seedling vigor.

[0349] Slow- or controlled-release fertilizer that may be used herein entails: A fertilizer containing a plant nutrient in a form which delays its availability for plant uptake and use after application, or which extends its availability to the plant significantly longer than a reference Vapidly available nutrient fertilizer’ such as ammonium nitrate or urea, ammonium phosphate or potassium chloride. Such delay of initial avai lability or extended time of continued availability may occur by a variety of mechanisms. These include controlled water solubility ⁷ of the material by semi-permeable coatings, occlusion, protein materials, or other chemical forms, by slow hydrolysis of water- soluble low molecular weight compounds, or by other unknown means. [0350] Stabilized nitrogen fertilizer that may be used herein entails: A fertilizer to which a nitrogen stabilizer has been added. A nitrogen stabilizer is a substance added to a fertilizer which extends the time the nitrogen component of the fertilizer remains in the soil in the urea-N or ammoniacai- N form.

[0351] Nitrification inhibitor that may be used herein entails: A substance that inhibits the biological oxidation of ammoniacai -N to nitrate-N. Some examples include: (1 ) 2-chloro-6- (tnchloromethyl-pyridine), common name Nitrapyrin, manufactured by Dow Chemical; (2) 4- amino-l ,2,4-6-triazole-HCl, common name ATC, manufactured by Ishihada Industries; (3) 2,4- diamino-6-tri chloro-methyltriazine, common name Cl- 1580, manufactured by American Cyanamid; (4) Dicyandiamide, common name DCD, manufactured by Showa Denko; (5) Thiourea, common name TIJ, manufactured by Nitto Ryuso; (6) 1-mercapto-l, 2, 4-triazole, common name MT, manufactured by Nippon; (7) 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methyl-pyramidine, common name AM, manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu; (8) 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), from BASF; (9) 1 -amide-2-thiourea (ASU), from Nitto Chemical Ind.; (10)

Ammomumthiosulphate (ATS); (1 1) 1H- 1,2, 4-triazole (HPLC); (12) 5-ethylene oxide-3-trichloro- methlyl,2,4-thiodiazole (Terrazole), from Olin Mathieson; (13) 3-methylpyrazole (3-MP); (14) 1- carbamoyle-3-methyl-pyrazole (CMP); (15) Neem; and (16) DMPP.

[0352] Urease inhibitor that may be used herein entails: A substance that inhibits hydrolytic action on urea by the enzyme urease. Thousands of chemicals have been evaluated as soil urease inhibitors (Kiss and Simihaian, 2002). However, only a few of the many compounds tested meet the necessary requirements of being nontoxic, effective at low concentration, stable, and compatible with urea (solid and solutions), degradable in the soil and inexpensive. They can be classified according to their structures and their assumed interaction with the enzyme urease (Watson, 2000, 2005). Four main classes of urease inhibitors have been proposed: (a) reagents which interact with the sulphydry! groups (sulphydryl reagents), (b) hydroxamates, (c) agricultural crop protection chemicals, and (d) structural analogues of urea and related compounds. N-(n- Butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), phenylphosphorodiamidate (PPD/ PPDA), and hydroquinone are probably the most thoroughly studied urease inhibitors (Kiss and Simihaian, 2002). Research and practical testing has also been carried out with N~(2~nitrophenyl) phosphoric acid triamide (2-NPT) and ammonium thiosulphate (ATS). The organo-phosphorus compounds are structural analogues of urea and are some of the most effective inhibitors of urease activity, blocking the active site of the enzyme (Watson, 2005). Insecticidal Seed Treatments (ISTs) for Cora

[0353] Com seed treatments normally target three spectrums of pests: nematodes, fungal seedling diseases, and insects.

[0354] Insecticide seed treatments are usually the mam component of a seed treatment package. Most corn seed available today comes with a base package that includes a fungicide and insecticide. In some aspects, the insecticide options for seed treatments include PONCHO (clothianidin), CRUISER/CRUISER EXTREME (thiamethoxam) and GAUCHO (Imidadoprid). All three of these products are neomcotinoid chemistries. CRUISER and PONCHO at the 250 (.25 mg AI/seed) rate are some of the most common base options available for corn. In some aspects, the insecticide options for treatments include CRUISER 250 thiamethoxam, CRUISER 250 (thiamethoxam) plus LUMIVIA (chlorantraniliprole), CRUISER 500 (thiamethoxam), and PONCHO VOTIVO 1250 (Clothianidin & Bacillus firmus 1-1582)

[0355] Pioneer’s base insecticide seed treatment package consists of CRUISER 250 with PONCHO/VOTIVO 1250 also available. VOTIVO is a biological agent that protects against nematodes.

[0356] Monsanto’s products including com, soybeans, and cotton fall under the ACCELERON treatment umbrella. Dekalb corn seed comes standard with PONCHO 250. Producers also have the option to upgrade to PONCHO/VOTIVO, with PONCHO applied at the 500 rate.

[0357] Agrisure, Golden Harvest and Garst have a base package with a fungicide and CRUISER 250. AVICTA complete corn is also available; this includes CRUISER 500, fungicide, and nematode protection. CRUISER EXTREME is another option available as a seed treatment package, however; the amounts of CRUISER are the same as the conventional CRUISER seed treatment, i.e. 250, 500, or 1250.

[0358] Another option is to buy the minimum insecticide treatment available, and have a dealer treat the seed downstream.

[0359] Commercially available ISTs for com are listed in the below Table 13 and can be combined with one or more of the microbes taught herein.

Table 13. List of exemplary seed treatments, including ISTs, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

F = Fungicide; I = Insecticide; N = IN ematicide; P = Plant Growth Regulator

Application of Bacterial Populations on Crops

[036Q] The composition of the bacteria or bacterial population described herein can be applied in furrow, in talc, or as seed treatment. The composition can be applied to a seed package in bulk, mini bulk, m a bag, or in talc.

[0361] The planter can plant the treated seed and grows the crop according to conventional ways, twin row, or ways that do not require tilling. The seeds can be distributed using a control hopper or an individual hopper. Seeds can also be distributed using pressurized air or manually. Seed placement can be performed using variable rate technologies. Additionally, application of the bacteria or bacterial population described herein may be applied using variable rate technologies. In some examples, the bacteria can be applied to seeds of corn, soybean, canola, sorghum, potato, rice, vegetables, cereals, pseudocereals, and oilseeds. Examples of cereals may include barley, fonio, oats, palmer’s grass, rye, pearl millet, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, and wheat. Examples of pseudocereals may include breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, hanza, quinoa, and sesame. In some examples, seeds can be genetically modified organisms (GMO), non- GMO, organic or conventional.

[0362] Additives such as micro-fertilizer, PGR, herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide can be used additionally to treat the crops. Examples of additives include crop protectants such as insecticides, nematicides, fungicide, enhancement agents such as colorants, polymers, pelleting, priming, and disinfectants, and other agents such as moculant, PGR, softener, and micronutrients. PGRs can be natural or synthetic plant hormones that affect root growth, flowering, or stem elongation. PGRs can include auxins, gibberellins, cytokmins, ethylene, and abseisic acid (ABA).

[0363] The composition can be applied in furrow in combination with liquid fertilizer. In some examples, the liquid fertilizer may be held in tanks. NPK fertilizers contain macronutrients of sodium, phosphorous, and potassium.

[0364] The composition may improve plant traits, such as promoting plant growth, maintaining high chlorophyll content in leaves, increasing fruit or seed numbers, and increasing fruit or seed unit weight. Methods of the present disclosure may be employed to introduce or improve one or more of a variety of desirable traits. Examples of traits that may introduced or improved include; root biomass, root length, height, shoot length, leaf number, water use efficiency, overall biomass, yield, fruit size, gram size, photosynthesis rate, tolerance to drought, heat tolerance, salt tolerance, tolerance to low' nitrogen stress, nitrogen use efficiency, resistance to nematode stress, resistance to a fungal pathogen, resistance to a bacterial pathogen, resistance to a viral pathogen, level of a metabolite, modulation m level of a metabolite, proteome expression. The desirable traits, including height, overall biomass, root and/or shoot biomass, seed germination, seedling survival, photosynthetic efficiency, transpiration rate, seed/fruit number or mass, plant grain or fruit yield, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, root length, or any combination thereof, can be used to measure growth, and compared with the growth rate of reference agricultural plants (e.g., plants without the introduced and/or improved traits) grow'ii under identical conditions. In some examples, the desirable traits, including height, overall biomass, root and/or shoot biomass, seed germination, seedling survival, photosynthetic efficiency, transpiration rate, seed/fruit number or mass, plant grain or fruit yield, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, root length, or any combination thereof, can be used to measure growth, and compared with the growth rate of reference agricultural plants (e.g., plants without the introduced and/or improved traits) grown under similar conditions.

[0365] An agronomic trait to a host plant may include, but is not limited to, the following; altered oil content, altered protein content, altered seed carbohydrate composition, altered seed oil composition, and altered seed protein composition, chemical tolerance, cold tolerance, delayed senescence, disease resistance, drought tolerance, ear weight, growth improvement, health e4nhancement, heat tolerance, herbicide tolerance, herbivore resistance improved nitrogen fixation, improved nitrogen utilization, improved root architecture, improved water use efficiency, increased biomass, increased root length, increased seed weight, increased shoot length, increased yield, increased yield under water-limited conditions, kernel mass, kernel moisture content, metal tolerance, number of ears, number of kernels per ear, number of pods, nutrition enhancement, pathogen resistance, pest resistance, photosynthetic capability improvement, salinity tolerance, stay-green, vigor improvement, increased dry weight of mature seeds, increased fresh weight of mature seeds, increased number of mature seeds per plant, increased chlorophyll content, increased number of pods per plant, increased length of pods per plant, reduced number of wilted leaves per plant, reduced number of severely wilted leaves per plant, and increased number of non-wilted leaves per plant, a detectable modulation in the level of a metabolite, a detectable modulation in the level of a transcript, and a detectable modulation in the proteome, compared to an isoline plant grown from a seed without said seed treatment formulation

[0366] In some cases, plants are inoculated with bacteria or bacterial populations that are isolated from the same species of plant as the plant element of the inoculated plant. For example, an bacteria or bacterial population that is normally found in one variety of Zea mays (com) is associated with a plant element of a plant of another variety of Zea mays that in its natural s tate lacks said bacteria and bacterial populations. In one embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is derived from a plant of a related species of plant as the plant element of the inoculated plant. For example, an bacteria and bacterial populations that is normally found in Zea diploperennis litis et al, (dipioperenniai teosinte) is applied to a Zea mays (corn), or vice versa. In some cases, plants are inoculated with bacteria and bacterial populations that are heterologous to the plant element of the inoculated plant. In one embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is derived from a plant of another species. For example, an bacteria and bacterial populations that is normally found in dicots is applied to a monocot plant (e.g., inoculating com with a soybean-derived bacteria and bacterial populations), or vice versa. In other cases, the bacteria and bacterial populations to be inoculated onto a plant is derived from a related species of the plant that is being inoculated. In one embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is derived from a related taxon, for example, from a related species. The plant of another species can be an agricultural plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is part of a designed composition inoculated into any host plant element.

[0367] In some examples, the bacteria or bacterial population is exogenous wherein the bacteria and bacterial population is isolated from a different plant than the inoculated plant. For example, in one embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population can be isolated from a different plant of the same species as the inoculated plant. In some cases, the bacteria or bacterial population can be isolated from a species related to the inoculated plant.

[0368] In some examples, the bacteria and bacterial populations described herein are capable of moving from one tissue type to another. For example, the present disclosure's detection and isolation of bacteria and bacterial populations within the mature tissues of plants after coating on the exterior of a seed demonstrates their ability to move from seed exterior into the vegetative tissues of a maturing plant. Therefore, in one embodiment, the population of bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of moving from the seed exterior into the vegetative tissues of a plant. In one embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations that is coated onto the seed of a plant is capable, upon germination of the seed into a vegetative state, of localizing to a different tissue of the plant. For example, bacteria and bacterial populations can be capable of localizing to any one of the tissues in the plant, including: the root, adventitious root, seminal 5 root, root hair, shoot, leaf, flower, bud, tassel, meristem, pollen, pistil, ovaries, stamen, fruit, stolon, rhizome, nodule, tuber, trichome, guard cells, hydathode, petal, sepal, glume, rachis, vascular cambium, phloem, and xylem. In one embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to the root and/or the root hair of the plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to the photosynthetic tissues, for example, leaves and shoots of the plant. In other cases, the bacteria and bacterial populations is localized to the vascular tissues of the plant, for example, in the xylem and phloem. In still another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to the reproductive tissues (flower, pollen, pistil, ovaries, stamen, fruit) of the plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to the root, shoots, leaves and reproductive tissues of the plant. In still another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations colonizes a fruit or seed tissue of the plant. In still another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is able to colonize the plant such that it is present in the surface of the plant (i.e , its presence is detectably present on the plant exterior, or the episphere of the plant). In still other embodiments, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to substantially all, or all, tissues of the plant. In certain embodiments, the bacteria and bacterial populations is not localized to the root of a plant. In other cases, the bacteria and bacterial populations is not localized to the photosynthetic tissues of the plant

[0369] The effectiveness of the compositions can also be assessed by measuring the relative maturity of the crop or the crop heating unit (CHU). For example, the bacterial population can be applied to corn, and com growth can be assessed according to the relative maturity of the com kernel or the time at which the corn kernel is at maximum weight. The crop heating unit (CHU) can also be used to predict the maturation of the corn crop. The CHU determines the amount of heat accumulation by measuring the daily maximum temperatures on crop growth.

[0370] In examples, bacterial may localize to any one of the tissues in the plant, including: the root, adventitious root, seminal root, root hair, shoot, leaf, flower, bud tassel, meristem, pollen, pistil, ovaries, stamen, fruit, stolon, rhizome, nodule, tuber, trichome, guard cells, hydathode, petal, sepal, glume, rachis, vascular cambium, phloem, and xylem. In another embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population is capable of localizing to the photosynthetic tissues, for example, leaves and shoots of the plant. In other cases, the bacteria and bacterial populations is localized to the vascular tissues of the plant, for example, in the xylem and phloem. In another embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population is capable of localizing to reproductive tissues (flower, pollen, pistil, ovaries, stamen, or fruit) of the plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria and bacterial populations is capable of localizing to the root, shoots, leaves and reproductive tissues of the plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population colonizes a fruit or seed tissue of the plant. In still another embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population is able to colonize the plant such that it is present m the surface of the plant. In another embodiment, the bacteria or bacterial population is capable of localizing to substantially all, or all, tissues of the plant. In certain embodiments, the bacteria or bacterial population is not localized to the root of a plant. In other cases, the bacteria and bacterial populations is not localized to the photosynthetic tissues of the plant.

[0371] The effectiveness of the bacterial compositions applied to crops can be assessed by measuring various features of crop growth including, but not limited to, planting rate, seeding vigor, root strength, drought tolerance, plant height, dry down, and test weight.

Plant Species

[0372] The methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of a variety of plants, such as plants in the genera Hordeum, Oryza, Zea, and Triticeae. Other non-limiting examples of suitable plants include mosses, lichens, and algae. In some cases, the plants have economic, social and/or environmental value, such as food crops, fiber crops, oil crops, plants in the forestry' or pulp and paper industries, feedstock for biofuel production and/or ornamental plants. In some examples, plants may be used to produce economically valuable products such as a grain, a flour, a starch, a syrup, a meal, an oil, a film, a packaging, a nutraeeutical product, a pulp, an animal feed, a fish fodder, a bulk material for industrial chemicals, a cereal product, a processed human- food product, a sugar, an alcohol, and/or a protein. Non-limiting examples of crop plants include maize, rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, millet, oats, rye triticale, buckwheat, sweet corn, sugar cane, onions, tomatoes, strawberries, and asparagus. In some embodiments, the methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of a variety of transgenic plants, non-transgemc plants, and hybrid plants thereof.

[0373] In some examples, plants that may be obtained or improved using the methods and composition disclosed herein may include plants that are important or interesting for agriculture, horticulture, biomass for the production of biofuel molecules and other chemicals, and/or forestry. Some examples of these plants may include pineapple, banana, coconut, lily, grasspeas and grass; and dicotyledonous plants, such as, for example, peas, alfalfa, tomati!lo, melon, chickpea, chicory, clover, kale, lentil, soybean, tobacco, potato, sweet potato, radish, cabbage, rape, apple trees, grape, cotton, sunflower, thale cress, canola, citrus (including orange, mandarin, kumquat, lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, tangelo, citron, and pomelo), pepper, bean, lettuce, Panicum virgatum (switch), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum, Sudan), Miscanthus giganteus (miscanthus), Saccharum sp. (energyeane), Populus balsamifera (poplar), Zea mays (corn), Glycine max (soybean), Brassiea napus (canola), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Oryza sativa (rice), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Beta vulgaris (sugarbeet), Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet), Panicum spp. Sorghum spp., Miscanthus spp., Saccharum spp., Eriantiius spp., Populus spp., Secale cereale (rye), Saiix spp. (wallow), Eucalyptus spp. (eucalyptus), Triticosecale spp. (triticum- 25 wheat X rye), Bamboo, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower), Jatropha curcas (Jatropha), Ricinus communis (castor), Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (king palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), Linum usitatissimum (flax), Brassiea juncea, Manihot esculenta (cassava), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Lactuca saliva (lettuce), Musa paradisiaca (banana), Solanum tuberosum (potato), Brassiea oleracea (broccoli, cauliflower, hrusse! sprouts), Camellia sinensis (tea), Fragaria ananassa (strawberry), Theobroma cacao (cocoa), Coffea arabica (coffee), Vitis vimfera (grape), Ananas comosus (pineapple). Capsicum annum (hot & sweet pepper), Allium cepa (onion), Cucumis melo (melon), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Cueurbita maxima (squash), Cucurbita moschata (squash), Spmacea oleracea (spinach), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Abelmoschus escuientus (okra), Solanum melongena (eggplant), Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), Papaver orientale, Taxus baccata, Taxus brevifolia, Artemisia annua, Cannabis saliva, Camptotheca acuminate, Catharanthus roseus, Vinca rosea, Cinchona officinalis, Coichicum autumnale, Veratrum ealifornica, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea, Dioscorea 5 spp., Andrographis paniculata, Atropa belladonna, Datura stomonium, Berberis spp., Cephalotaxus spp., Ephedra simca, Ephedra spp., Erythroxylum coca, Galanthus wornoni, Scopoha spp.. Lycopodium serratum (Huperzia serrata), Lycopodium spp., Rauwolfia serpentina, Rauwolfia spp., Sanguinaria canadensis, Hyoscyamus spp., Calendula officinalis, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Coleus forskohlii, Tanacetum parthemum, Parthemum argentatum (guayule), Hevea spp. (rubber), Mentha spicata (mint), Mentha piperita (mint), Bixa orellana, Alstroemeria spp., Rosa spp. (rose), Dianthus earyophyilus (carnation), Petunia spp. (petunia), Poinsettia pulcherrima (poinsettia), Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), Lupinus albus (lupin), Uniola paniculata (oats), Hordeum vulgare (barley), and Lolium spp. (rye).

[0374] in some examples, a monocotyledonous plant may be used. Monocotyledonous plants belong to the orders of the Alismaiafes, Arales, Arecales, Bromeliales, Commelinales, Cyclanthales, Cyperales, Eriocaulales, Hydrocharitales, Juncales, Lilliales, Najadales, Orchidales, Pandanales, Poales, Restionales, Triundales, Typhales, and Zingiberales. Plants belonging to the class of the Gymnospermae are Cycadaies, Gmkgoales, Gnetaies, and Finales. In some examples, the monocotyledonous plant can be selected from the group consisting of a maize, rice, wheat, barley, and sugarcane.

[0375] In some examples, a dicotyledonous plant may be used, including those belonging to the orders of the Aristochiales, Asterales, Batales, Campanulales, Capparales, Caryophyllales, Casuarinales, Celastrales, Cornales, Diapensales, Dillemales, Dipsacales, Ebenales, Ericaies, Eucomiales, Euphorbiales, Fabaies, Fagales, Gentianales, Geraniales, Haloragales, Hamamelidales, Middles, Juglandales, Lamiales, Laurales, Lecythidales, Leitneriales, Magniolales, Malvales, Myricales, Myrtales, Nymphaeales, Papeverales, Piperales, Plantaginales, Plumb aginales, Podostemales, Polemoniales, Polygalales, Polygonales, Primulales, Proteales, Rafflesiales, Ranunculales, Rhamnales, Rosales, Rubiales, Salicales, Santales, Sapindales, Sarraceniaceae, Scrophulariales, Theales, Trochodendrales, Umbellales, Urtieales, and Violates. In some examples, the dicotyledonous plant can be selected from the group consisting of cotton, soybean, pepper, and tomato.

[0376] In some cases, the plant to be improved is not readily amenable to experimental conditions. For example, a crop plant may take too long to grow enough to practically assess an improved trait serially over multiple iterations. Accordingly, a first plant from which bacteria are initially isolated, and/or the plurality of plants to which genetically manipulated bacteria are applied may be a model plant, such as a plant more amenable to evaluation under desired conditions. Non limiting examples of model plants include Setaria, Brachypodium, and Arabidopsis. Ability of bacteria isolated according to a method of the disclosure using a model plant may then be applied to a plant of another type (e.g. a crop plant) to confirm conferral of the improved trait.

[0377] Traits that may be improved by the methods disclosed herein include any observable characteristic of the plant, including, for example, growth rate, height, weight, color, taste, smell, changes in the production of one or more compounds by the plant (including for example, metabolites, proteins, drugs, carbohydrates, oils, and any other compounds). Selecting plants based on genotypic information is also envisaged (for example, including the pattern of plant gene expression in response to the bacteria, or identifying the presence of genetic markers, such as those associated with increased nitrogen fixation). Plants may also be selected based on the absence, suppression or inhibition of a certain feature or trait (such as an undesirable feature or trait) as opposed to the presence of a certain feature or trait (such as a desirable feature or trait).

