Inoculum type affect the efficacy of the endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum strain 32a against the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens

•Spore inoculated culture showed higher antibacterial activity than vegetative cells.•The endophytic colonization level was enhanced by soil drenching with 32a spores.•Biocontrol activity was improved by using 32a spores compared to vegetative cells.