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Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe grisea, is one of the most destructive rice diseases worldwide and destroys enough rice to feed more than 60 million people annually. Due to high variability of the fungal population in the field, frequent loss of resistance of newly-released rice cultivars is a major restraint in sustainable rice production. In the last few years, significant progress has been made in understanding the defense mechanism of rice and pathogenicity of the fungus. The rice blast system has become a model pathosystem for understanding the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions due to the availability of both genomes of rice and M. grisea and a large collection of genetic resources. This book provides a complete review of the recent progress and achievements on genetic, genomic and disease control of the disease. Most of the chapters were presented at the 4th International Rice Blast Conference held on October 9-14, 2007 in Changsha, China. This book is a valuable reference not only for plant pathologists and breeders working on rice blast but also for those working on other pathysystems in crop plants.

This book provides comprehensive knowledge of the methods of detection and identification of phyllosphere microbial pathogens and the management of different kinds of diseases caused by them in various crops. Interactions between pathogens and host plants result in the induction of defense responses expressed via molecular signals, from initiation of infection to systemic progression of pathogen invasion in susceptible plants and contrasting signals in resistant plants, leading to inhibition of pathogen development through activation of preinfectional and postinfectional defense responses. These are critically discussed.The author describes the intricate and complex competitive activities of the pathogens and host plants in a molecular warfare that the host plant must win to break the link in the pathogens'life cycle, allowing the development of disease management strategies based on the principles of exclusion, eradication, and immunization. Integration of strategies concerning the development of cultivars resistant to pathogens through breeding and biotechnological techniques, application of biotic and abiotic inducers of resistance to pathogens, and use of disease-free seeds and propagules that are complementary to each other along with effective cultural practices are emphasized.This book presents information gathered through an extensive literature search to help researchers and graduate students in agricultural sciences identify research gaps and successfully complete their research projects.

This book discusses the applications of nanotechnology in clinical microbiology, food microbiology, and green solutions of nanoparticles using microorganisms for a range of benefits. It describes nanotechnology's rapid progress in the development of materials used in industry, medicine, drug delivery, and dentistry. The authors further explore how microbiology and nanotechnology separately have proven to be effective for human health solutions keeping an ecological and environmental balance. Domains covered include environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, food microbiology (to control food spoilage), biosynthesis of nanomaterials using microorganisms, water microbiology, nanofluidic devices for isolation and analysis of individual biomolecules such as DNA that can lead to a new detection scheme for cancer, and various fields such as pharmacy, clinical research, agriculture etc. This book will be essential reading to a wide range of scholars and researchers interestedin microbiology along with nanotechnology applications for efficient solutions to cancer detection, biosensors, vaccines research, agriculture, wastewater management etc.

The discovery and development of antibiotics has been one of the most significant advances in medicine. In a golden era lasting from the 1940s to the late 1960s, antibiotic research provided mankind with a wide range of structurally diverse and effective agents for the treatment of microbial infections. Since then, actinomycetes, most notably members of the genus Streptomyces, have uninterruptedly proved to be a particularly rich source of antibiotics and other therapeutic and biotechnologically important compounds. This book brings together expert actinomycetologists to communicate the importance of finding novel antibiotic producing actinomycetes in extreme and marine environments in the light of molecular advances.

As the field of genomics has progressed, our understanding of microbiology has also developed. With the advent of next-generation sequencing methods and advancements in instrumental resolution, complex transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome data could be analyzed, as well as detailed annotation of microbial genomes. Microbial Genomics: Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Applications focuses on the various applications of microbial genomics in clinical, pharmaceutical and industrial fields. It consists of four parts devoted to bacterial, viral, and fungal genomics, as well as their applications in clinical, pharmaceutical, and industrial fields. Chapters are written by experts in their respective disciplines and are tightly organized with an introduction to detailed descriptions, available software implementation, applications, advanced topics, summaries, analytic questions, exercises, and suggested readings. Throughout this book, the latest genomics and biotechnological developments and discoveries as well as open problems and future challenges on microbial genomics will be highlighted. Readers will be introduced to state-of-the-art developments and trends of microbial genomics, its clinical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The book will be beneficial for researchers who study microbial genomics in universities, post-graduate and graduate programs (biology, biotechnology, medicine, genetics, microbiology, industrial and environmental microbiology, etc.), as well as the pharmaceutical and industrial sector. - Presents the recent genomic developments in the industrial applications of microorganisms - Summarizes recent developments in microbial genomics, emphasizing the role of next-generation sequencing in functional genomics - Focus on how transcriptomics can help better understand host responses to pathogen infection - Describes applications of genomics in clinical microbiology

This book presents research findings on newly discovered pests and diseases that may be impacted by climate change in the tropics; current management techniques including molecular diagnostics, integrated pest management (IPM), and agroecological approach; and recent technological advancements used as preventive and curative approaches to mitigate the effects of plant pests and diseases. Combining the expertise of leading researchers in the various fields, the book provides a useful reference for all relevant stakeholders. The proposed book is prepared with the aim of disseminating the current research development of emerging pests and diseases in the tropics in the era of climate change as well as new and eco-friendly pest and disease management technologies of tropical crops. The book is divided into three parts with sixteen chapters. Part 1: Advances in Tropical Insect Pest Management consists of five chapters describing the discovery, formulations, and applications of nature-based solutions such as natural enemies of insects, insect hormones, botanicals, and microorganisms for sustainable pest management. Part 2: Advances in Tropical Plant Disease Management consists of seven chapters, describing the causal agents of economically important diseases of tropical crops, rapid pathogen detection systems as well as effective and sustainable disease management strategies. Part 3: Advances in Other Tropical Pests Management consists of four chapters detailing the various eco-friendly pest management of vertebrates, mollusks, weeds, and emerging IR4.0 technologies in pest management. Ideas for future volumes on this subject: Volume II would be a follow-up to Volume I. It covers emerging pests and diseases of the tropics in greater depth, with a focus on specific hosts and diseases. Robust pests and disease management technologies utilized in crop protection in tropical areas by the farmers will be discussed as well.

