Microbial Volatile Compounds and Plant Health Ecological Roles, Mechanisms, and Agricultural Applications

Dr. Abhijeet Shankar Kashyap is a Scientist (Senior Scale) at ICAR–National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau, Uttar Pradesh, India, with over 8 years of research experience in plant pathology and agricultural microbiology. He obtained his Ph.D. from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. Dr. Kashyap’s research focuses on microbial ecology, fungal genomics, plant–microbe interactions, and microbial volatilomics (mVOCs), with emphasis on developing innovative bioformulations and AI-assisted disease diagnostics. He has made notable contributions to advancing the pathobiome concept and precision agriculture approaches. He has published 45+ peer-reviewed research articles (average NAAS rating ~9.5), including 25+ as first/corresponding author, along with 4 first disease reports. Citations- >1700 and H index- 20. He has developed 03 ICAR-certified technologies, 02 scientific databases, and has filed 01 patent and 01 copyright. Additionally, he has deposited 600+ microbial germplasm accessions in national repositories. Dr. Kashyap has received 24 awards and recognitions and serves on the editorial boards of 5+ international journals (NAAS rating >10), including roles as guest editor and handling editor. He is actively involved in multiple national research projects funded by agencies such as ANRF and DBT, focusing on microbial-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. His work integrates fundamental research with translational applications, contributing to eco-friendly crop protection strategies, improved plant health, and sustainable agricultural development.

Dr. Nazia Manzar is a Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology) at the ICAR–National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau, Uttar Pradesh, India, with ~10 years of professional research experience in plant pathology and agricultural microbiology. She obtained her Ph.D. from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and has developed strong expertise in host–pathogen interactions, microbial biocontrol, and plant disease management. Dr. Manzar has an established research record with 50+ scientific publications, 1500+ citations, and an h-index of ~20, reflecting significant impact in the field of plant pathology and biological control. Her work spans areas such as Trichoderma-based biocontrol, microbial diversity, pathogen diagnostics, and sustainable crop protection strategies. She has been actively involved in 10+ research projects, including studies on genetic diversity and host–pathogen interactions in major crop diseases. In addition, she has contributed to book chapters, reviews, and editorial articles, and serves as guest editor/review editor in international journals. Her research continues to contribute to the development of eco-friendly, microbe-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and crop health management.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma did his M.Sc (Ag.) from CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palmpur in 1994. He was awarded Ph.D. by DR YSP University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan in 1999 on the thesis “Identification and management of viruses infection tomato in Himachal Pradesh” and started his career as Agricultural Development Officer in Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh. He has worked as Principal scientist (Plant Pathology) at ICAR- National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM) at Mau, and was associated with National Agriculturally Important Microbial Culture Collection as one of the curators and In charge. He has published 60 research papers in national and international journals, edited 4 books, authored 1 book. Currently he is working on biocontrol of wilt and collar rot diseases of chickpea and at present he is Principal Scientist in Plant Protection Section, Crop Science Division, ICAR, New Delhi.