From the Back Cover
This book covers broad areas in the conservation of microorganisms. It addresses the short, medium and long-term preservation of agriculturally important microorganisms, as well as culture collections and their roles. The respective chapters address topics such as conventional approaches to bacterial, fungal and algal preservation, as well as methods and strategies for preserving recalcitrant microorganisms. Readers will also find the latest insights into the preservation of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) fungi and ecology, diversity and conservation of endophytes, and entamopathogenic fungi. Microbes of animal and dairy origin, their preservation and biosafety issues are also explored.
Microorganisms are the silent and unseen majority of life on Earth, and are characterized by a high degree of genetic and metabolic diversity. It is well documented that no branch of science or society is unaffected by microbial interventions. Researchers have documented microorganisms from such extreme and unique environments as deserts and hydrothermal vents, and with specific traits that are currently being exploited in agriculture, industry, medicine and biotechnological applications. Such great potential can only be found in microorganisms. The aim of this book - the first entirely devoted to the conservation of microorganisms, and to regulatory mechanisms for access and benefits sharing as per Biological Diversity (BD) Act 2002 - is to promote awareness of our world's microbial wealth, and to introduce readers to strategies and methodologies for the conservation of microorganisms, which could ultimately save human life on Earth.
Sushil K. Sharma is Principal Scientist (Agricultural Microbiology) and In-charge/Focal Point of National Agriculturally Important Microbial Culture Collection (NAIMCC) at ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, MaunathBhanjan, Uttar Pradesh, India which is a designated repository (DR) recognized by National Biodiversity Authority, MoEF&CC, Govt of India. Dr Sharma is an individual member of World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC). He is involved in coordination work of network project "Application of Microorganisms in Agriculture and Allied Sectors (AMAAS)" operating at different centers in India.His research interests include soil biology, microbiological basis of soil quality assessments, soil solarization and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. He is currently working on exploration, collection, characterization and conservation of microbial wealth of India. He is resource person for international, regional and national training/conference/workshops and delivered talk mainly on biofertilization and biofortification of soybean and wheat with Zn and Fe through microbial approaches, P- and Zn-solubilizing bacteria, and status and activities of microbial culture collections, and ex-situ conservation of microorganisms in NAIMCC. He is faculty member of Amity University, Noida for supervising Ph.D students. He is conducting training programs and group meeting for researchers, technical staff and farmers from all over the country on various aspects of microbiology. He has published more than 50 research articles, review articles, book chapters, and technical bulletins in his credit.
Prof Dr Ajit Varma: Ajit Varma has completed his PhD at the age of 25 years from Allahabad University and Former Professor, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. Presently, he is the Distinguished Scientist & Professor of Eminence of AmityInstitute of Microbial Technology; Pro-Vice Chancellor, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation, and Vice Chairman, Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation Amity University Uttar Pradesh, India. He has published more than 314 papers. Ajit Varma is the Fellow of Alexander-von-Humboldt Society, Germany, elected Fellow of National Academy Agricultural Sciences and Fellow of Microbiology Society of India.
