Bio-inoculants in Horticultural Crops, Volume Three in the Advances in Bio-inoculant series, focuses on real-time application of novel microbes that have been proven to enhance and improve plant health and productivity. The book provides comprehensive information on a range of biological approaches and mechanisms for the improvement of horticultural crops being practiced in different production systems. Covering the subject from historical developments to recent advances in microbial interventions, it addresses the potential role and bio-mechanism of bio-inoculants for challenges including stress tolerance, production, commercialization, application methodology, challenges and future roadmap for sustainable production system of horticultural crops.
This volume will be useful to scientists, academicians, and students of horticulture, agriculture microbiology, plant protection, and other related subjects.
Amitava Rakshit is a faculty member of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. His research areas include nutrient use efficiency, simulations modelling, organic farming, integrated nutrient management, and bioremediation. His consulting capabilities are composting techniques, soil health management, and input quality control. He is currently the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Biotechnology. He is a member of the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition of FAO, Rome, and the Commission on Ecosystem Management of International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Dr. Vijay Singh Meena has made remarkable contributions in the field of agricultural research, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, his work focuses on evaluating and promoting climate-resilient technologies for diverse cropping systems, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
His expertise lies in optimizing input usage, fostering carbon-neutral farming practices, and enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture, which are integral to achieving SDG 2 by ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his initiatives in evaluating climate-resilient technologies align with SDG 13 by addressing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation measures in agriculture.
Dr. Meena's academic background in Soil Science and Cropping System Management, coupled with his extensive research experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of cropping systems. His expertise in input optimization, quantitative cropping systems analysis, and soil health management has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods in South Asia, thus supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2.
Furthermore, Dr. Meena has been recognized for his scientific excellence, receiving prestigious awards such as the INSA Young Scientist Award and the IASWC Budding Scientist Award, which further highlights his contributions towards achieving the SDGs. In summary, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena's outstanding achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to agricultural innovation directly contribute to advancing the SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and make him a valuable asset in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Dr Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Associate Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Sorocaba at the Environmental Engineering undergraduate course and at the postgraduate in Environmental Sciences. He is Fellow from the Royal Society of Chemistry. He has experience in environmental nanotechnology, with an emphasis on health and environmental nanotechnology and applications of nanotechnology in agriculture. Dr. Fraceto has been active in the development of nanocarrier systems for the encapsulation of compounds with bioactive properties. From his works, patents have been deposited, of which one is licensed for the development of nano-herbicides for weed control. With this technology developed, it was possible to produce a more effective carrier system, since with 10 times less active compound the same effect of a commercial formulation was achieved and, in this context, promoting low environmental impacts. Also, from this technology, it was possible to develop other carrier systems for fungicides, as well as, for compounds of botanical origin (insecticides and repellents. In addition, Dr. Fraceto has developed high-level research and contributed to scientific and technological development at the national and international levels, with numerous internationally renowned scientific collaborators. He has published about 180 papers in international peer reviewed journals and has supervised undergraduate, graduate (master and PhD) and supervised Pos-docs. He is Associate editor from high standard journals and reviewer from more than 50 journals.
Manoj Parihar is currently working at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora as a Soil Scientist in Crop Production Division. He did his graduation from SKRAU, Bikaner and selected as ICAR-JRF fellow for post-graduation in BHU, Varanasi. He has been awarded doctorate from the same university in the year 2018. He has received various recognitions such as ICAR-SRF, UGC-BSR, UGC-RGNF etc.
Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza works in the Department of Horticulture at Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo 25315, Mexico.
