Paecilomyces lilacinus

Soil-Dwelling Fungus for Microbial Diversity, Root Zone Balance & Sustainable Agriculture

Paecilomyces lilacinus, also known as Purpureocillium lilacinum, is a free-living, chitin-degrading fungus for soil health commonly introduced as a Purpureocillium lilacinum soil inoculant to enhance microbial diversity and root zone function. A resilient soil probiotic for plants, P. lilacinus is compatible with organic and regenerative farming systems and is often used as a microbial inoculant in biologically active soils, including those where nematodes are commonly present, to support rhizosphere balance and early root development. It contributes to early-stage plant growth and is suitable for use in a variety of biologically managed cropping systems.

Enhances microbial community structure and diversity through saprophytic colonization of the rhizosphere
Promotes early root growth and nutrient uptake by improving soil biology and organic matter turnover
Degrades chitin-rich residues, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil conditioning
Persists across a range of soil types due to spore-forming durability and metabolic adaptability
Integrates easily into composts, organic amendments, and sustainable input programs for long-term soil health

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Used in Soils Where Nematodes Are Present to Support Root Zone Microbial Balance

P. lilacinum is commonly introduced into biologically active root zones, including soils where nematodes are present, to support microbial diversity and root zone development. By colonizing the rhizosphere and interacting with soil biology, it helps create conditions conducive to root system stability and early plant establishment.

Thrives in biologically dynamic soils with diverse microbial and invertebrate activity
Commonly colonizes root zones in biologically active soils with high levels of microbial and organic activity
Supports vigorous root development and nutrient uptake and functions as a microbial fertilizer supporting root growth and nutrient uptake

Contributes to Rhizosphere Balance and Soil Biology

As a free-living saprophytic fungus, P. lilacinum plays a role in shaping microbial community structure and organic matter turnover.

Interacts with chitin-rich materials commonly found in soils
Complements soil-building practices by contributing to fungal diversity
Competitively colonizes space around roots, supporting a more balanced rhizosphere

Enhances Soil Function and Plant Resilience

This plant growth-promoting fungus (PGPF) is known to persist in a variety of soils and is often used as part of broader biological input strategies for root zone microbial support.

Helps maintain soil microbial activity in conventional, organic, and regenerative systems
Encourages below-ground conditions that improve water and nutrient efficiency
Well-suited for integration into soil inoculant blends and compost-based programs

Integrates Easily into Sustainable Crop Management

Widely used in systems focused on reducing reliance on chemical inputs, P. lilacinum aligns with goals for more ecologically adaptive farming.

Frequently used in crop zones with soil structure challenges or microbial imbalances
Compatible with other beneficial microbes, compost teas, and biological amendments
Produced through fermentation and suitable for use in certified organic agriculture programs when formulated accordingly

Why Choose Our Paecilomyces lilacinus?

Spore-Forming Stability for Shelf Life and Soil Delivery – Our Paecilomyces lilacinus is produced as a shelf-stable, spore-forming fungal inoculant suitable for integration into custom biological inputs. Its durable powder formulation supports long-term storage, temperature tolerance, and flexibility across soil delivery systems.
Promotes Rhizosphere Balance in Biologically Active Soils – P. lilacinus is a naturally occurring filamentous fungus used to enhance soil microbial diversity and root zone function. It is commonly used in soils with microbial imbalances or organic residues and contributes to favorable conditions for early root development.
Versatile Biological Soil Amendment – P. lilacinus is among the best microbes for soil health in biologically active soils, especially when used in regenerative or organic systems. This strain is widely used as a microbial inoculant in compost-amended soils, fertigation systems, or blended with organic soil conditioners.
Used in Cropping Systems Where Nematodes Are Present – P. lilacinus is frequently introduced into biologically active soils, including areas where nematodes are present, to support microbial structure and plant root resilience. It is valued for its role in promoting rhizosphere conditions conducive to healthy crop establishment.
Ideal for Regenerative Input Programs – This fungal biofertilizer supports growers seeking to reduce synthetic input use and improve soil microbial function. It integrates easily into organic, regenerative, and low-input systems focused on long-term soil health.
Trusted Microbial Inputs from a U.S. Manufacturer – We produce Purpureocillium lilacinum through precise fermentation and drying techniques to deliver a high-quality fungal inoculant in powder format. Available for wholesale, private-label, and bulk programs, our P. lilacinus supports custom microbial product development with consistent quality and technical support.

