Algal Biotechnology and its Importance in Agriculture

Algal biotechnology has come a long way since the early days of agronomy/mariculture for food use and the recovery of agars, carrageenans and alginates. Our increasing knowledge of algal physiology and biochemistry, combined with genetic engineering is opening up new vistas. The application of the ability to grow microalgae to very high yields in bioreactors, to a percentage of a theoretical maximum, as opposed to ponds, holds great promise for the future of algal biotechnology. Algae are involved in global biogeochemical cycles and biotic associations that provide essential ecological services. Humans reap the benefits of these algal activities in the form of atmospheric oxygen, climate modulation, and fossil fuels, as well as fish, shrimp, and shellfish harvests, which depend upon algal primary production. In addition, humans have learned to use algae in a wide variety of technological applications. Certain algal species have become invaluable model systems for research. Algae have found applications in many areas including agriculture, aquaculture, environmental protection and management and as functional foods and pharmaceuticals. This book, Algal Biotechnology, provides an authoritative review of many aspects of current interest and progress in the field of algal biotechnology. This book includes thirty four chapters which provide information on the application of Cyanobacteria with their biotechnological potential in the present scenario. The book will be useful to the students, teachers, scientists and researches from the different branches of microbiology, plant science and biotechnology. Contents: 1. Algae., 2. Biotechnology and Applications of Algae, 3. Algae as Research Tools, 4. Microbial Biotechnology has a Variety of Useful Applications in Agriculture, 5. Development Methods of Algae, 6. Roles of Algae Cycles in Biogeochemistry, 7. Uses and Importance of Algae in Agricultural Biotechnology, 8. Development of Blue-Green Algae, 9. Brown Algal Biotechnology and its Importance, 10. Biotechnology of Red Algae