This book discusses the cross-talk between plants and microbes in the rhizosphere. The rhizosphere is the hotspot of microbial activities that influence plant growth and crop yield. The rhizosphere-residing microbes include the nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, antibiotic-producing bacteria, antagonistic, plant-beneficial fungi, and entomopathogens. The three-way cross-talk among the plants, the pathogens and other microbes involves signaling molecules, metabolites, and physical interactions. The book also describes deleterious and beneficial aspects of this communication between plants and microbes. Plants program the local microbiome near their roots, and the microbial community has a profound influence on the functioning of the plant. This complex communication makes the collection of chapters a timely one, because the diverse subjects are linked by their focus on the molecular language of plant-microbe cross-talk. This timely and informative book is useful for students and researchers in the fields of microbiology, soil biology, and plant pathology.

This book presents a detailed discussion on the direct interactions of plants and microorganisms in the rhizosphere environment. It includes fifteen chapters, each focusing on a specific component of plant-microbe interactions, such as the influence of plants on the root microbiome, and the downstream effects of rhizosphere microbial dynamics on carbon and nutrient fluxes in the surroundings. As such, the book helps readers gain a better understanding of diversity above the ground, and its effect on the microbiome and its functionality.

This book delves into microbial production and its implications for various industries and presents the latest advancements in the field of bioactive compound production by microorganisms. Divided into 16 chapters, the book covers a wide range of topics, starting with the emerging trends in microbial production techniques, followed by the potential of fungi and algae in producing bioactive compounds, and the applications of bioactive compounds in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Contributions from expert scientists emphasize the significance of metabolic engineering and modern analytical techniques for the extraction, purification, and structural characterization of microbial bioactive compounds. The authors also present alternative technologies and methodologies for the recovery and extraction of these compounds from microbial sources and highlight the health-promoting benefits of natural plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to nanocarriers and their potential for managing the delivery of bioactive compounds in therapeutic applications. The importance of actinomycetes and their bioactive potential in the agricultural sector is also discussed. In this book, readers will also find out about the importance of microbial community dynamics in Antarctica, their ecological potential, and their industrial application. The last chapter of the book offers an industrial perspective of microbial pigments and their applications. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals seeking to understand and harness the potential of microbial bioactive compounds for sustainable development, industrial applications, and improved human well-being.

Symbiosis is a vital and enduring interaction between two species in nature, benefiting both organisms involved. Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism are the three main types of symbiotic relationships. Mutualism benefits both species, commensalism benefits one species while leaving the other unaffected, and parasitism benefits one species at the expense of the other. These interactions play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability and functionality. Symbiosis relies on a close genetic, physiological, and morphological connection between the participating species. Numerous examples demonstrate the significance of symbiosis in nature. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, for instance, convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which plants can utilize as a nutrient. This process reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance nutrient and water absorption in plants, while certain bacteria in the soil improve nutrient availability, plant development, and photosynthesis. These instances highlight the diverse ways in which symbiosis supports the well-being of different species. This book thoroughly explores various aspects of symbiosis in nature, delving into topics such as signaling, its importance in agriculture, and its role in mitigating abiotic stresses. It also provides a comprehensive exploration of various aspects related to symbiosis in nature, offering readers a valuable opportunity to enhance their understanding of this subject. By offering valuable insights, the book sheds light on the beneficial relationships that exist between different species. Overall, symbiosis is an integral mechanism that promotes the interdependence and cooperation of species in nature. Understanding the complexities and benefits of symbiotic relationships is essential for comprehending and preserving the delicate balance within ecosystems.

Microbes: Health and Environment highlights the interrelatedness of microbes with life and the environment. It stresses that microbes have a beneficial impact on human life and environment. It covers the various aspects of microbes such as molecular biology, interrelationships, microbial intervention in our environment, microbial biotechnology, genetics, their immunology, biochemistry, economic importance, interaction with medicinal plants, human beings, industrial relevance, influence on our health and so on. It is an asset for enterprising students, teachers, and scientists.

The rhizosphere is a very complex environment in which the effects of the plant on soil microorganisms and the effects of the microorganisms on the plant are interacting and are interdependent. Plant root exudates and breakdownproducts attract microbes and feed them and, in turn, the plants often bene?t from the microbes. Interactions among microorg- ismsandplantrootsareessentialfornutritionalrequirementsoftheplant. Plant growth, development and productivity are largely dependent on the soil environment in the root region rhizosphere. The new techniques of studying the rhizosphere enables us to get a much better understanding of the dynamics of the rhizosphere population, such rhizosphere studies beingofinteresttoagriculturists,soilbiologists,chemists,microbiologists andmolecularbiologists. The rhizosphere microbes in?uence the root environment in several ways. They may change the oxidation-reduction potential, in?uence the availabilityofmoistureandnutrients,producegrowthinhibitingorgrowth promoting substances in the form of exudates, provide competition and possiblyinducemanyothereffects.Mycorrhizalassociationsarebene?cial in mineral uptake and in increasing root surface area for effective ion absorption. Antagonism,competitionandsynergisminsoilandtherhizoplane(r- zosphere) are the most important microbial interactions to consider in the study of rhizosphere biology. With the growing information on the production of growth regulators, competitiveness of the microbes in the rhizosphere, microsymbionts, and other factors, their effect upon plant growth will become more evident. Experiments on the introduction of microbes or their products in the rhizosphere will help to improve our understandingofthebiologyoftherhizosphere.

Summarizing data on the processes that occur in soil-plant interaction, this text emphasizes the biochemistry and the role of organic compounds in the rhizosphere environment. It considers developments in experimental approaches to the biochemical and molecular interaction among plants, microbes, and soil components.

This book analyses the complexities of the rhizosphere ecosystem and discusses the role of insect pheromones in shaping soil health and vermicompost production. It details the mechanisms of insect pheromone communication, their impact on soil microbial communities, and their potential applications in sustainable agriculture and vermicompost production. The subject matter in this book also discusses: The Underground Symphony Pheromones in Pest Control The Sentient Soil Hypothesis Bio-Engineered Insect Allies The Global Impact of Rhizosphere Revolution Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan)

The rhizosphere is an ecological hotspot. Plant roots, bacteria, archaea, fungi, nematodes, and other macroscopic organisms interact here with each other. Plants represent the main influencing force as they produce a mixture of chemical molecules and extrude them in the form of root exudates. Those exudates determine not only the nutrient availability of the plant but also influence the outcome of the interactions in the vicinity of the roots. In response to the plant-derived signals, a subset of the bulk soil microbes can proliferate in the proximity of the root and some of them can eventually overcome the plant defense system to colonize the plants. The root-associated microbiota is assumed to be crucial for plant health, and belowground plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions can result in altered growth and nutritional quality of the aboveground plant parts. Such interactions affect community composition and productivity in natural ecosystems or crop yield in agricultural fields. Root associations with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) producing phytohormones that alter root architecture, or produce antibiotics to suppress antagonistic pathogens, affecting nutrient availability and competition between plants are just a few among many examples of such belowground interactions in the rhizosphere. Moreover, the role of rhizosphere microorganisms in stimulating the plant immune system leading to Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) has also been a focus of an active investigation. However, the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. On one hand, it has been proposed that plants actively recruit beneficial microorganisms under certain pathological conditions or influence the soil microbial communities and create a so-called “soil memory”, which is conveyed to future plant generations. On the other, the presence and interactions between microorganisms in the soil have a substantial impact on plant health.