Bio-Based Antimicrobial Agents to Improve Agricultural and Food Safety provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in bio-based antimicrobial agents used to enhance food safety and agricultural production. This book highlights natural alternatives to chemical preservatives, focusing on surfactin, bacillomycin, fengycin, bacteriocins, and plant-based antimicrobials. It explores their applications in controlling microbial contamination, improving crop health, and extending food shelf life. Key topics include biopreservation techniques, biological control of pathogens, and sustainable agricultural practices. With contributions from experts worldwide, this book is an essential resource for researchers, biotechnologists, microbiologists, food scientists, and industry professionals aiming to understand modern bio-safe methods for food preservation and crop protection.

This book provides a comprehensive view for plant microbe interactions towards stress management and microbiome-assisted approaches in sustainable agriculture. It is divided into four major sections. The book gives insights into the increasing threat of abiotic and biotic stresses and the accompanying challenges to modern agriculture. Through different chapters, the book shows how various microorganisms could ameliorate abiotic and biotic stress, and contribute towards food sustainability and restore ecosystem functioning. It provides a deep understanding of soil microbiome and its interaction with plants, to enhance food security. It further talks about metagenomic approaches for methodological tool for studying the soil microbiome. Separate sections on stress, talk at length about the various abiotic and biotic stresses that plants are faced it. The book culminates with an exciting section on microbiome-assisted approaches for combating stress. It talks about the different microbiomes such as rhizosphere, soil, phyllosphere and endophytic microbiome. The book would be beneficial to students, researchers and course instructors in microbiology, botany, plant pathology and agriculture.

This book provides comprehensive knowledge of the methods of detection and identification of phyllosphere microbial pathogens and the management of different kinds of diseases caused by them in various crops. Interactions between pathogens and host plants result in the induction of defense responses expressed via molecular signals, from initiation of infection to systemic progression of pathogen invasion in susceptible plants and contrasting signals in resistant plants, leading to inhibition of pathogen development through activation of preinfectional and postinfectional defense responses. These are critically discussed.The author describes the intricate and complex competitive activities of the pathogens and host plants in a molecular warfare that the host plant must win to break the link in the pathogens'life cycle, allowing the development of disease management strategies based on the principles of exclusion, eradication, and immunization. Integration of strategies concerning the development of cultivars resistant to pathogens through breeding and biotechnological techniques, application of biotic and abiotic inducers of resistance to pathogens, and use of disease-free seeds and propagules that are complementary to each other along with effective cultural practices are emphasized.This book presents information gathered through an extensive literature search to help researchers and graduate students in agricultural sciences identify research gaps and successfully complete their research projects.

This edited volume is an inclusive collection of information on crop holobiome, their function and diversity, the plausible role of soil microbes in crop growth, protection from pathogens and stresses, the use of resilient microbiomes for changing climate, and the use of new technologies to study plant-insect-microbe molecular interactions in agricultural systems. Holobiomes provide information about both plants and their microbiomes, which gives a more comprehensive insight, particularly for changing climatic scenarios. By optimizing the crop holobime function crop productivity and plant health can be enhanced manifold. This book deep dives into the numerous ways in which holobiome supports the improving plant health, nutrient uptake, disease control, and stress resistance in major food crops. It helps researchers, academicians, agri-entrepreneurs, and technologists understand the structure and function of holobiomes in crop growth, health, stress tolerance under climatic changes, and holobiome diversity and evolution. The book is also helpful in designing new dimensions in the holobiome research and development of new products and technologies. This volume is of interest and useful to agriculture scientists, microbiologists, ecologists, and is a valuable source of reference to researchers and students.

Rice is a widely consumed crop around the world that has tremendous importance and is cultivated almost everywhere except Antarctica. However, various biotic and abiotic stresses have a negative effect on rice cultivation, seriously reducing its yield. This volume examines the bacterial and fungal pathogens that cause rice diseases and explores how to manage these diseases. It covers the economic and environmental impact of rice fungal diseases on global food security and proceeds to delve into diagnostic methods for rice fungal pathogen detection and discusses current strategic and applied biotechnological methods for the effective management of rice fungal diseases.

Microbial Essentialism: An Industrial Prospective refers to properties specifically possessed by microbes such as secretion of metabolites which make them unique and can be employed by industries. These microorganisms can be commercially exploited for beneficial purposes such as the production of whole microbial cells or their products for direct use or as starting raw material in the manufacture of other commercial products which can contribute to large-scale and profit-oriented businesses.Microbial Essentialism: An Industrial Prospective reviews the newest techniques, approaches, and options in the use of microorganisms for the manufacture of industrially important products such as pharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes, chemicals, proteins, foods and beverages, and fuels. It covers fundamental principles of established and innovative industrial microbiology and biotechnology processes and products. It also discusses industrial microorganisms and the technology required for large-scale cultivation and isolation of fermentation products. - Covers key aspects of microbial physiology, exploring the versatility of microorganisms and their diverse metabolic activities and products - Provides methods and various traditional and novel applications of microorganisms to industrial processes - Contributed by a multidisciplinary group of experts who offer not only a thorough evaluation of the primary literature, but also invaluable first-hand experience in industrial microbiology and biotechnology

The Potential of Microbes for a Circular Economy provides a thorough understanding of the role of microbes in a circular economy (CE). It covers the development of effective bio-based formulations for field applications and describes the basic principles and applications of the circular economy, the important role of microorganisms, and new insights into a sustainable ecosystem.The Potential of Microbes for a Circular Economy compiles the latest advancement in the field of CE by covering the aspect of microbes and microbial products providing microbiologists the tools to engage with the wider public, policymakers and industry to inform the debate on addressing current challenges and showcasing the positive impacts of microbiology for society. - Provides a thorough understanding on the role of microbes in the circular economy that can help to develop effective bio-based formulations for field applications - Describes the basic principles and applications of the Circular Economy - Gives insights on the important role of microorganisms explored in the circular economy, which in turn provides new insights into the sustainable ecosystem

