Penicillium bilaiae is a native soil fungal species which can be used as a PGPM (plant growth promoting microorganism). R. Kucey first identified that organic acids excreted by the microorganism can solubilize soil-bound phosphate. The organism can live in symbiosis with several plant species by enhancing phosphate uptake by the root structure while feeding off plant waste products. Native soil populations are often low and can be increased by application as an agricultural inoculant. The species bilaiae is a transliteration of the Russian scientist B. Bilai for whom it is named. Alternative spellings published in the literature are bilaji or bilaii.
Reference
Cunningham JE, Kuiack C, Komendant KE. (1990) Viability of Penicillium bilaji and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides conidia from liquid cultures. Can J Bot. 68 2270-2274
