The book entitled ‘Fundamentals of Agricultural Microbiology’ is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricate role of microorganisms in agriculture and provides a foundational understanding of the role of microorganisms in soil fertility and plant growth. It covers topics like basic microbiology, microbial ecology, soil microbiology, role of microbes in nutrient cycling and the microbial production of growth promoting hormones. The book’s clarity, real world examples focus on the relationship between microorganisms and agricultural productivity make it accessible to a broad audience, including those with the basic knowledge of biology. By exploring the symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms, it promotes the use of eco-friendly, biological methods in farming thus supporting sustainable agriculture. The chapters in the book are well-organized with clear illustrations. The book is an invaluable resource for understanding the critical role of microorganisms with the focus on both theory and application which can be used by students, researchers, scientific fraternity and extension functionaries.
Dr. Manasa S.G. works as an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Microbiology (Contractual basis) at College of Horticulture, Bidar. Her academic journey includes a B.Sc. (Agri.), M.Sc. (Agri.), & Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur and she has completed a Post-graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM) from MANAGE, Hyderabad, in 2022-23. Also, qualified for the ICAR NET in 2019. Her research and contributions to the field are notable, with three research papers, eight popular articles, four book chapters, and ten abstracts presented at international conferences. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including a gold medal for having the highest OGPA in her Ph.D. program, the Best Thesis Award in 2019 from SSDAT, Meerut, The Best Research Scholar Award in 2019 and the Young Professional Award in 2022 from AETDS, Uttarakhand. Additionally, she has received the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award from AAVASILES in 2022, Srinagar. The young author has two years and six months of teaching experience. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to her field, both in research and education.
Dr. Avinash S.H. has established himself as a distinguished scholar in the field of agricultural sciences. He has completed his academic journey with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. His scholarly contributions include two research articles, four book chapters, nine popular articles, and six abstracts, reflecting a robust engagement with both academic and public dissemination of knowledge. His work has earned him several accolades, including the Best Research Scholar Award, Young Professional Award, Best Thesis Award, and Best Poster Presentation Award, underscoring his excellence and innovation in the field. He has also served as a Senior Research Fellow in the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Bioconversion Technology at UAS, Dharwad. His research expertise encompasses Mycorrhiza, Pseudomonads, Pesticide degraders, Compost cultures, and the production of Bioethanol and Biogas. His work is characterized by a commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative approaches. His achievements and contributions continue to make a substantial impact in the field of agricultural sciences. Since past one year, he is engaged in teaching alcohol technology in S. Nijalingappa Sugar Institute, Belagavi, Karnataka.
Dr. Sangappa V. Patil, Dean, College of Horticulture, Bidar was born on 01 June, 1969 in Gulbarga District, Karnataka, India. He has obtained his B.Sc. (Agri.) degree from College of Agriculture, Raichur during the year 1991, M.Sc. (Agri.) in Agronomy from UAS, Dharwad during the year 1994, Ph.D. in Agronomy from UAS, Dharwad during the year 2011 and PGDAEM from MANAGE, Hyderabad during the year 2014 with good academic records. He has undergone international training on potato for a period of 10 weeks in IAC, Wageningen, Netherland during the year 2003. He has also undergone MASHAV, international course on “Agro Ecological Approaches for Sustainable Intensive Agriculture” at MATC, Hotel Kibbutz Shefayim-6099000, Israel from 21st October, 2018 to 09th November, 2018. He has attended international conference on Global Initiatives for Sustainable Development: Issues and Strategies from June 23-27, 2019 at Bangkok, Thailand and gave a guest lecture as an invitee on ‘Importance of Water use in Sustainable Organic Agriculture’. He has in credit to attend training on “Innovative pedagogical designs to augment entrepreneurial competency and employability under NAHEP- IDP” during 30 January, 2023 to 14 February, 2023 at Tampere University, Finland. He has an experience for over 30 years in teaching, research and extension. He has published about 81 scientific full length papers in national and international Journals as author/co-author, about 32 papers presented in national and international symposium as author/co-author. He has also published 11 books and 28 popular articles as author/co-author. Eighteen technologies have been released as Co-principal Investigator in package of practice book of UAS, Bangalore and UHS, Bagalkot. He has been awarded in the year 2005: Best Farm Superintendent Award, UAS, Bangalore. In 2011: Fellow of Hind Agri-horticultural Society (FHAS), Hind Agri-horticultural Society, Muzaffarnagar (UP). In 2014: Best Agricultural Scientist, Shree Lingaraj Vividoddesh Sasanshte (R), Bharatinagar, Dharwad. In 2015: Outstanding Faculty in Agronomy, Venus International Foundation, Centre for Advanced Research and Design, Chennai. In 2017: Dr.S.B.Dandin Best Extension Scientist Award, UHS, Bagalkot. In 2018: SCIRE Recognition Agronomist, SCIRE Science Society, Kerala. In 2019, obtained: Distinguished Scientist Award, Gochar Educational and Welfare Society (R), Saharanapur (UP), India. In 2022, he obtained Kalyan Karnataka Ratna Award from Shikshan Vignana Mas Patrikey, Karnataka. In 2023, received Best Academician Award from ISAHRD and Just Agriculture Education Group, Chandigargh for his achievements in the field of Research, Extension and Teaching in the career.
1 Understanding the Microbial Universe .................................................. 1
2 Microscopy .............................................................................................7
3 Cultivation of Microbes ........................................................................15
4 Molecular Basis of Life.........................................................................21
5 A Glimpse of Microbial World..............................................................25
6 Bacterial Cell Structure .........................................................................29
7 Eukaryotic Microbial Cell.....................................................................43
8 Metabolism in Microorganisms ............................................................49
9 Microbial Genetics................................................................................65
10 Microbial Growth..................................................................................83
11 Control of Microbial Growth ................................................................97
12 Virus....................................................................................................109
13 History of Soil Microbiology..............................................................119
14 Soil Environment and Its Relation to Microbes..................................127
15 Biogeochemical Cycles.......................................................................133
16 Rhizosphere.........................................................................................151
17 Microbial Interactions.........................................................................165
18 Phyllosphere........................................................................................179
19 Spermosphere......................................................................................185
20 Biofertilizers........................................................................................187
21 Biopesticides.......................................................................................193
22 Mushrooms..........................................................................................199
References...........................................................................................209
