Compositions and methods include a new strain of Bacillus velezensis having growth promoting activity and activity against plant pathogens. The compositions are useful for benefiting plant growth and/or conferring protection against a pathogenic infection when applied to plant foliage, flowers, fruits, bark, roots, seeds, callus tissue, grafts, cuttings, surrounding soil or growth medium, and soil or growth medium concomitant with sowing seed and planting callus tissue, grafts, and cuttings. The compositions containing the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 strain can be applied alone or in combination with other microbial, biological, or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, plant growth regulators, and fertilizers. In one example, the Bacillus velezensis RTI301 strain can be delivered to the plant as part of an integrated pest management program, with other microbial or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, and plant growth regulators.