Samina Mehnaz – författare

More than a century has passed since the first bioformulations were introduced to the market. But there is still much to be done, explored and developed. Though bioformulations offer green alternatives and are important for sustainable agriculture, they make up only a small fraction of the total additions used to enhance crop yields or protect them from pests. There is a great need to develop bioformulations that can promote confidence among end users; accordingly, it is imperative that bioformulations to replace chemicals be reliable and overcome the shortcomings of the past.

Bioformulations: for Sustainable Agriculture discusses all the issues related to the current limitations and future development of bioformulations. It examines in detail those bioformulations that include biofertilizers and biopesticides (also commonly known as bioinoculants), presenting a global picture of their development. Further chapters address diverse microbes that are already being orcould be used as bioformulations. The book also discusses the techniques, tools and other additions required to establish bioformulations as trustworthy and global solutions. It assesses the types of bioformulations currently available on the market, while also considering the future roles of bioformulations, including the reclamation of marginal and polluted soils. Further, it discusses the current legislation and much-needed amendments. Overall the book provides a comprehensive outlook on the status quo of bioformulations and the future approaches needed to improve them and achieve sustainable agriculture and food security without sacrificing the quality of soils. This will be extremely important in offering chemical-free foods and a better future for generations to come.

This book describes the contributions of rhizotrophs – microbes associated with the parts of plants below ground – in sustainable agriculture. It covers a broad range of aspects, from plant growth promotion to bioremediation. It highlights the role of bacteria, actinomycetes, mycorrhizal fungi, and most interestingly protists, in the sustainability of agriculture. Further, it addresses in detail the involvement of quorum sensing signals, and the role of hydrolytic enzymes and bacteriocin in combating the phytopathogen.

The book sheds light on the interaction of rhizotrophs in rhizosphere and how these microbes support plants growing under adverse stress conditions such as saline, drought or heavy-metals contamination. Challenges faced in the field application of these microbes, strategies for modifying the rhizosphere to improve crop yield, and the latest advances in rhizobial bioformulations are also discussed. Overall, the book provides comprehensive information onhow various microbes can be used to improve the sustainability of agriculture without disturbing the environment.