Whole cell methanotroph based biostimulant compositions, methods and applications thereof

A biostimulant composition comprising a microbial consortium of whole cells, wherein the consortium comprises at least 50% whole cells of gammaproteobacterial methanotroph, wherein the composition:

• a. improves or enhances performance of a plant,
• b. increases availability or efficient utilization of at least one of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by the plant,
• c. reduces need for external addition of at least one nutrient selected from nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, either individually or as part of a fertilizer for the plant, or
• d. any combination thereof compared to a plant where the composition has not been applied.