Non-Genetically Modified Maize

[0378] The methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of a variety of non- geneticaliy modified maize plants or part thereof. And in some aspects the com is organic. Furthermore, the methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of the following non- geneticaliy modified hybrids, varieties, lineages, etc.. In some embodiments, corn varieties generally fall under six categories: sweet corn, flint com, popcorn, dent com, pod com, and flour com.

Sweet Corn

[0379] Yellow su varieties include Earlivee, Early Sung low, Sundance, Early Golden Bantam, Iochief, Merit, Jubilee, and Golden Cross Bantam. White su varieties include True Platinum, Country Gentleman, Silver Queen, and Stoweil’s Evergreen. Bicolor su varieties include Sugar & Gold, Quickie, Double Standard, Butter & Sugar, Sugar Dots, Honey & Cream. Multicolor su varieties include Hookers, Triple Play, Painted Hill, Black Mexican/Aztec.

[0380] Yellow se varieties include Buttergold, Precocious, Spring Treat, Sugar Buns, Colorow, Kandy King, Bodacious R/M, Tuxedo, Incredible, Merlin, Miracle, and Kandy Korn EH. White se varieties include Spring Snow, Sugar Pearl, Whiteout, Cloud Nine, Alpine, Silver King, and Argent Bicolor se varieties include Sugar Baby, Fleet, Bon Jour, Trinity, Bi-Licious, Temptation, Luscious, Ambrosia, Accord, Brocade, Lancelot, Precious Gem, Peaches and Cream Mid EH, and Delectable R/M. Multicolor se varieties include Ruby Queen

[0381] Yellow sh2 varieties include Extra Early Super Sweet, Takeoff!, Early Xtra Sweet Raveline, Summer Sweet Yellow, Krispy King, Garrison, Iliini Gold, Challenger, Passion, Excel, Jubilee SuperSweet, Iliini Xtra Sweet, and Crisp‘N Sweet. White sh2 varieties include Summer Sweet White, Tahoe, Aspen, Treasure, How Sweet It Is, and Camelot. Bicolor sh2 varieties include Summer Sweet Bicolor, Radiance, Honey‘N Pearl, Aloha, Dazzle, Hudson, and Phenomenal.

[0382] Yellow sy varieties include Applause, Inferno, Honeytreat, and Honey Select. White sy varieties include Silver Duchess, Cinderella, Mattapoisett, Avalon, and Captivate. Bicolor sy varieties include Pay Dirt, Revelation, Renaissance, Charisma, Synergy, Montauk, Kristine, Serendipity/Providence, and Cameo.

[0383] Yellow augmented supersweet varieties include Xtra-Tender I ddA, Xtra- Tender l ldd, Mirai 131 Y, Mirai 130Y, Vision, and Mirai 002. White augmented supersweet varieties include Xtra-Tender 3dda, Xtra-Tender 31dd, Mirai 421 W, XTH 3673, and Devotion. Bicolor augmented supersweet varieties include Xtra-Tender 2dda, Xtra-Tender 21dd, Kickoff XR, Mirai 308BC, Anthem XR, Mirai 336BC, Fantastic XR, Triumph, Mirai 301BC, Stellar, American Dream, Mirai 350BC, and Obsession.

Flint Cora

[0384] Flint corn varieties include Bronze-Orange, Candy Red Flint, Floriani Red Flint, Glass Gem, Indian Ornamental (Rainbow), Mandan Red Flour, Painted Mountain, Petmecky, Cherokee White Flour,

PopCorn

[0385] Pop corn varieties include Monarch Butterfly, Yellow Butterfly, Midnight Blue, Ruby Red, Mixed Baby Rice, Queen Mauve, Mushroom Flake, Japanese Hull-less, Strawberry, Blue Shaman, Miniature Colored, Miniature Pink, Pennsylvania Dutch Butter Flavor, and Red Strawberry.

Dent Cora

[0386] Dent com varieties include Bloody Butcher, Blue Clarage, Ohio Blue Clarage, Cherokee White Eagle, Hickory' Cane, Hickory' King, Jellicorse Twin, Kentucky Rainbow; Daymen Morgan’s Knt. Butcher, Learning, Learning’s Yellow, McCormack’s Blue Giant, Neal Paymaster, Pimgo Creek Butcher, Reid’s Yellow Dent, Rotten Clarage, and Tennessee Red Cob.

[0387] In some embodiments, com varieties include P1618W, P1306W, P1345, P i 1 1 . PI 197, P0574, P0589, and P0157. W = white com.

[0388] In some embodiments, the methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any hybrid of the maize varieties set forth herein.

Genetically Modified Maize

[0389] The methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of a hybrid, variety, lineage, etc. of genetically modified maize plants or part thereof.

[0390] Furthermore, the methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of the following genetically modified maize events, which have been approved in one or more countries; 32138 (32138 SPT Maintainer), 3272 (ENOGEN), 3272 x Btl 1, 3272 x btl 1 x GA21, 3272 x Btl 1 x MIR604, 3272 x Bil l x MIR6Q4 x GA21 , 3272 x Btl 1 x MIR604 x TC1507 x 5307 x GA21, 3272 x GA21 , 3272 x MIR604, 3272 x MIR604 x GA21, 41 14, 5307 (AGRISURE Duracade), 5307 x GA21, 5307 x MIR604 x Btl 1 x TC1507 x GA21 (AGRISURE Duracade 5122), 5307 x MIR604 x Btl 1 x TCI 507 x GA21 x MIR162 (AGRISURE Duracade 5222), 59122 (HERCULEX RW), 59122 x DAS40278, 59122 x GA21 , 59122 x MIR604, 59122 x MIR604 x GA21, 59122 x MIR604 x TCI 507, 59122 x MIR604 x TC1507 x GA21, 59122 x MON810, 59122 x MON810 x MIR604, 59122 x MON810 x NK603, 59122 x MON810 x NK603 x MIR604, 59122 x MON88017, 59122 x MON88017 x DAS40278, 59122 x NK603 (Herculex RW ROUNDUP READY 2), 59122 x NK603 x MIR604, 59122 x TC1507 x GA21, 676, 678, 680, 3751 IR, 98140, 98140 x 59122, 98140 x TCI 507, 98140 x TCI 507 x 59122, BtlO (BtlO), Bil l [X4334CBR, X4734CBR] (AGRISURE CB/LL), Btl 1 x 5307, Btl 1 x 5307 x GA21, Btl 1 x 59122 x MIR604, Brl 1 x 59122 x MIR604 x GA21, Btl 1 x 59122 x MIR6Q4 x TCI 507, M53, M56, DAS-59122-7, Btl 1 x 59122 x MIR604 x TCI 507 x GA21, Bil l x 59122 x TCI 507, TC1507 x DAS-59122-7, Bil l x 59122 x TC1507 x GA21, Bil l x GA21 (AGRISURE GT/CB/LL), Bil l x MIR 162 (AGRISURE Viptera 2100), Bil l x MI R 162 x 5307, Bil l x MIR ! 62 x 5307 x GA21, Bil l x MIR162 x GA21 (AGRISURE Viptera 3110), Bil l x MIR162 x MIR604 (AGRISURE Viptera 3100), Btl l x MIR! 62 x MIR 604 x 5307, Bil l x MIR 162 x MTR604 x 5307 x GA21, Btl l x MIR. 162 x MIR604 x GA21 (AGRISURE Viptera 3111 / AGRISURE Viptera 4), Btl 1 . MIR 162 x MIR604 x MON89034 x 5307 x GA21 , Btl 1 x MIR162 x MIR604 x TCI 507, Btl ! x MIR 162 x MTR604 x TC1507 x 5307, Btl l x MIR162 x MIR604 x TC1507 x GA21, Btl 1 x Mffi162 x MON89034, Btl 1 x Mffil 62 x MON 89034 x GA21 , Btl 1 x MIR! 62 x TC 1507, Btl 1 x MIR i 62 x TCI 507 x 5307, Btl 1 x Mffi 162 x TCI 507 x 5307 x GA21, Bil l x MR162 x TC1507 x GA21 (AGRISURE Viptera 3220), Bil l x MIR604 (Agrisure BC/LL/RW), Btl l x MIR604 x 5307, Btl 1 x MER604 x 5307 x GA2I , Btl l x MIR604 x GA21, Btl l x MIR604 x TCI 507, Btl 1 x MIR604 x TC 1507 x 5307, Btl 1 x MIR604 x TC 1507 x GA21 , Btl 1 x MON 89034 x GA21 , Btl 1 x TCI 507, Btl 1 x TC1507 x 5307, Btl 1 x TCI 507 x GA21, Btl 76 [176] (NaturGard KnockOut / Maximizer), BVLA430101, CBH-351 (STARLINK Maize), DAS40278 (ENLIST Maize), DAS40278 x NK603, DBT418 (Bt Xtra Maize), DLL25 [B16], GA21 (ROUNDUP READY Maize / AGRISURE GT), GA21 x MON810 (ROUNDUP READY Yieklgard Maize), GA21 x T25, HCEM485, LY038 (MAVERA Maize), LY038 x MON810 (MAVERA Yieldgard Maize), Mffi162 (AGRISURE Viptera), MIR162 x 5307, MIR162 x 5307 x GA21, MLR162 x GA21, MIR162 x MIR604, Mffi162 x MIR604 x 5307, MIR162 x MIR604 x 5307 x GA21, MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21, MIR! 62 x MIR604 x TC1507 x 5307, MIR162 x MIR604 x TC1507 x 5307 x GA21 , MIR 162 x MIR604 x TC1507 x GA21, MIR162 x MON89034, MIR162 x NK603, Mffi162 x TCI 507, Mffi.162 x TC1507 x 5307, MIR162 x TC1507 x 5307 x GA21, Mffi162 x TCI 507 x GA21, MIR604 (AGRISURE RW), MIR604 x 5307, M1R604 x 5307 x GA21, MIR604 x GA21 (AGRISURE GT/RW), M1 R604 x NK6Q3, MIR604 x TCI 507, MIR604 x TCI 507 x 5307, MIR604 x TC1507 x 5307 xGA21, M1 R604 x TCI 507 x GA21, MON801 [MON80100], MON802, MON 809. MON810 (YIELDGARD, MAIZEGARD), MON810 x Mffi162, MON 810 x MI R 162 x NK603, MON810 x MIR604, MON810 x MON 88017 (YIELDGARD VT Triple), MON810 x N K 603 x MIR.604, MON832 (ROUNDUP READY Maize), MON863 (YIELDGARD Rootworm RW, MAXGARD), MON863 x MON810 (YIELDGARD Plus), MON 863 x MON810 x NK603 (YIELDGARD Plus with RR), MON863 x NK603 (YIELDGARD RW + RR), MON 87403. M 874 1 1, MON87419, MON87427 (ROUNDUP READY Maize), MON87427 x 59122, MON 87 27 x MON88017, MON87427 x MON88017 x 59122, MON87427 x MON 89034, MON87427 x MON89034 x 59122, MON87427 x MON89034 x Mffi162 x MON 874 i 1, MON 87427 x MON89034 x MON 8801 7, MO 87427 x MON 89034 x MON88017 x 59122, MON87427 x MON89034 x NK603, MON87427 x MON89034 x TCI 507, MON87427 x MON89034 x TCI 507 x 59122, MON87427 x MON89034 x TC1507 x MON8741 x 59122, MON87427 x MON89034 x TCI 507 x MON87411 x 59122 x DAS40278, MON87427 x MON89034 x TCI 507 x MON88017 , MON87427 x MON 89034 _x Mffi162 x NK603, MON87427 x MON89034 x TG I 507 x MON88017 x 59122, MON87427 x TC1507, MON87427 x TC1507 x 59122, MON87427 x TC1507 x MON88017, MON87427 x TCI 507 x MON88017 x 59122, MON87460 (GENUITY DROUGHTGARD), MON87460 x MON88017, MON87460 x MON89034 x MON88017, MON87460 x MON89034 x NK603, MON87460 x NK603, MON88017, MON88017 x DAS40278, MON89034, MON89034 x 59122, MON89034 x 59122 x DAS40278, MON89034 x 59122 x MON88017, MON89034 x 59122 x MON88017 x DAS40278, MON89034 x DAS40278, MON89034 x MON87460, MON89034 x MON88017 (GENUITY VT Triple Pro), MON89034 x MON88017 x DAS40278, MON 89034 x NK603 (GENUITY VT Double Pro), MON89034 x NK603 x DAS40278, MON89034 x TCI 507, MON89034 x TC1507 x 59122, MON89034 x TCI 507 x 59122 x DAS40278, MON89034 x TCI 507 x DAS40278, MON89034 x TCI 507 x MON88017, MON 89034 x TCI 507 x MON88017 x 59122 (GENUITY SMARTSTAX), MON89034 x TCI 507 x MON88017 x 59122 x DAS40278, MON89034 x TCI 507 x MON88017 x DAS40278, MON 89034 x TCI 507 x NK603 (POWER CORE), MON89034 x TC1507 x NK603 x DAS40278, MON89034 x TCI 507 x NK603 x MIR162, MON89034 x TC1507 x NK603 x MIR162 x DAS40278, MON89034 x GA21 , MS 3 (INVIGOR Maize), MS 6 (INVIGOR Maize), MZHG0JG, MZIR098, NK603 (ROUNDUP READY 2 Maize), NK603 x MON810 x 4114 x MIR604, NK603 x MON810 (YIELDGARD CB + RR), N K 603 x T25 (ROUNDUP READY LIBERTY LINK Maize), T14 (LIBERTY LINK Maize), T25 (LIBERTY LINK Maize), T25 x MON810 (LIBERTY LINK YIELDGARD Maize), TCI 507 (HERCULEX I, HERCULEX CB), TCI 507 x 59122 x MON810 x MIR6Q4 x NK603 (OPTIMUM INTRASECT XTREME), TCI 507 x MON810 x MIR604 x NK603, TC1507 x 5307, TCI 507 x 5307 x GA21, TCI 507 x 59122 (HERCULEX XTRA), TCI 507 x 59122 x DAS40278, TCI 507 x 59122 x MQN810, TCI 507 x 59122 x MON810 x MIR604, TC1507 x 59122 x MON810 x NK603 (OPTIMUM INTRASECT XTRA), TC I 507 x 59122 x MO 8801 7, TCI 507 x 59122 x MON88017 x DAS40278, TC1507 x 59122 x NK603 (HERCULEX XTRA RR), TCI 507 x 59122 x NK603 x MIR604, TCI 507 x DAS40278, TCI 507 x GA21, TCI 507 x MIR162 x NK603 , TC 1507 x MIR604 x NK603 (OPTIMUM TRISECT), TC 1507 x MON810, TC 1507 x MON810 x MIR 1 62, TCI 507 x MON810 x MIR162 x NK603, TC I 507 x MON 810 x MIR604, TCI 507 x MO 810 x NK603 (OPTIMUM INTRASECT), TCI 507 x MON810 x NK603 x MIR604, TCI 507 x MON 8801 7, TCI 507 x MON88017 x DAS40278, TC1507 x NK603 (HERCULEX I RR), TCI 507 x NK603 x DAS40278, TC6275, and VCO-01981 -5. Additional Genetically Modified Plants

[0391] The methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of a variety of genetically modified plants or part thereof

[0392] Furthermore, the methods and bacteria described herein are suitable for any of the following genetically modified plant events which have been approved in one or more countries.

Table 14 - Rice Traits, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Table 15 - Alfalfa Traits, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure Table 16 - Wheat Traits, which csm be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Table 17 - Sunflower Traits, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Table 18 - Soybean Traits, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

Table 19 - Cora Traits, which can be combined with microbes of the disclosure

[0393] The following are the definitions for the shorthand occurring in Table 19 AM - OPTIMUM ACREMAX Insect Protection system with YGCB, HXl, II,, RR2. AMT - OPTIMUM ACREMAX TRISECT Insect Protection System with RW, Y GCB,HX1 ,LL,RR2. AMXT - (OPTIMUM ACREMAX XTreme). HXX - HERCULEX XTRA contains the Herculex I and Herculex RW genes HXl - Contains the HERCULEX I Insect Protection gene which provides protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall army worm, western bean cutworm, lesser corn stalk borer, southern corn stalk borer, and sugarcane borer; and suppresses corn earworrn LL - Contains the LIBERTYLINK gene for resistance to LIBERTY herbicide. RR2 - Contains the ROUNDUP READY Corn 2 trait that provides crop safety for over-the-top applications of labeled glyphosate herbicides when applied according to label directions. YGCB - contains the YIELDGARD Corn Borer gene offers a high level of resistance to European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, and southern cornstalk borer; moderate resistance to corn earworrn and common stalk borer; and above average resistance to fall armyworm. RW - contains the AGRISURE root worm resistance trait. Q - provides protection or suppression against susceptible European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm, lesser corn stalk borer, southern corn stalk borer, stalk borer, sugarcane borer, and corn earworrn; and also provides protection from larval injury caused by susceptible western corn rootworm, northern corn rootworm, and Mexican corn rootworm; contains (1) HERCULEX XTRA Insect Protection genes that produce Cryl F and Cry34abl and Cry35abl proteins, (2) AGRISURE RW trait that includes a gene that produces mCry3A protein, and (3) YIELDGARD Corn Borer gene which produces Cryl Ab protein. Concentrations and Rates of Application of Agricultural Compositions

[0394] As aforementioned, the agricultural compositions of the present disclosure, which comprise a taught microbe, can be applied to plants in a multitude of ways. In two particular aspects, the disclosure contemplates an in-furrow treatment or a seed treatment

[0395] For seed treatment embodiments, the microbes of the disclosure can be present on the seed in a variety of concentrations. For example, the microbes can be found in a seed treatment at a cfu concentration, per seed of: 1 ^c 10 ¹ , 1 x 10 ² , 1 x 10 , 1 x ! 0 , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x 10 ', 1 x 10 ^s , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ^lU , or more. In particular aspects, the seed treatment compositions comprise about 1 x 10 ⁴ to about 1 ^c 10 ^s cfu per seed. In other particular aspects, the seed treatment compositions comprise about 1 x lO ⁵ to about 1 x 10 ' cfu per seed. In other aspects, the seed treatment compositions comprise about 1 x 10° cfu per seed.

[0396] In the United States, about 10% of corn acreage is planted at a seed density of above about 36,000 seeds per acre; 1/3 of the corn acreage is planted at a seed density of between about 33,000 to 36,000 seeds per acre; 1/3 of the com acreage is planted at a seed density of between about 30,000 to 33,000 seeds per acre, and the remainder of the acreage is variable. See,“Corn Seeding Rate Considerations,” written by Steve Butzen, available at: www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/agronomy/library/com-seeding-ra te-considerations/

[0397] Table 20 below utilizes various cfu concentrations per seed in a contemplated seed treatment embodiment (rows across) and various seed acreage planting densities (1 ^st column: 15K- 41K) to calculate the total amount of cfu per acre, which would be utilized in various agricultural scenarios ( i.e seed treatment concentration per seed x seed density planted per acre). Thus, if one were to utilize a seed treatment with 1 ^x 10 ⁶ cfu per seed and plant 30,000 seeds per acre, then the total cfu content per acre would be 3 x 10 ¹⁰ (i.e 30K * 1 ^c 10 ⁶ ).

Table 20: Total CFU Per Acre Calculation for Seed Treatment Embodiments

[0398] For in-furrow embodiments, the microbes of the disclosure can be applied at a cfu concentration per acre of: 1 x 10 ⁶ , 3.20 x 10 ^{f 0} , 1.60 >< 10 ¹¹ , 3.20 x 10 ^{i 5} , 8.0 x 10 ¹¹ , 1.6 x 10 ¹² , 3.20 x 10 ¹² , or more. Therefore, in aspects, the liquid in- furrow compositions can be applied at a concentration of between about 1 x 10 ⁶ to about 3 x 10 ^]z cfu per acre.

[0399] In some aspects, the in-furrow compositions are contained in a liquid formulation. In the liquid in- furrow embodiments, the microbes can be present at a cfu concentration per milliliter of: 1 x 1 02 1 x 1 0 '. 1 x 10 ³ , 1 x 10 ⁴ , 1 x 10 ⁵ , 1 x 10 ⁶ , 1 x ! o ^" . 1 x 10 ^s , 1 x 10 ⁹ , 1 x 10 ⁱ⁰ , 1 x 10”, 1 x 10 ^{J 2} , 1 x 10 ¹³ , or more. In certain aspects, the liquid in-furrow compositions comprise microbes at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ⁶ to about 1 x 10 ^{1 J} cfu per milliliter. In other aspects, the liquid in-furrow compositions comprise microbes at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ' to about 1 x 10 ^!0 cfu per milliliter. In other aspects, the liquid in-furrow compositions comprise microbes at a concentration of about 1 x 10 ^s to about 1 x i0 ⁹ cfu per milliliter. In other aspects, the liquid in furrow compositions comprise microbes at a concentration of up to about 1 x 10 ¹³ cfu per milliliter.

Transcriptomk Profiling of Candidate Microbes

[0400] Previous work by the inventors entailed transcriptomic profiling of strain CIO 10 to identify promoters that are active in the presence of environmental nitrogen. Strain CIO 10 was cultured in a defined, nitrogen-free media supplemented with 10 mM glutamine. Total RNA was extracted from these cultures (QIAGEN RNeasy kit) and subjected to RNAseq sequencing via Illumina HiSeq (SeqMatic, Fremont CA). Sequencing reads were mapped to the CIOI O genome data using Geneious, and highly expressed genes under control of proximal transcriptional promoters were identified.

[0401] Tables 21-23 lists genes and their relative expression level as measured through RNASeq sequencing of total RNA. Sequences of the proximal promoters were recorded for use in mutagenesis of pathways, nitrogen utilization related pathways, or other genes with a desired expression level.

Table 21

Table 22

Table 23

Table 24 - Table of Strains

Polymers [0402] In some aspects, polymers of the present disclosure are contemplated to increase the stability and/or viability of bacteria stored over a period of time at different temperatures. The present disclosure contemplates a large variety' of polymers including: synthetic polymers, naturally occurring polymers, copolymers, dry-phase polymers, wet-phase polymers, semi-dry polymers, gel polymers, microporous polymers, emulsion polymers, film-forming polymers, allospheres (polymeric nanomaterials), electrospun polymers, cross-linked polymers, and combinations thereof.

