Penicillium bilaiae

Phosphate-Solubilizing Biofertilizer for Nutrient Efficiency and Crop Performance

Penicillium bilaiae is a beneficial soil fungus widely used as a microbial inoculant to enhance phosphorus availability, root system growth, and overall nutrient efficiency in cropping systems. Through the production of organic acids such as citric, oxalic, and gluconic acid, it acts as a soil probiotic to solubilize bound P from mineral and organic sources, improving plant access to this essential nutrient. P. bilaiae promotes early vigor, boosts phosphorus use efficiency, supports beneficial microbial interactions, and contributes to long-term soil fertility in organic and regenerative farming programs.

Main Functions:

Solubilizes bound phosphorus to improve nutrient uptake and reduce synthetic fertilizer use
Promotes root elongation and seedling vigor under phosphorus-limited conditions
Enhances nutrient efficiency and crop quality by supporting micronutrient and nitrogen uptake
Works synergistically with mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil microbes

Supports soil structure, organic matter cycling, and rhizosphere health

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Solubilizes Bound Soil Phosphorus

‍Penicillium bilaiae is a phosphate-solubilizing fungal inoculant and biostimulant that releases organic acids that convert insoluble phosphorus into plant-available forms.

Mobilizes phosphorus from tricalcium phosphate, iron phosphate, and aluminum phosphate
Produces citric, oxalic, and gluconic acids to chelate and dissolve bound P
Reduces phosphorus fixation in alkaline and calcareous soils

Enhances Root Development and Early Plant Vigor

‍Acts as a plant growth-promoting fungus (PGPF) to improve phosphorus availability and supports robust root systems and seedling performance.

Stimulates root elongation and lateral branching
Promotes early shoot development and biomass accumulation
Helps overcome early phosphorus stress in deficient soils
Increases tolerance to drought and salinity via improved root function

Boosts Yield Potential and Crop Quality
Functions as a biofertilizer to deliver better nutrient access, resulting in higher productivity and improved crop traits.

Enhances phosphorus use efficiency (PUE)
Increases grain weight, fruit size, and nutrient density
Reduces need for synthetic P fertilizers

Improves Uptake of Micronutrients and Nitrogen
Works as a beneficial microbe for plants by expanding root absorptive capacity, P. bilaiae enhances broader nutrient uptake.

Increases plant absorption of zinc, manganese, and copper
Improves nitrogen use efficiency through healthier root systems
Facilitates nutrient synergy with other soil microbes

Promotes Mycorrhizal Association and Root Symbiosis
Several studies report synergistic effects between P. bilaiae and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), leading to improved P uptake.

Stimulates mycorrhizae colonization by modifying rhizosphere chemistry
Increases arbuscule formation and hyphal development
Enhances co-inoculation efficacy in low-fertility soils

Supports Rhizosphere Microbial Balance
Contributes to a stable, diverse microbial environment in the root zone.

Modulates rhizosphere pH through acid production
Coexists with beneficial PGPR and mycorrhizal fungi
Helps suppress opportunistic pathogens through competitive colonization

Contributes to Soil Health and Organic Matter Cycling
Fungal hyphae and secretions improve physical and biological soil properties.

Aids in breakdown of organic phosphorus from residues and compost
Enhances soil aggregation and root-soil interface
Promotes beneficial transformations of organic inputs
Compatible with organic and regenerative farming systems

**Why Choose Our Penicillium bilaiae?**

Highly Effective Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungus – Our P. bilaiae strain produces citric, oxalic, and gluconic acids that mobilize insoluble phosphorus from soil minerals and organic residues, increasing nutrient bioavailability and reducing fertilizer dependency.
High CFU Count and Spore Stability – Manufactured at up to 10 billion CFU/g, our P. bilaiae is highly concentrated, ensuring economics when shipping.
Promotes Early Root Growth and Crop Vigor – Enhances primary root elongation and lateral development by improving phosphorus uptake at critical early stages, leading to stronger plant establishment and better resilience under nutrient stress.
Boosts Nutrient Efficiency and Soil Microbial Interactions – Improves the uptake of zinc, manganese, and nitrogen through expanded root surface area and microbial synergy. Supports beneficial interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and PGPR for long-term rhizosphere health.
Performs in Alkaline and Phosphorus-Fixing Soils – Effective in a wide range of challenging soils, including calcareous and high-pH environments where plant-accessible phosphorus is limited.
Integrates Seamlessly into Organic and Regenerative Programs – Naturally occurring and ideal for use in sustainable fertility strategies and low-input systems.
U.S.-Based Microbial Fertilizer Manufacturer – Applied Biotech Industries is a U.S. producer of microbial inoculants and biofertilizers specializing in high-CFU, fermentation-based soil microbes for agriculture, composting, and regenerative systems.

