Anelia Iantcheva | Agricultural Science | Excellence in Research

Posted on by Agri Scientist

Prof Anelia  Iantcheva |   Agricultural Science  |  Excellence in Research

Prof. Principal Investigator at  AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy,  Bulgaria

Prof. Anelia Iantcheva is a distinguished researcher in plant genetics and biotechnology, currently serving as a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Agrobioinstitute of the Agricultural Academy in Bulgaria. She obtained her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. in 1997 and a DSc in 2019 from the Agricultural Academy.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Prof. Iantcheva earned her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. from the Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria in 1997, and a DSc degree in 2019. She became a professor and principal investigator at Agrobioinstitute in 2022.

Research Focus:

Her expertise lies in plant genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology of model and grain and forage legumes.

Research Contributions:

Prof. Iantcheva has coordinated several EU-funded projects, including Horizon 2020 “Legumes Translated” and the ongoing Horizon Europe “Legume Generation.” She has published 64 articles in indexed journals and contributed chapters to five books on somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation.

Innovations:

Her research has led to the development of efficient plant regeneration systems and insertional mutant collections in Medicago truncatula, laying the groundwork for functional genomics in legumes. She has also innovated a low-temperature pre-treatment method for soybean seeds to enhance agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A novel Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and MicroTom (S. lycopersicum) under normal and salt stress conditions
    • Journal: Planta
    • Publication Date: October 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04510-2
    • Contributors: Ho Manh Tuong, Sonia García Méndez, Michiel Vandecasteele, Anne Willems, Anelia Iantcheva, Pham Bich Ngoc, Do Tien Phat, Chu Hoang Ha, Sofie Goormachtig.
  2. Transcriptional and Metabolic Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Transgenic Plants Expressing Histone Acetyltransferase HAC1 upon the Application of Abiotic Stress—Salt and Low Temperature
    • Journal: Metabolites
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090994
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85172238091
    • Contributors: T. Ivanova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, A. Iantcheva.
  3. Transition to legume-supported farming in Europe through redesigning cropping systems
    • Journal: Agronomy for Sustainable Development
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13593-022-00861-w
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85146474358
    • Contributors: I. Notz, C.F.E. Topp, J. Schuler, S. Alves, L.A. Gallardo, J. Dauber, T. Haase, P.R. Hargreaves, M. Hennessy, A. Iantcheva, et al.
  4. Auxin and stringolactone interaction in extreme phosphate conditions
    • Book Chapter: In Agricultural Biocatalysis: Biological and Chemical Applications
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85142565230
    • ISBN: 9781000635287, 9781003313144
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  5. Functional characterization of Medicago truncatula GRAS7, a member of the GRAS family transcription factors, in response to abiotic stress
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2074893
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85130201236
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  6. Legumes in natural post-fire successions of forest meadows and pastures in Northern Bulgaria
    • Journal: Thaiszia Journal of Botany
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.33542/TJB2022-1-05
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85133384347
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  7. Long-lasting low temperature pretreatment of soybean seeds enhances plant field performance and content of free metabolites
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85143811831
    • Contributors: G. Naidenova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, M. Radkova, M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  8. Moldovan soybean varieties testing in the condition of North Bulgaria
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85127731032
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.

 

Gaofeng Wang | Plant Communications | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Agri Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr  Gaofeng Wang | Plant Communications |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, China

Dr. Gaofeng Wang is an Associate Professor at the College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, where he has been a faculty member since earning his Ph.D. in Agronomy from China Agricultural University in 2014. His research focuses on plant-nematode interactions and the development of environmentally friendly control technologies for nematodes. He has published 31 research papers in renowned journals and holds 12 patents. Dr. Wang actively collaborates with international researchers and serves as a review editor for prestigious scientific journals.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Gaofeng Wang obtained his Ph.D. in Agronomy from China Agricultural University in 2014 and subsequently joined the College of Plant Science & Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University. His research focuses on the interaction mechanisms of plant-nematodes and green control technologies for plant nematodes.

Research Contributions:

Dr. Wang has published 31 research papers in prestigious journals such as Nucleic Acids Research, New Phytologist, and Molecular Plant Pathology. He has a citation index of 241 and an h-index of 10. His innovative research has led to the identification of novel root exudate compounds, discovery of unique chaperone systems in nematophagous fungi, and significant insights into nematode feeding site development.

Publications and Patents:

He has authored two books on nematode diseases and plant quarantine and holds 12 patents. He serves as a review editor for Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Frontiers in Plant Science.

