Novel temperature-optimized Bacilli

This invention develops novel Bacillus strains with optimized growth characteristics and improved plant growth promotion properties, advancing biological inputs for agriculture.

The Problem

Agriculture faces persistent challenges in maintaining soil health and crop productivity while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Microbial-based agricultural solutions offer promising alternatives for enhancing plant growth and soil biological activity, but current strains often have suboptimal growth rates or variable performance in field conditions. Temperature sensitivity limits the geographic range and seasonal applicability of existing microbial inoculants. Additionally, developing more effective biological inputs requires identifying and optimizing naturally-occurring microbial strains, a process traditionally requiring extensive screening and cultivation work.

What This Invention Does

This patent discloses novel strains of Bacillus paralicheniformis with improved growth rates and enhanced plant growth promoting properties compared to their parental strains. The invention includes optimized cultivation methods and demonstrates the agronomic benefits of these improved strains, particularly their temperature-optimized growth characteristics. By selecting and optimizing naturally-occurring Bacilli, the invention provides more effective biological inputs for sustainable agriculture.

Key Features

Temperature-Optimized Growth. The novel strains demonstrate improved growth rates across wider temperature ranges, enabling application in diverse climatic conditions and seasons.

Enhanced Plant Growth Promotion. The strains exhibit superior plant growth promoting properties compared to parental strains, translating to improved agronomic outcomes.

Naturally-Derived Strains. The Bacillus species are naturally-occurring, with no genetic modification, supporting organic and conventional agricultural production systems.

Improved Shelf Stability. The optimized strains demonstrate better survival and stability in stored inoculant formulations.

Sustainable Agriculture Support. The technology supports the agricultural industry’s shift toward biological inputs and reduced chemical dependency.

Who Is Behind It?

Chr. Hansen A/S, a Denmark-based company specializing in microbial solutions for agriculture and food production, developed this invention with six inventors including Patricia Dominguez Cuevas, Raquel Azevedo, and Karin Bjerre. The company’s expertise in industrial microbiology and strain development positions it as a leader in developing biological solutions for agriculture.

Why It Matters

As global agriculture seeks sustainable approaches to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact, biological soil inputs represent an increasingly important technology category. The classifications under C07K 14/32 (proteins) and A01N 63/22 (biological pesticides and microbial agents) reflect the biotechnology foundations of the invention. The global microbial inoculant market continues expanding as farmers, agricultural advisors, and regulators recognize the benefits of biological soil enhancement. Temperature optimization is particularly valuable because it extends the utility of biological products into more climates and seasons, significantly expanding the addressable market for these agricultural solutions.

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AU 2026201481 was published in the Australian Official Journal of Patents on 19 March 2026 and is open for public inspection. Patent applications represent inventions that are sought to be protected and do not necessarily reflect commercially available products.

Related Concepts

Microbial inoculants are agricultural amendments that use beneficial microbes to promote plant health, improve soil fertility, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers. The use of biofertilizers is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, which seeks to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact. Temperature optimisation is particularly valuable for extending the geographic and seasonal range of biological products in diverse farming systems.