[0403] In some aspects, the polymer is a naturally occurring polymer. In some aspects, the polymer is produced by a plant or plant part. In some aspects, the polymer is derived from a plant, plant part, or substance therefrom. In some aspects, the polymer is produced by an animal or animal part. In some aspects, the polymer is derived from an animal, animal part, or substance therefrom. In some aspects, the polymer is produced by a microbe such as an algae, protist, bacterium, or fungus. In some aspects, the polymer is derived from a microbe or a substance therefrom. In some aspects, the polymer is an exopolymer. In some aspects, the polymer is an endopolymer.

[0404] In some aspects, the polymer contains only repeating units of one type of monomer. In some aspects, the polymer contains repeating units of more than one type of monomer (copolymer). In some aspects, the polymer structure is linear polymer - a linear polymer. In some aspects, the polymer structure is branched polymer - a branched polymer. In some aspects, the polymer structure is network polymer. In some aspects, the polymer is an interpenetrating network polymer.

[0405] In some aspects, the polymer is electrospun to generate fine polymeric fibers in submicron and nanomicron scale from polymer solutions using high electric voltage.

[0406] In some aspects, the polymer is selected from: polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone- vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA), 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1- efheny!hexadecyl-, homopolymer, carrageenan, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl methy!ce!!ulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol, gum arabic, maltodextrin, sodium alginate, alginate, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium-carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), starch BR-07, starch BR-08, starch, and starch-derivatives, pu!lu!an, chitosan, glycosammoglycans (GAGs), keratin sulfate GAG, hyaluronic acid GAG, heparin sulfate GAG, chondroitin sulfate GAG, polymerized fibrin, po!ymethylcrylate, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, styrene-butadiene, acrylic, styrene-acrylic, vinyl acetate, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS)-based polymer, and poly(iactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), etc. [0407] In some aspects, the polymer is a protein. In some aspects, the protein may be selected from soy protein, pea protein, whey protein, hemp protein, and protein components of milk (such as skim milk). In some aspects, the soy protein, pea protein, whey protein, and hemp protein are total protein isolates from the plant or the specific part of the plant described in the name.

[0408] In some aspects, the starch derivatives are selected from acid-treated starch (INS 1401), dextrin (INS 1400), alkaline-modified starch (INS 1402), bleached starch (INS 1403), oxidized starch (INS 1404), enzyme treated starch (INS 1405), monostarch phosphate (INS 1410), distarch phosphate (INS 1412), acetylated starch (INS 1420), hydroxypropylated starch (INS 1440), hydroxy ethyl starch with ethylene oxide, starch sodium octenyl succinate (INS 1450), starch aluminium octenyl succinate (INS 1452), cationic starch, carobxymethylated starch with monochloroacetic acid. The starch derivatives may be combined with the following modifications: phosphate distarch phosphate (INS 1413), acetylated distarch phosphate (INS 1414), acetylated distarch adipate (INS 1422), hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (INS 1422), acetylated oxidized starch (INS 1451).

[0409] In some aspects, the polymer is capable of forming a hydrogel, which is a network of polymer chains that is water-insoluble and is super absorbent (e.g., the hydrogel can contain more than 99% water. Hydrogels possess a high degree of flexibility similar to natural tissue, due to their significant water content.

[0410] Bacteria may be preserved in polymers. See Rojas-Tapias et al 2015. Preservation of Azotobacter chroococcum vegetative cells in dry polymers. Universitas Scientiarum. 20(2):201- 207; Amalraj etal. 2013. Effect of polymeric additives, adjuvants, surfactants on survival, stability' and plant growth promoting ability' of liquid bioinoculants. J Plant Physiol Pathol. 1(2): 1-5; Nagy et al 2014. Nanofibrous solid dosage form of living bacteria prepared by electrospinning. eXPRESS Polymer Letters. 8(5): 352-361.

Polymer Compositions

[0411] In some aspects, the polymer composition is a combination of one or polymer with any one or more microbes of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises any one or more nitrogen fixing microbe of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the polymer composition does not comprise any microbes. In some aspects, the polymer composition is sterile. [0412] In some aspects, the polymer composition is a combination of two or more polymers. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises a single microbial species, forming a pure culture. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises a consortium of bacteria. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises one or more microbial species. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises at least 1 , at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at leasts, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 microbial species.

[0413] In some aspects, the polymer composition is a liquid. In some aspects, the polymer composition is a solid. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises both solid and liquid elements. In some aspects, the polymer composition is a semi-solid. In some aspects, the polymer composition is a gel. In some aspects, the polymer composition is dried. In some aspects the polymer composition is in the form of a sand or granular material. In some aspects, the polymer composition is a powder. In some aspects, the polymer composition comprises any one or more elements disclosed herein.

[0414] In some aspects, the polymer composition may comprise one or more microbial biofilm. In some aspects, the biofilm is heterologous to the one or more microbes of the polymer composition. In some aspects the polymer composition may comprise one or more microbial biofilms in combination with other polymers. In aspects, the combination of a polymer and biofilm exhibits a synergestic effect.

[0415] In some embodiments, the combination of at least two polymers of the present disclosure exhibit a synergistic effect, on one or more of the traits described herein, m the presence of one or more of the polymers coming into contact with one another. The synergistic effect obtained by the taught methods can be quantified, for example, according to Colby’s formula (i.e., (E) = X+Y - (X*Y/100)). See Colby, R.S.,“Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations,” 1967. Weeds. Vol. 15, pp. 20-22, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thus,“synergistic” is intended to reflect an outcome/parameter/effect that has been increased by- more than an additive amount.

[0416] In some aspects, the bacteria of the present disclosure are dried/desiccated such that a plurality of the cells remain viable. In some embodiments, the dried/desiccated bacterial cells are introduced to the polymer composition. In some aspects, the bacteria are introduced to the polymer as the polymer is being formed. In some aspects, the bacteria are introduced to the polymer as the polymer is being cross-linked. In some embodiments, the bacteria are sprayed or coated with the polymer. In some aspects, the bacteria are mixed into the polymer. In some embodiments, the bacteria is in the form of a liquid biomass. In some aspects, the bacteria is in the form of a concentrated paste. In some aspects, the bacteria is in the form of a gel.

[0417] In some aspects, the polymer composition is a solid. In some aspects, the polymer composition is milled to create sand/granules. In some aspects, the polymer composition is milled to create particles the size of about 10 microns, about 20 microns, about 30 microns, about 40 microns, about 50 microns, about 60 microns, about 70 microns, about 80 microns, about 90 microns, about 100 microns, about 150 microns, about 200 microns, about 250 microns, about 300 microns, about 350 microns, about 400 microns, about 450 microns, about 500 microns, about 550 microns, about 600 microns, about 650 microns, about 700 microns, about 750 microns, about 800 microns, about 850 microns, about 900 microns, about 950 microns, or about 1 ,000 microns.

[0418] In some aspects, the polymer composition is combined with a wax, fat, oil, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or other chemical compounds with similar physical-chemical properties and spray congealed into beads of about 10 microbes, about 20 microns, about 30 microns, about 40 microns, about 50 microns, about 60 microns, about 70 microns, about 80 microns, about 90 microns, about 100 microns, about 150 microns, about 200 microns, about 250 microns, about 300 microns, about 350 microns, about 400 microns, about 450 microns, about 500 microns, about 550 microns, about 600 microns, about 650 microns, about 700 microns, about 750 microns, about 800 microns, about 850 microns, about 900 microns, about 950 microns, or about 1,000 microns.

[0419] In some aspects, the polymer compositions of the disclosure encapsulate the microbes. In some embodiments, the microbes are encapsulated by one or more compounds other that the polymer compositions of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the microbes are encapsulated and then added/exposed to the polymer compositions. In some aspects, the microbes are added/exposed to the polymer compositions and then encapsulated with additional material.

[0420] The encapsulating composition(s) of the present disclosure protect the microbes from external stressors such as temperature, radiation, etc. In some aspects, external stressors include thermal and physical stressors. In some aspects, external stressors include chemicals present in the compositions. Encapsulating compositions further create an environment that may be beneficial to the microbes, such as minimizing the oxidative stresses of an aerobic environment on anaerobic microbes. See Kalsta et al (US 5,104, 662 A), Ford (US 5,733,568A), and Mosbach and Nilsson (US 4,647,536A) for encapsulation compositions of microbes, and methods of encapsulating microbes. [0421] In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit a thermal tolerance, which is used interchangeably with heat tolerance and heat resistance. In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit a thermal tolerance in a non-refrigerated environment. In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit a thermal tolerance at ambient temperatures. In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit a thermal tolerance in temperatures of about 4°C, about 6°C, about 10°C, about 12°C, about 14°C, about 16°C, about 18°C, about 20°C, about 22°C, about 24°C, about 26°C, about 28°C, about 30°C, about 32°C, about 34°C, about 36°C, about 38°C, about 40°C, or about 42°C. In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure exhibit a thermal tolerance in temperatures of at least 4°C, at least 6°C, at least 10°C, at least 12°C, at least 14°C, at least 16°C, at least 18°C, at least 20°C, at least 22°C, at least 24°C, at least 26°C, at least 28°C, at least 30°C, at least 32°C, at least 34°C, at least 36°C, at least 38°C, at least 40°C, at least 42°C, at least 44°C, at least 46°C, at least 48°C, at least 50°C, at least 52°C, at least 54°C, at least 56°C, at least 58°C, or at least 60°C.

[0422] In some aspects, thermal tolerant compositions of the present disclosure are tolerant of the high temperatures associated with storage in high heat environments, etc. In some aspects, thermal tolerant compositions of the present disclosure are resistant to heat-killing and denaturation of the ceil wail components and the intracellular environment.

[0423] In some aspects, the encapsulation is a reservoir-type encapsulation. In some aspects, the encapsulation is a matrix-type encapsulation. In some aspects, the encapsulation is a coated matrix- type encapsulation. Bargain et al. (2011. J. Food Eng. 104:467-483) discloses numerous encapsulation embodiments and techniques, all of winch are incorporated by reference.

[0424] In some aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure are encapsulated in one or more of the following: geilan gum, xanthan gum, K- Carrageenan, cellulose acetate phthalate, chitosan, starch, starch derivatives, milk fat, whey protein, alginate, Ca-alginate, Mg-alginate, raftilose, raftiline, pectin, saccharide, glucose, maltodextrin, gum arabic, guar, seed flour, alginate, dextrins, dextrans, cellulose, gelatin, gelatin, albumin, casein, gluten, acacia gum, tragacanth, wax, paraffin, stearic acid, silicates, monodiglycerides, and diglycerides. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure are encapsulated by one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, or glyceride.

[0425] In some aspects, the encapsulation of the compositions of the present disclosure is carried out by an extrusion, emulsification, coating, agglomeration, lyophilization, vitrification, foam drying, preservation by vaporization, vacuum-drying, electrospinning, or spray-drying. [0426] In some aspects, the encapsulating composition comprises microcapsules having a multiplicity of liquid cores encapsulated in a solid shell material. For purposes of the disclosure, a "multiplicity" of cores is defined as two or more. In some aspects, the encapsulating composition comprises a multiplicity of solid cores. In some aspects, the encapsulating composition comprises a multiplicity of two or more types of solid cores. In some aspects, the types of solid cores differ by the release time. In some aspects, the encapsulating composition comprises a multiplicity of two or more types of solid cores, wherein at least one type of the solid core provides quick release of the contents after administration, and at least one type of the solid core provides slow release of the contents after administration; thus yielding a composition that administers a sustained inoculation of microbes of a period of time.

[0427] In some aspects, various adjunct materials are contemplated for use alone or in combination with other materials according to the present disclosure. In some aspects, the adjunct materials may be selected from: antioxidants, light stabilizers, dyes and lakes, essential oils, anti-caking agents, fillers, pH stabilizers, dispersants, defoamers, wetting agents, coupling agents, sugars (monosaccharides, disaccharides, tnsaccharides, and polysaccharides) and the like can be incorporated in the fusible material m amounts which do not diminish its utility for the present disclosure.

[0428] In some aspects, the polymer is introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the polymer is introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure at a % weight of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% [0429] In some aspects, the polymer is introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria at a volume of 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: or 10: 1.

[0430] In some aspects, the polymer composition may comprise an emulsion. In some aspects, the polymer composition may be an emulsion. In some aspects, the polymer composition may comprise a nanoemulsion. In some aspects, the polymer composition may be a nanoemulsion.

[0431] Emulsions refer to a mixture of two or more liquids that are, under standard circumstances, normally immiscible (unmixable or unable to be blended). An example of an emulsion would be a vinaigrette.

[0432] Nanoemulsions differ from emulsions in that droplet sizes are equal to or smaller than 250 nm. Nanoemulsions do not form spontaneously; an external shear must be applied to rupture larger droplets into smaller ones. Nanoemulsions and nano-scale emulsions are used as synonyms for the same term within the present disclosure.

[0433] In some embodiments, emulsions and nanoemulsions are created in the presence of an emulsifying agent. In some embodiments, emulsifying agents may be selected from, but not limited to, the following; accompanied by corresponding CAS Registry Number: Ammonium stearate, 1002-89-7; Ascorbyi palmitate, 137-66-6; Butyl stearate, 123-95-5; Calcium stearate, 1592-23-0; Diglyceryl monooleate, 49553-76-6; Diglyceryl monostearate, 12694-22-3; Dodecanoic acid, monoester with 1 ,2,3-propanetriol, 27215-38-9; Glycerol monooleate, 111-03- 5; Glyceryl dicaprylate, 36354-80-0; Glyceryl dimyri state, 53563-63-6; Glyceryl dioleate, 25637- 84-7; Glyceryl distearate, 1323-83-7; Glyceryl monomyri state, 27214-38-6; Glyceryl monooctanoate, 26402-26-6; Glyceryl monooleate, 25496-72-4; Glyceryl monostearate, 31566- 31-1 ; Glyceryl stearate, 11099-07-3; Isopropyl myristate, 110-27-0; Lecithins, 8002-43-5; 1- Monolaunn, 142-18-7; 1-Monomyristin, 589-68-4; Monopalmitin, 26657-96-5; Octanoic acid, potassium salt, 764-71-6; Octanoic acid, sodium salt, 1984-06-1; Oleic acid, 112-80-1 ; Palmitic acid, 57-10-3; Polyglyceryl oleate, 9007-48-1 ; Polyglyceryl stearate, 9009-32-9; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), 9005-64-5; Potassium myristate, 13429-27-1 ; Potassium oleate, 143-18-0; Potassium stearate, 593-29-3; Sodium oleate, 143-19-1 ; Sodium stearate, 822-16-2; Soya lecithins, 8030-76-0; Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (IPGS), 9002-96-4; Vitamin E, 1406-18-4; 557-05-1, and Zinc stearate, 557-05-1.

[0434] In some embodiments, the iianoemuisions comprise droplets that are less than at or about 250 nm, 245 nm, 240 nm, 235, nm 230 nm, 225 nm, 220 nm, 215 nm, 210 nm, 205, nm 200 nm,

195 nm, 190 nm, 185 nm, 180 nm, 175 nm, 170 nm, 165 nm, 160 nm, 155 nm, 150 nm, 145 nm,

140 nm, 135 nm, 130 nm, 125 nm, 120 nm, 115 nm, 110 nm, 105 nm, 100 nm, 95 nm, 90 nm, 85 nm, 80 nm, 75 nm, 70 nm, 65 nm, 60 nm, 55 nm, 50 nm, 45 nm, 40 nm, 35 nm, 30 nm, 25 nm, 20 nm, 15 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm, 4 nm, 3 nm, 2 nm, or 1 nm; wherein the at or about modifier applies to each of the specifi ed sizes above.

[0435] In some embodiments, the nanoemulsions comprise droplets that range in size from between about 1 nm to 5 nm, 1 nm to 10 nm, 1 nm to 50 nm, 1 nm to 100 nm, 1 nm to 150 nm, 1 nm to 200 nm, 1 nm to 250 nm, 5 nm to 10 nm, 5 nm to 50 nm, 5 nm to 100 nm, 5 nm to 150 nm, 5 nm to 200 nm, 2 nm to 250 nm, 10 nm to 50 nm, 10 nm to 100 nm, 10 nm to 150 nm, 10 to 200 nm, 10 nm to 250 nm, 25 nm to 50 nrn, 25 nm to 100 nm, 25 nm to 150 nm, 25 nm to 200 nrn, 25 nm to 250 nm, 50 nm to 100 nm, 50 nm to 1 0 nm, 50 nrn to 200 nm, 50 nm to 250 nm, 100 nm to 150 ran, 100 nm to 200 nm, 100 nm to 250 nm, 150 nm to 200 nm, 150 nm to 250 nm, and 200 nm to 250 nm; wherein the about modifier applies to each of the ranges above.

[0436] Moisture content is a measurement of the total amount of water in a composition, usually expressed as a percentage of the total weight. The moisture content is a useful measurement for determining the dry weight of a composition, and it can he used to confirm whether the desiccation/drying process of a composition is complete. The moisture content is calculated by dividing the (wet weight of the composition minus the weight after desiccating/drying) by the wet weight of the composition, and multiplying by 100.

[0437] Moisture content defines the amount of water in a composition, but water activity is more related to how the water in the composition will react with microorganisms. The greater the water activity, the faster microorganisms are able to grow. Water activity is calculated by finding the ratio of the vapor pressure m a composition to the vapor pressure of pure water. More specifically, the water activity is the partial vapor pressure of water in a composition divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of pure water. Pure water has a water activity of 1. A determination of water activity of a composition is not the amount of water in a composition, rather it is a measure of the availability of the water for microbial growth. Microorganisms have a minimal and optimal water activity for growth.

[0438] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure are desiccated. A microbial composition is desiccated if the moisture content of the composition is between 0% and 20%.

[0439] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about

20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about

28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about

36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41 %, about 42%, about 43%, about

44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about

52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about

60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about

68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about

76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100%.

[044Q] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of less than 0 5%, less than 0.6%, less than 0.7%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.9%, less than 1%, less than 2%, less than 3%, less than 4%, less than 5%, less than 6%, less than 7%, less than 8%, less than 9%, less than 10%, less than 11%, less than 12%, less than 13%, less than 14%, less than 15%, less than 16%, less than 17%, less than 18%, less than 19%, less than 20%, less than 21 %, less than 22%, less than 23%, less than 24%, less than 25%, less than 26%, less than 27%, less than 28%, less than 29%, less than 30%, less than 31%, less than 32%, less than 33%, less than 34%, less than 35%, less than 36%, less than 37%, less than 38%, less than 39%, less than 40%, less than 41%, less than 42%, less than 43%, less than 44%, less than 45%, less than 46%, less than 47%, less than 48%, less than 49%, less than 50%, less than 51%, less than 52%, less than 53%, less than 54%, less than 55%, less than 56%, less than 57%, less than 58%, less than 59%, less than 60%, less than 61%, less than 62%, less than 63%, less than 64%, less than 65%, less than 66%, less than 67%, less than 68%, less than 69%, less than 70%, less than 71%, less than 72%, less than 73%, less than 74%, less than 75%, less than 76%, less than 77%, less than 78%, less than 79%, less than 80%, less than 81%, less than 82%, less than 83%, less than 84%, less than 85%, less than 86%, less than 87%, less than 88%, less than 89%, less than 90%, less than 91%, less than 92%, less than 93%, less than 94%, less than 95%, less than 96%, less than 97%, less than 98%, less than 99%, or less than 100%.

[0441] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.6%, less than about 0.7%, less than about 0.8%, less than about 0.9%, less than about 1%, less than about 2%, less than about 3%, less than about 4%, less than about 5%, less than about 6%, less than about 7%, less than about 8%, less than about 9%, less than about 10%, less than about 11%, less than about 12%, less than about 13%, less than about 14%, less than about 15%, less than about 16%, less than about 17%, less than about 18%, less than about 19%, less than about 20%, less than about 21%, less than about 22%, less than about 23%, less than about 24%, less than about 25%, less than about 26%, less than about 27%, less than about 28%, less than about 29%, less than about 30%, less than about 31%, less than about 32%, less than about 33%, less than about 34%, less than about 35%, less than about 36%, less than about 37%, less than about 38%, less than about 39%, less than about 40%, less than about 41%, less than about 42%, less than about 43%, less than about 44%, less than about 45%, less than about 46%, less than about 47%, less than about 48%, less than about 49%, less than about 50%, less than about 51%, less than about 52%, less than about 53%, less than about 54%, less than about 55%, less than about 56%, less than about 57%, less than about 58%, less than about 59%, less than about 60%, less than about 61 %, less than about 62%, less than about 63%, less than about 64%, less than about 65%, less than about 66%, less than about 67%, less than about 68%, less than about 69%, less than about 70%, less than about 71%, less than about 72%, less than about 73%, less than about 74%, less than about 75%, less than about 76%, less than about 77%, less than about 78%, less than about 79%, less than about 80%, less than about 81%, less than about 82%, less than about 83%, less than about 84%, less than about 85%, less than about 86%, less than about 87%, less than about 88%, less than about 89%, less than about 90%, less than about 91%, less than about 92%, less than about 93%, less than about 94%, less than about 95%, less than about 96%, less than about 97%, less than about 98%, less than about 99%, or less than about 100%.

