New Insights, Trends, and Challenges in the Development and Applications of Microbial Inoculants in Agriculture

New Insights, Trends and Challenges in the Development and Applications of Microbial Inoculants in Agriculture provides information about how to develop high-quality microbial inoculants (biofertilizers and biopesticides) for increasing crop yields and quality and reducing the economic, environmental and health costs of food production. The book's chapters discuss cutting-edge approaches and techniques to develop bioformulations as reliable, viable solutions for food production, including the importance of a legal framework to guarantee the quality and safety of these bio-products. Additionally, it provides information on the current limitations and future approaches to enhance microbial inoculant development for contributing to global food security.

Interest in biofertilizers and the potential for their use in sustainable agriculture is increasing. However, many commercial bioproducts are low quality due to the lack of quality standards which causes a decrease in efficiency, high variability in the field, and loss of confidence from farmers.

• Presents new updates that are based on new research and approaches in the production of microbial inoculants
• Focuses on the needs of readers, covering key steps and points that should not be overlooked
• Links scientific and practical knowledge so readers can apply the knowledge acquired in their research on the development of biofertilizers and biopesticides
• Helps companies can their inoculant production processes
• Provides updates on how the criteria and selection of bioproducts based on PGPM can increase efficiency of crops through correct application and evaluation of plant performance

Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos is the director of the Microbial Resource Biotechnology Laboratory at Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Mexico, where his research spans microbial ecology, plant–microorganism–soil interactions, microbial inoculant production, and agro-ecosystem conservation using isotopic techniques. His work integrates ecological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches, from in vitro studies to field-level application. He has organized and taught numerous workshops, served as President of international scientific congresses, and spoken as a plenary speaker at conferences worldwide. His contributions have been recognized by Mexico's National System of Researchers (Level 2), a special mention in the 2013 AgroBio Award, and the 2014 Tecnos Award for contributions to biotechnology. He serves on expert panels focused on soil conservation and microbial inoculant development and currently acts as Associate Editor for several journals in the field.