This new volume explores the field of microbial biostimulants, a new and emerging field of plant study that emphasizes the benefit of microbes for plants. Microbial biostimulants can have a positive influence on plant health and growth, enhancing agricultural yield and improving resistance to negative environmental changes with zero harmful discharges.This book, Microbial Biostimulants: Biorational Pesticides for Management of Plant Pathogens, explores how microbial-based biopesticides can be used for managing pests and plant diseases as well as for the promotion of growth. It looks at the advantages of employing microbial biostimulants over other pest and disease control methods. It also looks at the application of microbial biostimulants as a response to the modern agricultural need for increased productivity and plant health.This book brings together an extensive collection of information on beneficial microorganisms, including newly introduced microorganisms, their biological activities and specificity, resistance mechanisms to pests, formulation, application in agricultural practices, etc.Key features: Provides a roadmap for using microbial biostimulant practices for pest and disease control as a sustainable approach in agriculture Covers the essential aspects of biorational lines for crop stress management Looks at the use of microbial biostimulants for management of specific diseases, including root-knot disease, various soil-borne diseases, etc. Considers the role of rhizobacteria in plant disease management Microbial Biostimulants: Biorational Pesticides for Management of Plant Pathogens will be extremely useful for students, academicians, researchers, and policymakers in the field of food security and diverse disciplines of agricultural sciences.

This book covers the fundamental and applied characteristics of opportunistic (OP) fungi, plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), and plant interactions. Fungal behavior and cultivation, physiological and molecular changes in relation to hosts and pathogens, and the mechanistic aspects of their management strategies are also covered in this volume. In the diverse agro-climatic conditions of the world, PPN has been identified as the most damaging pest to a variety of commercial and agro-important crop plants. Various chemical nematicides have been widely employed to treat nematode infection in recent decades, but use of these chemicals has been restricted due to widespread concerns about human health and environmental safety. In this regard, rhizospheric microorganisms can act as a first line of defense against pathogen attacks on the root and play a critical role in the management of plant diseases caused by PPN. The OP might directly parasitize the PPN by secreting metabolic chemicals that affect the viability of one or more phases of the nematode's life cycle. This book is of interest and useful to teachers, researchers, and professionals working on plant nematology, pathology, ecology, soil science, host-plant interactions, microbial ecology, and industries. Aside from that, this book also serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students all over the globe, as well as agricultural scientists and policymakers.

Delve into the eerie aspects of nature with this well-illustrated and enlightening book, unveiling the ghastly facets of life that thrive amidst us. From deadly poisonous frogs to plants that can drive one mad, from minuscule spiders residing on the skin to flies feasting on human flesh, and parasitic worms inhabiting human bodies to fungi annihilating frogs – discover these and more in the realm of Horrible Biology. As you traverse through the chilling accounts, you'll come to realize that biology – the study of living organisms, encompassing an estimated 8.5 million distinct species – holds dark secrets within its vast expanse. While not all of these species incite revulsion, a significant number indeed harbour attributes many would find appalling. However, Horrible Biology isn't solely a journey through grotesque organisms; it also honours lesser-known individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of biology, enriching our comprehension of the living world, despite its grim constituents.

Microbial oxidative enzymes are in need of today and in the future also. Several microbial oxidative enzymes are being used by various sectors like food, agriculture, medicine, detergents, leather, paper, etc. Microbial oxidative enzymes are a natural product, hence, the application of these enzymes is eco-friendly. Oxidative enzymes from microbes like bacteria, and fungi will be helpful in numerous applications including plant-soil health management, and waste treatments. This book will be more informative as well as useful for related industries and end users and will be of great value to those interested in present-day research on oxidation-reduction enzymes. In the coming years, this book will be a game changer for the field of oxidative enzyme development and its applications.

This book focuses on the applications of plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) in the form of bioinoculants to enhance the crop productivity and resilience against pathogens. Chapters explain the latest findings on development of the bioinoculants utilizing the modern technologies and agri-wastes. It also provides the latest information on methods of improving quality and efficiency of bioformulations and utilization of advanced biotechnological tools for developing precision products. PGPMs play important roles in survival and health of the plant. These useful microorganisms provide plants with nutrients, protect them from pathogens and help in combating abiotic stresses. It is important that these mutualistic interactions between plant and soil microbes are well understood so as to develop reliable products in the form of biostimulants, biopesticides and manage biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. Apart from enhancing crop productivity, plant-microbe interactions can also perform activities such as reclamation of degraded lands, degradation of pollutants and remediation of saline or marginal lands. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, plant scientists and microbiologists. Also, the book serves as an additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, microbiology, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

This is a great book to explore the science underlying the Food Biotechnology, which explores and presents current biotechnological advances and approaches to improving the nutritional value of modern-foods. Novel fermentation and enzyme technological processes, protein engineering, genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, bioengineering, quorum sensing and nanobiotechnology have been incorporated to fetch into new dimensions in current food biotechnology research and this book provides a deep insight on all these aspects as a comprehensive resource for anybody interested in all the types of foods, latest processing, preservation technology and safety. Written by leading scientists in the field, the book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of food chemistry, nutritional science, taste physiology, and neuroscience, as well as for professionals in the food industry.

This edited book covers the major aspects of plant growth promoting bacteria and mechanisms underlining the phenotype in rhizobacteria. This book guides the researchers about the potential of plant growth promoting bacteria to be used as biofertilizers. The process of biofertilizer development and the process of testing its efficacy for commercial use and the potency is elaborated in this volume using suitable figures. The information in this book regarding the secretion of various secondary metabolites responsible for nutrient management is helpful for designing bioformulations that assist plant growth. This book provides substantial number of evidences that underlines the genomic basis of nutrient management by microbes. Essential information is provided regarding the genomic and proteomic background of the biofertilizers. The chapters in the book are divided into three sections. The first section of the book includes chapter 1-5 outlining the importance of rhizobacteriain elevating the nutrient levels in soil and augmenting the biotic and abiotic stress. Second section of the book includes chapter 6-11 elaborating the details about the biofertilizer, types of biofertilizer available and techniques involved in mass production of biofertilizers. Section third covers chapters from 12-15 providing the explicit information about metabolomics and proteomics basis of plant growth development. This collective work is distinct as it has focus on diverse emerging technologies which are high-throughput, scalable and applicable to different countries regardless of their socio-economic conditions. This book can improve the current state of knowledge and invoke researchers and innovators to take ahead the current inter-disciplinary knowledge into technologies that are readily available and effectively minimize hazards associated with chemical fertilizer.