Looking to buy the best fungi for phosphorus solubilization? ABI offers Penicillium bilaiae and other microbial fertilizers for plants in bulk, wholesale, and private-label formats for distributors, ag retailers, and growers.

Applied Biotech Industries is a trusted microbial inoculants supplier and producer of beneficial microbes for plants, offering phosphate-solubilizing fungi for sale in bulk and private-label formats. Whether you’re searching for the best microbes for soil health, soil probiotics for sale, or wondering where to buy soil inoculants, we offer reliable, U.S.-based sourcing for farms, ag retailers, and distributors looking to buy agricultural microbes or wholesale microbial fertilizers.

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.

Soil Application (Drip, Drench, or Fertigation)

Dosage:

400–1,200 grams per acre (1,000–3,000 grams per hectare)

Frequency:

Split the above dose into 2–3 applications over the crop cycle

Soil Conditions Adjustments:

Use lower rates (400–600 grams per acre / 1,000–1,500 per hectare) in high organic matter, moist, loamy soils
Use higher rates (800–1,200 grams per acre / 2,000–3,000 grams per hectare) in low-fertility, dry, compacted, or sandy soils

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

Dosage:

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

Frequency:

Apply once at planting to target root initiation and early growth stages

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

When tank-mixing with fertilizers:

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

Seed Treatment

Dosage:

2–5 grams per kg of seed

Frequency:

Single application before planting

Application Method:

Apply immediately before planting
Use a sticking agent (e.g., sugar solution, gum arabic) or minimal water
Coat seeds evenly, ensuring full surface coverage
Allow seeds to dry gently in the shade before sowing

Soil Mix / Organic Matter Amendment

Dosage:

100–200 grams per ton of amendment, compost, organic substrate, or potting mix

Frequency:

Single application when soil blending

Application Method:

Evenly mix the dry microbial powder growing media during turning or mixing

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**Q: What is Penicillium bilaiae and why is it used in agriculture?**

A: Penicillium bilaiae is a phosphate-solubilizing, filamentous soil fungus widely used as a microbial inoculant, biofertilizer, and soil probiotic. It improves phosphorus availability, enhances early root development, and supports microbial diversity, making it ideal for boosting nutrient efficiency and crop vigor in organic and regenerative farming systems.

**Q: How does Penicillium bilaiae improve phosphorus availability and nutrient uptake?**

A: P. bilaiae produces organic acids, such as citric, oxalic, and gluconic acid, that release bound phosphorus from soil minerals and organic matter. This process increases phosphorus bioavailability, enhances phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), and improves the uptake of nitrogen and micronutrients like zinc and manganese.

**Q: Is Penicillium bilaiae classified as a plant growth-promoting fungus (PGPF)?**

A: Yes. It functions as a PGPF by improving root architecture, supporting early plant vigor, and enhancing beneficial microbial interactions that promote nutrient uptake and crop resilience.

**Q: What are the main agricultural benefits of using Penicillium bilaiae?**

A: Benefits include improved phosphorus solubilization, early root development, increased nutrient use efficiency, enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress, and support for soil microbial balance. It is especially effective in phosphorus-fixing or alkaline soils.

**Q: Can Penicillium bilaiae be used in organic farming?**

A: Yes. P. bilaiae is a naturally occurring fungus compatible with organic-certified systems. It's widely used in sustainable and regenerative agriculture programs as a microbial fertilizer and soil inoculant. Check with your certifier for formulation-specific approvals.

**Q: Is Penicillium bilaiae compatible with mycorrhizal fungi and other microbial products?**

A: Generally, yes. It works synergistically with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Bacillus species, and other soil probiotics to improve nutrient cycling and rhizosphere health. Avoid mixing with fungicides or strong oxidizers unless compatibility is verified.

