Microbial Technology for Agro-Ecosystems

With 25 years of teaching and research experience, I have authored over 70 research papers, numerous book chapters, review articles, and books. I serve as an editor and reviewer for several reputable international journals. Previously, I worked as a microbiologist in Kuwait’s Department of Soil and Water Research, where I first identified and reported Pink Rot inflorescence disease of date palms caused by Serratia marcescens. I have organized multiple conferences and workshops as convener and organizing secretary. I have completed several government-funded projects focused on soil reclamation and crop improvement. Currently, I lead a research project on biofortification of finger millet and collaborate on two other projects. I have mentored six Ph.D. students and am guiding five more. I am a life member of various professional societies dedicated to microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Ph.D. (2003), Plant Pathology/Molecular Genetics (University of Kaiserslautern, Germany & Quaid-i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan (under DAAD Sandwich Programme) Availed Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/Foundation, (Post Doctorate fellowship), (University of Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany) Worked as Scientist/Consultant- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Area (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria (2005-2006) Experience 17 years-teaching/research, published 20 research papers, 4 book chapters, edited three books (Elsevier, Lambert Academic Publishing, VDM Verlag Dr. Müller) Completed six National Research Projects, and three international projects. Guided three and presently guiding four Ph.D. students. Life member of professional societies: Pakistan Botanical Society, Karachi, Pakistan Pakistan Nematological Society, DAAD, Germany, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany, Pakistan Phytopathology Society, Pakistan, Soil Society, Faisalabad, Pakistan

• 1. A guide for the analysis of plant microbial communities through high-throughput sequencing methods2. Design and application of microbial biofertilizers3. Bioprospecting of microbial bioactive molecules for the management of biotic and abiotic stress4. Upscaling plant defense system through the application of plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF)5. Trichoderma as ecofriendly tools for sustainable agriculture management: Improving plant health, crop productivity and soil fertility6. Microbes in plant health, disease, and abiotic stress management7. Review on plant-microbe interactions, applications and future aspects8. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): A green approach to manage soil-borne fungal pathogens and plant growth promotion9. Cell wall degradation: Microbial enzymes in service of sustainable agriculture10. Microbial remediation applications in mitigating soil pollution11. Sustainable eco-remediation achieved via plant-microbe interactions12. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms: Ecology and use in sustainable agricultural systems13. Linking plant growth promoting arbuscular mycorrhiza with sulfonate desulfurizing bacteria14. The role of microbes in biofortification for a sustainable nutrient management and agricultural crop productivity: Current trends and imminent challenges15. Metagenomics: A approach for understanding microbe-microbe and plant-microbiome interactions16. Dynamics of plant growth promoting fungi in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of leguminous crops