Microbial cells accumulate pigments under certain culture conditions, which have very important industrial applications. Microorganisms can serve as sources of carotenoids, the most widespread group of naturally occurring pigments. More than 750 structurally different yellow, orange, and red colored molecules are found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes with an estimated market of $ 919 million by 2015. Carotenoids protect cells against photooxidative damage and hence found important applications in environment, food and nutrition, disease control, and as potent antimicrobial agents. In addition to many research advances, this paper reviews concerns with recent evaluations, applications of microbial pigments, and recommendations for future researches with an understanding of evolution and biosynthetic pathways along with other relevant aspects.

Soil is the most important source and an abode for many nutrients and microflora. Due to rapid depletion of agricultural areas and soil quality by means of ever-increasing population and an excessive addition of chemical fertilizers, a rehabilitated attention is a need of the hour to maintain sustainable approaches in agricultural crop production. Biochar is the solid, carbon-rich material obtained by pyrolysis using different biomasses. It has been widely documented in previous studies that, the crop growth and yield can be increased by using biochar. This chapter exclusively summarizes the properties of biochar, its interaction with soil microflora, and its role in plant growth promotion when added to the soil.

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The present communication is an attempt to explore the synergistic effect of two indigenous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) (Pseudomonas fluorescens BAM-4 and Burkholderia cepacia BAM-12) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus etunicatum on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of wheat plants grown in nutrient deficient soils in pots amended with tricalcium phosphate (TCP). A significant increase in growth, yield and nutrient uptake of wheat plants was noticed and both strains of PSB interacted positively with AM fungus towards all growth parameters studied. A remarkable enhancement of seed yield was recorded notably by 92.8% and an increase in percent root colonization of AM and PSB population in soil was also recorded with time.

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