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the biological functions of melanins, their biotechnological production, and their industrial applications. The melanins form a group of polymeric pigments found in most organisms. These natural products are generated by the oxidation of phenolic and indolic molecules yielding melanins, which include eumelanin, pheomelanin, pyomelanin, and the allomelanins. These pigments have diverse biological functions, including photoprotection, thermoregulation, antioxidation, virulence, and metal ion sequestration. Melanins have physicochemical properties that have proven useful in the optical, electronic, material, agriculture, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. The chapters in this book provide an in-depth analysis of the current issues and challenges in this field. Topics covered include the properties, biogenesis, and evolution of melanosomes. The book also addresses the synthesis and industrial production of melanins by microorganisms. The metabolic pathways for the synthesis of several types of polymeric pigments in microorganisms and their role in pathogenesis are reviewed. The large-scale production and purification of melanins to provide this product for industrial applications is a formidable challenge. Two chapters present and discuss the state-of-the-art used for the generation of microbial melanin-production strains and the processes for the biotechnological synthesis and purification of these pigments. Melanins are polymers that can interact with metals, a chapter reviews this capacity in the context of technological applications, including electrochemical energy storage and metal recovery. These polymers are materials having favorable characteristics for photonic applications, including UV blocking and broadband absorption. The current advances in the application of these pigments in optically active materials are presented and discussed.

Mycology in the Tropics: Updates on Philippine Fungi comprehensively discusses the current state of Philippine mycology, including historical developments in the field, listings of fungi with diverse utilizations or applications, and those that cause economic impact on crop production in the country. Specifically, the chapters in the book introduce tropical mycology, describe different fungal groups, their biodiversity and conservation, and give insights into the applications of mycology in agriculture, health, industry and the environment. The book also includes quarantine regulations on economically important diseases and describes the importance of developing local studies on fungi. - Provides a leading reference that encapsulates the many facets of mycology in the Philippines - Gives up-to-date developments on Philippine mycology, especially topics rarely discussed, such as the roles of mycological herbaria and culture collections, traditional knowledge on mushrooms, and on quarantine guidelines of crops with fungal diseases - Presents an introduction to fungal species reported in aquatic and terrestrial habitats - Highlights local studies on fungi in relation to diseases in human, animals and plants and summarizes key findings on their use in the industry and the environment

Agricultural biotechnology and the production of GM crops have been controversial despite being practiced in both developed and developing countries, the major reason being their potential negative impact on human / animal health or environment. Also prevalent is the view that it is simply unethical to engineer different forms of life in the laboratory, especially when it comes to consuming food generated through genetic engineering. GM crops have been introduced into the agricultural landscape more than 2 decades ago which has allowed us to study their effects on economy, health and the environment. Agricultural Biotechnology: Genetic Engineering for a Food Cause is a compendium of information, practices, observations and discernible insights on agriculture, biotechnology and sustainable development. The book begins by descriptions of genetic engineering practices and strategies for producing GM crops, their importance in the food chain and advantages of GM crops over non-modified crops. Followed by chapters on the strategic genetic applications and the use of synthetics microbiology and microbial symbiosis, Agricultural Biotechnology: Genetic Engineering concludes with an insight of the Future of microbiotechnology in agricultural practices. Agricultural Biotechnology: Genetic Engineering for a Food Cause fills a gap by summarizing the available literature in a wide variety of topics under one single volume, being accessible to audiences in academic, government and industry spaces. - Provides knowledge of the purposes of engineering microbes - Includes the latest techniques and practices in microbiology - Gives an insight in the future of agricultural microbiotechnology

Bacterial Secondary Metabolites: Synthesis and Applications in Agroecosystem presents the structure, properties, and biotechnological applications of bacterial metabolites and their upcoming industrial, pharmaceutical, antimicrobial, and anticancer applications. Chapters cover topics such as the use of lactic acid bacteria as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, bacterial siderophores structure and potential applications, and the role of cyanobacteria metabolites in disease management, among others. Plant and agri-food environmental scientists and researchers, graduate and post-graduate students in related fields will benefit from this reference book which is published as part of the series Nanobiotechnology for Plant Protection. - Explores how research might lead to the production of new bio-based commercial solutions to tackle global agricultural and human diseases - Contains extensive information to understand the intricate processes of cryptic genes and their relationship to the synthesis of bioactive chemicals - Provides in-depth insights into microbial biotechnology, namely secondary metabolites

This fully revised 3rd edition provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of fungi associated with plants. Since the publication of the 2nd Edition in 2009, tremendous new knowledge has been gained in the field of fungal-plant interactions, which is reflected in the contributions of this book. World-leading scientists in the field provide authoritative insights into fungal-plant interactions covering the following main topics:Mutualistic and pathogenic fungal-plant interactions in natural and agricultural ecosystemsSensing and signalling in fungus-plant interactionsRegulation of fungal gene expression and developmentFungal genomes and evolutionGlobal pandemics caused by fungal pathogens and their implications for food securityThis volume will be of great interest to both specialists and generalists. It is an indispensable resource for researchers, lecturers and students in microbiology, mycology, and plant sciences, as well as agriculture and biotechnology.

