Exploitation of Microorganisms

Micro-organisms are involved in many aspects of decomposition, nutrient cycling and in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, the essential element of proteins. In many areas of applied biology, micro-organisms are being increasingly exploited by man. Each chapter of this book reviews the history, current state of the art and future possibilities for different areas of microbial exploitation. The book encompasses traditional areas, such as mushroom cultivation, as well as more recently developed areas such as the genetic engineering of micro-organisms to control weeds, insects and other pests. It includes chapters on the involvement of micro-organisms in fermentation, in the food industry and in the detoxification of industrial waste. The commercial importance of the exploitation of micro-organisms in agriculture to industry is also covered in a separate chapter.