This book provides a concise and comprehensive overview of the basic biology, genomics, biotechnological applications and role of Pseudomonas in agriculture, environment and industry. The Pseudomonas genus occupies a key position in medicine, the environment, agriculture and commercial biotechnology by virtue of its genetic diversity, metabolic adaptability and versatility and the broad array of ecological niches that it inhabits.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, is known for its multiple drug resistance and is associated with cystic fibrosis and wound infections particularly in patients with burn injuries. Pseudomonas syringae is a plant pathogen and is responsible for major crop losses in horticultural, vegetable and field crops. Another species, P. fluorescens is known for promoting plant growth through the production of certain hormones and the biocontrol of soil-borne fungal diseases and insects.
The ability to adapt to diverse and challenging environments and degrade recalcitrant compounds means that the genus is widely exploited for bioremediation, while their genetic diversity coupled with broad catalytic potential makes them valuable in biotransformation, synthesis of high-value chiral compounds for biosynthesis and production of biopolymers and bio-surfactants widely used in medicine, agriculture and industry.
The book serves as a ready reference and text book for graduate students, young field microbiologists and research scientists in academia, research institutes and industry.
About the Author: Professor Rachhpal S Kahlon holds a PhD in Microbiology from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India and completed his postdoctoral research at the Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen. In India, he served in various positions at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and retired as Professor of Microbiology and Head of Department. He has also held the position of Director (Biotechnology), Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh. Since retiring from the University he has been involved in teaching and the development of the Microbiology and Biotechnology faculties at BJS Institute of Dental Sciences, Ludhiana, ISF Institute of Pharmacy, Moga, and Mewar University, Chittorgarh as a Visiting Professor.
His key areas of research are the Molecular Biology of Pseudomonas and Environmental Biotechnology, particularly bioremediation. As Principal Investigator, he has successfully completed a number of research projects on Pseudomonas biology and the degradation of agro-chemical pollutants, endeavours funded by different agencies. He has been credited with the identification of NIC, the nicotine-nicotinic acid degradative plasmid in Pseudomonas putida and plasmids involved in the degradation of chlorobenzoic acids in different species. He has produced ca. one hundred publications in this area and has successfully supervised the research work of 20 Master's and 15 doctoral students.