In the recent past, beneficial microorganisms have been sustainably used in agriculture as a safe, economic, and effective alternative to chemical fertilizers or pesticides. These beneficial microbes, including bacteria, actinomycetes, and yeast, were efficiently applied in soil, seeds, fruits, or plants as inoculants, to achieve the optimum agricultural yield.An efficient delivery method or enhanced shelf life of microbial inoculants in the soil or seed is still a matter of concern. The response of local genetic or ecological factors, after microbial applications, are also unknown and less studied. Therefore, Microbial Inoculants: Recent Progress and Applications fulfills the need to explore and learn about an efficient delivery mechanism, selection of microbial strain as inoculants, and related technological advances, for the efficient and productive use of microbial inoculants. Moreover, factors like methods of formulation, interaction between host plant and microbe, impact of inoculation on the metabolomics of plants, the effect of microbial inoculants on soil dynamics, proteomics approach of plant-microbe interaction, as well as the registration and regulation process of bio inoculants for commercial production are described in 16 chapters by the leading academicians and researchers from different parts of the world. - Sums up the latest approaches and advancements in the field of microbial inoculants in microbial formulations and applications. - Proofs the potential development and applications of microbial inoculants as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. - Shows the impact of microbial inoculants on microbial dynamics, bioavailability and abiotic stress mitigation. - Gives insights on emerging challenges with the commercialization of microbial formulations, technology patenting and legal perspectives.

The discipline of mycology is a fascinating one. It has a major influence on the nutrition, health and environmental safety of mankind. Cultivation of edible and non-edible mushrooms for nutrition, pharmaceuticals, biopolymers and biocomposites will open up new avenues in research as well as the more profitable utilization of agricultural residues. Cultivation and of domesticated and wild mushrooms poses a challenge to fulfill the needs of human/animal nutrition and utilization of agrowastes tangibly. Cultivation of ectomycorrhizal fungi benefits nutrition as well as plant protection. Macrofungi are the major source of several metabolites of nutritional, health, agricultural and industrial significance (e.g., antioxidants, antimicrobials and pigments). Macrofungal bio composites provide alternatives to the use of animal-derived or plant-derived products (e.g., nanopapers, leather and packaging materials). They serve a dual role in providing nutrition and pharmaceuticals (nutraceuticals) to humans as well as livestock. Macrofungi interact with insects symbiotically (e.g., Termitomyces with termites) and provide delicious nutraceutical product. They also control insects by infecting and producing pharmaceutically and metabolite-rich products (e.g., Cordyceps attacks insects). Macrofungi have a strong potential to control pathogens like nematodes in soil (bioremediation). They are also useful as biofertilizers to meet the needs of plant nutrition.The book outlines current advances in macrofungal technology. It highlights different facets of macrofungal cultivation, bioactive compounds, biocomposites, nutraceuticals, benefits with interaction with insects, application as biofertilizers and ecosystem services like bioremediation.

This edited book provides a comprehensive account of the new developments in various facets of fungal biology related to the impact and application of fungi on the sustainable economy. The book consists of 24 chapters distributed under five sections written by active researchers and academicians from India and abroad. The five sections of the book are- 1. Fungi in Sustainable Economy, 2. Fungal Resources: Current and Potential Industrial Applications, 3. Fungal Resources: Current and Potential Agricultural Applications, 4. Fungi and their Secondary metabolites: Implications and 5. Fungi: Burden to health and Indoor Environment.The book explores the utility of fungi as food, enzymes, organic compounds, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and agricultural productivity promoter. It also highlights the negative fungal impacts on food production, health and environment. The book is useful to postgraduate students studying mycology, plant pathology, crop protection, agricultural sciences, and plant sciences. In addition, scientists involved in biological and agricultural research, crop management, and various industries that manufacture or utilize fungal products on a small to large scale shall also find the book helpful.

This book is based on the rhizosphere, a dynamic ecosystem driven by complex interactions between plants and organisms. Environmental factors have a crucial role in the formation of soil microbial communities. The rhizosphere bacteria influence soil function through driving biogeochemical processes, regulating nutrient and organic matter composition, and performing environmental functions. This book is divided into nine chapters that explain various aspects of the rhizosphere. Chapter One focuses on the rhizosphere: microbial community structure and plant-microbe ecology. Chapter Two aims to show the rhizosphere microbiome: a fascination of microbial community. Chapter Three presents the distribution of proteobacteria in rhizosphere and their plant beneficial Interactions. Chapter Four presents plant growth promoting traits of acetic acid bacteria associated with the root endosphere and rhizosphere. Chapter Five is aimed at the rhizobia genome: diversity, evolution and function. Chapter Six presents the neighborhood of arbuscular mycorrhiza: plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and rhizobia. Chapter Seven reviews the diversity of actinobacteria in the rhizosphere and their biotechnological applications. Chapter Eight focuses on spore-forming bacteria in rhizosphere, its distribution and applications. Lastly, Chapter Nine presents the diversity and application of yeasts in the rhizosphere.

This edited book aims to focus on microbial diversity in arid lands and deserts versus specific microbial assemblages associated with plants. The book explains ecological drivers that shape this diversity, how plant-associated microbiomes are selected, and their biotechnological potential are discussed. Diversity and functional redundancy of these associated PGPM make them very active in supporting plant improvement, health and resistance to drought, salt and other stresses, and these dimensions will be explored in this book. Implementing proper biotechnological applications of the arid and desert-adapted PGPM constitutes a sizeable challenge, and the book attempts to take up that challenge and help researchers in this field to gain a detailed understanding of PGPM from arid ecosystems. This book serves as a handbook for research workers, teachers, postgraduate students and extension personnel, other development workers, and policy planners engaged in arid zone development.

In the context of rising adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, there is a need for advanced methods and practices to manage soils for production of food and energy. This book presents the latest advances in microbial processes that control plant growth, with focus on genomic tools, microbial interactions with the plant and soils habitats, mobilization of plant nutrients, agricultural waste management, biodegradation, bioremediation, carbon sequestration, land reclamation, plant growth promotion, suppression of plant pathogens, induced systemic resistance and tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses.

This contributed volume compiles the latest improvements in the field of nanobiotechnology, with a special emphasis on microbial-synthesized nanoparticles. It focuses on topics that comprise the microbials synthesized nanoparticles, their characterization, and applications in the field of medicine and biotechnology, which are organized in three parts, respectively. Ranging from micro-scale studies to macro, it covers a huge domain of nanotechnology in relevance to microbiology. Overall, the book portrays the importance of microbial processes in the sustainable production of nanomaterials to reduce the environmental burden caused by nanomaterials produced by chemical processes. The book is a ready reference for practicing students, researchers of nanobiotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and other allied fields likewise.

