Microbe-based products for enhancing plant root and immune health
Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and yields using a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention enhances plant health, growth and/or yields using a combination of a Trichoderma spp. fungus and a Bacillus spp. bacterium. Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
1. A method of enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and/or yield, wherein the method comprises applying
a first microorganism and/or a growth by-product thereof, and
a second microorganism and/or a growth by-product thereof,
to a plant and/or its surrounding environment, wherein the first microorganism is Trichoderma harzianum and the second microorganism is Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. locus (NRRL B-67928).
2. The method of claim 1 , comprising using an irrigation system to apply the first microorganism, second microorganism and/or growth by-products thereof to the plant and/or its surrounding environment.
3. The method of claim 1 , comprising applying the first microorganism, second microorganism and/or growth by-products thereof to the plant and/or its surrounding environment alongside a source of one or more nutrients selected from nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plant has compromised immune health due to an infection from a pathogenic agent or due to an environmental stressor.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the plant is a citrus plant affected by citrus greening disease and/or citrus canker disease.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plant is a crop plant.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the crop plant is selected from citrus, tomato, sod, potato, sugarcane, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, lettuce, almond, onion, carrot, berries and cotton.
8. The method of claim 1 , comprising using a handheld lawn and garden sprayer to apply the first microorganism, second microorganism and/or growth by-products thereof to the plant and/or its surrounding environment.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises said Trichoderma harzianum and said Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. locus.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said Trichoderma harzianum and said Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. locus are viable.