Dr. Ajay Veer Singh

Research Interests

• Plant-microbe interactions
• Rhizosphere microbiology
• Sustainable agriculture through Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM)
• Microbial-assisted biofortification of food crops
• Development of microbial bioformulations
• Soil microbiome and soil and crop health

Teaching Experience and Courses Taught

Teaching Experience and Courses Taught:   18+ years

Courses taught are as follows:

Projects

• Characterization of kidney bean (Rajmash) rhizosphere microbiome from higher altitude of Indian Central Himalaya and its field applications (funded by NMHS MoeF &CC, Budget- 222.00 Lacs, Year- 2019-2023).
• Exploration of plant growth promoting bacteria for biofortification of zinc and iron in wheat and soybean crops (funded by UGC, Budget - 19.65 Lacs, Year – 2015- 2017).
• Characterization of plant growth promotory rhizobacteria for zinc and iron assimilation in wheat for reducing micronutrient malnutrition (funded by DES GBPUA&T Pantnagar, Budget- 0.50 Lacs, Year- 2014-2015).
• Functional characterization of endophytic bacterial population of Aloe vera and Ocimum sanctum from Pantnagar and its research centers (funded by DES GBPUA&T Pantnagar, Budget- 0.50 Lacs, Year- 2013-2014).

Publications

1. Bisht, Y., Jugran, A. K., Singh, A. V., & Pandey, A. (2026). Microbial bioinoculants as eco‐friendly tools to enhance growth, productivity, and nutrient density in Himalayan common bean under high‐altitude farming conditions. Agronomy Journal, 118(4), e70495.
2. Singh, S., Singh, D. K., Chandra, S., Chaturvedi, S., Biswas, S., Pachuari, S. P., & Singh, A. V. (2026). Comparative assessment of soil biological health and productivity under natural, organic and integrated cropping system. Frontiers in Agronomy, 8, 1901858.
3. Alchoni, S., Singh, A. V., Chand, K., Khan, A., Kukreti, B., & Prasad, B. (2026). Deciphering plant growth-promoting activity and biocontrol potential of rhizospheric Bacillus strains against Alternaria blight in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Bioresource Technology Reports, 102747.
4. Saini, N., Singh, A. V., Bundela, V., & Saini, R. (2026). Hydrolytic enzymes and siderophore-mediated biocontrol of wheat foliar blight pathogens by Bacillus spp. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 32(1), 162–179.
5. Bundela, V., Saini, N., Ranjan, P., Kumar, A., Prasad, B., Karnwal, M. K., & Singh, A. V. (2026). Credibility assessment of endophytic PGPB on iron and zinc biofortification, soil health, and yield in three different varieties of soybean.
6. Naik, Y. D., Kale, A. N., Upadhayay, V. K., Sharma, A., & Singh, A. V. (2026). Correction to: Nanomaterials Strategies for Enhancing Plant Adaptation in the Adverse Agroclimatic Variables. In Nano-formulations for Sustainable Agriculture: Frontiers in Improving Crop Resilience to Abiotic Stressors (pp. C1-C1). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
7. Khan, A., Punetha, A., Sharma, R. S., Kukreti, B., Singh, A. V., Dasila, H., ... & Kashyap, S. (2026). Adaptations to the Extremes: Survival Mechanisms of Microbes in Heat and Cold Environments. In Microbial Resilience: Adapting to the Challenges of Climate Change (pp. 55-82). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
8. Kumar, A., Chuphal, M., Singh, S., Maura, J., Garg, S., Gangola, S., & Singh, A. V. (2026). Microbial adaptation to oxygen and an oxygenated environment and molecular adaptations and regulations. In Microbial Stress Biology (pp. 41-60). Academic Press.
9. Kumar, A., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Drought stress mitigation and enhancement of maize growth facilitated by the plant growth–promoting bacterium Serratia sp. SRK14. Pantnagar Journal of Research, 23, 3.
10. Bano, R., Bharti, D., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Assessment of Schizophyllum commune and Trametes hirsuta as efficient laccase-producing white-rot fungi. Pantnagar Journal of Research, 23(3).
11. Jugran, A. K., Bisht, Y., Kumar, A., Rautela, K., Sharma, H., Sharma,……, Singh, A. V & Mishra, P. (2025). Unlocking the potential of Himalayan common bean for sustainable agriculture through physical, biochemical, and genetic profiling. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 103804.
12. Alchoni, S., Rani, P., Kumar, A., Manoharlal, R., Pasrija, R., GVS, S., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Harnessing microbes for drought stress mitigation: a promising approach for water stress management in plants. In Climate Change and Agricultural Ecosystems (pp. 169-198). Woodhead Publishing.
13. Saini, N., Bundela, V., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Antagonistic Mechanisms of Bacillus methylotrophicus and Bacillus subtilis: Exploring Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes and Siderophore Production for Foliar Blight Management in Wheat. Research Perspectives of Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 9, 113-127.
14. Bundela, V., Saini, N., Kumar, A., Singh, A. V., & Ranjan, P. (2025). Microbial Synergy for Zinc and Iron Biofortification: Enhancing Crop Nutrition Through Plant-Microbe Interactions. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 28(7), 898-918.
15. Singh, T., Kothari, M., Saini, P., Singh, A. V., Verma, A. K., Singh, B. R., ... & Shankhdhar, S. C. (2025). Exploring Diverse Strategies for Zinc Biofortification: Insights into Enhancing Crop Zinc Content. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1-17.