This edited volume covers all aspects of microbes in consortia; their roles in the ecological balance of soil by mineralize soil nutrients, plant growth promotion, protecting plants from disease by acting as biocontrol agents etc. Step-by-step descriptions are provided to the development and designing strategies of microbial consortia of rhizobacteria, phytohormone producing with biocontrol; ACC-deaminase producing with siderophore producing; vice-versa, and many combinations of multifaceted bacteria. The development of microbial consortia into successful bioinoculant and biofertilizers is also included in various chapters. In addition, molecular mechanisms to study the synergistic behaviors of rhizobacteria, accompanied by numerous helpful schematic drawings. Using phylogeny to justify the molecular similarity among two different bacteria identifies the possibility of microbial synergism, fruitful to development of microbial consortium and establish them in the rhizosphere with consorted mechanisms. In addition, clear drawings are included in support of understanding the natural phenomenon of synergism in below-ground ecosystem. Essential information is provided on ecological management by consorted mechanisms of rhizobacteria that directly affect ‘agriculture sustainability'and an individual chapter is devoted to the understanding of future research, and addressing bottlenecks and successful steps. This book assists the academicians, researchers and NGOs in negotiating the steep learning curve involved in gaining the skills needed to perform design and development of microbial consortiums, preparation of PGPR-based fertilizers, which offers significant advantages in terms of pertaining novel knowledge on the groundbreaking research, still ongoing.

This book is developed in a lucid manner for readers to grasp information about the role and potential of microbes in sustainable agriculture & computational strategies associated with it. Present volume focuses on advancements of microbial research in increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability viz. plant growth promotion by rhizobacterial biostimulants, endophytes, actinobacteria, arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi and biocontrol.Present day research is focused on role of soil microbe's in agriculture, diazotropic & azotobacterial N2 fixation, PGPR etc. However, there is dearth of information on bioremediation of agrochemicals, biocontrol etc. This book is a compilation of research advances in both the aspect from eminent experts around the globe. In addition, in-silico mediated understandings of plant pathology, use of artificial neural networks in phytopathogen prediction, computational approaches in enhancing secondary metabolites production will be beneficialto professionals and academicians for sustainable agriculture.This volume will be very helpful for the students, teachers, professionals, and scientists concerned in agricultural production, food security, soil microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and computational techniques.

This book highlights important aspects of food biotechnology. It is very thoughtfully divided into five sections. The first section introduces the readers to food biotechnology and discusses functional foods, use of plant and animal biotechnology in improving food quality. The second section deals with food microbiology and includes topics such as application of microbial surfactants, use of probiotics, beneficial microorganisms used in food industry etc. The third section describes important macro and micromolecules in foods. It includes chapters on food enzymes, gluten free formulations, use of biopolymers, biofortification of food and other important topics. The next section discusses novel technologies such as use of nanotechnology in food industry, reverse micelle techniques, genome editing in food crops etc. The book culminates with a section on food quality and management. It describes important topics about biosafety and regulatory issues in food biotechnology. This book is meant for students, researchers and course instructors in food science, food technology and biotechnology. It is also useful for industry experts in the area of food technology.

A constant research effort to understand plant-microbe interactions makes it indispensable to keep abreast of the latest research developments. Researchers from a range of disciplines have used multiple approaches to infer this field. With the advent of next-generation techniques, both molecular and computational, the field has entered a new phase. These approaches often result in massive information, which is sometimes tangled and in need of further analysis. These types of analyses also require cutting-edge data analytics as well as efficient statistical models.Plant-Microbe Interactions: Harnessing Next-Generation Molecular Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture provides a comprehensive picture of the modern-day analytics and approaches being used to provide insights into the interactions between plant and microbe. A wide range of technologies are explored along with practical guides toward these techniques. A detailed understanding of omics data in various areas could be obtained from this compilation.Key Features:• Crosstalk between plant and microbe• Overview of advanced molecular techniques used to study plant-microbe interaction• Practical guide to technologies such as NGS• Omics data analysis used to study plant-microbe interaction• Role of soil metagenomics• Advanced technologies such as nanotechnology and CRISPR serving to study plant-microbe interactionThis book will serve as a great reference to various next-generation techniques in the field of plant-microbe interaction, thereby helping to better understand the mechanism. This will also help budding researchers to shape their research in similar areas.

This volume explains the recent findings on the mutualistic plant–microbe interactions and how they can be utilized for sustainable agriculture practices including land reclamation. The book covers mainly plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) including both the symbiotic bacteria and fungi and their role in mobilization of nutrients, providing protection to the crops from phytopathogens and abiotic stresses. PGPMs play important roles in survival and health of the plant. These useful microorganisms provide plants with nutrients, protect them from pathogens and help them combat abiotic stresses. It is important that these mutualistic interactions between plant and soil microbes are well understood so as to develop reliable products in the form of biostimulants and biopesticides, as well as managing biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. Apart from enhancing crop productivity plant–microbe interactions can also perform activities such as reclamation of degraded lands, degradation of pollutants and remediation of saline or marginal lands. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, plant scientists and microbiologists. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, soil science and environmental sciences.

This book is first part of the 3 volume set focusing on basic and advanced methods for using microbiology as an entrepreneurial venture. This volume explains the entrepreneurship skills for production, cost-benefit analysis and marketing of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, bio-insecticides, seaweed liquid biofertilizer, and phosphate solubilizers. Chapters cover the applications of microorganisms in small and large scale production to achieve a sustainable output. The book provides essential knowledge and working business protocols from all related disciplines in agribusiness, organic farming, and economic integration. This book is useful to graduate students, research scholars and postdoctoral fellows, and teachers who belong to different disciplines via Botany, Agriculture, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture. Next two volumes are focused on food and industrial microbiology.