[0442] in one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of 1% to 100%, 1% to 95%, 1% to 90%, 1% to 85%, 1% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 1% to 45%, 1% to 40%, 1% to 35%, 1% to 30%, 1% to 25%, 1% to 20%, 1% to 15%, 1% to 10%, 1% to 5%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 35%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 25%, 5% to 20%, 5% to 15%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 35%, 10% to 30%, 10% to 25%, 10% to 20%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 100%, 15% to 95%, 15% to 90%, 15% to 85%, 15% to 80%, 15% to 75%, 15% to 70%, 15% to 65%, 15% to 60%, 15% to 55%, 15% to 50%, 15% to 45%, 15% to 40%, 15% to 35%, 15% to 30%, 15% to 25%, 15% to 20%, 20% to 100%, 20% to 95%, 20% to 90%, 20% to 85%, 20% to 80%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 70%, 20% to 65%, 20% to 60%, 20% to 55%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 45%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 35%, 20% to 30%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 100%, 25% to 95%, 25% to 90%, 25% to 85%, 25% to 80%, 25% to 75%, 25% to 70%, 25% to 65%, 25% to 60%, 25% to 55%, 25% to 50%, 25% to 45%, 25% to 40%, 25% to 35%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 100%, 30% to 95%, 30% to 90%, 30% to 85%, 30% to 80%, 30% to 75%, 30% to 70%, 30% to 65%, 30% to 60%, 30% to 55%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 45%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 100%, 35% to 95%, 35% to 90%, 35% to 85%, 35% to 80%, 35% to 75%, 35% to 70%, 35% to 65%, 35% to 60%, 35% to 55%, 35% to 50%, 35% to 45%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 100%, 40% to 95%, 40% to 90%, 40% to 85%, 40% to 80%, 40% to 75%, 40% to 70%, 40% to 65%, 40% to 60%, 40% to 55%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 100%, 45% to 95%, 45% to 90%, 45% to 85%, 45% to 80%, 45% to 75%, 45% to 70%, 45% to 65%, 45% to 60%, 45% to 55%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 50% to

85%, 50% to 80%, 50% to 75%, 50% to 70%, 50% to 65%, 50% to 60%, 50% to 55%, 55% to

100%, 55% to 95%, 55% to 90%, 55% to 85%, 55% to 80%, 55% to 75%, 55% to 70%, 55% to 65%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 100%, 60% to 95%, 60% to 90%, 60% to 85%, 60% to 80%, 60% to 75%, 60% to 70%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 100%, 65% to 95%, 65% to 90%, 65% to 85%, 65% to

80%, 65% to 75%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 100%, 70% to 95%, 70% to 90%, 70% to 85%, 70% to

80%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 75% to 95%, 75% to 90%, 75% to 85%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 100%, 80% to 95%, 80% to 90%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 100%, 85% to 95%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 100%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100%.

[0443] In one aspects, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure are dry. In some aspects, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure are liquid. In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of about 0.1, about 0.15, about 0.2, about 0.25, about 0.30, about 0.35, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.55, about 0.60, about 0.65, about 0.70, about 0.75, about 0.8, about 0.85, about 0.90, or about 0.95.

[0444] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of less than about 0.1, less than about 0.15, less than about 0.2, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.30, less than about 0.35, less than about 0.4, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.55, less than about 0.60, less than about 0.65, less than about 0.70, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.8, less than about 0.85, less than about 0.90, or less than about 0.95.

[0445] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of less than 0.1, less than 0.15, less than 0.2, less than 0.25, less than 0.30, less than 0.35, less than 0.4, less than 0.5, less than 0.55, less than 0.60, less than 0.65, less than 0.70, less than 0.75, less than 0.8, less than 0.85, less than 0.90, or less than 0.95.

[0446] In one aspect, the polymer compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of 0.1 to 0.95, 0.1 to 0.90, 0.1 to 0.85, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.75, 0.1 to 0.70, 0.1 to 0.65, 0.1 to 0.55, 0.1 to 0.50, 0.1 to 0.45, 0.1 to 0.40, 0.1 to 0.35, 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 0.25, 0.1 to 0.2, 0.1 to 0.15, 0.15 to 0.95, 0.15 to 0.90, 0.15 to 0.85, 0.1 5 to 0.8, 0.15 to 0.75, 0.15 to 0 70, 0.15 to 0.65, 0.15 to 0.55, 0.15 to 0.50, 0.15 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0 40, 0.15 to 0.35, 0.15 to 0.3, 0.15 to 0.25, 0 1 5 to 0.2, 0.2 to 0.95, 0.2 to 0.90, 0.2 to 0.85, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.2 to 0.75, 0.2 to 0.70, 0.2 to 0.65, 0.2 to 0.55, 0.2 to 0.50, 0.2 to 0.45, 0.2 to 0.40, 0.2 to 0.35, 0.2 to 0.3, 0.2 to 0.25, 0.25 to 0.95, 0.25 to 0.90, 0.25 to 0.85, 0.25 to 0.8, 0.25 to 0.75, 0.25 to 0.70, 0.25 to 0.65, 0.25 to 0.55, 0.25 to 0.50, 0.25 to 0.45, 0.25 to 0.40, 0.25 to 0.35, 0.25 to 0.3, 0.3 to 0.95, 0.3 to 0.90, 0.3 to 0.85, 0.3 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.75, 0.3 to 0.70, 0.3 to 0.65, 0.3 to 0.55, 0.3 to 0.50, 0.3 to 0.45, 0.3 to 0 40, 0.3 to 0 35, 0.35 to 0.95, 0.35 to 0.90, 0.35 to 0.85, 0.35 to 0.8, 0.35 to 0.75, 0.35 to 0.70, 0.35 to 0 65, 0.35 to 0.55, 0.35 to 0.50, 0.35 to 0.45, 0.35 to 0 40, 0.4 to 0.95, 0.4 to 0.90, 0.4 to 0.85, 0.4 to 0.8, 0.4 to 0.75, 0 4 to 0.70, 0.4 to 0.65, 0.4 to 0 55, 0.4 to 0.50, 0.4 to 0.45, 0.45 to 0 95, 0.45 to 0.90, 0.45 to 0.85, 0 45 to 0.8, 0.45 to 0.75, 0.45 to 0.70, 0.45 to 0 65, 0.45 to 0.55, 0.45 to 0.50, 0.5 to 0.95, 0 5 to 0.90, 0.5 to 0.85, 0.5 to 0.8, 0.5 to 0.75, 0 5 to 0.70, 0 5 to 0.65, 0.5 to 0.55, 0.55 to 0.95, 0.55 to 0.90, 0.55 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.8, 0.55 to 0.75, 0.55 to 0.70, 0.55 to 0.65, 0.6 to 0.95, 0.6 to 0.90, 0.6 to 0.85, 0.6 to 0.8, 0.6 to 0.75, 0.6 to 0.70, 0.65 to 0.95, 0.65 to 0.90, 0.65 to 0.85, 0.65 to 0.8, 0.65 to 0.75, 0.7 to 0.95, 0.7 to 0.90, 0.7 to 0.85, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.75 to 0.95, 0.75 to 0.90, 0.75 to 0.85, 0.8 to 0.95, 0.8 to 0.90, 0.8 to 0.85, 0.85 to 0.95, 0.85 to 0.90, or 0.9 to 0.95.

(i) Seed Coatings

[0447] As described herein,“seed coat” and“seed treatment” are used interchangeably. As described herein, “seed” includes plant seed, corms, cuttings, bulbs, tubers, and any plant propagation material. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to plant seed. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to seeds and/or other plant propagation materials of corn, soybean, canola, sorghum, potato, rice, vegetables, cereals, sugar cane, pseudocereals, cotton, and oilseeds. Examples of cereals may include barley, fonio, oats, palmer’s grass, rye, pearl millet, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, and wheat. In some aspects, the other plant propagation materials include corms and cuttings, bulbs, tubers, and any plant propagation material. Examples of pseudocereals may include breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, gram amaranth, hanza, quinoa, and sesame. In some examples, seeds can be genetically modified organisms (GMO), non- GMO, organic, the product of new- breeding techniques, or conventional.

[0448] In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to plant seed by coating the seed with a liquid, slurry, or powder comprising the polymer composition. In some aspects, the seed coating is a dry seed coating. In some aspects, the seed coating is a liquid seed coating.

Administering the Polymer Composition [0449] In some aspects, the polymer composition described herein can be applied in furrow, in talc, or as a seed treatment. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to seed prior to arriving on farm or after arriving on farm. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to seed continuous or batch treaters. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to seen in auger treaters. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied in planter. In some aspects, the polymer is applied to seed using the process of pelleting, encrusting, and film coating. In some aspects, the planter receives the polymer composition as a dry substance that is used as an inoculant to grow the one or more bacteria in the polymer composition on site. The resulting bacteria are then used as a seed treatment or an in furrow treatment. In some aspects, the polymer composition is first applied to the seed, and then later applied in furrow along with the seed already comprising the polymer composition. In some aspects, the first polymer composition applied to the seed is different from the later polymer composition applied in furrow' along with the seed comprising the first polymer composition. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to the seed with a seed lubricant. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to the seed within the planter box in combination with lubricants such as talc, graphite, or polyethylene wax. In some aspects, the polymer composition is applied to the seed in combination with lubricants such as talc, graphite, or polyethylene wax.

[0450] In some aspects, the planter can plant the treated seed and grows the crop according to conventional ways, twin row', or ways that do not require tilling. In some aspects, the seeds can be distributed using a control hopper or an individual hopper. Seeds can also be distributed using pressurized air, in vacuum planters, mechanically, or manually. In some aspects, seed placement can be performed using variable rate technologies. Additionally, application of the bacteria or bacterial population described herein may be applied using variable rate technologies. In some aspects, the polymer composition can be applied to plant seeds of the present disclosure.

[0451] Additives such as micro-fertilizer, PGR, herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide can be used additionally to treat the crops. Examples of additives include crop protectants such as insecticides, nematicides, fungicide, enhancement agents such as colorants, polymers, pelleting, priming, and disinfectants, and other agents such as inoculant, PGR, softener, and micronutrients. PGRs can be natural or synthetic plant hormones that affect root growth, flowering, or stem elongation. PGRs can include auxins, gibberellms, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid (ABA).

[0452] In some aspects, any one or more additives or chemical treatments of the present disclosure may be applied to the plant parts/seed in combination with the microbe(s) and poiymer(s) by tank mixing, co-application, sequential application or overtreatment of plant parts/seed previously treated with the one or more additives or chemical treatments of the present disclosure. In some aspects, it may be necessary' to limit application to only certain treatment methods for optimum performance and survival of the microbes. As used herein, “tank mixing” means the chemical(s)/additive(s)/polymer(s)/microbe(s) are blended into a liquid slurry and then applied to the seed. As used herein,“co-application” means the seed is in a continuous or batch treater, and the chemical(s)/additive(s)/poiymer(s)/microbe(s) are applied at the same time. As used herein, “sequential application” or“sequentially applied” means the seed is in a continuous or batch treater, and one or more of the chemical(s)/additive(s)/polymer(s)/microbe(s) are sequentially applied to the seed, with a short delay in between each application, with the microbe(s)/polyrner(s) added last. As used herein,“overtreatment” means the seed is treated with chemical(s)/additive(s), allowed to dry and fully cure, and then the microbe(s) are added.

[0453] The composition can be applied in furrow in combination with liquid fertilizer. In some aspects, a composition formulated for in furrow application is one that is compatibile with liquid fertilizer. In some examples, the liquid fertilizer may be held in tanks. NPK fertilizers contain macronutrients of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

[0454] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition immediately prior to administration. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition less than 30 minutes, less than 1 hour, less than 2 hours, less than 3 hours, less than 4 hours, less than 5 hours, less than 6 hours, less than 7 hours, less than 8 hours, less than 9 hours, less than 10 hours, less than 11 hours, less than 12 hours, less than 13 hours, less than 14 hours, less than 15 hours, less than 16 hours, less than 17 hours, less than 18 hours, less than 19 hours, less than 20 hours, less than 21 hours, less than 22 hours, less than 23 hours, less than 24 hours, less than 25 hours, less than 26 hours, less than 27 hours, less than 28 hours, less than 29 hours, less than 30 hours, less than 35, less than 40 hours, less than 45 hours, less than 50 hours, less than 55 hours, less than 60 hours, less than 65 hours, less than 70 hours, less than 75 hours, less than 80 hours, less than 85 hours, less than 90 hours, less than 95 hours, less than 100 hours, less than 110 hours, less than 120 hours, less than 130 hours, less than 140 hours, less than 150 hours, less than 160 hours, less than 170 hours, less than 180 hours, less than 190 hours, or less than 200 hours prior to administration. [0455] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 11 hours, about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours, about 20 hours, about 21 hours, about 22 hours, about 23 hours, about 24 hours, about 25 hours, about 26 hours, about 27 hours, about 28 hours, about 29 hours, about 35 hours, about 40 hours, about 45 hours, about 50 hours, about 55 hours, about 60 hours, about 65 hours, about 70 hours, about 75 hours, about 80 hours, about 85 hours, about 90 hours, about 95 hours, about 100 hours, about 1 10 hours, about 120 hours, about 130 hours, about 140 hours, about 150 hours, about 160 hours, about 170 hours, about 180 hours, about 190 hours, about 200 hours, or about 0 hours prior to administration.

[0456] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is eombmed/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 310, about 320, about 330, about 340, about 350, about 360 , or about 370 days prior to administration.

[0457] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition less than 1, less than 2, less than 3, less than 4, less than 5, less than 6, less than 7, less than 8, less than 9, less than 10, less than 11, less than 12, less than 13, less than 14, less than 15, less than 16, less than 17, less than 18, less than 19, less than 20, less than 21, less than 22, less than 23, less than 24, less than 25, less than 26, less than 27, less than 28, less than 29, less than 30, less than 35, less than 40, less than 45, less than 50, less than 55, less than 60, less than 65, less than 70, less than 75, less than 80, less than 85, less than 90, less than 95, less than 100, less than 110, less than 120, less than 130, less than 140, less than 150, less than 160, less than 170, less than 180, less than 190, less than 200, less than 210, less than 220, less than 230, less than 240, less than 250, less than 260, less than 270, less than 280, less than 290, less than 300, less than 310, less than 320, less than 330, less than 340, less than 350, less than 360, or less than 370 days prior to administration.

[0458] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 1 1 , about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21 , about 22, about 23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29, about 30, about 31, about 32, about 33, about 34, about 35, about 36, about 37, about 38, about 39, about 40, about 41 , about 42, about 43, about 44, about 45, about 46, about 47, about 48, about 49, about 50, about 51, about 52, about 53, about 54, about 55, about 56, about 57, about 58, about 59, or about 60 months prior to administration.

[0459] in some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or a microbial composition less than 1 , less than 2, less than 3, less than 4, less than 5, less than 6, less than 7, less than 8, less than 9, less than 10, less than 11, less than 12, less than 13, less than 14, less than 15, less than 16, less than 17, less than 18, less than 19, less than 20, less than 21, less than 22, less than 23, less than 24, less than 25, less than 26, less than 27, less than 28, less than 29, less than 30, less than 31, less than 32, less than 33, less than 34, less than 35, less than 36, less than 37, less than 38, less than 39, less than 40, less than 41, less than 42, less than 43, less than 44, less than 45, less than 46, less than 47, less than 48, less than 49, less than 50, less than 51, less than 52, less than 53, less than 54, less than 55, less than 56, less than 57, less than 58, less than 59, or less than 60 months prior to administration.

[0460] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is administered as a separate mixture or solution from the one or more bacteria or microbial composition. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is administered as a separate mixture or solution from the one or more bacteria or microbial composition but simultaneously with the one or more bacteria or microbial composition. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is administered as a separate mixture or solution from the one or more bacteria or microbial composition but immediately before the one or more bacteria or microbial composition. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is administered as a separate mixture or solution from the one or more bacteria or microbial composition but immediately after the one or more bacteria or microbial composition.

[0461] In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or microbial composition immediately after harvesting the bacteria. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or microbial composition immediately after the one or more bacteria or microbial composition has been desiccated. In some aspects, the polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or microbial composition, and the resulting microbial polymer composition is then desiccated.

[0462] In some aspects, a first polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with one or more bacteria or microbial composition forming a microbial polymer composition. In some aspects, a second polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with the microbial polymer composition. In some aspects, a third polymer or polymer composition is combined/mixed with the microbial polymer composition comprising the first and second polymers or polymer composition.

[0463] In some aspects, a microbial polymer composition comprising a first polymer or polymer composition is administered concurrently with a second polymer or polymer composition. In further aspects, the first polymer or polymer composition is different than the second polymer or polymer composition. In further aspects, the first polymer or polymer composition is the same as the second polymer or polymer composition. In some aspects, the second polymer or polymer composition is administered immediately before administration of the microbial polymer composition. In some aspects, the second polymer or polymer composition is administered immediately after administration of the microbial polymer composition.

[0464] In some aspects, the mixing of the polymer or polymer composition with one or more bacteria or microbial composition is followed by a period of time to allow the polymer or polymer composition to cure or dry prior to applying a subsequent polymer or polymer composition. In some aspects, the mixing of the polymer or polymer composition with one or more bacteria or microbial composition is followed by a period of time to allow the polymer or polymer composition to cure or dry prior to administration of the microbial polymer composition.

Polymer-Conferred Stability/Viability

[0465] The terms“viability,”“microbial viability,” or“cellular viability” generally refers to the percentage of cells that are capable of growth on solid or liquid growth medium. The terms “stability,”“microbial stability,” or“cellular stability,” generally refers to the percentage of cells that are capable of growth on solid or liquid growth medium over a period of time, sometimes referred to as viability over time. A cell’s viability changes over time are known as the cell’s stability. Maintaining the viability of a microbe refers to reducing its loss over time, which is referred to as“stability”

[0466] In some aspects, viability refers to 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%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 44%, 45%,

46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61 %, 62%,

63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% of the total number of cells that remain viable in a sample, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample.

[0467] In some aspects, stability refers to 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%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 44%, 45%,

46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%,

63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% of the total number of cells that remain viable in a sample over a period of time, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample.

[0468] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased cellular stability for a longer period of time as compared to a control microbial composition lacking the polymer.

[0469] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased cellular stability as compared to a control microbial composition lacking the polymer. In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increase in stability of at least 5%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 700%, 800%, or 900% as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0470] In some aspects, the period of time is 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,

42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95,

100, 105, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 days post- manufacture of the polymer-comprising microbial composition or the corresponding reference/eontrol sample.

[0471] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% in a refrigerator (35-40°F) for a period of at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 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, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0472] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% in a refrigerator (35-4Q°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0473] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at room temperature (68-72 ⁰ F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,

50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0474] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at room temperature (68-72°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,

50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time

[0475] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at 70-100°F for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time. [0476] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at 70-100°F for a period of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 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, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0477] In some aspects, the polymer-eompnsmg microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at a temperature below -20°F) for a period of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 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, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0478] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits a stability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at a temperature below -20°F for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample over the same period of time.

[0479] In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased stability when subjected to desiccating conditions, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample. In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased stability when subjected to freeze drying, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample. In some aspects, the polymer-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased stability when subjected to spray drying, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample. In some aspects, the polymer-eompnsmg microbial composition exhibits an increased stability when subjected to lyophilization, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample. In some aspects, the polymer-eompnsmg microbial composition exhibits an increased stability' when subjected to spray congealing, as compared to a corresponding reference/control sample.

Biofilms [0480] In certain embodiments, the aforementioned polymer compositions can be combined with a biofilm. Alternatively, the disclosure also provides for biofilm only compositions without a polymer.

[0481] Most microorganisms live and grow in aggregated forms such as biofilms, floes (planktonic biofilms), and sludges. See Costerton et al. 1995. Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 49:711-745; Wimpenny. 2000. In Community Structure and Co-operation in Biofilms (ed. Allison, Gilbert, Lappin-Scott, and Wilson). Pp. 1-24, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Biofilms are accumulations of multivalent cations, inorganic particles, and biogenic material, as well as colloidal and dissolved compounds. These forms of growth are frequently collectively referred to as biofilms. Biofilms are ubiquitously distributed in aquatic environments, on tissues of plants and animals, and on surfaces of filters, ship hulls, medical devices, etc. Biofilms typically develop at phase boundaries, and can frequently be found adherent to a solid surface at solid- water interfaces. Biofilms can also be found at solid-air interfaces.

[0482] Biofilm formation often begins when free-floating microorganisms such as bacteria come into contact with an appropriate surface and begin to secrete an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). An EPS is a network of sugars, proteins, and nucleic acids which enables the microorganisms in a biofilm to adhere to one another. Contact and attachment to the appropriate surface is followed by a period of growth. Further layers of microorganism and EPS build upon the first layers. Nutrient channels crisscross biofilms allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste products.

[0483] Biofilm formation is often determined by one or more environmental conditions that set forth whether the biofilm is only a few layers of cells or significantly more. For example, microorganisms that produce large amounts of EPS can grow into fairly thick biofilms even if they do not have access to a lot of nutrients. Microorganisms that depend on oxygen may be limited by how dense the biofilm can become. Cells within the biofilm can leave the biofilm and establish on a new surface. A clump of cells may break away or individual cells are released from the biofilm in a process known as seeding dispersal.

[0484] Communities of microbes are often more resilient to stressors such as lack of water, high or low pH, or the presence of toxic substances such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, or heavy metals. The hardiness of biofilms is believed to arise out of the EPS acting as a protective battier that prevents dehydration or acts as a shield against UV light. Harmful substances such as antimicrobials, bleach, or heavy metals are either bound or neutralized when they come into contact with the EPS These substances may become diluted to sub-lethal concentrations prior to reaching various layers of cells within the biofilm. It is possible for certain antibiotics/antimicrobial s to penetrate the EPS and proceed through the layers of the biofilm.

[0485] The microorganisms found within biofilms exist in close association at high cell densities, and are embedding in a matrix of EPS EPS production is a general microbial property that is expressed in most environments. The ability to form EPS is widespread among prokaryotic organisms, but also can occur in eukaryotic microorganisms such as algaes, yeasts, molds, and fungi. See Ghosle. 2001 Biofouling. 17: 1 17-127; and US20060096918A1. EPS are not essential structures of bacteria, but under natural conditions, EPS production is an important feature of survival given that most environmental bacteria occur in aggregates such as floes and biofilms whose structural and functional integrity are based essentially on the presence of an EPS matrix.

[0486] The EPS are considered key components that determine the morphology, architecture, coherence, physiochemical properties, and biochemical activity of microbial aggregates. EPS form a three-dimensional, gel-like highly hydrated, and locally charged biofilm matrix in which the microorganisms essentially are immobilized. In general, the proportion of EPS in biofilms can vary between about 50% and about 90% of the total organic matter. See Nielsen et al. 1997. Wat. Sci. Tech. 36: 11-19. EPS are involved in the formation of activated sludge floes (bioflocculation) and the development of fixed biofilms.