16. Danai, A., Rani, A., Jhang, T., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Phytochemical Composition of Bioactive Compounds Present in Tagetes minuta Flower and Leaf Essential Oil Using FTIR and Antimicrobial Techniques for Exploring Therapeutic Uses. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 31(5), 423-433.
17. Singh, T., Kothari, M., Mishra, S., Singh, A. V., Verma, A. K., Shankhdhar, D., & Shankhdhar, S. C. (2025). Synergistic effect of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria and Consortia on the zinc marker enzymes and gaseous exchange parameters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for zinc biofortification. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 223, 109807.
18. Saini, N., Bundela, V., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Antagonistic Mechanisms of Bacillus methylotrophicus and Bacillus subtilis: Exploring Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes and Siderophore Production for Foliar Blight Management in Wheat. Research Perspectives of Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 9, 113-127.
19. Singh, S., Singh, D. K., Chandra, S., Chaturvedi, S., Pachauri, S. P., Biswas, S., & Singh, A. V. (2025). Enhancing root growth dynamics of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the maize-based intercropping system: A comparative analysis of different management practices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH, 8(1), 550-554
20. Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Kukreti, B., Pandey, D. T., Upadhayay, V. K., Kumar, R., & Goel, R. (2024). Deciphering the impact of cold-adapted bioinoculants on rhizosphere dynamics, biofortification, and yield of kidney bean across varied altitudinal zones. Science of The Total Environment, 927, 172204.
21. Jayara, A. S., Kumar, R., Shukla, A., Singh, A. V., Singh, A. P., Pandey, P., ... & Bhatt, M. K. (2024). Impact of Nano-Fertilizers and Modified Indigenous Minerals on Biomass Accumulation, Root Growth, and Soil Parameters in Wheat. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1–16.
22. KUKRETI, B., & SINGH, A. V. (2024). Unlocking the biofortification potential of Serratia marcescens for enhanced zinc and iron content in wheat grains. Pantnagar Journal of Research, 22, 1.
23. Saini, N., Bundela, V., Singh, S., Sahgal, M., & Singh, A. V. (2024). Optimizing Siderophore Production in Bacillus subtilis to Enhance Seed Germination and Biocontrol Efficacy against Alternaria triticina and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 30(8), 313–326.
24. Saini, N., Sahgal, M., & Singh, A. V. (2024). Mechanisms of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes from Bacillus methylotrophicus and Bacillus subtilis in Suppressing Foliar Blight Pathogens. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 27(8), 239–249.
25. Singh, T., Kothari, M., Singh, A. V., Shankhdhar, D., & Shankhdhar, S. C. (2024). Impact of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria and Microbial Consortia on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 46(8), 611–618.
26. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., Khan, A., Jaiswal, A., & Bharti Kukreti, G. K. (2024). Assessment of zinc-solubilizing bacterial isolates for plant growth promoting traits and water stress tolerance behaviour. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 8(2), 378–382.
27. Kumar, A., Kukreti, B., Bundela, V., Rani, P., & Singh, A. V. (2024). Microbial Degradation: Understanding the Mysteries of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Degradation,“By Nature’s Recyclers”. In Advanced Strategies for Biodegradation of Plastic Polymers (pp. 93-118). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
28. Upadhayay, V. K., de los Santos Villalobos, S., Aravindharajan, S. T. M., Kukreti, B., Chitara, M. K., Jaggi, V., ... & Singh, A. V. (2024). Microbial advancement in agriculture. In Microbial Inoculants: Applications for Sustainable Agriculture (pp. 95-125). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
29. Kukreti, B., Naudiyal, N., Khan, A., Upadhayay, V. K., Kumar, A., Rani, P., & Singh, A. V. (2024). Biomedical waste: environmental impacts and sustainable management. Biomedical Waste Management: Bioremediation and Recycling, 231.
30. Bisht, Y., Sharma, H., Jugran, A. K., Singh, A. V., Mishra, P. K., & Pareek, N. (2023). Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Indian common bean accessions using microsatellite markers. Plant Genetic Resources, 21(2), 182–193.
31. Bundela, V., Kukreti, B., Khan, A., Kumar, A., Singh, T., & Singh, A. V. (2023). Evaluation of Soybean-based Endophytic Bacterium Pseudomonas moraviensis PSSI3 for its Multifarious Plant Growth Promoting Potential in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12), 267–277.
32. Khan, A., Panthari, D., Sharma, R. S., Punetha, A., Singh, A. V., & Upadhayay, V. K. (2023). Biofertilizers: a microbial-assisted strategy to improve plant growth and soil health. In Advanced Microbial Techniques in Agriculture, Environment, and Health Management (pp. 97–118). Academic Press.
33. Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Gautam, S. S., Agarwal, A., Punetha, A., Upadhayay, V. K., ... & Goel, R. (2023). Microbial bioformulation: a microbial assisted biostimulating fertilization technique for sustainable agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1270039.