This contributory volume is a comprehensive account of recent research on extremophilic fungi. It brings to the readers, latest information on all categories of extremophilic fungi, their isolation, culture, and potential applications. The book aims at providing the audience in-depth and updated theoretical concepts, also application on the field. It will serve as a supplementary reading material in addition to basic mycology textbooks. The book fills the gap in literature and will be useful to the postgraduate students and researchers in the field of mycology, agriculture, biotechnology and Microbiology.

Biocontrol Mechanisms of Endophytic Microorganisms introduces endophytic microorganisms, colonization, diversity and distribution, describes the isolation and identification of endophytic microorganisms by traditional cultivation and by next generation sequencing technologies, and covers biocontrol mechanisms, bacterial priming, endophytic based methods, the significance on fungi, and metabolite based formulations. The book concludes with chapters on biofilms, microbiota and safety issues of microorganisms. The intensive use of chemicals to control these plant pathogens has resulted in negative consequences such as the release of toxic chemicals in the environment, reduced soil fertility and human health problems. Therefore, environmentally-friendly and sustainable replacement of chemical fertilizers or pesticides is highly challenging. - Contains exclusive information about research on immunogenetics going on all over the world - Includes all the minute and recent details that will be the prerequisite requirement for any researcher who wants to work on immunogenetics and its applications - Comes fully-equipped with pictures, illustrations and tables, delivering the information in a meticulous manner that makes it more attractive to readers

This edited volume provides comprehensive and latest information on the fungal biodiversity in its morphological characters, bioactive molecules, pathogenicity and virulence, and its impacts on crop production and sustainable management of agricultural productivity towards resolving global food security issues. The increasing number of infectious fungal diseases are regarded as threats to agricultural productivity and global food security. The efforts done by scientists to inventories the fungal diversity and identification of fungal species contributing as pathogens towards many plant and human diseases have been compiled in the present volume. The identification of the potential fungal pathogens is a prerequisite for an effective disease control management program. Also important is to understand the complex interactions between the host-pathogen and the environment. The book dwells on insights on the aforementioned aspects. The book also includes articles onecological significance of fungi and fungal antagonists used as biocontrol agents on other pathogens. This compilation is useful to scientists working in similar areas as well as to undergraduate and graduate students keen on getting updated information on the subject. Scientists involved in agricultural research, crop management, and industries that manufacture agrochemicals may also find it useful read.

This book provides in-depth information about the ecology, diversity and applications of Actinomycetes. The book is divided into two major parts. The first part discusses the diversity, chemical biology and ecology of Actinomycetes. It also covers the discovery of natural products from soil, endophytic and marine-derived Actinomycetes. It includes natural product discovery, chemical biology, new methods for discovering secondary metabolites, structure elucidation and biosynthetic research of natural products. The chapters in this part focus on the effects of biological and chemical elicitation at molecular level on secondary metabolism in Actinomycetes. The second part of the book discusses genomic and synthetic biology approaches in Actinomycetes drug discovery. This part includes chapters focused on the application of metabolic engineering to optimize natural product synthesis and the use of omics data in engineering of regulatory genes. It covers the advanced tools of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering including cluster assembly, CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, and chassis strain development for natural product overproduction in Actinomycetes. It describes the use of bioinformatics tools for reprogramming of biosynthetic pathways through polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase engineering. These advanced genomic and molecular tools are expected to accelerate the discovery and development of new natural products from Actinomycetes with medicinal and other industrial applications. The book is useful to researchers and students in the field of microbiology, pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery.

Today, the agriculture industry is confronted with simultaneous issues of how to fully embrace mass production of safer food in terms of both quality and quantity. Most industries are concerned with avoiding significant levels of soil pollution and environmental threats as a result of the excessive and harmful use of synthetic products on crops. Therefore, there is a need to adopt sustainable technological innovations that can ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems.Microbial Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Bioremediation discusses the benefits, challenges, and practical applications of eco-friendly biotechnological techniques using biostimulants derived from beneficial microorganisms. The chapters cover the use of these organisms to increase crop production, enhance soil fertility and maintain soil health, create crop and plant tolerance to different abiotic stressors, release required nutrients to the soil, increase resistance to plant pathogens/pests, improve nutrient use efficiency of crops, and rejuvenate polluted environments.FEATURES Explores the physiological, morpho-anatomical, and biochemical molecular plant rejoinders involved in stimulating crop productivity Provides information on the physiological, cellular, and molecular modes of action underlying microbial biostimulant interfaces Summarizes methods and approaches for executing microbial stimulant technology Outlines numerous environmental management and remediation strategies This book is an ideal resource for researchers, engineers, and academics working in soil science, crop science, water remediation, microbiology, and biotechnology.

This book summarizes the basics of actinobacteria, from microbiology to synthetic biology. It focuses on diversity, NRPS, sesquiterpenes, lantipeptide, bioinformatics apparatuses, cloning, CRISPR, reverse engineering, FDA supported medications, and marine actinobacteria. It also covers the latest trends in drug discovery from actinobacteria, and introduces several recently developed bioinformatics and synthetic biology tools to explore new antibiotics from actinobacteria. Many natural products such as polyketides, isoprenoids, phenazines, peptides, indolocarbarbazoles, sterols, and others have been isolated and characterized from actinobacteria. Some products are synthesized by the non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), polyketide synthases (PKSs), or other functional genes. Although genome sequencing has uncovered the differing qualities of these chemicals, recognizing new items and their biosynthetic pathways is still under examination.Cryptic metabolic pathwayshave been explored using molecular techniques or culture-dependent approaches. In recent years, researchers'primary interest is to identify the specific conditions or agents that wake the cryptic antibiotics. Several bioinformatics and synthetic biology tools were developed to explore new antibiotics from actinobacteria.The book comprises 14 chapters with different aspects of application and utilization of actinomycetes from the microbiology; systems biology, pharmacology of natural products, bioinformatics, actinomycete and its diversity, CRISPR, artificial Intelligence, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, expressional studies, and biosynthetic gene clusters. The book delivers useful information on actinomyces to researchers, novices in genome designing, specialists, clinicians, policymakers, and professionals.

