Abe Gerrano | Plant Breeding | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Abe Gerrano | Plant Breeding | Research Excellence Award

Senior Scientist | Agricultural Research Council | South Africa

Prof. Abe Shegro Gerrano is a researcher specializing in Plant Breeding and Genetics, with a strong focus on crop improvement for food and nutrition security. His research centers on the genetic enhancement of underutilized leguminous, leafy, and fruit vegetables, including cowpea, Bambara groundnut, amaranth, okra, pigeonpea, and taro, with emerging interests in climate-resilient cultivars, nutritional quality, and the integration of molecular breeding and genomics tools. He serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Agricultural Research Council – Vegetables, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Pretoria, and holds affiliated academic and research appointments with national and international institutions. Prof. Gerrano has contributed significantly to the development and evaluation of drought- and heat-tolerant genotypes, genetic diversity assessment, and seed system research, producing high-impact peer-reviewed outputs and book chapters. His impact vision emphasizes translating plant genetic resources into resilient crop solutions that advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen food systems, and support global innovation in climate-smart crop production.

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Featured Publications

Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member 

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Mr. Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer and Researcher | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dedicated researcher and lecturer specializing in Chemical and Food Engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable materials, food quality enhancement, and green bioprocessing technologies. His research centers on developing bio-based products, optimizing agro-industrial waste conversion, and advancing innovative materials such as antimicrobial biolubricants, biodegradable films, and functional food products; emerging interests include circular bioeconomy strategies and eco-friendly polymer alternatives. He has served as a lecturer, researcher, and reviewer at Debre Tabor University since 2024 in the School of Chemical Engineering, following four impactful years at Dilla University where he contributed to teaching and research in Food Engineering. His key scientific contributions include the synthesis and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricants derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid, the development of biodegradable bioplastic films from banana peel starch blended with cellulosic fibers, and advancements in gluten-free sorghum bread formulation enriched with sweet lupin flour, all of which demonstrate innovation in material science, sustainability, and food technology. In addition to his research outputs, he has provided extensive peer-review service across leading journals in food science, polymer research, environmental chemical engineering, and biomass valorization, supporting academic quality and scientific integrity. His work collectively contributes to global sustainability efforts by creating environmentally responsible alternatives to petroleum-based products, improving food system resilience, and promoting value-added utilization of agricultural residues. With a forward-looking vision, Workiye aims to strengthen the role of green engineering in driving industrial innovation, enhance the accessibility of sustainable materials, and support science-based solutions to environmental and societal challenges worldwide.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Abera, W. G. (2024). Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricant derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid. Heliyon, e38972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38972

2. Abera, W. G. (2024). Quality assessment of gluten-free sorghum bread prepared with sourdough and the addition of sweet lupin flour. CYTA – Journal of Food, Article 2397022. https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2024.2397022

3. Abera, W. G. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of bioplastic film from banana (Musa Cavendish species) peel starch blended with banana pseudo-stem cellulosic fiber. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04207-8

Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Deputy Dean | Inner Mongolia agriculturial University | China

