This book highlights the multifaceted role of diatoms in revolutionizing agricultural practices toward sustainability. The introductory chapter of Diatoms and Sustainable Agriculture examines the fundamental role of diatoms in fostering a circular economy within the agricultural sector, discussing the challenges and prospects associated with integrating diatoms into sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it reviews the potential of diatoms as natural plant growth promoters, elucidating the mechanisms through which these microorganisms enhance crop productivity while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The chapter also covers the pivotal role of diatoms in agricultural watersheds, serving as indicators of ecosystem health and guiding strategies for maintaining river integrity. Furthermore, the book introduces the potential of diatoms for agricultural wastewater bioremediation and applications of diatom frustules as biosensors for the early detection of plant pathogens. The subsequent chapters explore the current status and future prospects of diatoms as insect control agents, highlighting their potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides. Toward the end, the text delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and diatom microalgae-based agriculture. This book serves as an important source for researchers and academicians in phycology, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences.

Autorentext

Professor Archana Tiwari is a Professor at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India. She is a gold medallist with distinction and has earned her Ph.D. from the University of Allahabad. Her primary research interests include bioprospecting diatoms for high-value products and sustainable diatom biorefinery utilizing wastewater remediation. With two decades of experience in Algal Biotechnology, she has published more than 100 research articles in journals of high repute. Additionally, she has authored twelve books and 50 book chapters in publications by international publishers on algae and its applications. She has presented her research as an invited speaker, keynote speaker, and session chair at many national and international conferences. In 2018, she established the Diatom Culture Collection of India with research funding from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Professor Tiwari has received several prestigious awards, including the 'Researcher of the Year Award' in 2015 from Noida International University, the 'Distinguished Scientist Award' in 2016 from the Society for Recent Development in Agriculture, the 'Woman Scientist Award' from the Biotech Research Society, India in 2021 for her outstanding contributions in algal biotechnology, and the 'ESDA Fellowship (F.E.S.D.A.) Award 2022' by the Environment and Social Development Association. She has been Visiting Professor at Le Mans University, France and Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Brazil.

Professor Ashok Pandey is currently Executive Director, Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability-India, Lucknow. Formerly, he was Distinguished Scientist at the Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India, and Chief Scientist and Head, Centre for Biofuels, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum. His major research and technological development interests are industrial & environmental biotechnology and energy biosciences, focusing on biomasses to biofuels & chemicals, waste to wealth & energy, etc. Professor Pandey is/has been Adjunct/Visiting Professor/Scientist in universities in France, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, China, South Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, Switzerland, USA, UK, etc and in several universities in India. Professor Pandey is the recipient of many national and international awards and honours, which include Fellow of five international and four national academies such as the World Academy of Sciences; Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences, etc; Distinguished Fellow, the Biotech Research Society, India; Academician of European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Fellow, World Society for Sustainable Energy Technologies, etc. He has been conferred Life-Time Achievement Award by several societies and academies, including the International Society for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.