Advances in Trichoderma Biology for Agricultural Applications covers the beneficial properties of Trichoderma in enhancing global agricultural productivity. Trichoderma are biotechnologically significant fungi, being widely used both agriculturally and industrially. In many cases Trichoderma are also a potential drug source of clinical importance. In recent years, driven by advances in genetics and genomics, research on these fungi has opened new avenues for its various applications. This book covers i) Current state of Trichoderma taxonomy, and species identification, ii) Trichoderma and plant-pathogenic fungi interactions, iii) Trichoderma interactions with plants, including rhizosphere competence of Trichoderma, antagonistic potentials, plant growth promotion, and management of various abiotic stresses in plants, iv) Practical aspects of Trichoderma commercialization in agriculture, v) Biosynthesis of metal-based nanoparticles and its application, and vi) Negative impact of Trichoderma strains in the environments.Reading this book should kindle further discussions among researchers working in fungal biotechnology, microbiology, agriculture, environmental science, forestry, and other allied subjects and thus lead to a broader scope of Trichoderma-based products and technologies. The knowledge shared in this book should also provide a warning on the potential risks associated with Trichoderma.

This second volume of a two-volume work reviews beneficial bioactive compounds from various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria in plant diseases management and the postharvest management of fruits using microbial antagonists. Furthermore, it reviews the impact of climate change on food security and addressed the legal aspects of microbial biocontrol applications. The two-volume work “Microbial Biocontrol” introduces to mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions and explores latest strategies of how microbes can be applied in biocontrol and management of plant pathogens, replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The book covers different groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, but also the interplay of entire microbiomes, and reviews their specific benefits in crop growth promotion, in enhancing the plants'tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress as well as in post-harvest management of various plant diseases. Novel tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and microbe derived nanoparticles are also addressed besides the legal aspects of biocontrol applications. Today, rising global population and changing climatic conditions emerge as a major challenge for agronomist farmers and researchers in fulfilling the requirements of global food production. The conventional agricultural practices utilize undistributed use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance growth and yield of agricultural products and fresh foods, but their extensive and continuous use have led to a range of negative consequences on the food quality and safety, to environment as well as to human and animal health. Microbial biocontrol applications are presented as a solution, paving the way to a sustainable agriculture in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The book addresses researchers in academia and agriculture.

Microbial Biomolecules: Emerging Approach in Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals and Environment Management explores and compiles new aspects of microbial-based biomolecules such as microbial enzymes, microbial metabolites, microbial surfactants, exopolysaccharides, and bioactive compounds and their potential applications in the field of health-related issues, sustainable agriculture and environment contamination management. Written for researchers, scientists, and graduate and PhD students in the areas of Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Pharmacology, this book covers the urgent need to explore eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to healthcare, agriculture and environmental contamination management. - Explores eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to healthcare, agriculture and environmental contamination management - Compiles new aspects of microbial-based biomolecules - Proves that the use of microbes or microbial products are suitable alternatives to manage the current challenges of healthcare issues, chemical pesticides and environmental contamination

This first volume of a two-volume work presents the manifold applications of beneficial microbes and microbiomes in plant growth promotion, in enhancing crop resilience and in control of phytopathogens through microbial antagonists. In-depth insights into latest technologies such as biopriming of seeds and soil inoculation of rhizosphere microorganisms are provided.The two-volume work “Microbial Biocontrol” introduces mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions and explores latest strategies of how microbes can be applied in biocontrol and management of plant pathogens, replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The book covers different groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, but also the interplay of entire microbiomes, and reviews their specific benefits in crop growth promotion, in enhancing the plants'tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress as well as in post-harvest management of various plant diseases. Novel tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and microbe derivednanoparticles are also addressed besides the legal aspects of biocontrol applications.Today, rising global population and changing climatic conditions emerge as a major challenge for agronomist farmers and researchers in fulfilling the requirements of global food production. The conventional agricultural practices utilize undistributed use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance growth and yield of agricultural products and fresh foods, but their extensive and continuous use have led to a range of negative consequences on the food quality and safety, to environment as well as to human and animal health. Microbial biocontrol applications are presented as a solution, paving the way to a sustainable agriculture in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The book addresses researchers in academia and agriculture.

Trends of Applied Microbiology for a Sustainable Economy discusses the role of modern tools and next-generation technologies in applied microbial research, including recent trends and innovation in global biofertilizers. Agriculture has seen dramatic changes since the time of its inception. Starting with the domestication of wild plants to small-scale traditional farming and then large-scale, chemical-intensive agriculture. It is at a crossroads once again, putting a huge amount of pressure on available natural resources like soil, water and biodiversity which is bound to increase with the ever-growing human population. This book helps readers understand the challenges associated with these demographic changes. - Redefines the relationship between microorganisms and agricultural sustainability in view of the latest technologies and advancements - Documents recent microbiological advancements in agricultural research and discusses challenges and opportunities in the biofertilizers market - Identifies challenges and opportunities for scaling up biofertilizers technology - Discusses recent trends and innovations in the biotechnology market and economy

Microbial Syntrophy-Mediated Eco-enterprising summarizes and reviews possible microbial applications for eco-industrial sustainability. The book emphasizes a wide spectrum of experimental and theoretical contributions from eminent researchers in the field. In 13 chapters, there is a focus on the microbial intrusions for remediating sites by accumulated pesticides, heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and other industrial effluents. Moreover, the potentiality and key mechanisms used by microorganisms for sustainable environmental management and their prospects are also considered in this new release. The term syntrophy for nutritional interdependence is often used in microbiology to describe the symbiotic relationship between bacterial species. Understanding such interactions can be of considerable interest when we come to manipulate microbes to our own benefit, such as by disrupting pathogenic communities with antibiotics or by promoting efficiency in communities that produce energy or break down waste. - Summarizes and reviews possible microbial applications for eco-industrial sustainability - Includes a wide spectrum of experimental and theoretical contributions from eminent researchers in the field - Focuses on microbial intrusions for remediating sites and other industrial effluents