A comprehensive review of the recent developments in microbial bioprotectants Covers key classifications of bioprotectants: bacterial (e.g. Bacillus spp.), fungal (e.g. Trichoderma spp.), and viral (e.g. bacteriophages) Discusses the general issues that arise with the use of key bioprotectants throughout agriculture (e.g. risk of development of resistance against bioprotectants)

Reviews the latest research on the advances in IPM strategies for insect and disease control in horticultural crops Highlights the challenges of using alternative methods of control successfully in IPM programmes (e.g. biopesticides, bioprotectants, biostimulants) Provides examples of the practical implementation of IPM strategies to an array of horticultural crops (cucurbits, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower) in differing environments (greenhouses, protected cultivation)

With growing concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fungicides, increasing levels of fungicide resistance and increasing regulatory restrictions on fungicide use, the crop protection sector faces mounting pressure to replace synthetic fungicides with more environmentally- friendly biological alternatives for disease control. Microbial bioprotectants for plant disease management provides a comprehensive coverage of the recent advances in the development of more ecologically balanced biological methods to control plant diseases. The collection offers a focussed review on the availability and use of bacterial, fungal and viral bioprotectants, as well as the issues that arise with their development and use.

Learn the various microbiological aspects one deals with in environment management and the remediation of toxic contaminants in the environment In recent years, the accumulation of hazardous contaminants has caused a broad-based deterioration in global environmental quality. These have had wide-ranging negative social impacts, affecting climate, soil and water ecosystems, and more. As traditional methods of contaminant mitigation have proven inadequate to the task, microbial-based remediation offers the clearest, most environmentally friendly path forward for this crucial aspect of global environmental stewardship. Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants offers comprehensive coverage of novel and indigenous microbes and their applications in contaminant mitigation. Surveying all the major microbial products and methods for degrading and remediating hazardous pollutants, it offers a key tool in the fight against global environmental degradation. The result is a cutting-edge introduction to an essential subject. Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants will also find: Current and future approaches to microbial degradation Detailed discussion of biofilms, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, metabolites, and many more Coverage of metabolic engineering as an alternative strategy Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants is ideal for those working in the field for the application of microbes in the remediation of hazardous pollutants and environment management, particularly those interested in environmental sciences, microbiology and microbial technology, environmental biotechnology, and molecular biology.

The negative impact of chemical pesticides on human wellbeing and the environment has encouraged the development of eco-friendly alternatives for the management of plant pathogens. However, only a small number of microbial biocontrol agents (mBCAs) have been developed, registered and used in the management of plant diseases. This book analyses the deployment of mBCAs for the development of novel microbial biopesticides, considering the main plant-beneficial traits, procedures needed for effective formulations and the processes used for their validation. To guide the readers through the world of microbial biopesticides, the book starts with a chapter dedicated to the regulations that need to be followed for the development of final products. Readers will understand the importance of formulation and mode of action of mBCAs in developing microbial biopesticides. They will become familiar with key mBCAs such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., and Pseudomonas spp., understanding the importance of formulation for their application in the field. This book explains the use of mBCAs to control post-harvest diseases and the potential of endophytic microorganisms as next-generation microbial biopesticides. A final chapter provides a useful workflow for the selection of new mBCAs and describes microbial species including promising mBCAs that might be developed as new microbial biopesticides. For students and researchers involved in crop protection and biological control.

Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition are major challenges in many parts of the world. Soil degradation and increased water stress worldwide are the major obstacle in the way of the resilient agri–food system. It has been estimated that, across the globe, over 800 Mha of land is affected by salts which include both salinity and alkalinity. Under stress conditions, soil, plant and microorganisms form a unique mutualistic relationship in and around the rhizosphere. Soil microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere, called Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), possesses the potential to enhance plant growth through several mechanisms and also alleviate the effect of abiotic stresses on plants. Hence, this book aims to bring out a comprehensive collection of scientific research which includes the functions of the rhizosphere to harness plant–microbe interactions and PGPR for abiotic stress mitigation and enhancing crop performance.

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 on ecological 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.

Development and Commercialization of Biopesticides: Costs and Benefits provides a uniquely comprehensive view of the commercial production of biopesticides, from research to application, featuring case studies in various developed and developing countries of the world. The book offers guidance for future strategies to researchers, along with considerations for the industry’s economic concerns, i.e., costs and benefits compared to conventional pesticides, future perspectives for application strategies, bioavailability and environmental safety, and impacts on intellectual property issues during commercialization. Finally, the book covers why the development of this industry must be strategic, comprehensive and forward-looking in order to be an accepted, safe and sustainable. There is no doubt that biopesticides are now in large-scale use, and a variety of novel techniques have been used to improve or modify existing biopesticides, which will further accelerate their development. Presents case-studies of commercial biopesticide programs in developed and developing countries Provides insights into the risks and rewards of biopesticide production Enables realistic assessments and guides readers through steps from research to regulation

Covers both in-situ and ex-situ strategies for conserving and exploiting plant genetic diversity Particularly strong coverage of in-situ and on-farm techniques, including collection and management of wild plant populations, community-based conservation strategies, participatory plant breeding programmes and seed systems to ensure farmer access to improved varieties Covers improvements in characterising, evaluating and safe exchange of germplasm to accelerate crop breeding programmes

Comprehensive review of the development of plant phenotyping as a research field in a wide range of scientific communities Explores key advances in the use of plant phenotyping techniques to improve yield, growth and resource-use efficiency, such as robotics, aerial systems, sensors and controlled environments Offers a detailed analysis of the benefits of plant phenotyping through selected case studies that demonstrate the use of phenotyping techniques in analysing crop functionality and improving crop responses to abiotic and biotic stresses