**Q: What crops or soil types benefit most from Penicillium bilaiae application?**

A: It performs well across vegetables, cereals, pulses, orchards, and turf. It is particularly valuable in low-phosphorus, high-pH, calcareous, or degraded soils where phosphorus fixation limits crop performance.

**Q: How is Penicillium bilaiae applied in the field?**

A: It can be applied as a soil drench, in-furrow application, seed coating, or via fertigation. It may also be blended with other microbial fertilizers or composts for integrated fertility programs.

**Q: What packaging sizes are available for Penicillium bilaiae products?**

A: ABI offers P. bilaiae in dry powder form in 22 lb (10 kg) pails, 44 lb (20 kg) pails, and 340 lb (155 kg) drums, suitable for bulk, wholesale, or private-label distribution.

**Q: What is the shelf life of Penicillium bilaiae?**

A: When stored at room temperature P. bilaiae maintains viability for 9 months. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 18 months. Always seal containers to prevent moisture intrusion.

**Q: Where can I buy Penicillium bilaiae biofertilizers for agriculture?**

A: Penicillium bilaiae is available directly from Applied Biotech Industries, a U.S.-based microbial fertilizer manufacturer offering high-CFU, fermentation-based inoculants for soil fertility and crop performance. Contact us for bulk orders, private-label solutions, or to buy biofertilizers online.

**Q: Why choose Applied Biotech Industries as your Penicillium bilaiae supplier?**

A: ABI specializes in producing high-quality fungal and bacterial inoculants for agriculture. Our P. bilaiae is manufactured at high concentration (up to 10 billion CFU/g), with excellent shelf life, spore stability, and field performance. We support custom blends, organic programs, and wholesale distribution across the U.S. and globally.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

**1. The Effect of Penicillium bilaiae on Wheat Growth and Phosphorus Uptake as Affected by Soil pH, Soil P and Application of Sewage Sludge** 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

Seed inoculation significantly boosted shoot and root biomass in acidic soil when using sewage sludge.
Even without added P, P. bilaiae increased biomass in calcareous soil, underscoring its efficacy across soil types.

**2. Phosphate Solubilisation by Penicillium spp. Closely Associated with Wheat Roots** 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

P. bilaiae strain RS7B‑SD1 solubilized up to 112.7 mg P/L from rock phosphate in vitro, higher than other species tested.
Demonstrates strong acid-mediated solubilization potential.

3. Maize Yield Response to a Phosphorus‑Solubilizing Microbial Inoculant in Multi‑Site Field Trials 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

Multi-year field trials showed significant maize yield increases with P. bilaiae inoculation under low-P conditions.
Supports scalability for large-scale crop production.

**4. Dual Inoculation With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus Solubilizer (P. bilaiae) Enhances Phosphorus Mobilization** 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

Combined P. bilaiae and AMF boosted acid phosphomonoesterase activity by 44–61%, improving soil P cycling.
Synergistic effects led to greater P availability and uptake.

5. Penicillium bilaiae: An Eco‑Approach to Improve Soil Biological Health 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

Seed-applied P. bilaiae increased enzymatic activities (phosphatase, protease, cellulase) by 18–29% in mustard fields under combined chemical and microbial P application.
Indicates its dual role in nutrient mobilization and microbial soil health.

**6. Effect of the Mode of Fermentation on the Behavior of Penicillium bilaiae Under Abiotic Stress Conditions** 🔗 Read the study

Key Findings:

Demonstrated strain tolerance to salinity and a broad pH range (pH 4–6), maintaining acid production and phosphate-solubilizing activity under salt stress
Indicates strong viability as a stress-resilient biofertilizer in adverse field environments.

**7. Field‑Scale Maize Yield Response to Penicillium bilaiae, 2005–2011 🔗** Read the study

Key Findings:

In 92 small plots, maize yield increased by an average of 1.8% (0.17 t/ha); in 369 large plots, yield rose 3.5% (0.33 t/ha)
Yield improvements occurred in soils with low to very low phosphorus, highlighting the strain’s real-world efficacy.
Seed treatment, granular, and drip-band applications were all effective delivery methods.

**8. Citric & Oxalic Acid Production and Phosphate Solubilization by P. bilaiae 🔗** Read the study

Key Findings:

In vitro study confirms that P. bilaiae efficiently produces citric and oxalic acids that dissolve calcium phosphate
This mechanism aligns directly with your product messaging on organic acid-driven phosphorus solubilization.

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Penicillium bilaiae