Microorganisms in soil are critical to the maintenance of soil function in both natural and managed agricultural soils because of their involvement in such key processes as soil structure formation, decomposition of organic matter, toxin removal and the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur. In addition, microorganisms play key roles in suppressing soil borne plant diseases, in promoting plant growth and changes in vegetation. The book “ Microbial Resources for Crop Improvement” takes stock of present status of research in exploration of microbial resources for the management of plant diseases which will cater to the need not only of the students, teachers, researchers but all well wishers of farmers.
Dr. B.N.Chakraborty is Professor of Plant Pathology in the Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri. He has served the Institution in various capacities namely Dean, Faculty of Science; Director, Centre for Development Studies, Programme Coordinator, SAP of the UGC under the thrust area of Microbiology including Mycology & Plant Pathology and Plant Diversity. He has to his credit over 140 research papers published in National and International journals, 10 review articles, 15 chapters in books, 4 edited books which have opened up a new line of research on Molecular Plant Pathology and Fungal Biotechnology. Twenty six students obtained Ph.D. under his guidance. He has widely travelled in Japan, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Italy, Russia, New Zealand and made representation in International forum and established International Collaboration in U.K. and Canada. Dr. Chakraborty has been elected as Fellow of IPS, ISMPP, West Bengal Academy of Science and Royal Society of Chemistry, London.
Dr. Usha Chakraborty, an M.Sc Gold Medallist of Calcutta University, is Professor of Plant Biochemistry in the Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri. In her career spanning 25 years, she has published more than 90 Research papers in National and International journals, 12 Chapters in books, and 2 edited books. Till date, she has guided 18 students for their Ph.D. Her main research focus is on the elucidation of mechanisms of abiotic and biotic stress responses in plants and development of markers for tolerance. Besides, she is also engaged in research on crop improvement through biological means and determination of mechanisms of action of such plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. She has widely travelled in Canada, USA, Malaysia, UK, Japan, Russia, Italy and made representation in International forum. Dr. Chakraborty has been elected as Fellow of IPS, ISMPP and Royal Society of Chemistry, London. She has headed the Department of Botany for two terms and was also elected to different decision making bodies of the University.