EPS can include substances such as, for example, polysaccharides (e.g., monosaccharides, uronic acids, and amino sugars linked by glycosidie bonds), polypeptides, nucleic acids, lipids/phospholipids (e.g., fatty acids, glycerol phosphate, ethanolamine, serine, and choline), and humic substances (e.g., phenolic compounds, simple sugars, and ammo acids). The EPS compositions can be evaluated after removing the macromolecules from the microbial cells. Physical and chemical methods, including centrifugation, filtration, heating, blending, somcation, and treatment with sodium hydroxide, or eomp!exing agents, and ion-exchange resins can be used to extract EPS from microbial aggregates. See Jahn and Nielsen. 1995. Wat. Sci. Tech. 31:157- 164; and Nielsen and Jahn. 1999. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric substances (ed. Wingender, neu, and Flemming), pp. 49-72, Springer, Berlin. The use of cation-exchange resin combined with stirring, for example, can be used to isolate EPS from a biofilm without causing significant cell lysis. Such methods are based on the removal of calcium ions, destabilizing the EPS structure, and facilitating the separation of the EPS from cells. Riofil m- Prod u c g Microorganisms

[0487] In some aspects, biofilm-producing microbes may be selected from microbes obtained from soil (e.g., rhizosphere), air, water (e.g., marine, freshwater, wastewater sludge), sediment, oil, plants (e.g., roots, leaves, stems), animals (e.g., mammals, reptiles, birds, and the like), agricultural products, and extreme environments (e.g., acid mine drainage or hydrothermal systems). In a further aspect, microbes obtained from marine or freshwater environments such as an ocean, river, or lake. In a further embodiment, the microbes can be from the surface of the body of water, or any depth of the body of water (e.g., a deep sea sample).

[0488] In aspects of the disclosure where the microbes are isolated from a source material (for example, the material in which they naturally reside), any one or a combination of a number of standard techniques which will be readily known to skilled persons may be used. However, by way of example, these in general employ processes by which a solid or liquid culture of a single microorganism can be obtained in a substantially pure form, usually by physical separation on the surface of a solid microbial growth medium or by volumetric dilutive isolation into a liquid microbial growth medium. These processes may include isolation from dry material, liquid suspension, slurries or homogenates in which the material is spread in a thin layer over an appropriate solid gel growth medium, or serial dilutions of the material made into a sterile medium and inoculated into liquid or solid culture media.

[0489] Biofilms can be formed from numerous types of microorganisms. For example, a biofilm can contain bacteria from the a-, b-, or g- subclasses of Proteobacteria; gram-positive bacteria with a high GC content, and/or bacteria from the Cytophaga-Fiavobacterium group. Various species of fungi and yeast are also known to produce biofilms.

[0490] In additional to bacteria, biofilms can contain or be produced by protozoan and metazoan organisms such as invertebrates (e.g., nematodes), flagellates, and abates (e.g., rotifers).

[0491] In some aspects, biofilm-producing microbes include bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a bacterium. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a fungus. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a yeast. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a flagellate. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a ciliate. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is an algae.

[0492] In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a Gram negative bacterium. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a Gram positive bacterium. [0493] In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm- producing microbe is an obligate pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is an opportunistic pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a plant pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a human pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm- producing microbe is an animal pathogen. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a soil microbe. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a plant colonizing microbe. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a root colonizing microbe. In some aspects, the biofilm- producing microbe is a rhizosphere colonizing microbe.

[0494] In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is selected from any one or more of the following species: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas puiida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Agrobacterium lumefaciens, PaenibaciUus polymyxa, Bacillus suhtilis, Bacillus cereus, Azospirillum braslinense, Acetobacler xylinum, Kosakonia sacchari, Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus cohnii, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria ivanovii, hysteria innocua, Micrococcus luteus, Rhodococcus fasci ns, Microbacterium oxydans, Williamsia muralis, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Comamonas acidovorans, Burkholderia cepacia, Citrobacter jreundii, Legionella pneumophila, Legionella waltersii, Legionella brunensis, Salmonella enterica, Shewanella putrefaciens, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Candida albicans.

[0495] In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a species of any one or more of the following genera: Pseudomonas, Rhizobium., Agrobacterium, PaenibaciUus, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Erwinia, Xanthomonas, Pantoea, Acetobacter, Kosakonia, Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium, Micrococcus, Rhodococcus, Cellulosimicrobium, Microbacterium, Williamsia, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Leptospira, Clostridium, Listeria, Legionella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Citrobacter, Shewanella, Burkholderia, Serratia, Comamonas , Cryptococcus, Candida, Saccharomyces, Penici Ilium, Cladosporium, and Rhodotorula. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a species of Pseudomonas. In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe is a species of Kosakonia.

Biofilm Production

[0496] In some aspects, the growth medium is inoculated with planktonic microbes. In some aspects, the growth medium is inoculated with sessile microbes already in a biofilm. In some aspects, the growth medium is inoculated with microbes in log phase growth. In some aspects, the growth medium is inoculated with microbes in lag phase growth. In some aspects, the growth medium is inoculated with microbes in stationary phase.

[0497] In some aspects, the biofilm-producing microbe produces a biofilm when growing at log phase. In some aspects, the hiofi!m-produeing microbe produces a biofilm when growing at log phase.

[0498] In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated in a flask while shaking. In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated in a flask without shaking. In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated on a solid surface (carrier). In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated in a bioreactor. In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated in a chemostat. In some aspects, biofilms are cultivated in a continuous-flow system.

[0499] In some aspects, the biofilms are cultured by co- inoculating at least one strain in a growth medium. In some aspects, the biofilms are cultured by co-inoculating at least two strains in a growth medium. In some aspects, the biofilms are cultured by co-inoculating at least three strains in a growth medium. In some aspects, the biofilms are cultured by co-inoculating at least four strains in a growth medium. In some aspects, the biofilms are cultured by co-inoculating at least five strains in a growth medium.

[0500] In some aspects, biofilms are produced in bioreactors as described in EP2186890A1, WO2017203440A1 , US Patent No, 5,116,506, US20090258404A1, and US20090152195A1.

[0501] In some aspects, the biofilms are cultivated in situ with one or more of the bacteria of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the growth media is capable of supporting log growth of one or more biofilm-producing microbes and one or more non-biofilm producing microbes. The co- cultivation of the one or more biofilm-producing microbes and the one or more non-biofilm producing microbes results in adequate log growth of the two or more microbes such that the non- biofilm-producing microbes are encased in the biofilm produced by the biofilm-producing microbes.

(i) Isolating / Collecting Biofilm

] 0502] In some aspects, the biofilms are agitated in the growth medium to release the biofilm from the surface in which they are adhered. In some aspects, agitation includes scraping, sonication, sheer forces, shaking, etc.

[05Q3] In some aspects, the biofilms are isolated from the growth media or growth chambers and poured over a filter that will allow supernatant and planktonic single-celled microbes to pass through, while holding back the biofilm composition. In some aspects, the biofilms are isolated from the spent media by pouring the entire contents of the reaction chamber / growth flask into a filter comprising 5 micrometer diameter pores. In some aspects, the biofilms are isolated from the spent media by pouring the entire contents of the reaction chamber / growth flask into a filter comprising 10 micrometer diameter pores. In some aspects, the biofilms are isolated from the spent media by pouring the entire contents of the reaction chamber / growth flask into a filter comprising 15 micrometer diameter pores. In some aspects, the biofilms are isolated from the spent media by pouring the entire contents of the reaction chamber / growth flask into a filter comprising 20 micrometer diameter pores.

[0504] In some aspects, the filtration occurs with the assistance of a vacuum aspirator.

[0505] In some aspects, the biofilm material remaining in the filter is washed at least one time with an appropriate buffer or media. In some aspects, the biofilm material remaining in the filter is washed at least two times with an appropriate buffer or media. In some aspects, the biofilm material remaining in the filter is washed at least three times with an appropriate buffer or media. In some aspects, the biofilm material remaining in the filter is washed at least four times with an appropriate buffer or media. In some aspects, the biofilm material remaining in the filter is washed at least five times with an appropriate buffer or media.

[0506] In some aspects, the biofilms are sonicated to aliow ^r the biofilm to break into slightly smaller sections and to prevent the recovered and purified biofilm from remaining in a single mass.

[0507] In some aspects, the biofilms are resuspended in a buffer or medium and concentrated into a smaller volume through the use of centrifugation or ultracentrifugation.

[0508] In some aspects, the biofilms are resuspended in a volume at IX, 1.5X, 2X, 2.5X. 3X, 3.5X, 4.X. 4.5X, 5X, 5.5X, 6.X. 6.5X, 7X, 7.5X, 8.X. 8.5X, 9X, 9.5X, or 10X.

(ii) Treating Biofilm

[0509] In some aspects, the biofilms are sterilized to kill the remaining microbes that produced the biofilms. In some aspects, the sterilization is heat killing. In some aspects, heat killing is autoclaving the biofilm. In some aspects, the sterilization exposure of the biofilms to UV rays. In some aspects, the sterilization exposure of the biofilms to X-rays. In some aspects, the sterilization exposure of the biofilms to gamma rays.

[051Q] In some aspects, the biofilm sterilization does not modulate any one or more properties or traits conferred by the biofilm.

Biofilm Compositions [0511] In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a combination of biofilm with any one or more microbes of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the bi ofilms are mixed with any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the biofilms are mixed with any one or more atmospheric nitrogen fixing microbe of the present disclosure.

[0512] In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a combination of two or more biofilms produced by different microorganisms. In some aspects, biofilms of the present disclosure may be comprised of or produced by a single microbial species, forming a pure culture. In some aspects, biofilms may be comprised of or produced by a consortium of bacteria. In some aspects, biofilms may be produced by one or more microbial species. In some aspects, biofilms bay be produced by at least 1 , at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at leasts, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 microbial species.

[0513] In some aspects, the biofilm is exogenous to the one or more bacteria to which it is added. In some aspects, the biofilm is native to the one or more bacteria to which it is added.

[0514] In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a liquid. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a solid. In some aspects, the biofilm composition comprises both solid and liquid elements. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a semi-solid. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is dried. In some aspects the biofilm composition is a sand. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a powder. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is a gel.

[0515] In some aspects, the biofilm composition comprises any one or more elements disclosed herein.

[0516] In some embodiments, the combination of at least two biofilms of the present disclosure exhibit a synergistic effect, on one or more of the traits described herein, the presence of one or more of the biofilms coming into contact with one another. The synergistic effect obtained by the taught methods can be quantified, for example, according to Colby’s formula (i.e , (E) = X+Y - (X*Y/100)). See Colby, R.S.,“Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations,” 1967. Weeds. Vo!. 15, pp. 20-22, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thus,“synergistic” is intended to reflect an outcome/parameter/effect that has been increased by- more than an additive amount.

[0517] In some aspects, the biofilms are introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the biofilms are introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria of the present disclosure at a % volume of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% [0518] In some aspects, the biofilms are introduced to liquid media comprising any one or more bacteria at a volume of 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1 , 5: 1, 6: 1 , 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: or 10: 1.

[0519] Moisture content is a measurement of the total amount of water in a composition, usually expressed as a percentage of the total weight. The moisture content is a useful measurement for determining the dry weight of a composition, and it can he used to confirm whether the desiccation/drying process of a composition is complete. The moisture content is calculated by- dividing the (wet weight of the composition minus the weight after desiceating/drying) by the wet weight of the composition, and multiplying by 100.

[0520] Moisture content defines the amount of water in a composition, but water activity explains how the water in the composition will react with microorganisms. The greater the water activity, the faster microorganisms are able to grow'. Water activity is calculated by finding the ratio of the vapor pressure in a composition to the vapor pressure of pure water. More specifically, the water activity is the partial vapor pressure of water in a composition divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of pure water. Pure distilled water has a water activity of 1. A determination of water activity of a composition is not the amount of water in a composition, rather it is the amount of excess amount of water that is available for microorganisms to use. Microorganisms have a minimal and optimal water activity' for growth.

[0521] In one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure are desiccated. A microbial composition is desiccated if the moisture content of the composition is between 0% and 20%.

[0522] In one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about

20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about

28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about

36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41 %, about 42%, about 43%, about

44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about

52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58%, about 59%, about

60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about

68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74%, about 75%, about

76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100%.

[0523] In one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of less than 0 5%, less than 0.6%, less than 0.7%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.9%, less than 1%, less than 2%, less than 3%, less than 4%, less than 5%, less than 6%, less than 7%, less than 8%, less than 9%, less than 10%, less than 11%, less than 12%, less than 13%, less than 14%, less than 15%, less than 16%, less than 17%, less than 18%, less than 19%, less than 20%, less than 21 %, less than 22%, less than 23%, less than 24%, less than 25%, less than 26%, less than 27%, less than 28%, less than 29%, less than 30%, less than 31%, less than 32%, less than 33%, less than 34%, less than 35%, less than 36%, less than 37%, less than 38%, less than 39%, less than 40%, less than 41%, less than 42%, less than 43%, less than 44%, less than 45%, less than 46%, less than 47%, less than 48%, less than 49%, less than 50%, less than 51%, less than 52%, less than 53%, less than 54%, less than 55%, less than 56%, less than 57%, less than 58%, less than 59%, less than 60%, less than 61%, less than 62%, less than 63%, less than 64%, less than 65%, less than 66%, less than 67%, less than 68%, less than 69%, less than 70%, less than 71%, less than 72%, less than 73%, less than 74%, less than 75%, less than 76%, less than 77%, less than 78%, less than 79%, less than 80%, less than 81%, less than 82%, less than 83%, less than 84%, less than 85%, less than 86%, less than 87%, less than 88%, less than 89%, less than 90%, less than 91%, less than 92%, less than 93%, less than 94%, less than 95%, less than 96%, less than 97%, less than 98%, less than 99%, or less than 100%.

[0524] In one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.6%, less than about 0.7%, less than about 0.8%, less than about 0.9%, less than about 1%, less than about 2%, less than about 3%, less than about 4%, less than about 5%, less than about 6%, less than about 7%, less than about 8%, less than about 9%, less than about 10%, less than about 11%, less than about 12%, less than about 13%, less than about 14%, less than about 15%, less than about 16%, less than about 17%, less than about 18%, less than about 19%, less than about 20%, less than about 21%, less than about 22%, less than about 23%, less than about 24%, less than about 25%, less than about 26%, less than about 27%, less than about 28%, less than about 29%, less than about 30%, less than about 31%, less than about 32%, less than about 33%, less than about 34%, less than about 35%, less than about 36%, less than about 37%, less than about 38%, less than about 39%, less than about 40%, less than about 41%, less than about 42%, less than about 43%, less than about 44%, less than about 45%, less than about 46%, less than about 47%, less than about 48%, less than about 49%, less than about 50%, less than about 51%, less than about 52%, less than about 53%, less than about 54%, less than about 55%, less than about 56%, less than about 57%, less than about 58%, less than about 59%, less than about 60%, less than about 61 %, less than about 62%, less than about 63%, less than about 64%, less than about 65%, less than about 66%, less than about 67%, less than about 68%, less than about 69%, less than about 70%, less than about 71%, less than about 72%, less than about 73%, less than about 74%, less than about 75%, less than about 76%, less than about 77%, less than about 78%, less than about 79%, less than about 80%, less than about 81%, less than about 82%, less than about 83%, less than about 84%, less than about 85%, less than about 86%, less than about 87%, less than about 88%, less than about 89%, less than about 90%, less than about 91%, less than about 92%, less than about 93%, less than about 94%, less than about 95%, less than about 96%, less than about 97%, less than about 98%, less than about 99%, or less than about 100%.

[0525] in one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure have a moisture content of 1% to 100%, 1% to 95%, 1% to 90%, 1% to 85%, 1% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 1% to 45%, 1% to 40%, 1% to 35%, 1% to 30%, 1% to 25%, 1% to 20%, 1% to 15%, 1% to 10%, 1% to 5%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 35%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 25%, 5% to 20%, 5% to 15%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 35%, 10% to 30%, 10% to 25%, 10% to 20%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 100%, 15% to 95%, 15% to 90%, 15% to 85%, 15% to 80%, 15% to 75%, 15% to 70%, 15% to 65%, 15% to 60%, 15% to 55%, 15% to 50%, 15% to 45%, 15% to 40%, 15% to 35%, 15% to 30%, 15% to 25%, 15% to 20%, 20% to 100%, 20% to 95%, 20% to 90%, 20% to 85%, 20% to 80%, 20% to 75%, 20% to 70%, 20% to 65%, 20% to 60%, 20% to 55%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 45%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 35%, 20% to 30%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 100%, 25% to 95%, 25% to 90%, 25% to 85%, 25% to 80%, 25% to 75%, 25% to 70%, 25% to 65%, 25% to 60%, 25% to 55%, 25% to 50%, 25% to 45%, 25% to 40%, 25% to 35%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 100%, 30% to 95%, 30% to 90%, 30% to 85%, 30% to 80%, 30% to 75%, 30% to 70%, 30% to 65%, 30% to 60%, 30% to 55%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 45%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 100%, 35% to 95%, 35% to 90%, 35% to 85%, 35% to 80%, 35% to 75%, 35% to 70%, 35% to 65%, 35% to 60%, 35% to 55%, 35% to 50%, 35% to 45%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 100%, 40% to 95%, 40% to 90%, 40% to 85%, 40% to 80%, 40% to 75%, 40% to 70%, 40% to 65%, 40% to 60%, 40% to 55%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 100%, 45% to 95%, 45% to 90%, 45% to 85%, 45% to 80%, 45% to 75%, 45% to 70%, 45% to 65%, 45% to 60%, 45% to 55%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 50% to

85%, 50% to 80%, 50% to 75%, 50% to 70%, 50% to 65%, 50% to 60%, 50% to 55%, 55% to

100%, 55% to 95%, 55% to 90%, 55% to 85%, 55% to 80%, 55% to 75%, 55% to 70%, 55% to 65%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 100%, 60% to 95%, 60% to 90%, 60% to 85%, 60% to 80%, 60% to 75%, 60% to 70%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 100%, 65% to 95%, 65% to 90%, 65% to 85%, 65% to

80%, 65% to 75%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 100%, 70% to 95%, 70% to 90%, 70% to 85%, 70% to

80%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 75% to 95%, 75% to 90%, 75% to 85%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 100%, 80% to 95%, 80% to 90%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 100%, 85% to 95%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 100%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100%.

[0526] In one aspect, the biofilm compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of about 0.1, about 0.15, about 0.2, about 0.25, about 0.30, about 0.35, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.55, about 0.60, about 0.65, about 0.70, about 0.75, about 0.8, about 0.85, about 0.90, or about 0.95.

[0527] In one aspect, the biofiim compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of less than about 0.1, less than about 0.15, less than about 0.2, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.30, less than about 0.35, less than about 0.4, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.55, less than about 0.60, less than about 0.65, less than about 0.70, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.8, less than about 0.85, less than about 0.90, or less than about 0.95.

[0528] In one aspect, the biofiim compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of less than 0. 1, less than 0.15, less than 0.2, less than 0.25, less than 0.30, less than 0.35, less than 0.4, less than 0.5, less than 0.55, less than 0.60, less than 0.65, less than 0.70, less than 0.75, less than 0.8, less than 0.85, less than 0.90, or less than 0.95.

[0529] In one aspect, the biofiim compositions of the present disclosure have a water activity of 0.1 to 0.95, 0. 1 to 0.90, 0.1 to 0.85, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.75, 0.1 to 0.70, 0.1 to 0.65, 0.1 to 0.55, 0.1 to 0.50, 0.1 to 0.45, 0.1 to 0.40, 0.1 to 0.35, 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 0.25, 0.1 to 0.2, 0. 1 to 0.15, 0.15 to 0.95, 0.15 to 0.90, 0.15 to 0.85, 0.15 to 0.8, 0.15 to 0.75, 0.15 to 0.70, 0.15 to 0.65, 0.15 to 0.55, 0.15 to 0.50, 0 15 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, 0.15 to 0 3, 0.15 to 0.25, 0.15 to 0.2, 0.2 to 0.95, 0.2 to 0.90, 0.2 to 0.85, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.2 to 0.75, 0.2 to 0.70, 0.2 to 0.65, 0 2 to 0 55, 0.2 to 0.50, 0.2 to 0.45, 0.2 to 0.40, 0.2 to 0.35, 0.2 to 0.3, 0.2 to 0.25, 0.25 to 0.95, 0.25 to 0.90, 0.25 to 0.85, 0.25 to 0.8, 0.25 to 0.75, 0.25 to 0.70, 0.25 to 0.65, 0.25 to 0.55, 0.25 to 0.50, 0.25 to 0.45, 0.25 to 0.40, 0.25 to 0.35, 0.25 to 0.3, 0.3 to 0.95, 0.3 to 0.90, 0.3 to 0.85, 0.3 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.75, 0.3 to 0.70, 0.3 to 0.65, 0.3 to 0.55, 0.3 to 0.50, 0.3 to 0.45, 0.3 to 0.40, 0.3 to 0.35, 0.35 to 0.95, 0.35 to 0.90, 0.35 to 0.85, 0.35 to 0.8, 0.35 to 0.75, 0.35 to 0.70, 0.35 to 0.65, 0.35 to 0 55, 0.35 to 0.50, 0.35 to 0 45, 0.35 to 0.40, 0.4 to 0.95, 0.4 to 0.90, 0.4 to 0.85, 0.4 to 0.8, 0 4 to 0.75, 0.4 to 0.70, 0.4 to 0.65, 0.4 to 0.55, 0 4 to 0.50, 0.4 to 0.45, 0.45 to 0.95, 0.45 to 0.90, 0.45 to 0.85, 0.45 to 0.8, 0.45 to 0.75, 0 45 to 0.70, 0.45 to 0.65, 0.45 to 0.55, 0.45 to 0 50, 0.5 to 0.95, 0.5 to 0.90, 0.5 to 0.85, 0.5 to 0.8, 0.5 to 0.75, 0.5 to 0.70, 0.5 to 0.65, 0.5 to 0 55, 0.55 to 0 95, 0.55 to 0.90, 0.55 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.8, 0.55 to 0.75, 0.55 to 0.70, 0.55 to 0.65, 0.6 to 0.95, 0.6 to 0.90, 0.6 to 0.85, 0.6 to 0.8, 0.6 to 0.75, 0.6 to 0.70, 0.65 to 0.95, 0.65 to 0.90, 0.65 to 0.85, 0.65 to 0.8, 0.65 to 0.75, 0.7 to 0.95, 0.7 to 0.90, 0.7 to 0.85, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.75 to 0.95, 0.75 to 0.90, 0.75 to 0.85, 0.8 to 0.95, 0.8 to 0.90, 0.8 to 0.85, 0.85 to 0.95, 0.85 to 0.90, or 0.9 to 0.95.

