Dr. Arup Kumar Mitra Ph.D. Post Graduate in Botany from Calcutta University with Spcialization in Mycology and Plant Pathology, Ph.D. in Botany from Calcutta University. Twenty years of teaching experience in St. Xavier`s College and started the post Graduate Department of Microbiology in St. Xavier`s College. Recipient of National Merit Scholarship, Government of India. Post Doctoral training from South Bank University, London. Has attended several seminars in India and abroad. Has published more than 30 papers in peer reviewed National and International Journals. Authored 16 different text books on Botany, Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences. Fellow of Indian Botanical Society, International Society for Nature and Natural Resources and also the society for Applied Biotechnology.