Publication Top Notes

  • Pepper root exudate alleviates cucumber root-knot nematode infection by recruiting a rhizobacterium
    Plant Communications
    September 2024
    DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101139
    Contributors: Tian Tian, Godelieve Gheysen, Tina Kyndt, Chenmi Mo, Xueqiong Xiao, Yanyan Lv, Haibo Long, Gaofeng Wang, Yannong Xiao
  • Morphological characterization reveals new insights into giant cell development of Meloidogyne graminicola on rice
    Planta
    March 2022
    DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03852-z
    Contributors: Yongrui Niu, Liying Xiao, Janice de Almeida-Engler, Godelieve Gheysen, Deliang Peng, Xueqiong Xiao, Wenkun Huang, Gaofeng Wang, Yannong Xiao
  • Endophytic Metarhizium anisopliae is a potential biocontrol agent against wheat Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum
    Journal of Plant Pathology
    August 6, 2021
    DOI: 10.1007/s42161-021-00866-6
    Contributors: Qiuyan Hao, Dosouky Mohammad Dosouky Albaghdady, Yannong Xiao, Xueqiong Xiao, Chenmi Mo, Tian Tian, Gaofeng Wang
  • Plasmodesmata play pivotal role in sucrose supply to Meloidogyne graminicola-caused giant cells in rice
    Molecular Plant Pathology
    May 2021
    DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13042
    Contributors: Li-he Xu, Li-ying Xiao, Yan-nong Xiao, De-liang Peng, Xue-qiong Xiao, Wen-kun Huang, Godelieve Gheysen, Gao-feng Wang
  • Dihydroxyacetone of wheat root exudates serves as an attractant for Heterodera avenae
    PLOS ONE
    July 23, 2020
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236317
    Contributors: Gaofeng Wang, Sergio Saia, Yunhe Wang, Hazem Abdelnabby, Xueqiong Xiao, Wenkun Huang, Deliang Peng, Yannong Xiao
  • Endophytic Bacillus velezensis strain B-36 is a potential biocontrol agent against lotus rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum
    Journal of Applied Microbiology
    April 2020
    DOI: 10.1111/jam.14542
    Contributors: G.F. Wang, J.F. Meng, T. Tian, X.Q. Xiao, B. Zhang, Y.N. Xiao

 

Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

Posted on by Agri Scientist

Mr Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

Senior Research Scientist at  Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization,  Kenya

Dr. Bramwel Waswa Wanjala is an experienced research scientist at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), where he has worked since 2003. His research primarily focuses on plant disease diagnostics and molecular biology, particularly the epidemiology and management of critical diseases like Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSV), and sweetpotato viruses. Dr. Wanjala has contributed to the development of laboratory protocols, training of personnel, and the establishment of standardized practices that ensure high-quality lab operations. His work includes using genetic markers such as AFLP, SSRs, SRAP, and ISSR to analyze crop diversity, helping enhance agricultural resilience in Kenya. Dr. Wanjala’s expertise has made him a key figure in plant pathology research, where he supports capacity-building efforts and advances diagnostic methodologies for sustainable agriculture.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Expected Dec 2022) – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2013) – Egerton University

Expertise:

Dr. Wanjala is a skilled research scientist specializing in plant disease diagnostics, molecular biology, and crop germplasm management. His work has focused on critical plant diseases in Kenya, including Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) and various sweetpotato viruses, employing advanced techniques like ELISA, PCR, Q-PCR, and LAMP. At the International Potato Center (CIP), he led sweetpotato virus diagnostics and developed innovative technologies for rapid vine multiplication, like sandponics, significantly aiding the sweetpotato seed system in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

  • Capacity Building: Trained numerous researchers and technical staff in virus diagnostics across East and Central Africa, including for KEPHIS.
  • Diagnostic Innovations: Validated a ClonDiag Microarray for sweetpotato virus detection, reducing testing time from 6 months to 2 days.
  • MLN Lab Establishment: Set up a diagnostic lab for MLN and trained stakeholders in disease identification and management.
  • Prebasic Seed Production: Helped establish a sustainable sweetpotato seed production system with KEPHIS, distributing over 150,000 vines to farmers.

Professional Affiliations:

  • International Society for Tropical Root Crops (African Branch)
  • African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF)
  • Trustee and Director of Economic Empowerment, JEDIMU Trust

Publication Top Notes

  • “Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification assays for on-site detection of the main sweetpotato infecting viruses”
  • “Comparative analysis for producing sweetpotato pre-basic seed using sandponics and conventional systems”
  • “Improving rapid multiplication of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam) pre-basic seed using sandponics technology in East Africa”
  • “Storage root yield of sweetpotato as influenced by sweetpotato leaf curl virus and its interaction with sweetpotato feathery mottle virus and Sweetpotato chlorotic stunt virus in Kenya”
  • “Yield potential of sandponically produced sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) pre-basic seed for selected genotypes”