(i) Seed Coatings

[0530] In some aspects, the biofilm composition is applied to plant seed. In some aspects, the biofilm composition is applied to seeds of corn, soybean, canola, sorghum, potato, rice, vegetables, cereals, pseudocereals, and oilseeds. Examples of cereals may include barley, fomo, oats, palmer’s grass, rye, pearl millet, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, and wheat. Examples of pseudocereals may include breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, hanza, qumoa, and sesame. In some examples, seeds can be genetically modified organisms (GMO), non-GMO, organic, or conventional.

[0531] In some aspects, the biofilm composition is applied to plant seed by coating the seed with a liquid, slurry, or pow ^r der comprising the biofilm composition. In some aspects, the seed coating is a dry seed coating. In some aspects, the seed coating is a wet seed coating. In some aspects, the seed coating is applied w ^r et and is allowed to dry on the seed.

Administering the Biofilm Composition

[0532] The biofilm composition described herein can be applied in furrow, in talc, or as a seed treatment. The biofilm composition can be applied to a seed package in bulk, mini bulk, in a bag, or in talc. [0533] The planter can plant the treated seed and grows the crop according to conventional ways, twin row, or w¾ys that do not require tilling. The seeds can he distributed using a control hopper or an individual hopper. Seeds can also be distributed using pressurized air or manually. Seed placement can he performed using variable rate technologies. Additionally, application of the bacteria or bacterial population described herein may be applied using variable rate technologies. In some examples, the bacteria can be applied to plant seeds of the present disclosure.

[0534] Additives such as micro-fertilizer, PGR, herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide can be used additionally to treat the crops. Examples of additives include crop protectants such as insecticides, nemadcides, fungicide, enhancement agents such as colorants, polymers, pelleting, priming, and disinfectants, and other agents such as inoeulant, PGR, softener, and micronutrients. PGRs can be natural or synthetic plant hormones that affect root growth, flowering, or stem elongation. PGRs can include auxins, gibberellins, cytokmins, ethylene, and abscisie acid (ABA).

[0535] The composition can be applied in furrow' in combination with liquid fertilizer. In some examples, the liquid fertilizer may be held in tanks. NPK fertilizers contain macronutrients of sodium, phosphorous, and potassium.

Bioffim Conferred Viability

[0536] In some aspects,“viability,”“microbial viability,” or“cellular viability” refers to the percentage of cells that are capable of growth on solid or liquid growth medium. In some aspects, viability refers to 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%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%,

50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%,

67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 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 100% of the total number of cells that remain viable in a sample, as compared to a corresponding reference/controi composition.

[0537] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased cellular viability' for a longer period of time as compared to a control microbial composition lacking the biofilm.

[0538] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased cellular viability as compared to a control microbial composition lacking the hiofi!m. In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increase in viability of at least 5%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 700%, 800%, or 900% as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time

[0539] In some aspects, the period of time is 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,

42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95,

100, 105, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 days post manufacture of the biofilm-comprising microbial composition or the corresponding reference/control composition.

[0540] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% m a refrigerator (35-40°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,

51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0541] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% in a refrigerator (35-40°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,

51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0542] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at room temperature (68-72°F) for a period of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 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, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,

50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0543] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at room temperature (68-72°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time

[0544] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at 70-100°F for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time

[0545] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at 70-100°F for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0546] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at a temperature below -20°F) for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,

50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0547] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits a viability of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or 95% at a temperature below -20°F for a period of 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, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,

51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition over the same period of time.

[0548] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased in- jug stability, an increased on seed stability', an increased in furrow stability, and/or an increased in talc stability as compared to a control microbial composition lacking the biofilm. In some aspects, an increase in stability is measured in terms of viability. [0549] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increase in stability, for e.g., in-jug stability, on seed stability', m furrow stability, or in talc stability' (for e.g , as reflected by increased cellular viability) at higher temperatures such as, 30°C, 37°C, 45°C, or 60°C, compared to a control microbial composition lacking the biofilm

[0550] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increase in stability' such as an increase in-jug stability', on seed stability', in furrow stability, or in talc stability (for e.g., as reflected by increased cellular viability) by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% at higher temperatures such as, 30°C, 37°C, 45°C, or 60°C, for a period of at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,

1 1 , 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, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 weeks, compared to a corresponding reference/control composition lacking the biofilm stored under the same conditions.

[0551] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increase in stability, for e.g., an increase in in-jug stability, on seed stability, in furrow' stability, or in tale stability (for e.g., as reflected by increased cellular viability) by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% at higher temperatures such as, 30°C, 37°C, 45°C, or 60°C, for a period of 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,

37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 days, compared to a corresponding reference/control composition lacking the biofilm stored under the same conditions.

[0552] In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased viability when subjected to desiccating conditions, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition. In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased viability when subjected to freeze drying, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition. In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased viability' when subjected to spray drying, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition. In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased viability' when subjected to lyophilization, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition. In some aspects, the biofilm-comprising microbial composition exhibits an increased viability when subjected to spray congealing, as compared to a corresponding reference/control composition.

EXAMPLES

[0553] The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments of the disclosure and are not meant to limit the present disclosure in any fashion. Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed within the spirit of the disclosure, as defined by the scope of the claims, will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

Example 1; Guided Microbial Remodeling - A Platform for the Rational Improvement of Microbial Species for Agriculture

[0554] An example overview of an embodiment of the Guided Microbial Remodeling (GMR) platform can be summarized in the schematic of FIG, 1A.

[0555] FIG. 1A illustrates that the composition of the microbiome can first be characterized and a species of interest is identified (e.g. to find a microbe with the appropriate colonization characteristics).

[0556] The metabolism of the species of interest can be mapped and linked to genetics. For example, the nitrogen fixation pathway of the microbe can be characterized. The pathway that is being characterized can be examined under a range of environmental conditions. For example, the microbe’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of various levels of exogenous nitrogen in its environment can be examined. The metabolism of nitrogen can involve the entrance of ammonia (NHA) from the rhizosphere into the cytosol of the bacteria via the AmtB transporter. Ammonia and L-glutamate (L-Glu) are catalyzed by glutamine synthetase and ATP into glutamine. Glutamine can lead to the formation of bacterial biomass and it can also inhibit expression of the nif operon, i.e. it can be a competing force when one desires the microbe to fix atmospheric nitrogen and excrete ammonia. The nitrogen fixation pathway is characterized m great detail in earlier sections of the specification.

[0557] Afterwards, a targeted non-intergeneric genomic alteration can be introduced to the microbe’s genome, using methods including, but not limited to: conjugation and recombination, chemical mutagenesis, adaptive evolution, and gene editing. The targeted non-intergeneric genomic alteration can include an insertion, disruption, deletion, alteration, perturbation, modification, etc. of the genome.

[0558] Derivative remodeled microbes, winch comprise the desired phenotype resulting from the remodeled underlying genotype, are then used to inoculate crops. [0559] The present disclosure provides, in certain embodiments, non-intergeneric remodeled microbes that are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and supply such nitrogen to a plant. In aspects, these non-intergeneric remodeled microbes are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, even in the presence of exogenous nitrogen.

[0560] FIG. IB depicts an expanded view of the measurement of the microbiome step. In some embodiments, the present disclosure finds microbial species that have desired colonization characteristics, and then utilizes those species in the subsequent remodeling process.

[0561] The aforementioned Guided Microbial Remodeling (GMR) platform will now be described with more specificity.

[0562] In aspects, the GMR platform comprises the following steps:

A. Isolation --- Obtain microbes from the soil, rhizosphere, surface, etc. of a crop plant of interest;

B. Characterization - Involves characterizing the isolated microbes for genotype/phenotypes of interest (e.g. genome sequence, colonization ability, nitrogen fixation activity, solubilization of P ability, excretion of a metabolite of interest, excretion of a plant promoting compound, etc.);

C. Domestication Development of a molecular protocol for non-intergeneric genetic modification of the microbe;

D. Non-Intergeneric Engineering Campaign and Optimization - Generation of derivative non-intergeneric microbial strains with genetic modifications in key pathways (e.g. colonization associated genes, nitrogen fixation/assimilation genes, P solubilization genes);

E. Analytics - Evaluation of derived non-intergenerie strains for phenotypes of interest both in vitro (e.g. ARA assays) and in planta (e.g. colonization assays);

F. Iterate Engineering Campaign, -Analytics - Iteration of steps D and E for further improvement of microbial strain.

[0563] Each of the GMR platform process steps will now be elaborated upon below.

A. Isolation of Microbes

[0564] 1. Obtain a soil sample

[0565] Microbes will be isolated from soil and/or roots of a plant. In one example, plants will be grown in a laboratory- or a greenhouse in small pots. Soil samples will be obtained from various agricultural areas. For example, soils with diverse texture characteristics can be collected, including loam (e.g. peat)' clay loam, sandy loam), clay soil (e.g. heavy clay, silty clay), sandy soil, silty soil, peaty soil, chalky soil, and the like.

[0566] 2. Grow bait plants

[0567] Seeds of a bait plant (a plant of interest) (e.g. corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, millet soybean, vegetables, fruits, etc.) will be planted into each soil type. In one example, different varieties of a bait plant will be planted in various soil types. For example, if the plant of interest is corn, seeds of different varieties of corn such as field corn, sweet corn, heritage corn, etc. will be planted in various soil types described above.

[0568] 3. Harvest soil and/or root samples and plate on appropriate medium

[0569] Plants will be harvested by uprooting them after a few weeks (e.g. 2-4 weeks) of growth. Alternative to gro wing plants in a laboratory/greenhouse, soil and/or roots of the plant of interest can be collected directly from the fields with different soil types.

[0570] To isolate rhizosphere microbes and epiphytes, plants will be removed gently by saturating the soil with distilled water or gently loosening the soil by hand to avoid damage to the roots. If larger soil particles are present, these particles will be removed by submerging the roots in a still pool of distilled water and/or by gently shaking the roots. The root will be cut and a slurry of the soil sticking to the root will be prepared by placing the root in a plate or tube with small amount of distilled water and gently shaking the plate/tube on a shaker or centrifuging the tube at low speed. This slurry will be processed as described below.

[0571] To isolate endophytes, excess soil on root surfaces will be removed with deionized water. Following soil removal, plants will be surface sterilized and rinsed vigorously in sterile water. A cleaned, 1 cm section of root will be excised from the plant and placed in a phosphate buffered saline solution containing 3 mm steel beads. A slurry will be generated by vigorous shaking of the solution with a Qiagen TissueLyser IF

[0572] The soil and/or root slurry' can be processed in various ways depending on the desired plant-beneficial trait of microbes to be isolated. For example, the soil and root slurry can be diluted and inoculated onto various types of screening media to isolate rhizospheric, endophytic, epiphytic, and other plant-associated microbes. For example, if the desired plant-beneficial trait is nitrogen fixation, then the soil/root slurry will be plated on a nitrogen free media (e.g. Nfb agar media) to isolate nitrogen fixing microbes. Similarly, to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), media containing calcium phosphate as the sole source of phosphorus can be used. PSB can solubilize calcium phosphate and assimilate and release phosphorus in higher amounts. This reaction is manifested as a halo or a clear zone on the plate and can be used as an initial step for isolating PSB.

[0573] 4, Pick colonies, purify cultures, and screen for the presence of genes of interest [0574] Populations of microbes obtained in step A3 are streaked to obtain single colonies (pure cultures). A part of the pure culture is resuspended in a suitable medium (e.g. a mixture of R2A and glycerol) and subjected to PCR analysis to screen for the presence of one or more genes of interest. For example, to identify nitrogen fixing bacteria (diazotrophs), purified cultures of isolated microbes can be subjected to a PCR analysis to detect the presence of nif genes that encode enzymes involved in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into a form of nitrogen available to living organisms.

[0575] 5. Bank a purified culture

[0576] Purified cultures of isolated strains will be stored, for example at -80°C, for future reference and analysis.

B. Characterization of Isolated Microbes

[0577] 1. Phylogenetic Characterization and Whole Genome sequencing

[0578] Isolated microbes will be analyzed for phylogenetic characterization (assignment of genus and species) and the whole genome of the microbes will be sequenced.

[0579] For phylogenetic characterization, 16S rDNA of the isolated microbe will be sequenced using degenerate 16S rDNA primers to generate phylogenetic identity. The 16S rDNA sequence reads will be mapped to a database to initially assign the genus, species and strain name for isolated microbes. Whole genome sequencing is used as the final step to assign phylogenetic genus/species to the microbes.

[0580] The whole genome of the isolated microbes will be sequenced to identify key pathways. For the whole genome sequencing, the genomic DNA will be isolated using a genomic DNA isolation kit (e.g. QIAmp DNA mini kit from QIAGEN) and a total DNA library will be prepared using the methods known in the art. The whole genome will be sequenced using high throughput sequencing (also called Next Generation Sequencing) methods known in the art. For example, Illumina, Inc., Roche, and Pacific Biosciences provide whole genome sequencing tools that can be used to prepare total DNA libraries and perform whole genome sequencing. [0581] The whole genome sequence for each isolated strain will be assembled; genes of interest will be identified; annotated; and noted as potential targets for remodeling. The whole genome sequences will be stored in a database.

[0582] 2. Assay the microbe for colonization of a host plant in a greenhonse

[0583] Isolated microbes will be characterized for the colonization of host plants in a greenhouse. For this, seeds of the desired host plant (e.g., corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, soybean) will be inoculated with cultures of isolated microbes individually or in combination and planted into soil. Alternatively, cultures of isolated microbes, individually or in combination, can be applied to the roots of the host plant by inoculating the soil directly over the roots. The colonization potential of the microbes will be assayed, for example, using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method described in a greater detail below.

[0584] 3. Assay the microbe for colonization of the host plant in small-scale field trials and isolate RNA from colonized root samples (CAT Trials)

[0585] Isolated microbes will be assessed for colonization of the desired host plant in small-scale field trials. Additionally, RNA will be isolated from colonized root samples to obtain transcriptome data for the strain in a field environment. These small-scale field trials are referred to herein as CAT (Colonization and Transcript) trials, as these trials provide Colonization and Transcript data for the strain m a field environment.

[0586] For these trials, seeds of the host plant (e.g., com, wheat, rice, sorghum, soybean) will be inoculated using cultures of isolated microbes individually or in combination and planted into soil Alternatively, cultures of isolated microbes, individually or in combination, can be applied to the roots of the host plant by inoculating the soil directly over the roots. The CAT trials can be conducted in a variety of soils and/or under various temperature and/or moisture conditions to assess the colonization potential and obtain transcriptome profile of the microbe in various soil types and environmental conditions.

[0587] Colonization of roots of the host plant by the inoculated microbe(s) will be assessed, for example, using a qPCR method as described below.

[0588] In one protocol, the colonization potential of isolated microbes was assessed as follows. One day after planting of corn seeds, lml of microbial overnight culture (SOB media) was drenched right at the spot of where the seed was located. 1 mL of this overnight culture was roughly equivalent to about 10 ^L 9 cfu, varying within 3-fold of each other, depending on which strain is being used. Each seedling was fertilized 3x weekly with 50mL modified Hoagland’s solution supplemented with either 2.5mM or 0 25mM ammonium nitrate. At four weeks after planting, root samples were collected for DNA extraction. Soil debris were washed away using pressurized water spray. These tissue samples were then homogenized using QIAGEN Tissuelyzer and the DNA was then extracted using QIAmp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN) according to the recommended protocol. qPCR assay was performed using Stratagene Mx3005P RT-PCR on these DNA extracts using primers that were designed (using NCBFs Primer BLAST) to be specific to a loci in each of the microbe’s genome.

[0589] The presence of the genome copies of the microbe was quantified, which reflected the colonization potential of the microbe. Identity of the microbial species was confirmed by sequencing the PCR amplification products.

[0590] Additionally, RNA will be isolated from colonized root and/or soil samples and sequenced.

[0591] Unlike the DNA profile, an RNA profile varies depending on the environmental conditions. Therefore, sequencing of RNA isolated from colonized roots and/or soil will reflect the transcriptional activity of genes in planta in the rhizosphere.

[0592] RNA can be isolated from colonized root and/or soil samples at different time points to analyze the changes in the RNA profile of the colonized microbe at these time points.

[0593] For example, RNA can be isolated from colonized root and/or soil samples right after fertilization of the field and a few weeks after fertilization of the field and sequenced to generate corresponding transcriptional profile.

[0594] Similarly, RNA sequencing can be carried out under high phosphate and low phosphate conditions to understand which genes are transcriptionally active or repressed under these conditions.

[0595] Methods for transcriptomic/RN sequencing are known in the art. Briefly, total RNA will be isolated from the purified culture of the isolated microbe; cDNA will be prepared using reverse transcriptase; and the cDNA will be sequenced using high throughput sequencing tools described above.

[0596] Sequencing reads from the transcriptome analysis can be mapped to the genomic sequence and transcriptional promoters for the genes of interest can be identified

[0597] 4, Assay the plant-beneficial activity’ ^· of isolated microbes

[0598] The plant-beneficial activity _’ of isolated microbes will be assessed.

[0599] For example, nitrogen fixing microbes will be assayed for nitrogen fixation activity using an acetylene reduction assay (ARA) or phosphate solubilizing microbes will be assayed for phosphate solubilization. Any parameter of interest can be utilized and an appropriate assay developed for such. For instance, assays could include growth curves for colonization metrics and assays for production of phytohormones like indole acetic acid (IAA) or gibberellins. An assay for any plant-beneficial activity that is of interest can be developed.

[0600] This step will confirm the phenotype of interest and eliminate any false positives.

[06Q1] 5, Selection of potential candidates from isolated microbes

[0602] The data generated in the above steps will be used to select microbes for further development. For example, microbes showing a desired combination of colonization potential, plant-beneficial activity, and/or relevant DNA and RNA profile will be selected for domestication and remodeling.

C. Domestication of Selected Microbes

[0603] The selected microbes will be domesticated; wherein, the microbes will be converted to a form that is genetically tractable and identifiable.

[0604] 1. Test for antibiotic sensitivity

[0605] One way to domesticate the microbes is to engineer them with antibiotic resistance. For this, the wild type microbial strain will be tested for sensitivity to various antibiotics. If the strain is sensitive to the antibiotic, then the antibiotic can be a good candidate for use in genetic tools/vectors for remodeling the strain.

[0606] 2. Design and build a vector

[0607] Vectors that are conditional for their replication (e.g. a suicide plasmid) will be constructed to domesticate the selected microbes (host microbes). For example, a suicide plasmid containing an appropriate antibiotic resistance marker, a counter selectable marker, an origin of replication for maintenance in a donor microbe (e.g. E. coli), a gene encoding a fluorescent protein (GFP, RFP, YFP, CFP, and the like) to screen for insertion through fluorescence, an origin of transfer for conjugation into the host microbe, and a polynucleotide sequence comprising homology arms to the host genome with a desired genetic variation will be constructed. The vector may comprise a Seel site and other additional elements.

[06Q8] Exemplary antibiotic resistance markers include ampicillin resistance marker, kanamycin resistance marker, tetracycline resistance marker, chloramphenicol resistance marker, erythromycin resistance marker, streptomycin resistance marker, spectinomycin resistance marker, etc. Exemplary counter selectable markers include sacB, rpsL, tetAR, pheS, thy A, lacY, gata-1, ccdB, etc

[0609] 3. Generation of donor microbes

[061Q] In one protocol, a suicide plasmid containing an appropriate antibiotic resistance marker, a counter selectable marker, the lrύ origin of replication for maintenance in E coli ST18 containing the pir replication initiator gene, a gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) to screen for insertion through fluorescence, an origin of transfer for conjugation into the host microbe, and a polynucleotide sequence comprising homology arms to the host genome with a desired genetic variation (e.g. a promoter from within the microbe’s own genome for insertion into a heterologous location) will be transformed into E. coli ST18 (an auxotroph for aminolevulinic acid, ALA) to generate donor microbes.

[0611] 4. Mix donor microbes with host microbes

[0612] Donor microbes will be mixed with host microbes (selected candidate microbes from step B5) to allow conjugative integration of the plasmid into the host genome. The mixture of donor and host microbes will be plated on a medium containing the antibiotic and not containing ALA. The suicide plasmid is able to replicate in donor microbes (E. coli ST18), but not in the host. Therefore, when the mixture containing donor and host microbes is plated on a medium containing the antibiotic and not containing ALA, only host cells that integrated the plasmid into its genome will be able to grow and form colonies on the medium. The donor microbes will not grow due to the absence of ALA.

[0613] 5. Confirm integration of the vector

[0614] A proper integration of the suicide plasmid containing the fluorescent protein marker, the antibiotic resistance marker, the counter selectable marker, etc. at the intended locus of the host microbe will be confirmed through fluorescence of colonies on the plate and using colony PCR.

[0615] 6. Streak confirm integration colony

[0616] A second round of homologous recombination in the host microbes will loop out (remove) the plasmid backbone leaving the desired genetic variation (e.g. a promoter from within the microbe’s own genome for insertion into a heterologous location) integrated into the host genome of a certain percentage of host microbes, while reverting a certain percentage back to wild type [0617] Colonies of host microbes that have looped out the plasmid backbone (and therefore, looped out the counter selectable marker) can he selected by growing them on an appropriate medium. [0618] For example, if sacB is used as a counter selectable marker, loss of this marker due to the loss of the plasmid backbone will be tested by growing the colonies on a medium containing sucrose (sacB confers sensitivity to sucrose). Colonies that grow on this medium would have lost the sacB marker and the plasmid backbone and would either contain the desired genetic variation or be reverted to wild type. Also, these colonies will not fluoresce on the plate due to the loss of the fluorescent protein marker.

