Author Profile

Prof. Anand Sagar Having a throughout first class academic career, Prof. Anand Sagar availed CSIR JRF, SRF and RAship during his formative years at the Department of Bio Sciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. He is having 30 years of research and teaching experience. His areas of research are Mycorrhizal Biotechnology, Mushroom Biology and Bioprospecting of Medicinal Plants of N.W. himalayas. He has guided 25 students for their Ph.D. degree, 60 M.Phil and 2 Post Doctorate fellows in the same fields. He has published more than 150 research papers in national and international journals. He has written three books alongwith presenting 45 research papers in different national and international conferences. Prof. Sagar has successfully executed three major research projects funded by DST and UGC, New Delhi. He was also honoured with the best teacher award by The Governor of Himachal Pradesh on September 5t h 2022. He has served as Chairman, Department of Bio Sciences and Department of Environmental Sciences at H.P.U. Shimla. Prof. Sagar also remained as Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences at the same University. Presently he is giving his services as Chairman, Department of Bio Sciences and E.C. member (Governor’s nominee) at Indira Gandhi University, Meerpur, Rewari, Haryana.

About The Book

Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems. Mycorrhizal associations play vital role in plant nutrition. They greatly increase the efficiency of nutrient and water uptake, enhance resistance to pathogens, and buffer plant species against several environmental stresses and drought resistance. Mycorrhizae also improve plant growth and survival in soils contaminated by heavy metals. Mycorrhizal Biotechnology is designed to serve as a resource text for postgraduate students, botanists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, environmental biologists, and industry professionals who have keen interest and attention on beneficial services and commercialization of mycorrhizal technology. This book emphasizes the biotechnological application of mycorrhizae to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Mycorrhiza: Meaning, Types and Role
2. Role of VAM in Nutrient Uptake of Crop Plants
3. Biofertilizers and Their Role and Importance in Sustainable Agriculture
4. Mycorrhiza as Biofertilizers
5. The Role of the Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Nutrient Uptake of Plants and the Regulatory Mechanisms
6. Phosphate Transport and Role of AM Fungi
7. Molecular Components of Nutrient Exchange in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Interactions
8. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Potential Bioprotectants against Plant Pathogens
9. Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Alleviation of Soil Stresses on Plant Growth
10. AM Fungi’s Role in Soil Aggregation, Plant Growth, and Protection
11. Mycorrhizal Association and Plant Disease Protection
12. Role of Mycorrhizae in Crop Protection
13. Factors Affecting Mycorrhizal Activity
14. Plant Microbiome and Mycorrhizal Fungi
15. Mycorrhizal Biotechnology in Restoration of Disturbed Ecosystem
Bibliography
Index