Looking to buy agricultural microbes like Paecilomyces lilacinus for soil health and biological farming? Our P. lilacinus is a leading choice among growers seeking microbial inoculants that support rhizosphere balance, organic input compatibility, and sustainable root zone management. Explore our fungal strains for sale to enhance your regenerative and organic soil programs.

Whether you’re sourcing P. lilacinus for a commercial soil input or developing a private-label microbial product, Applied Biotech Industries is your U.S.-based partner for consistent, high-CFU fungal inoculants and custom microbial solutions.

Concentration (CFU/g):

10 billion (1.0 × 10¹⁰) CFU/g dry powder
Custom concentrations available upon request

Particle Size (Mesh):

Passes through 100 mesh sieve

Packaging Options:

22 lb (10 kg) pails
44 lb (20 kg) pails
340 lb (155 kg) drums
Smaller custom packaging available on request

Shelf-life:

9 months at room temperature
18 months refrigerated

Storage Recommendations:

Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Reseal container tightly after each use.

This product is not registered as a biopesticide and makes no pesticidal claims.

Soil Application (Drip, Drench, or Fertigation)

Dosage:

200–400 grams per acre (500–1,000 grams per hectare)

Frequency:

Apply above dose 2–3 times during root development or early vegetative stage

Application Method:

Dissolve thoroughly in water (ensure enough dilution volume to fully saturate the root zone)
Use an agitation tank or manual stirring to maintain microbial suspension
Apply through drip irrigation lines, micro-sprayers, or fertigation systems, positioning flow as close to the root zone as possible
Flush the system after application to prevent clogging or residue buildup
Do not tank mix with herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, or chemical pesticides

In-Furrow or Soil Incorporation

Dosage:

200–400 grams per acre (500–1,000 grams per hectare)

Frequency:

Apply once at planting, directly into the furrow or mixed with soil near the seed.

Application Method:

Dissolve microbial powder thoroughly in water
Apply directly into the seed furrow or planting trench at seeding time
If using irrigation systems for delivery, ensure solution contacts the root zone
Maintain agitation to prevent settling
Alternatively, the product may be combined with compost or organic matter for enhanced establishment.

When tank-mixing with fertilizers:

Dilute fertilizer fully in water first before adding microbes
Do not mix with herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, or pesticides

Compost or Organic Amendment Enrichment

Dosage:

100 grams per ton of compost, organic substrate, amendment, or potting mix

Frequency:

Single application before use or at the beginning of composting/soil blending

Application Method:

For composting, first dissolve powder in water. Then spray piles and turn to evenly distribute product through the piles/windrows.
For organic matter amendment, evenly mix the dry microbial powder growing media during turning or mixing

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Question about Paecilomyces lilacinus / Purpureocillium lilacinum

Q: What is Paecilomyces lilacinus and how is it used in agriculture?

A: Paecilomyces lilacinus, also known as Purpureocillium lilacinum, is a naturally occurring, spore-forming soil fungus widely used as a microbial soil amendment. It is introduced into biologically active soils to support microbial diversity, rhizosphere balance, and favorable root zone conditions in sustainable, organic, and regenerative farming systems.

Q: How does Paecilomyces lilacinus benefit plant roots without acting as a biopesticide?

A: P. lilacinus contributes to root zone health by enhancing microbial community structure and interacting with organic materials in the soil. Though often applied to soils where nematodes are present, it is not registered as a pesticide and does not make pesticidal claims. Instead, it supports overall soil function and conditions conducive to healthy crop establishment.

Q: What makes P. lilacinus unique among soil fungi used in agriculture?

A: P. lilacinus forms durable spores that make it highly resilient during storage and field application. It is a chitin-degrading fungus that colonizes the rhizosphere and complements composts, microbial blends, and other soil probiotic programs. Its adaptability makes it valuable across many soil types and production systems.

Q: Where can I buy Paecilomyces lilacinus fungal inoculants?

A: Applied Biotech Industries supplies high-CFU P. lilacinus products in bulk, wholesale, and private-label formats. Whether you're developing a microbial blend for soil inoculants or sourcing single-strain fungi for compost-based applications, we offer consistent, fermentation-grade inputs tailored for agricultural use.

Q: Is P. lilacinus approved for organic use?

A: When formulated with OMRI-compliant ingredients, Paecilomyces lilacinus may be OMRI Listed and can be widely used in organic farming systems. It fits into crop input programs focused on reduced synthetic inputs, biological soil enhancement, and long-term soil health.