[0619] In some isolates, the sacB or other eounterselectable markers do not confer full sensitivity to sucrose or other counterselection mechanisms, which necessitates screening large numbers of colonies to isolate a successful loop-out. In those cases, loop-out may be aided by use of a“helper plasmid” that replicates independently in the host cell and expresses a restriction endonuclease, e.g. Seel, which recognizes a site in the integrated suicide plasmid backbone. The strain with the integrated suicide plasmid is transformed with the helper plasmid containing an antibiotic resistance marker, an origin of replication compatible with the host strain, and a gene encoding a restriction endonuclease controlled by a constitutive or inducible promoter. The double-strand break induced in the integrated plasmid backbone by the restriction endonuclease promotes homologous recombination to loop-out the suicide plasmid. This increases the number of looped- out colonies on the counterselection plate and decreases the number of colonies that need to be screened to find a colony containing the desired mutation. The helper plasmid is then removed from the strain by culture and serial passaging in the absence of antibiotic selection for the plasmid. The passaged cultures are streaked for single colonies, colonies are picked and screened for sensitivity' to the antibiotic used for selection of the helper plasmid, as well as absence of the plasmid confirmed by colony PCR. Finally, the genome is sequenced and the absence of helper plasmid DNA is confirmed as described in D6.

[0620] 7. Confirm integration of the genetic variation t!irongh colony PCR

[0621] The colonies that grew better on the sucrose-containing medium (or other appropriate media depending on the counter selectable marked used) will be picked and the presence of the genetic variation at the intended locus will be confirmed by screening the colonies using colony

PCR.

[0622] Although this example describes one protocol for domesticating the microbe and introducing genetic variation into the microbe, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the genetic variation can be introduced into the selected microbes using a variety of other techniques known in the art such as: polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis, oligonucleotide- directed mutagenesis, saturation mutagenesis, fragment shuffling mutagenesis, homologous recombination, ZFN, TALENS, CRISPR systems (Cas9, Cpfl, etc.), chemical mutagenesis, and combinations thereof

[0623] 8, Iterate upon steps C2-C7

[0624] If any of the steps C2-C7 fail to provide the intended outcome, the steps will be repeated to design an alternative vector that may comprise different elements for facilitating incorporation of desired genetic variations and markers into the host microbe.

[0625] 9. Develop a standard operating procedure (SOP)

[0626] Once the steps C2-C7 can be reproduced consistently for a given strain, the steps will be used to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for that strain and vector. This SOP can be used to improve other plant-beneficial traits of the microbe.

D, Non-Intergeneric Engineering Campaign and Optimization

[0627] 1. Identify gene targets for optimization

[0628] Selected microbes will be engineered/remodeled to improve performance of the plant- beneficial activity. For this, gene targets for improving the plant-beneficial activity will be identified.

[0629] Gene targets can be identified in various wavs. For example, genes of interest can be identified while annotating the genes from the whole genome sequencing of isolated microbes. They can be identified through a literature search. For example, genes involved in nitrogen fixation are known in the literature. These known genes can be used as targets for introducing genetic variations. Gene targets can also be identified based on the RNA sequencing data obtained in the step B3 (small-scale field trials for colonization) or by performing RNA sequencing described in the step below.

[0630] 2. Select promoters for promoter swaps

[0631] A desired genetic variation for improving the plant-beneficial activity can comprise promoter swapping, in which the native promoter for a target gene is replaced with a stronger or weaker promoter (when compared to the native promoter) from within the microbe’s genome, or differently regulated promoter (e.g. a N-independent). If the expression of a target gene increases the plant-beneficial activity (e.g., nit ^' A, the expression of which enhances nitrogen fixation in microbes), the desired promoter for promoter swapping is a stronger promoter (compared to the native promoter of the target gene) that would further increase the expression level of the target gene compared to the native promoter. If the expression of a target gene decreases the plant- beneficial activity (e.g., niff that downregulates nitrogen fixation), the desired promoter for promoter swapping is a weak promoter (compared to the native promoter of the target gene) that would substantially decrease the expression level of the target gene compared to the native promoter. Promoters can be inserted into genes to“knock-out” a gene’s expression, while at the same time upregulatmg the expression of a downstream gene.

[0632] Promoters for promoter swapping can be selected based on the RNA sequencing data. For example, the RNA sequencing data can be used to identify strong and weak promoters, or consdtutively active vs. inducible promoters.

[0633] For example, to identify strong and weak promoters, or constitutively active vs. inducible promoters, in the nitrogen fixation pathway, selected microbes will be cultured in vitro under nitrogen-depleted and nitrogen-replete conditions; RNA of the microbe will be isolated from these cultures; and sequenced.

[0634] In one protocol, the RNA profile of the microbe under nitrogen-depleted and nitrogen- replete conditions will be compared and active promoters with a desired transcription level will be identified. These promoters can be selected to swap a weak promoter.

[0635] Promoters can also be selected using the RN A sequencing data obtained in the step B3 that reflects the RN A profile of the microbe in planta in the host plant rhizosphere.

[0636] RNA sequencing under various conditions allows for selection of promoters that: a) are active in the rhizosphere during the host plant growth cycle in fertilized field conditions, and b) are also active in relevant in vitro conditions so they can be rapidly screened.

[0637] In an exemplary protocol, in planta RN A sequencing data from colonization assays (e.g. step B3) is used to measure the expression levels of genes in isolated microbes. In one embodiment, the level of gene expression is calculated as reads per ki!obase per million mapped reads (RPKM). The expression level of various genes is compared to the expression level of a target gene and at least the top 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 promoters, associated with the various genes, that show the highest or lowest level of expression compared to the target gene are selected as possible candidates for promoter swapping. Thus, one looks at expression levels of various genes relative to a target gene and then selects genes that demonstrate increased expression relative to a target (or standard) gene and then find the promoters associated with said genes. [0638] For example, if the target gene is upregulation ot nifA, the first 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 promoters for genes that show the highest level of expression compared to nifA are selected as possible candidates for promoter swapping

[0639] These candidates can be further short-listed based on in vitro RNA sequencing data. For example, for nifA as the target gene, possible promoter candidates selected based on the in planta RNA sequencing data are further selected by choosing promoters with similar or increased gene expression levels compared to nifA under in vitro nitrogen-deplete vs. nitrogen-replete conditions.

[0640] The set of promoters selected in this step are used to swap the native promoter of the target gene (e.g. nifA). Remodeled strains with swapped promoters are tested in in vitro assays; strains with lower than expected activity are eliminated; and strains with expected or higher than expected activity are tested in field. The cycle of promoter selection may be repeated on remodeled strains to further improve their plant-beneficial activity.

[0641] Described here is an exemplar promoter swap experiment that was carried out based on in planta and in vitro RNA sequencing data from Klebsiella variicola strain, CI137 to improve the nitrogen fixation trait. 0137 was analyzed in ARA assays at OmM and 5mM glutamine concentration and RNA was extracted from these ARA samples. The RNA was sequenced via NextSeq and a subset of reads from one sample was mapped to the 0137 genome (in vitro RN A sequencing data). RNA w¾s extracted from the roots of corn plants at V5 stage in the colonization and activity assay (e.g. step B3) for CF137. Samples from 6 plants were pooled; the RN A from the pooled sample was sequenced using NextSeq, and reads -were mapped to the 0137 genome (in planta RN A sequencing data). Out of 2x10 ⁸ total reads, 7xl0 ⁴ reads mapped to 0137. In planta RNA sequencing data was used to rank genes in order of in planta expression levels and the expression levels were compared to the native nifA expression level. The first 40 promoters that showed the highest expression level (based on gene expression) compared to the native nifA expression level were selected. These 40 promoters were further short-listed based on the in vitro RNA sequencing data, where promoters with increased or similar in vitro expression levels compared to nifA were selected. The final list of promoters included 17 promoters and 2 versions of most promoters were used to generate promoter swap mutants; thus a total of 30 promoters were tested. Generation of a suite of CI137 mutants where nifL was deleted partially or completely and the 30 promoters inserted (Am/IvPrm) was attempted. 28 out of 30 mutants were generated successfully. The A«//7,: :Prm mutants were analyzed in ARA assays at OmM and 5mM glutamine concentration and RNA was extracted from these ARA samples. Several mutants showed lower than expected or decreased ARA activity compared to the WT CI137 strain. A few mutants showed higher than expected ARA activity.

[0642] A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from the above example that while in planta and/or in vitro RNA sequencing data can be used to select promoters for promoter swapping, the step of promoter selection is highly unpredictable and involves many challenges.

[0643] For example, in planta RNA sequencing mainly reveals the genes that are highly- expressed; however, it is difficult to detect fine differences m gene expression and/or genes with low expression levels. For instance, in some in planta RNA sequencing experiments, only about 40 out of about 5000 genes from a microbial genome were detected. Thus, in planta RNA sequencing technique is useful to identify abundantly expressed genes and their corresponding promoters; however, the technique has difficulty in identifying low expression genes and corresponding promoters and small differences between gene expression.

[0644] Furthermore, in planta RNA profile reflects the status of the genes at the time the microbes were isolated; however, a slight change in the field conditions can substantially change the RNA profile of rhizosphere/epiphytic/endophytic microbes. Therefore, it is difficult to predict in advance whether the promoters selected based on one field trial RNA sequencing data would provide desirable expression levels of the target gene when remodeled strains are tested in vitro and in field.

[0645] Additionally, in planta evaluation is time and resource-consuming; therefore, in planta experiments cannot be conducted often and/or repeated quickly or easily. On the other hand, while in vitro RN A sequencing can be conducted relatively quickly and easily, the in vitro conditions do not mimic the field conditions and promoters that may show ^r high activity in vitro may not show comparable activity in planta.

[0646] Moreover, promoters often don’t behave as predicted in a new context. Therefore, in planta and in vitro RNA sequencing data can at best serve as a starting point in the step of promoter selection; however, arriving at any particular promoter that would provide desirable expression levels of the target gene in the field is, m some instances, unpredictable.

[0647] Another limitation in the step of promoter selection is the number of available promoters. Because one of the goals of the present invention is to provide non-transgemc microbes; promoters for promoter swapping need to be selected from within the microbe’s genome, or genus. Thus, unlike a transgenic approach, the present process can not merely go out into the literature and find/use a well characterized transgenic promoter from a different host organism. [0648] Another constraint is that the promoter must be active in planta during a desired growth phase. For example, the highest requirement for nitrogen in plants is generally late in the growing season, e.g late vegetative and early reproductive phases. For example, in corn, nitrogen uptake is the highest during V6 (6 leaves) through R1 (reproductive stage 1) stages. Therefore, to increase the availability of nitrogen during V6 through R1 stages of corn, remodeled microbes must show highest nitrogen fixation activity during these stages of the com lifecycle. Accordingly, promoters that are active in planta during the late vegetative and early reproductive stages of corn need to be selected. This constraint not only reduces the number of promoters that may be tested in promoter swapping, but also make the step of promoter selection unpredictable. As discussed above, unpredictability arises, in part, because although the RNA sequencing data from small scale field trials (e.g. step B3) may be used to identify promoters that are active in planta during a desired growth stage, the RNA data is based on the field conditions (e.g., type of soil, level of water in the soil, level of available nitrogen, etc.) at the time of sample collection. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the field conditions may change over the period of time within the same field and also change substantially across various fields. Thus, the promoters selected under one field condition may not behave as expected under other field conditions. Similarly, selected promoters may not behave as expected after sw¾pping. Therefore, it is difficult to anticipate in advance whether the selected promoters would be active in planta during a desired growth phase of a plant of interest.

[0649] 3. Design non-intergeneric genetic variations

[0650] Based on steps D1 (identification of gene targets) and D2 (identification of promoters for promoter sw¾ps), non-intergeneric genetic variations will be designed.

[0651] The term“non-intergeneric” indicates that the genetic variation to be introduced into the host does not contain a nucleic acid sequence from outside the host genus (i.e , no transgenic DNA). Although vectors and/or other genetic tools will be used to introduce the genetic variation into the host microbe, the methods of the present disclosure include steps to loop-out (remove) the backbone vector sequences or other genetic tools introduced into the host microbe leaving only the desired genetic variation into the host genome. Thus, the resulting microbe is non-transgenic.

[0652] Exemplary non- intergeneric genetic variations include a mutation in the gene of interest that may improve the function of the protein encoded by the gene; a constitutionally active promoter that can replace the endogenous promoter of the gene of interest to increase the expression of the gene; a mutation that will inactivate the gene of interest; the insertion of a promoter from within the host’s genome into a heterologous location, e.g. insertion of the promoter into a gene that results in inactivation of said gene and upregulation of a downstream gene; and the like. The mutations can be point mutations, insertions, and/or deletions (full or partial deletion of the gene). For example, in one protocol, to improve the nitrogen fixation activity of the host microbe, a desired genetic variation may comprise an inactivating mutation of the nifL gene (negative regulator of nitrogen fixation pathway) and/or comprise replacing the endogenous promoter of the nifH gene (nitrogenase iron protein that catalyzes a key reaction to fix atmospheric nitrogen) with a constitutionally active promoter that will drive the expression of the nifH gene consdtutively.

[0653] 4. Generate non-intergeneric derivative strains

[0654] After designing the non-intergeneric genetic variations, steps C2-C7 will be carried out to generate non- intergeneric derivative strains (i.e. remodeled microbes).

[0655] 5, Bank a pnrified culture of the remodeled microbe

[0656] A purified culture of the remodeled microbe will be preserved in a bank, so that gDNA can be extracted for whole genome sequencing described below.

[0657] 6. Confirm presence of the desired genetic variation

[0658] The genomic DNA of the remodeled microbe wall be extracted and the whole genome sequencing will be performed on the genomic DNA using methods described previously. The resulting reads wall be mapped to the reads previously stored in LXMS to confirm: a) presence of the desired genetic variation, and b) complete absence of reads mapping to vector sequences (e.g. plasmid backbone or helper plasmid sequence) that were used to generate the remodeled microbe.

[0659] This step allows sensitive detection of non-host genus DNA (transgenic DNA) that may remain in the strain after looping out of the vector backbone (e.g. suicide plasmid) method and could provide a control for accidental off-target insertion of the genetic variation, etc.

E. Analytics Upon Remodeled Microbes

[0660] 1. Analysis of the plant-beneficial activity

[0661] The plant-beneficial activity' and growth kinetics of the remodeled microbes will be assessed in vitro.

[0662] For example, strains remodeled for improving nitrogen fixation function will be assessed for nitrogen fixation activity and fitness through acetylene reduction assays, ammonium excretion assays, etc. [0663] Strains remodeled for improved phosphate solubilization will be assessed for the phosphate solubilization activity

[0664] This step allows rapid, medium to high throughput screening of remodeled strains for the phenotypes of interest.

[0665] 2. Analysis of colonization ami transcription of the altered genes

[0666] Remodeled strains will be assessed for colonization of the host plant either in the greenhouse or in the field using the steps described in B3. Additionally, RNA will be isolated from colonized root and/or soil samples and sequenced to analyze the transcriptional activity of target genes. Target genes comprise the genes containing the genetic variation introduced and may also comprise other genes that play a role in the plant-beneficial trait of the microbe.

[0667] For example, a cluster of genes, the nif genes, controls the nitrogen fixation activity of microbes. Using the protocol described above, a genetic variation may be introduced into one of the nif genes fe.g. a promoter insertion), whereas the other genes in the nif cluster are in their endogenous form (i.e their gene sequence and/or the promoter region is not altered). The RNA sequencing data will be analyzed for the transcriptional activity of the nif gene containing the genetic variation and may also be analyzed for other nif genes that are not altered directly, by the inserted genetic change, but nonetheless may be influenced by the introduced genetic change.

[0668] This step allows determination of the fitness of top in vitro performing strains in the rhizQsphere and allows measurement of the transcriptional activity of altered genes in planta.

F. Iterate Engineering Campaign/Analytics

[0669] The data from in vitro and in planta analytics (steps El and E2) will be used to iteratively stack beneficial mutations.

[0670] Furthermore, steps A-E described above may be repeated to fine tune the plant-beneficial traits of the microbes. For example, plants wall be inoculated using microbial strains remodeled in the first round; harvested after a few weeks of growth; and microbes from the soil and/or roots of the plants will be isolated. The functional activity' (plant-beneficial trait and colonization potential) and the DNA and RNA profile of isolated microbes will be characterized, in order to select microbes with improved plant-beneficial activity and colonization potential. The selected microbes will be remodeled to further improve the plant-beneficial activity. Remodeled microbes will be screened for the functional activity (plant-beneficial trait and colonization potential) and RNA profile in vitro and in planta and the top performing strains will be selected. If desired, steps A-E can be repeated to further improve the plant-beneficial activity of the remodeled microbes from the second round. The process can be repeated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more rounds.

[0671] The exemplary steps described above are summarized in Table A below.

Table A - An Overview of an Embodiment of tbe Guided Microbial Remodeling Platform

[0672] Traditional Approaches to Creating Biologicals for Agriculture Suffer From Drawbacks Inherent in their Methodology [0673] Unlike pure bioprospecting of wild-type (WT) microbes or transgenic approaches, GM allows for non-intergeneric genetic optimization of key regulatory networks within the microbe, which improves plant-beneficial phenotypes over WT microbes, but doesn’t have the risks associated with transgenic approaches (e.g. unpredictable gene function, public and regulatory concerns). See, FIG. 1C for a depiction of a problematic“traditional bioprospecting” approach, which has several drawbacks compared to the taught GMR platform

[0674] Other methods for developing mierobials for agriculture are focused on either extensive lab development, which often fails at the field scale, or extensive greenhouse or“field-first” testing without an understanding of the underlying mechanisms/plant-microbe interactions. See, FIG. ID for a depiction of a problematic“field-first approach to bioprospecting” system, which has several drawbacks compared to the taught GMR platform.

[0675] The GMR Platform Solves These Problems m Numerous Wavs

[0676] One strength of the GMR platform is the identification of active promoters, which are active at key physiologically important times for a target crop, and which are also active under particular, agriculturally relevant, environmental conditions.

[0677] As has been explained, within the context of nitrogen fixation, the GMR platform is able to identify microbial promoter sequences, which are active under environmental conditions of elevated exogenous nitrogen, which thereby allows the remodeled microbe to fix atmospheric nitrogen and deliver it to a target crop plant, under modem agricultural row crop conditions, and at a time when a plant needs the fixed nitrogen the most. See, FIG. IE for a depiction of the time period in the com growth cycle, at which nitrogen is needed most by the plant. The taught GMR platform is able to create remodeled microbes that supply nitrogen to a corn plant at the time period in which the nitrogen is needed, and also deliver such nitrogen even in the presence of exogenous nitrogen in the soil environment.

[0678] These promoters can be identified by rhizosphere RNA sequencing and read mapping to the microbe’s genome sequence, and key pathways can be“reprogrammed” to be turned on or off during key stages of the plant growth cycle. Additionally, through whole genome sequencing of optimized microbes and mapping to previously-transformed sequences, the method has the ability to ensure that no transgenic sequences are accidentally released into the field through off-target insertion of plasmid DNA, low-level retention of plasmids not detected through PCR or antibiotic resistance, etc. [0679] The GMR platform combines these approaches by evaluating microbes iteratively in the lab and plant environment, leading to microbes that are robust in greenhouse and field conditions rather than just in lab conditions.

[068Q] Various aspects and embodiments of the taught GMR platform can be found in FIGs. 1F- II. The GMR platform culminates in the derivation/creation/production of remodeled microbes that possess a plant-beneficial property, e.g. nitrogen fixation.

[0681] The traditional bioprospecting methods are not able to produce microbes having the aforementioned properti e .

[0682] Properties of a Microbe Remodeled for Nitrogen Fixation

[0683] In the context of remodeling microbes for nitrogen fixation, there are several properties that the remodeled microbe may possess. For instance, FIG. 1J depicts 5 properties that can be possessed by remodeled microbes of the present disclosure.

[0684] The present inventors have utilized the GMR platform to produce remodeled non intergeneric bacteria f i.e. Kosakonia sacchari) capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and delivering said nitrogen to a corn plant, even under conditions in which exogenous nitrogen is present in the environment. See, FIG. 1K-M, which illustrate that the remodeling process successfully: (1) decoupled nifA expression from endogenous nitrogen regulation; and (2) improved the assimilation and excretion of fixed nitrogen.

[0685] These remodeled microbes ultimately result in corn yield improvement, when applied to corn crops. See, FIG. IN.

[0686] The GMR Platform Provides an Approach to Nitrogen Fixation and Delivery That Solves Pressing Environmental Concerns

[0687] As explained previously, the nitrogen fertilizer produced by the industrial Haber-Bosch process is not well utilized by the target crop. Rain, runoff, heat, volatilization, and the soil microbiome degrade the applied chemical fertilizer. This equates to not only wasted money, but also adds to increased pollution instead of harvested yield. To this end, the United Nations has calculated that nearly 80% of fertilizer is lost before a crop can utilize it. Consequently, modem agricultural fertilizer production and delivery is not only deleterious to the environment, but it is extremely inefficient. See, FIG. lO, illustrating the inefficiency of current nitrogen delivery systems, which result in underfertilized fields, over fertilized fields, and environmentally deleterious nitrogen runoff. [0688] The current GMR platform, and resulting remodeled microbes, provide a beter approach to nitrogen fixation and delivery to plants. As will be seen in the below Examples, the non- mtergeneric remodeled microbes of the disclosure are able to colonize the roots of a corn plant and spoon feed said corn plants with fixed atmospheric nitrogen, even in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. This system of nitrogen fixation and delivery— enabled by the taught GMR platform— will help transform modern agricultural to a more environmentally sustainable system.

Example 2: Polymer Conferred Microbial Stability - Conferring the protective capacity of polymers with desired microbe

[0689] Polyvinylpyrrolidone- vinyl acetate (PVP-VA), a polymer, was used as a protective agent during liquid storage or dry storage of the bacteria, Klebsiella variicola.

