Biopesticides: Volume 2: Advances in Bio-inoculants

Biopesticide: Volume Two, the latest release in the Advances in Bioinoculant series, provides an updated overview on the active substances utilized in current bioinsecticides, along with information on which of them can be used for integrated pest management programs in agro-ecosystems. The book presents a comprehensive look at the development of novel solutions against new targets, also introducing new technologies that enhance the efficacy of already available active substances. Finally, readers will find insights into the advanced molecular studies on insect microbial community diversity that are opening new frontiers in the development of innovative pest management strategies.

This book will be valuable to those prioritizing agro biodiversity management to address optimal productizing and enhanced food security.

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.

Purushothaman C. Abhilash is a Senior Assistant Professor of Sustainability Science in the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD) at Banaras Hindu University. He also leads the Agroecosystem Specialist Group of IUCN-Commission on Ecosystem Management. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India. His research interest lies in various inventive methods for restoring marginal, degraded, and polluted lands for regaining ecosystem services. He is particularly interested in system sustainability, circular economy principles, policy realignment, and the localization of UN-SDGs for sustainable development. He is part of the editorial board of prestigious journals on Ecology, Environment, and Sustainable Development, and also serves as a subject expert for UN-IPBES, IRP-UNEP, UNDP-BES Network, IPCC, UNCCD, APN, GLP, and IUCN Commissions (CEM, CEC, CEESP, and SSC) for fostering global sustainability.

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.

Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto  has a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the State University of Campinas (1997), a master's in Functional and Molecular Biology from the State University of Campinas (2000) and a PhD in Functional and Molecular Biology from the State University of Campinas (2003). He is currently an 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 coordinated the Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences of Unesp/Sorocaba (from 2012 to 2016). He has experience in chemistry and biochemistry, with an emphasis on environmental nanotechnology and applications of nanotechnology in agriculture.