This research project originates from the apparent shortcomings of biostimulant and biocontrol strains to perform adequately in interaction with the crop under field conditions. Our research hypothesis is that the current strategy in acquiring these bio-inocula is fundamentally flawed, as a critically important trait of effective bio-inocula is ignored: efficient root colonization of the competitive rhizosphere environment of a host plant. The newly proposed selection procedure can be tailored towards a variety of biostimulant and biocontrol traits and host plants. A novel in planta enrichment platform for the selection of biosimulants and biocontrol rhizobacteria is developed, deepened and validated with maize and wheat as host plants in an attempt to demonstrate its broad range of applications. As biostimulants, we chose to focus on phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) bearing in mind the urgency of phosphorus related problems in agriculture. As a biocontrol inoculum, we chose to work towards inocula active against Rhizoctonia (maize) and Gaeumannomyces (wheat). The platform will be used to provide insight into whether it is possible to develop either a culture specific vs. a generalistic bio-inoculant which can be applied to different types of crops. This is of strategic importance to bio-inocula producers for product portfolio development. Additionally, the obtained and optimized consortia will be defined and the efficacy of the consortia will be tested in pot trials.