Prof. Baoping Zhao, a distinguished researcher at Neimenggu Agricultural University, Hohhot, China, is a leading specialist in crop science, stress physiology, and sustainable agronomy whose work advances resilient cereal production and soil–plant health. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to salinity, drought, heavy-metal stress, microplastic contamination, and nutrient limitations, while developing innovative strategies to improve oat, buckwheat, and wheat performance under challenging environmental conditions. Emerging interests include multi-omics–guided crop improvement and nature-based soil amendments that enhance both yield and ecological sustainability. With a strong record of 70 publications, over 430 citations, and an h-index of 10, he has contributed extensively through collaborative, high-impact studies. His professional experience spans key academic roles in plant science research, where he has led and co-led projects revealing how crops respond to salinity and drought stress, including integrated germination and field assessments that identify saline–alkali-tolerant oat germplasm, molecular insights into drought-responsive pathways using multi-omics tools, and proteomic analysis of root respiratory metabolism under salt stress. Among his notable contributions are breakthroughs in improving crop resilience, such as demonstrating how fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under water-deficit by regulating antioxidant systems and carbon assimilation, and how manganese–zinc fertilizers mitigate cadmium toxicity in wheat, reducing potential human-health risks through safer grain production practices. His work has also illuminated the environmental risks posed by microplastics in agricultural soils, showing their effects on soil properties and buckwheat performance, thus informing soil-health monitoring and sustainable land-management policies. Through open-access contributions that strengthen global scientific accessibility, his research findings support innovations in crop breeding, fertilizer management, and climate-adaptive agriculture, offering practical applications for both farmers and industry stakeholders. Driven by the vision of building resilient agroecosystems, Prof. Zhao aims to translate advanced plant-response knowledge into solutions that enhance food security, protect soil ecosystems, and promote sustainable agricultural transformation. His ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration positions him as a key contributor to global efforts in adapting agriculture to environmental change while supporting healthier, more productive cropping systems for future generations.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Effects of preservatives and drying methods on the nutrient composition and mould counts of hay and pellet processing of oats. Scientific Reports.

2. Testing of saline–alkali tolerance in oat germplasm through integrated germination and field performance assessments. Agronomy.

3. Potential impacts of microplastic particle size and type on soil properties and buckwheat performance. Agronomy.

4. Fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under drought deficit by regulating ascorbate–glutathione cycle, chlorophyll synthesis, and carbon-assimilation ability. Agronomy.

5. Foliar application of manganese–zinc fertilizer mitigated the harmful effects of cadmium on wheat and reduced human health risks. Sustainability.

Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Professor | The Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Clay Sneller is a distinguished researcher and professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics. His research primarily focuses on improving genetic diversity, yield stability, and environmental resilience in major crops such as soybean and wheat. He has significantly contributed to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying yield potential, drought tolerance, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, offering innovative strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity. Over his extensive career, Dr. Sneller has held key academic roles driving advanced crop improvement programs and mentoring future agricultural scientists. His collaborative research has produced impactful publications on topics like genomic prediction of wheat landraces, the relationship between genetic variance and parental diversity in soybean, and marker-assisted introgression of yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs). His pioneering studies, including “Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential” and “Genomic selection for wheat traits and trait stability,” have guided global plant breeding strategies and influenced both policy and practice in agricultural biotechnology. With an h-index of 42 and over 5,800 citations, Dr. Sneller’s scholarly contributions have shaped the scientific understanding of crop genetics and breeding efficiency. His work bridges the gap between molecular genetics and practical agronomy, advancing the development of resilient, high-yield cultivars adapted to climate variability. Driven by a vision to enhance food security through science-led innovation, Dr. Sneller continues to contribute to the global effort toward sustainable crop production, genetic resource conservation, and next-generation breeding technologies that empower farmers and strengthen agricultural systems worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., & Sneller, C. H. (2004). Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential. Trends in Plant Science, 9(2), 70–75.

2. Carter, T. E. Jr., Nelson, R. L., Sneller, C. H., & Cui, Z. (2004). Genetic diversity in soybean. In Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses (Vol. 16, pp. 303–416).

3. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., King, C. A., Sneller, C. H., Chen, P., & Vadez, V. (2007). Drought tolerance and yield increase of soybean resulting from improved symbiotic N₂ fixation. Field Crops Research, 101(1), 68–71.

4. Sneller, C. H., Kilgore‐Norquest, L., & Dombek, D. (1997). Repeatability of yield stability statistics in soybean. Crop Science, 37(2), 383–390.

5. Crossa, J., Jarquín, D., Franco, J., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Burgueño, J., & Sneller, C. H. (2016). Genomic prediction of gene bank wheat landraces. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 6(7), 1819–1834.*

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Google Scholar

Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

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Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. He has 21 citations from  across 11 publications, with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

.

Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy - PhD Student at NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Ofentse Moseki is a dedicated agronomist with strong expertise in crop science, natural resource management, and climate-resilient agriculture. She is passionate about advancing sustainable farming systems, especially in semi-arid regions. With solid experience in field research, data analysis, and community engagement, she contributes to food security and environmental resilience. Her interdisciplinary background enables her to work effectively in both academic and applied research settings. Ofentse is seeking opportunities in fast-paced, impact-driven environments where she can expand her contributions to agricultural science and rural development.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

EDUCATION

Ofentse Moseki is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Sciences at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. She previously completed a Master of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management at the Okavango Research Institute. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Crop Science and Production from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her academic foundation has equipped her with deep knowledge in crop management, irrigation, and environmental sustainability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ofentse's career includes diverse roles such as Research Assistant at the Okavango Research Institute and Scientific Mobility Participant at ICWRGC in Germany. She has also worked as a Horticultural Officer, Field Research Assistant, and interned with both government and private agricultural entities. Her responsibilities have included conducting field surveys, engaging with communities, analyzing data, and disseminating findings through reports and presentations. Each role has contributed to her multidisciplinary skillset and real-world agricultural problem-solving ability.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Her research interests revolve around improving crop productivity and resilience in semi-arid regions through efficient water use, sustainable soil management, and climate adaptation strategies. She is particularly focused on crop water requirements, modeling, irrigation management, and the environmental impacts of agriculture. Ofentse is driven by the goal of finding innovative solutions to mitigate climate change effects on agriculture and to support smallholder farmers in developing regions.

AWARD AND HONOR

Ofentse has been awarded competitive scholarships, including a PhD grant from SASSCAL and an MPhil scholarship jointly sponsored by JST, JICA, and the Government of Botswana. Her presentation on crop modeling won the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award at the 19th WaterNet Symposium. These accolades reflect both her academic excellence and her communication skills in disseminating research findings at regional and international platforms.

RESEARCH SKILL

Ofentse demonstrates strong technical capabilities in agricultural research design, data analytics using R, SPSS, and GenStat, and crop modeling using CROPWAT. She is also proficient in GIS applications and community-based data collection methods. Her skills extend to scientific writing, technical reporting, and public presentation. She integrates her knowledge across plant science, irrigation systems, and resource economics to tackle interdisciplinary agricultural challenges.

PUBLICATIONS

Ofentse Moseki has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals such as Agronomy and Agricultural Water Management. Her published work addresses water use efficiency in crops like rice, jatropha, and pearl millet under semi-arid conditions. She has also delivered multiple oral and poster presentations at WaterNet and other regional symposiums. Her BSc and MPhil research on tomato yield and organic fertilizers further highlight her hands-on approach to agronomic studies.

Title: Crop water and irrigation requirements of Jatropha curcas L. in semi-arid conditions of Botswana: applying the CROPWAT model
Authors: O. Moseki, M. Murray-Hudson, K. Kashe
Journal: Agricultural Water Management

Title: Yield and yield attributes of tomato as influenced by organic fertilizer
Authors: W. Mojeremane, O. Moseki, T. Mathowa, G.M. Legwaila, S. Machacha
Journal: SCIENCEDOMAIN International

Title: Agro-Physiological and Morphological Responses of Pearl Millet to Varying Water Regimes in Semi-Arid Conditions of Namibia
Authors: O. Moseki, G. Kangueehi, V. Chiteculo, M. Zink, M.A. Wanga
Journal: Agronomy

Title: Structure and regeneration status of woody seed oil species in Northern Botswana
Authors: K. Kashe, G. Tsheboeng, D.L. Kgathi, G. Mmopelwa, M. Mmusii, O. Moseki

Title: Using the Cropwat model to estimate the effects of climate change and shifting planting dates on Jatropha water requirements in semi-arid conditions of Botswana
Authors: O. Moseki, M. Murray-Hudson, K. Kashe, O. Moses, D.L. Kgathi, T.S. Moroke

CONCLUSION 

Ofentse Moseki stands out as a researcher committed to practical and scientific advancement in sustainable agriculture. Her blend of academic rigor, field experience, and collaborative engagement positions her to drive impactful solutions in resource-limited environments. With a clear vision to influence agricultural development and climate adaptation, she continues to grow as a leader in her field, contributing meaningfully to both local and international research communities.