Q: What types of crops can benefit from P. lilacinus inoculation?

A: P. lilacinus is suitable for a broad range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, row crops, greenhouse plants, and tree systems. It is used in soils managed with composts, cover crops, or biological inputs, and is valued for promoting robust root environments and microbial balance.

Q: Can P. lilacinus be blended with other beneficial microbes?

A: Absolutely. P. lilacinus is often co-applied with microbes like Trichoderma, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and mycorrhizal fungi. It works synergistically in microbial consortia, compost teas, and fermentation-based soil inputs designed for regenerative and organic soil systems.

Q: How is P. lilacinus typically applied in the field?

A: It can be applied as a soil drench, in-furrow at planting, through fertigation systems, or as part of compost or organic blends. The powder dissolves easily in water and is compatible with many delivery systems used in both organic and conventional crop programs.

Q: Is Paecilomyces lilacinus shelf-stable?

A: Yes. As a spore-forming fungus, P. lilacinus maintains viability for 9 months under proper dry storage at room temperature. Shelf-life extends to 18 months when stored in refrigerated conditions. Its shelf-stability makes it well-suited for both large-scale distribution and integration into microbial product lines.

Q: What packaging formats are available for P. lilacinus?

A: Our fungal inoculants and other organic soil microbial inputs are available in powdered form in 22 lb (10 kg) and 44 lb (20 kg) pails, as well as 340 lb (155 kg) fiber drums. Custom packaging, bulk volumes, and concentration levels are available to meet the needs of input manufacturers, distributors, and private-label clients.

Q: Why choose Applied Biotech Industries for P. lilacinus?

A: We are a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in high-CFU fungal inoculants for sale for use in agriculture. Our P. lilacinus inoculants are produced through controlled fermentation and formulated for high-concentration, shelf stability, blending ease, and agronomic versatility. Whether you're sourcing for wholesale, developing a branded microbial input, or building a regenerative soil program, we provide technical expertise and production reliability for some of the best soil probiotic fungi available.

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Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

**1. Purpureocillium lilacinum Promotes Growth in Eggplant**

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Key Findings:

Improved eggplant root/shoot biomass and increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content
P. lilacinus persisted in eggplant rhizosphere for weeks post-application
Demonstrated consistent root colonization under field-relevant conditions

2. Impact on Soil Microbial Diversity in Tobacco Inter-Root Zones

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Key Findings:

P. lilacinum colonized tobacco rhizospheres effectively in both healthy and diseased soils.
Soil treatments increased microbial activity and altered bacterial and fungal community structures.
Tobacco plants grown in treated soils showed shifts in volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles.

3. Compatibility in Mixed-Microbial Inoculants

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Key Findings:

P. lilacinum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were successfully co-inoculated
Continued plant growth benefits without impacting native beneficial microbes

4. Broader Role In Soil Microbial Ecosystems

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Key Findings:

P. lilacinum thrives in diverse soils as a saprophytic fungus.
Adapts well to organic-rich environments and contributes to organic matter breakdown and nutrient cycling.

**5. P. lilacinum Enhances Biomass & Nutrient Uptake in Soybean, Maize & Beans**

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Key Findings:

Selected strains produced phosphate-solubilizing enzymes and IAA, resulting in increased plant height, shoot and root dry biomass in maize, soybean, and beans
Notably increased phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) levels in both plant tissues and rhizosphere soils.

**6. P. lilacinum Increases Soybean Yield & Leaf Phosphorus**

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Key Findings:

Field application improved soybean yield by ~423 kg/ha.
Elevated leaf phosphorus and nitrogen content, correlating with changes in leaf-associated microbiota

**7. Endophytic P. lilacinum 112 Boosts Tomato Seedling Growth**

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Key Findings:

Inoculation increased tomato seedling biomass (3.5×), height (3.3×), stem diameter, branch number, and leaf count
Strain produced siderophores, solubilized zinc and phosphorus, indicating nutrient-mobilizing activity.

**8. P. lilacinum Promotes Root & Shoot Growth Under Heavy Metal Stress (Tomato)**

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Key Findings:

The MRF strain enhanced tomato root and shoot fresh/dry weight under heavy metal stress.
Increased IAA, phenols, flavonoids, proteins, and water content in plant tissues

Paecilomyces lilacinus