Mycorrhizal Biology

`The fundamental problem the world faces today, is the rapidly increasing pressure of population on the limited resources of the land. To meet the ever increasing demands of expanding populations, agricultural production has been raised through the abundant use of inorganic fertilizers, the adoption of multicropping systems and liberal application of chemical pesticides (fungicides, bactericides, etc. ). Though the use of chemicals has increased the yield dramatically, it has also resulted in the rapid deterioration of land and water resources apart from wastage of scarce resources. This has adversely affected the biological balance and lead to the presence of toxic residues in food, soil and water in addition to imposing economic constraints on developing countries.' (From the Preface)
Mycorrhizal Biology addresses the global problem of land degradation and the associated loss of soil productivity and decline in soil quality caused by exploitative farming practices and poor management in developing countries, and the far reaching socio-economic and ecological consequences of its impact on agricultural productivity and the environment. In the light of a need for sustainable development, a new system of productive agriculture, to ensure the efficient management of agricultural inputs for long term high crop productivity with minimum damage to the ecological and socio-economic environment is essential. The management of mycorrhizal fungi will form a significant part of such a system and this work investigates the key association of plant roots with mycorrhizal fungi, known to benefit plants under conditions of nutritional and water stress and pathogen challenge and analyses the developments in our understanding of the genetic loci that govern mycorrhiza formation.

`This book is a useful and detailed reference for the specialist and a reminder of the extensive contributions of Indian scientists to this field.'
Peter Young in Microbiology Today, 28 (2001)
`The book in general is edited well ... The editors deserve compliments for bringing out this useful publication, which is a welcome addition ... I have no hesitation in recommending it to the scientists and students working on mycorrhiza as a most useful and convenient tool.'
Phytomorphology 50:3-4
`Nevertheless, it brings an interesting overview of the field, wiht contributions of value to people interested not only in theoretical aspects of mycorrhizal symbioses, but also in a more pratical point of view, with interesting to studies that are particularly carried out in India.'
Plant Science, 160 (2001)