Liquid Storage of Microbes

[0690] A solution comprising 20% PVP-VA and an isolated culture of Klebsiella variicola was prepared, as well as various control solutions. The solutions comprising the bacteria were aliquoted into multiple vials, sealed, and, stored at ambient temperature. After 200 days and 250 days (Table B) and after 118 days and 200 days (Table C), the aliquoted samples were evaluated for colony forming units

[0691] At day 1 18, the control Klebsiella variicola culture which lacks the PVP-VA polymer exhibited a log loss of -10.10. On the same day, the PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibited a log loss of 2.7. At day 200, the control Klebsiella variicola culture which lacks the PVP-VA polymer exhibited a log loss of -TO.10. On the same day, the PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibited a log loss of 2.70. The PVP-VA- containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibited an increased stability at days 1 18 and 200 as compared to the control lacking the PVP-VA polymer. See Table C. At both days 200 and 250, the PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola cultures exhibited lower log losses than Trehalose and Tryptone treatments.

See Table B.

[0692] Table B: Viability loss of the stored broth (shelf stability) at 4°C.

[0693] Table C: Viability loss of the stored broth at ambient temperatures.

Solid Storage { on seed) of Microbes

[0694] A solution comprising 20% PVP-VA and an isolated culture of Klebsiella variicola was prepared, as well as various control solutions. The solutions comprising the bacteria were coated onto corn seed and allowed to dry and stored at ambient temperature (temperature in flux during storage period for ambient temperature experiments; but was at approximately 20-25 °C). The seed coats were evaluated for colony forming units at day 21 (4°C) and day 118 at (ambient temperature).

[0695] At day 21 (4°C), the control Klebsiella variicola seed coat which lacks the PVP-VA exhibited a log loss of 0.8. On the same day (4°C), the experimental PVP-VA-containmg Klebsiella variicola seed coat exhibited a log loss of 0.73. At day 118 (ambient temperature), the control Klebsiella variicola seed coat which lacks the PVP-VA exhibited a log loss of 3.3. On the same day, the experimental PVP-VA-containmg seed coat exhibited a log loss of 1.96. The data suggests that PVP-VA protects/extends the stability of bacteria stored in liquid as compared to the control lacking PVP-VA. See Table I) and Table E. [0696] Table I): Short term and long term storage on seed stability (loss of viability’ ^· ) at 4°C.

[0697] Table E: Short term and long term storage on seed stability (loss of viability) ambient temperatures.

[0698] The experimental compositions indicated in the left column in each of Tables B, C, D, and E were also evaluated at 5% amendment levels, but this amount was deemed insufficient for demonstrating a benefit.

Example 3: Polymer Conferred Microbial Stability - Conferring the protective capacity of polymers by mixing polymer with desired microbe

[0699] A sterilized PVP-VA composition is added to media (final 20% by volume) sufficient to sustain growth of an inoculated culture of Klebsiella variicola. A control experiment lacking PVP- VA is conducted in parallel. The Klebsiella variicola culture comprising the PVP-VA is grown to confluence. PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are aliquoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at (1) 4°C or (2) ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21 , and day 190

Liquid Storage of Microbes

[0700] The PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are aliquoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at 4°C or ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21 , and day 190.

[0701] The PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibits a greater stability at day 21 and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the PVP-VA at both 4°C and ambient temperature.

Solid Storage (on seed) of Microbes

[0702] The PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are coated onto com seed and allowed to dry and are stored at 4°C or ambient temperature. The seed coats are evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21, and day 190.

[0703] The PVP-VA-containing Klebsiella variicola- coated seed exhibits a greater stability at day 21 and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the PVP-VA at both 4°C and ambient temperature.

Example 4: Adoptive Biofilm Transfer -· Conferring the protective capacity of biofilms from one species to another by mixing biofilm with desired microbe

[0704] The present example demonstrates the utilization of a microbial biofilm to formulate a nitrogen fixing microbe. [0705] Some strains of nitrogen fixing bacteria do not create biofilms, and changing the fermentation conditions to force the strain to create a biofilm may have a negative impact on the robustness and titer of the strain.

[07Q6] A biofilm was used as a protective agent during liquid storage or dry storage of the bacteria, Klebsiella variicola. The bacterium Kosakonia sacchari is a biofilm former and also exhibits a degree of nitrogen fixation. K. sacchari was grown in a growth medium while shaking to produce a biofilm, which was isolated by filtration to collect the resulting microbial biofilm composition and subjected to one or more washes to remove effluent and loosely-attached K. sacchari cells. The biofilm was then subjected to a heat shock sufficient to kill any remaining K. sacchari. Liquid Storage of Microbes

[0707] The heat-shocked biofilm composition was then added to an isolated culture of Klebsiella variicola at a 1 : 1 ratio. The biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture were aliquoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21, and day 190.

[0708] At day 21, the control Klebsiella variicola culture winch lacks the K. sacchari biofilm exhibited a log loss of 1.09. On the same day, the biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibited a log loss of 1.08. The biofilm- containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibited an increased viability at day 21, as compared to the control lacking the biofilm.

Solid Storage (on seed) of Microbes

[0709] The heat-shocked biofilm composition w¾s then added to an isolated culture of Klebsiella variicola at 10% by volume. The biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture were coated onto com seed and allowed to diy and stored at a variable temperature (temperature in flux during storage period). The seed coats were evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 2, and day 21.

[0710] At day 2, the control Klebsiella variicola seed coat which lacks the K. sacchari biofilm exhibited a log loss of 2 2. On the same day, the experimental biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola seed coat exhibited a log loss of 1.4. At day 21 , the control Klebsiella variicola seed coat which lacks the K. sacchari biofilm exhibited a log loss of 3.3. On the same day, the experimental biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola seed coat exhibited a log loss of 2.7. At both days 2 and 21, the biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola seed coat exhibited an increased viability as compared to the control lacking the biofilm. Example 5: Adoptive Biofilm Transfer - Conferring the protective capacity of biofilms from one species to another b with desired microbe inoculant

[0711] A biofilm is used as a protective agent during liquid storage or dry storage of the bacteria, Klebsiella variicola. The bacterium Kosakonia sacchari is a biofilm former and also exhibits a degree of nitrogen fixation. K. sacchari is grown in a growth medium while shaking to produce a biofilm, which is then isolated by filtration to collect the resulting microbial biofilm composition and subjected to one or more washes to remove effluent and loosely-attached K. sacchari cells. The biofilm is then subjected to a heat shock sufficient to kill any remaining K. sacchari.

[0712] The heat-shocked biofilm composition is added to media (10% by volume) sufficient to sustain growth of an inoculated culture of Klebsiella variicola. The Klebsiella variicola culture comprising the biofilm composition is grown to confluence. The biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are aliquoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21, and day 190.

Liquid Storage of Microbes

[0713] The biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are aliquoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 21, and day 190.

[0714] The biofilm-containing Klebsiella variicola culture exhibits a greater viability at day ⁷ 21 and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the biofilm.

Solid Storage (on seed) of Microbes

[0715] The biofilm- containing Klebsiella variicola culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are coated onto com seed and allowed to dry ⁷ and are stored at a variable temperature (temperature in flux during storage period). The seed coats are evaluated for colony forming units at day 0, day 2, day 21, and day 190.

[0716] The biQfiim~eontaininglc/ea»<?// variicola. culture exhibits a greater viability ⁷ at day 2, day 21, and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the biofilm.

Example 6: Biofilm Protection - Conferring the protective capacity of biofilms from one species to another by co-inoculation of a biofilm producer aod ¾ non-producer [0717] A biofilm is used as a protective agent during liquid storage or dry storage of the bacteria, Klebsiella variicola. The bacterium Kosakonia sacchari is a biofilm former and also exhibits a degree of nitrogen fixation. K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola are co-inoculated into a growth medium capable of supporting the growth of both bacteria. The resulting culture is a one that comprises both K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola in contact with the biofilm produced by K. sacchari. The microbial composition is purified to remove spent media.

Liquid Storage of Microbes

[0718] The biofilm-containing K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola co-culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are ali quoted into multiple sealed vials, stored at ambient temperature, and evaluated for colony forming units oΐ Klebsiella variicola at day 0, day 21 , and day 190 [0719] The biofilm-containing K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola co-culture exhibits a greater viability for Klebsiella variicola at day 21 and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the biofilm.

Solid Storage ion seed) of Microbes

[0720] The biofilm-containing K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola co-culture and a control Klebsiella variicola culture are coated onto corn seed and allowed to dry and are stored at a variable temperature (temperature in flux during storage period). The seed coats are evaluated for colony forming units of Klebsiella variicola at day 0, day 2, day 21, and day 190.

[0721] The biofilm-containing K. sacchari and Klebsiella variicola co-culture exhibits a greater viability for Klebsiella variicola at day 2, day 21, and day 190 as compared to the corresponding controls lacking the biofilm.

Example 7: In- Jug Stability of compositions comprising one or more isolated bacteria and ¾ produced by one or more microbes

[0722] Biofilm was produced by growing K. sacchari under biofilm forming condition as described above. The biofiim was then subjected to a heat shock to remove all viable K sacchari cells. Biofilm was used at three different concentrations to formulate fermentation broth for two remodeled strains of Klebsiella variicola: 137-1036 and 137-1034.

[0723] Formulated samples were stored at 25°C and 37°C and viability was measured at T=0, T=1 week and T=2 weeks.

[0724] The remodeled strains responded to biofilm differently at 25°C and at a high temperature (37°C). At 37°C, both strains showed significant stability improvement at 1 week and 2 weeks when the biofilm was in the formulation compared to control formulation (FIGs. 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B).

[0725] At 25°C, 137-1036 showed improved stability at 2 weeks storage for the biofilm- containing formulation (FIG. 3A), whereas at 1 week, the stability was similar for the biofilm- containing formulation and the control formulation (FIG. 2A).

[0726] At 25°C, 137-1034 showed variations in stability (FIGs. 4A and 5A), whereas it showed consistently improved stability at 37°C (FIGs. 4B and 5B).

[0727] Taken together, the data demonstrates that the addition of biofilm reduced the loss in viability during 2 weeks storage of both strains at high temperature compared to control (non- formulated strains). Also, the improvement in viability was directly proportional to the concentration of the biofilm, i.e., at higher concentrations of biofilm, there was a less loss in viability (formulations were more stable at higher concentrations of biofilm).

Example 8: Polymer and Biofilm Combination Formulations for Improved Microbial Product Stability

[0728] Fermentation broth of two microbes, 137-1036 and 137-1034, were created. At the end of fermentation, the fermentation broth for each microbe was formulated with 3 levels of biofilm, with and without addition of 5% PVP-VA. The biofilms were derived as previously described utilizing Kosakonia sacchari.

[0729] Formulated samples (PVP-VA + biofilm) were stored at 25C and 37C and viability of the formulation material were measured for up to 1 month.

[0730] The results can be found in FIG. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

[0731] The results demonstrate that addition of 5% PVP-VA improved the in-can (in-jug) viability loss (lower log loss), as compared to a biofilm only composition.

Example 9: Impact of PVP-VA on Improving Seed Stability on Various Commercial Cora Seed

[0732] Four commercially available com seed varieties, pretreated with chemistry, were selected for the PVP-VA formulation study. The four corn germplasms and chemistry pretreatments can be found below in Table F. Each of these four commercial seed varieties with a chemistry pretreatment had a corresponding PVP-VA treatment versus non-treatment with PVP-VA. Thus, all seeds were treated with formulation with and without 20% PVP-VA. [0733] Stability of seeds were monitored over time at 4C, IOC, and 25C.

[0734] The results for 4C, IOC, and 25C can be found in FIG. 7A, 7B, and 7C, respectively. The PVP-VA had a positive impact across all commercial corn germp!asm at the 4C and IOC storage temperatures; however, the specific degree of impact on seed stability was variable and depended upon the underlying corn germplasm. However, for the 25C storage temperature, within 1 week all cells lost most of their viability and there was not a readily apparent PVP-VA treatment difference.

[0735] From the data, it can be surmised that the“more unfriendly” the seeds are to the microbial cells (i.e. negative impact on microbial cells), then the more positive impact PVP-VA has on stability.

[0736] Table F: Physical characteristics and seed treatment chemistries

[0737] Table 25 and Table 26 describe microbes, their underlying genetic architecture, and their corresponding SEQ ID NOs. These microbes have been derived utilizing the GMR platform described in Example 1. It is contemplated that these microbes may be contained in a polymer composition formulation as described herein.

Table 25: WT and Remodeled Non-intergeneric Microbes

Table 26: WT and Remodeled Non-intergeneric Microbes Table 27: Microbial Detection

Numbered Embodiments of the Disclosure I

[0738] Notwithstanding the appended claims, the disclosure sets forth the following numbered embodiments:

1. A microbial composition, comprising: one or more isolated bacteria; and a polymer composition comprising one or more polymers, wherein the one or more polymers are exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria; and optionally one or more biofilms exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria

2. The microbial composition of embodiment 1 , wherein the one or more biofilms exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria are present.

3. The microbial composition of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the one or more biofilms comprise biofilms from a species within a genus selected from the following genera: Pseudomonas , Kosakonia, Bacillus , Azospirillum, Candida, Saccharomyces, and Agrobacterium .

4. The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biofilms comprise biofilms from Kosakonia sacchari.

5. The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella and the one or more biofilms comprise biofilm from a microbe of the genus Kosakonia.

6. The microbial compostion of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiella variicola and the one or more biofilms comprise biofilm from Kosakonia sacchari.

7. The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiell variicola 137-1036 strain and the one or more biofilms comprise biofilm from Kosakonia sacchari.

8. The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biofilms comprises two biofilms produced by two different biofilm producing microbes.

9. The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from the following genera: Achromobacter, Agrobacterium, Anabaena, Azorhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Candida , Clostridium, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Kosakonia, Mesorhizobium, Microbacterium , Pseudomonas, Rahnella, Rhizobium, Saccharomyces, Sinorhizobium, and combinations thereof.

The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from: Achromobacter marplatensis, Achromobacter spiritinus, Azospirillum lipoferum, Enterobacter sp ., Klebsiella variicola, Kluyvera intermedia, Kosakonia pseudosacchari, Kosakonia sacchari, Microbacterium murale , Rahnella aquatilis, and combinations thereof.

The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella.

The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is & Klebsiella variicola.

The microbial composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is & Klebsiella variicola 137-1036 strain.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers are selected from: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylpyrrolidone- vinyl acetate (PVP-VA), earboxymethy! cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methyleellulose, alginate, and combinations thereof.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers is polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (PVP-VA).

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers is an electrospun polymer.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers comprises a copolymer.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is capable of fixing nitrogen.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability' of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored for at least 30 days, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability' of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored in liquid culture. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is a solid.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is a liquid.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is semi-solid.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is a seed coat present on a plant seed or other plant propagation material The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is a seed coat present on a corn seed that has an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or nematicide present on said seed.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is an in furrow formulation.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospheric.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are wild type bacteria.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are transgenic bacteria.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, w'herein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria selected from Table 1, or progeny or derivatives thereof.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria comprising: at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises an introduced control sequence operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into a member selected from the group consisting of: nifA, nifl, ntrB, ntrC, polynucleotide encoding glutamine synthetase, glnA, glnB, glnK, drat, amtB, polynucleotide encoding glutaminase, glnD, glnE, nifJ, nifti, nifl), nifK, nifl, niJE, nijN, nifl/, nifl, nijV, nifW, nifZ, niJM, nifl ^' , nifl, nifQ, a gene associated with biosynthesis of a nitrogenase enzyme, or combinations thereof.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network that results in one or more of: increased expression or activity' of NifA or glutaminase; decreased expression or activity of Nifl, NtrB, glutamine synthetase, GlnB, GlnK, DraT, AmtB; decreased adenyiyl-removing activity _' of GinE; or decreased uridylyl-removing activity' of GlnD.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifl gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nifl gene.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenyiyl-removing (AR) domain. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said arntB gene.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one of: a mutated nijL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene; a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain; a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene; and combinations thereof.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifi , gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene and a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nijL gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nijL gene, a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl-removing (AR) domain, and a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes involved m a pathway selected from the group consisting of: exopolysaccharide production, endo-polygalaturonase production, trehalose production, and glutamine conversion.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes selected from the group consisting of: bcsii, bcsiii, yjbE,jhaB, pehA , otsB, treZ, gisA2, and combinations thereof.

The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria selected from: a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201701002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708004, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708003, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712001, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712002, and combinations thereof. 49. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence that shares at least about 90%, 95%, or 99% sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 177-260, 296-303, and 458-469.

50. The microbial composition any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs; 177-260, 296-303, and 458-469.

Numbered Embodiments of the Disclosure P

[0739] Notwithstanding the appended claims, the disclosure sets forth the following numbered embodiments;

1. A method for increasing the viability of a bacterial composition, the method comprising, combining: one or more isolated bacteria; and a polymer composition comprising one or more polymers, wherein the one or more polymers are exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria, and wherein the increase m viability is relative to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers; and optionally comprising, combining with the isolated bacteria and polymer composition, one or more biofilms exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria.

2. The method of embodiment 1 , wherein the one or more biofiims exogenous to the one or more isolated bacteria are combined with the isolated bacteria and polymer composition.

3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the one or more biofilms comprise biofilms from a species within a genus selected from the following genera: Pseudomonas, Kosakonia, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Candida, Saccharomyces, and Agrobacterium.

4. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biofiims comprise biofiims from Kosakonia sacchari.

5. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella and the one or more biofiims comprise biofilm from the genus Kosakonia.

6. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiella vaiiicola and the one or more biofiims comprise biofilm from Kosakonia sacchari. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is Klebsiella variicola 137-1036 strain and the one or more biofilms comprise biofilm from Kosakonia sacchari.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biofilms comprises two biofilms produced by two different biofilm producing microbes

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from the following genera: Achromobacter, Agrobacterium, Anabaena, Azorhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Candida, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Kosakonia, Mesorhizobium, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Rahnella, Rhizobium, Saccharomyces, Sinorhizohium, and combinations thereof.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are selected from: Achromobacter marplatensis, Achromobacter spiritinus, Azospirillum lipoferum, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella variicola, Kluyvera intermedia, Kosakonia pseudosacchari, Kosakonia sacchari, Microbacterium murale, Rahnella aquatilis, and combinations thereof.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is from the genus Klebsiella.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is a Klebsiella variicola.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is a Klebsiella variicola 137-1036 strain.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers are selected from: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (PVP- VA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropy! methylce!Mose, alginate, and combinations thereof.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers is polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (PVP-VA).

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers is an electrospun polymer.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more polymers comprises a copolymer. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria is capable of fixing nitrogen.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability' of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored for at least 30 days, as compared to a control composition comprising one or more isolated bacteria lacking the one or more polymers.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the viability of the one or more isolated bacteria exhibit an increase when stored in liquid culture.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is a solid. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is a liquid. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is semi- solid.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is a seed coat present on a plant seed or other plant propagation material.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is a seed coat present on a corn seed that has an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or neniaticide present on said seed.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the microbial composition is an in furrow formulation.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospheric.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are wild type bacteria.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are transgenic bacteria.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non~intergeneric remodeled bacteria. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria selected from Table 1, or progeny or derivatives thereof.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria are non-intergeneric remodeled bacteria comprising: at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises an introduced control sequence operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to at least one gene of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into a member selected from the group consisting of: nifA, nifL, ntrB, ntrC, polynucleotide encoding glutamine synthetase, glnA, glnB, glnK, drat, amtB, polynucleotide encoding glutaminase, glnD, glnE, nifJ, nifli, nijD, nijK, nifY, nijE, nifN, nifU ^' , nifS, nif ^' V, niflV, nifZ, niJM, ni F, nijB ^' , nifQ, a gene associated with biosynthesis of a nitrogenase enzyme, or combinations thereof. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into at least one gene, or non-coding polynucleotide, of the nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network that results in one or more of: increased expression or activity of NifA or glutaminase; decreased expression or activity of NifL, NtrB, glutamine synthetase, GlnB, GlnK, DraT, AmtB; decreased adenylyl-removing activity of GlnE ; or decreased uridylyl- removing activity of GlnD The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifl gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nifl gene.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenylyl -removing (AR) domain.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one of: a mutated nifl gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nifl, gene; a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenyiyl-removing f AR) domain; a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene; and combinations thereof.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifl, gene that comprises a heterologous promoter m said nifl gene and a mutated glnE gene that results m a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenyiyl-removing (AR) domain.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises a mutated nifl gene that comprises a heterologous promoter in said nifl gene, a mutated glnE gene that results in a truncated GlnE protein lacking an adenyiyl-removing (AR) domain, and a mutated amtB gene that results in the lack of expression of said amtB gene.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes involved in a pathway selected from the group consisting of: exopolysaccharide production, endo- polygaiaturonase production, trehalose production, and glutamine conversion.

The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the one or more isolated bacteria comprises at least one genetic variation introduced into genes selected from the group consisting of: bcsii, bcsiii, yjbE, ftiaB, pehA, otsB, treZ , glsA2, and combinations thereof. 48. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria selected from: a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201701002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708004, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708003, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201708002, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712001, a bacterium deposited as NCMA 201712002, and combinations thereof.

49. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence that shares at least about 90%, 95%, or 99% sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 177-260, 296-303, and 458-469.

50. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more isolated bacteria comprises bacteria comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 177-260, 296-303, and 458-469.

[0740] The disclosure contemplates any and all permutations and combinations of the aforementioned elements contained in the numbered embodiments.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0741] All references, articles, publications, patents, patent publications, and patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. However, mention of any reference, article, publication, patent, patent publication, and patent application cited herein is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that they constitute valid prior art or form part of the common general knowledge m any country in the world. Further, U.S. Patent No. 9,975,817, issued on May 22, 2018, and entitled: Methods and Compositions for Improving Plant Traits, is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, PCT/TJS2018/013671, filed January 12, 2018, published as WO 201 8/132774 A1 on July 19, 2018, and entitled; Methods and Compositions for Improving Plant Traits , is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, PCT/US 2019/059450, filed November 01, 2019, and entitled: Biofilm Compositions with Improved Stability for Nitrogen Fixing Microbial Products, is hereby incorporated by reference.