Synopsis Microorganisms are one of the most important partners in our life. They may be called worst of our enemies but at the same time they are among the best of our friends. They play an important and often critical role in the functioning of ecosystem by interacting with it and maintain a sustainable biosphere. Almost all biological processes in the environment, either directly or indirectly involve microorganisms, even though the potential benefits of regulating, optimizing and exploiting microbial diversity is largely unexplored. This book “microbes: Applications and Effects” provides a comprehensive and critical review of the work done on different areas of microbiology. The book contains 13 chapters, which include informations on the Facts and Myths of Probiotics; Biotechnology for improved rumen microbial ecosystem and ruminant productivity –some applications; Exploration of environmental resources for antibiotic production; Fungi as a source of novel bioactive metaboites; Microbial genomics; Hospital waste management and Cyanobacterial biofertilizers. Book also includes articles on Mycorrhiza: the saviour of plants from Phytonematodes; Biological control of sheth blight of rice with Pseudomonas fluorescens; Trypsin inhibitor: Emerging strategy of plant defense against insect and pathogens; Genetics of Aspergillus nidulans; Role of Cereal Cyst nematode management in food security and safety and Chilli leaf curl viral disease. Comprehensive account of microbes in the management of diseases throw light on the importance of microbes in the management of plant pests. This book will be useful to researchers, teachers and students of Microbiology, Botany, Zoology and Agriculture.