34. Pandey, S. C., Pande, V., Sati, D., Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Punetha, A., ... & Samant, M. (2023). Microbe-mediated abiotic stress management for sustainable agriculture. In Unravelling Plant-Microbe Synergy (pp. 245-262). Academic Press.
35. Khan, A., Kukreti, B., Makarana, G., Suyal, D. C., Singh, A. V., & Kumar, S. (2023). Role of microorganisms in alleviation of arsenic toxicity in plants. In Unravelling Plant-Microbe Synergy (pp. 263-281). Academic Press.
36. Khan, A., Panthari, D., Sharma, R. S., Punetha, A., Singh, A. V., & Upadhayay, V. K. (2023). Biofertilizers: a microbial-assisted strategy to improve plant growth and soil health. In Advanced microbial techniques in agriculture, environment, and health management (pp. 97-118). Academic Press.
37. Khan, A., Sharma, R. S., Panthari, D., Kukreti, B., Singh, A. V., & Upadhayay, V. K. (2023). Bioremediation of heavy metals by soil-dwelling microbes: An environment survival approach. In Advanced microbial techniques in agriculture, environment, and health management (pp. 167-190). Academic Press.
38. Khan, A., Punetha, A., Kukreti, B., Sharma, R. S., Panthari, D., Naudiyal, N., ... & Singh, A. V. (2023). Microbial community dynamics of Antarctica: their ecological potential and industrial importance. In Microbial Bioactive Compounds: Industrial and Agricultural Applications (pp. 261-289). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
39. Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Pareek, N., Arya, P., Upadhayay, V. K., Kumar Jugran, A., ... & Goel, R. (2023). Credibility assessment of cold adaptive Pseudomonas jesenii MP1 and P. palleroniana N26 on growth, rhizosphere dynamics, nutrient status, and yield of the kidney bean cultivated in Indian Central Himalaya. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1042053.
40. Jyoti Bajeli, Rai, P. N., Srivastava, R., Singh, A. V., Verma, A., & Negi, A. (2023). Seed Germination Enhancement through Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from Papaya Rhizosphere. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8), 36–41.
41. Suyal, D. C., Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Agarwal, A., Pareek, N., Sah, V. K., & Goel, R. (2023). Impact assessment of cold-adapted Pseudomonas jesenii MP1 and Pseudomonas palleroniana N26 on Phaseolus vulgaris yield and soil health. Frontiers in Agronomy, 5, 1121757.
42. Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Kumar, R., Kukreti, B., Bundela, V., & Upadhayay, V. K. (2022). Relative impact of PGPR inoculation on biofortification and yield of wheat under field conditions and their performance assessment through statistical tools. Pharma Innovation, 11(8), 490–495.
43. Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Upadhayay, V. K., Ballabh, A., & Prasad, B. (2022). Influence of PGPR on growth and yield of oat (Avena sativa L.) under field conditions. Indian Journal of Ecology, 49(4), 1351–1356.
44. Minakshi Serawat, Pareek, N., Chandra, R., Raverkar, K. P., Singh, A. V., & Singh, V. K. (2022). Synergistic effect of Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) consortia on growth, nodulation and yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris M.). AMA, 53(8).
45. Singh, J., Singh, A. V., Upadhayay, V. K., Khan, A., & Chandra, R. (2022). Prolific contribution of Pseudomonas protegens in Zn biofortification of wheat by modulating multifaceted physiological response under saline and non-saline conditions. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 38(12), 227.
46. Upadhayay, V. K., Khan, A., Singh, J., & Singh, A. V. (2022). Bacterial assisted improved Zn consignment in root and shoot of rice plant by zinc solubilizing Serratia marcescens bearing plant probiotic traits. Advances in Bioresearch, 13(1), 1–8.
47. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., & Khan, A. (2022). Cross talk between zinc-solubilizing bacteria and plants: A short tale of bacterial-assisted zinc biofortification. Frontiers in Soil Science, 1, 788170.
48. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., Khan, A., & Sharma, A. (2022). Contemplating the role of zinc-solubilizing bacteria in crop biofortification: An approach for sustainable bioeconomy. Frontiers in Agronomy, 4, 903321.
49. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., Khan, A., Singh, J., Pareek, N., & Raghav, A. (2022). FE-SEM/EDX based zinc mobilization analysis of Burkholderia cepacia and Pantoea rodasii and their functional annotation in crop productivity, soil quality, and zinc biofortification of paddy. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 852192.
50. Khan, A., & Singh, A. V. (2021). Multifarious effect of ACC deaminase and EPS producing Pseudomonas sp. and Serratia marcescens to augment drought stress tolerance and nutrient status of wheat. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 37(12), 198.
51. Singh, A. V., Khan, A., & Joshi, M. (2021). Plant–microbe interaction: A sustainable strategy to elevate salinity tolerance in plants. In Microbes and Signaling Biomolecules Against Plant Stress (pp. 37–54).
52. Upadhayay, V. K., Khan, A., Singh, J., & Singh, A. V. (2021). Microbial Mediated Valorization of Lignocellulose: A Green Technology for Bioethanol Production. In Bio-valorization of Waste: Trends and Perspectives (pp. 53-71). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
53. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., Khan, A., & Pareek, N. (2021). Influence of zinc solubilizing bacterial co-inoculation with zinc oxide supplement on rice plant growth and Zn uptake. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 10, 113–116.
54. Singh, A. V., Khan, A., & Joshi, M. (2020). Plant–microbe interaction: A sustainable strategy to elevate salinity tolerance in plants. In Microbes and signaling biomolecules against plant stress: strategies of plant-microbe relationships for better survival (pp. 37-54). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
55. Khan, A., Upadhayay, V. K., Panwar, M., & Singh, A. V. (2020). Soil microbiota: A key bioagent for revitalization of soil health in hilly regions. In Microbiological advancements for higher altitude agro-ecosystems & sustainability (pp. 183-200). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
56. Khan, A., Joshi, M., & Singh, A. V. (2020). Rhizospheric microbial community: Ecology, methods, and functions. Rhizosphere Microbes: Soil and Plant Functions, 127-148.
57. Khan, A., Upadhayay, V. K., Panwar, M., & Singh, A. V. (2020). Soil microbiota: A key bioagent for revitalization of soil health in hilly regions. In Microbiological Advancements for Higher Altitude Agro-Ecosystems & Sustainability (pp. 183–200).
58. Roshani, Khan, A., Singh, A. V., Upadhayay, V. K., & Prasad, B. (2020). Development of potential microbial consortia and their assessment on wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed germination. Environment and Ecology, 38(1).
59. Singh, J., Singh, A. V., Upadhayay, V. K., & Khan, A. (2020). Comparative evaluation of developed carrier based bioformulations bearing multifarious PGP properties and their effect on shelf life under different storage conditions. Environment and Ecology, 38(1), 96.
60. Kaviya, N., Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, J., Khan, A., Panwar, M., & Singh, A. V. (2019). Role of microorganisms in soil genesis and functions. In Mycorrhizosphere and Pedogenesis (pp. 25–52).
61. Khan, A., Singh, J., Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., & Shah, S. (2019). Microbial biofortification: a green technology through plant growth promoting microorganisms. In Sustainable Green Technologies for Environmental Management (pp. 255–269).
62. Khan, A., Singh, J., Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., & Shah, S. (2019). Microbial biofortification: a green technology through plant growth promoting microorganisms. In Sustainable green technologies for environmental management (pp. 255-269). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
63. Kaviya, N., Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, J., Khan, A., Panwar, M., & Singh, A. V. (2019). Role of microorganisms in soil genesis and functions. In Mycorrhizosphere and pedogenesis (pp. 25-52). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
64. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, J., Khan, A., Lohani, S., & Singh, A. V. (2019). Mycorrhizal mediated micronutrients transportation in food based plants: A biofortification strategy. In Mycorrhizosphere and pedogenesis (pp. 1-24). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
65. Upadhayay, V. K., Khan, A., Singh, J., & Singh, A. V. (2019). Splendid role of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents in wastewater treatment. In Environmental contaminants: ecological implications and management (pp. 119-136). Singapore: Springer Singapore.
66. Singh, A. V., Prasad, B., & Goel, R. (2018). Plant growth promoting efficiency of phosphate solubilizing Chryseobacterium sp. PSR 10 with different doses of N and P fertilizers on lentil (Lens culinaris var. PL-5) growth and yield. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 7(5), 2280–2289.
67. Upadhayay, V. K., Singh, A. V., & Pareek, N. (2018). An insight in decoding the multifarious and splendid role of microorganisms in crop biofortification. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 7(6), 2407–2418.
68. Shah, S., Ramanan, V. V., Singh, A., & Singh, A. K. (2018). Potential and prospect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in lentil. Scientific lentil production. Delhi: Satish Serial Publishing House, 287-292.
69. Singh, J., & Singh, A. V. (2017). Microbial strategies for enhanced phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. In Environmental pollutants and their bioremediation approaches (pp. 257-272). CRC Press.
70. Singh, J., & Singh, A. V. (2017). Microbial strategies for enhanced phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. In Environmental pollutants and their bioremediation approaches (pp. 257-272). CRC Press.
71. Singh, A. V., & Prasad, B. (2014). Enhancement of plant growth, nodulation and seed yield through Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik cv. VL125). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 3(6), 614–622.
72. Singh, A. V., Chandra, R., & Goel, R. (2013). Phosphate solubilization by Chryseobacterium sp. and their combined effect with N and P fertilizers on plant growth promotion. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 59 (5), 641–651.
73. Singh, A. V., A. Sharma and Johri, B. N. 2012. Phylogenetic profiling of culturable bacteria associated with early phase of mushroom composting assessed by amplified rDNA restriction
74. analysis. Annals of Microbiology. 62: 675 682.

