Bio-inoculants in Horticultural Crops

Amitava Rakshit, an IIT-Kharagpur alumnus, is presently Professor at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Dr. Rakshit worked in the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal in administration and extension roles. He has visited Scandinavia, Europe, Africa, UAE, and Bangladesh pertaining to his research work and presentation. He was awarded with TWAS Nxt Fellow (Italy), Biovision Nxt Fellow (France), Darwin Now Bursary (British Council, UK), Young achiever award, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute award, and Best Teacher’s Award at UG and PG level by BHU-ICAR, state level by Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and national level by All India Agricultural Students Association in 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Currently, he is presently the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology (NAAS: 4.91). He is serving as review college member of the British Ecological Society, London since 2011, member of Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition of FAO, Rome, and Commission on Ecosystem Management of IUCN. He has published extensively, including research papers, book chapters and editing books for multiple reputable publishers. Dr. Vijay Singh Meena has made remarkable contributions in the field of agricultural research, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, his work focuses on evaluating and promoting climate-resilient technologies for diverse cropping systems, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His expertise lies in optimizing input usage, fostering carbon-neutral farming practices, and enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture, which are integral to achieving SDG 2 by ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his initiatives in evaluating climate-resilient technologies align with SDG 13 by addressing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation measures in agriculture.Dr. Meena's academic background in Soil Science and Cropping System Management, coupled with his extensive research experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of cropping systems. His expertise in input optimization, quantitative cropping systems analysis, and soil health management has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods in South Asia, thus supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2. Furthermore, Dr. Meena has been recognized for his scientific excellence, receiving prestigious awards such as the INSA Young Scientist Award and the IASWC Budding Scientist Award, which further highlights his contributions towards achieving the SDGs. In summary, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena's outstanding achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to agricultural innovation directly contribute to advancing the SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and make him a valuable asset in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.Dr Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Associate Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Sorocaba at the Environmental Engineering undergraduate course and at the postgraduate in Environmental Sciences. He is Fellow from the Royal Society of Chemistry. He has experience in environmental nanotechnology, with an emphasis on health and environmental nanotechnology and applications of nanotechnology in agriculture. Dr. Fraceto has been active in the development of nanocarrier systems for the encapsulation of compounds with bioactive properties. From his works, patents have been deposited, of which one is licensed for the development of nano-herbicides for weed control. With this technology developed, it was possible to produce a more effective carrier system, since with 10 times less active compound the same effect of a commercial formulation was achieved and, in this context, promoting low environmental impacts. Also, from this technology, it was possible to develop other carrier systems for fungicides, as well as, for compounds of botanical origin (insecticides and repellents. In addition, Dr. Fraceto has developed high-level research and contributed to scientific and technological development at the national and international levels, with numerous internationally renowned scientific collaborators. He has published about 180 papers in international peer reviewed journals and has supervised undergraduate, graduate (master and PhD) and supervised Pos-docs. He is Associate editor from high standard journals and reviewer from more than 50 journals. Manoj Parihar is currently working at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora as a Soil Scientist in Crop Production Division. He did his graduation from SKRAU, Bikaner and selected as ICAR-JRF fellow for post-graduation in BHU, Varanasi. He has been awarded doctorate from the same university in the year 2018. He has received various recognitions such as ICAR-SRF, UGC-BSR, UGC-RGNF etc. Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza works in the Department of Horticulture at Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo 25315, Mexico. Harikesh B. Singh is presently a retired Professor of Mycology and Plant Pathology from IAS,BHU. He served state agriculture university, central university and CSIR institute in teaching, research, and extension roles. In recognition of Prof.Singh’s scientific contributions and leadership in the field of plant pathology, he was honored with several prestigious awards, notable being, CSIR Prize for Biological Sciences ,Vigyan Bharti Award ,Prof. V.P. Bhide Memorial Award , BRSI Industrial Medal Award ,Bioved Fellowship Award , Prof.PanchananMaheshwari ,IPS Plant Pathology Leader Award , CSIR–CAIRD Team award, Environment Conservation Award, CST VigyanRatna Award and many more. Prof. Singh has been the Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences .Prof. Singh has written two books, several training modules and manuals and more than 150 research publications and has more than 18 US patents and 3 PCTs to his credit.

• 1. Microbial inoculants for horticultural production: historical developments and recent advances2. Role of beneficial microbes for sustainable production of high value crops3. Biocontrol and plant growth promotion mechanism of various microbial agents4. Microbial mediated abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural crops5. Role of bio-inoculants in pest and disease management6. Arbuscular mycorrhiza in micro-propagation programme of horticultural plants7. Novel bio-pesticides and bio-agents under changing pest and diseases scenario8. Mass production, application technology and commercialization strategies of advance bio-formulation for horticultural sector9. Quality improvement of medicinal, ornamental and aromatic crops through microbial technology10. Next-Generation Bioactive and bio-stimulants compounds for Plant Protection of horticultural crops11. Nano-biopesticides and their scope in horticultural production system12. Bio-management of plant parasitic nematodes13. Plant-soil-microbes interaction for sustaining horticulture crops changing climatic condition14. New paradigm in research and development of advance bio-inoculants for sustainable horticultural production15. Opportunities, challenges, future prospects and conclusion