Abstract
This book chapter discusses the applications of emerging microbial technologies in mitigating challenges in agriculture, environment, and health sectors. The chapter begins by highlighting the importance of microbes in addressing the challenges faced by humanity. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies to control microorganisms for more efficient performance. The role of microbes in agriculture is then explored, including their contribution to organic matter breakdown, plant germination, nutrient utilization efficiency, and disease and pest management. The chapter also discusses the use of biofertilizers, which are mixtures of microbial cells that enhance nutrient availability and uptake in plants. Additionally, the potential of biopesticides as safe alternatives to synthetic insecticides is examined. The chapter highlights the use of specific preparations containing live microorganisms or botanical substances for pest control. Furthermore, recent advances in microbial technologies for soil health improvement are discussed, including the use of designer soil bacteria for crop protection, artificial intelligence platforms for analysing soil health, and the use of microalgae for fertilization. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for further research and collaboration between companies and research institutions to maximize the potential of microbial technologies in addressing the challenges faced by humanity. Overall, this chapter provides insights into the applications of microbial technologies in mitigating challenges in various sectors, highlighting their potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
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Thakur, M., Kaur, T., Sobti, R.C. (2023). Emerging Microbial Technologies: Mitigating Challenges to Humans. In: Sobti, R., Kuhad, R.C., Lal, R., Rishi, P. (eds) Role of Microbes in Sustainable Development. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3126-2_8
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