Patents Filed/Published

1. C. Manjulatha, Alka Goel, Sanjoy Debnath and Ajay Veer Singh. Application No. 202511045741 A, Publication date: 30/05/2025
2. Pragya, Sachin Kumar, Navin Chandra Shahi, Ajay Veer Singh and Manish Kumar. Development of red wine from black carrot and pineapple. Application No. 202511046263 A, Publication date: 27/06/2025

Validation of courses: Developed under NEP-2020

• Microbial Preservation Technology (BBMN 122) for B.Tech (Biotechnology)
• Biofertilizers development Technology (BBMN 221) for B.Tech (Biotechnology)
• Fundamental Microbiology (BBMN 123) for B.Sc. Fisheries

MOU signed

• MOU signed with ICAR-NBAIM, Mau on 05.11.2024
• Mrs. Shivani Singh, Research Scholar, Department of Microbiology, GBPUAT, Pantnagar completed her seven months Ph.D. dissertation on her research project at ICAR-NBAIM, Mau during 28 November 2024 to 27 June 2025 under the guidance of Dr. Dr. V. Mageshwaran.

Honors/Awards/Professional Achievements

• Founder Fellow of ISHA (Indian Society of Hill Agriculture)
• Excellence in Research Award by Society for Scientific Development in Agriculture & Technology, Meerut.
• UGC- CSIR NET 2003
• UGC Research Award 2014-16

Miscellaneous

• Total citations: 2055
• h-index: 22
• i10-index: 50
• No of research articles published in peer-reviewed journals: 51
• Research Papers: 64
• Best Research Article Impact Factor: 08 (NAAS rating 14.5)
• Books published: "Objective AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY at a Glance"
• Book: 01
• Book Chapters: 28
• Popular articles: 03
• Informative brochure/Bulletin: 4
• Recognitions: Awards: 03
• Membership of professional society: 03

Links

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