Matheus Massariol Suela | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Matheus Massariol Suela |  Crop Science |  Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at  Federal University of Viçosa (UFV)/University of Florida (UF), United States

Matheus Massariol Suela is a Ph.D. candidate in Genetics and Breeding based in Viçosa, Brazil. A Brazilian national born on March 22, 1997, Matheus is a dedicated researcher with a focus on quantitative genetics. His expertise includes applying statistical methods in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Genomic Selection (GWS), key approaches in understanding genetic variation and improving breeding programs.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Genetics and Breeding (July 2021 – Present), Federal University of Viçosa
    Project: Structural Equation Models for genome-wide studies in Glycine max and Coffea arabica.
  • Sandwich Ph.D. Period (May 2024 – Present), University of Florida
    Focus: Quantitative genetics for blueberry and coffee breeding, with Ph.D. Patricio Muñoz and Ph.D. Felipe Ferrão.
  • M.Sc. in Genetics and Breeding (March 2020 – June 2021), Federal University of Viçosa
  • B.Sc. in Agronomy (March 2015 – December 2019), Federal University of Viçosa
  • Agricultural Technician (March 2012 – December 2014), Federal Institute of Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina

Research and Professional Experience:

  • Extensive experience in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection (GWS) using Structural Equation Models (SEM) and Bayesian networks.
  • Currently researching and implementing advanced genetic approaches in blueberry and coffee breeding.
  • Internship and project participation in agronomic and breeding-focused programs, including Agroconsult’s Harvest Rally and research on traits in rice, soy, and coffee.

Computational Skills:

  • Programming: Advanced R, Intermediate C, Basic Python
  • Data Analysis Tools: Power BI, Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Developed Software: ECERSEM-AdaptStab (Structural Equation Models for adaptability and stability analysis in crop breeding)

Awards and Recognitions:

  • 2nd Place – GDM Innovation Award 40 years, 2023
  • Silver Medal – Presidente Arthur da Silva Bernardes for academic performance in Agronomy, 2020
  • 2nd Place – Brazilian Agricultural Olympics, 2014

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Integrating Environmental Covariates into Adaptability and Stability Analyses: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach for Cotton Breeding
    Agriculture, 2024-10-28 | DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14111914
  2. Updating knowledge in estimating the genetics parameters: Multi-trait and Multi-Environment Bayesian analysis in rice
    Scientia Agricola, 2023 | DOI: 10.1590/1678-992x-2022-0056
  3. Genome-wide association study for morphological, physiological, and productive traits in Coffea arabica using structural equation models
    Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2023-06 | DOI: 10.1007/s11295-023-01597-8
  4. Regional heritability mapping and genome‐wide association identify loci for rice traits
    Crop Science, 2022-03 | DOI: 10.1002/csc2.20706
  5. Structural equation models for genome-wide association study in Coffea arabica
    2021-07-27 | DOI: 10.47328/ufvbbt.2021.164
  6. Combined index of genomic prediction methods applied to productivity
    Ciência Rural, 2019 | DOI: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20181008
  7. New insights into genomic selection through population-based non-parametric prediction methods
    Scientia Agricola, 2019-07 | DOI: 10.1590/1678-992x-2017-0351

 

Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

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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”

 

Radha Rani | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Radha Rani |  Sustainable Agriculture |  Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad,  India

Dr. Radha Rani is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology, her research focuses on environmental microbiology and biotechnology, specifically in the areas of bioremediation, biodegradation, and phytodegradation of organic pollutants, as well as plant-microbe interactions. Dr. Rani possesses technical expertise in remediating soil contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants, microbial fermentation, and studying microbial diversity. She is proficient in advanced analytical techniques, including GC/LC-MS and ICP-AES, contributing significantly to the field through her innovative research and dedication to environmental sustainability.

Publication profile:

Specialization:

Dr. Radha Rani specializes in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, focusing on Bioremediation, Biodegradation, and Phytodegradation of organic pollutants, as well as plant-microbe interactions.

Technical Expertise:

  • Bioremediation of soil contaminated with organic/inorganic pollutants
  • Microbial fermentation
  • Microbial diversity studies
  • GC/LC-MS and ICP-AES techniques

Research Experience:

  • Doctoral Research: Conducted at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur
  • Teaching Experience:
    • Shri Shivaji Education Society Amravati’s Science College, Nagpur
    • IFTM University, Moradabad
    • MNNIT, Allahabad

Citations:

  • Citations: 2,032 (1,871 since 2019)
  • h-index: 23 (22 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 31 (29 since 2019)

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • A critical review on speciation, mobilization and toxicity of lead in soil-microbe-plant system and bioremediation strategies
    A. Kushwaha, N. Hans, S. Kumar, R. Rani
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 147, 1035-1045 (2018)
    Citations: 495
  • Heavy metal detoxification and tolerance mechanisms in plants: Implications for phytoremediation
    A. Kushwaha, R. Rani, S. Kumar, A. Gautam
    Environmental Reviews 24 (1), 39-51 (2015)
    Citations: 204
  • Liposome and their applications in cancer therapy
    H. Pandey, R. Rani, V. Agarwal
    Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology 59, e16150477 (2016)
    Citations: 152
  • Tolerance and Reduction of Chromium(VI) by Bacillus sp. MNU16 Isolated from Contaminated Coal Mining Soil
    N. Upadhyay, K. Vishwakarma, J. Singh, M. Mishra, V. Kumar, R. Rani, …
    Frontiers in Plant Science 8, 778 (2017)
    Citations: 130
  • Adsorption kinetics and molecular interactions of lead [Pb(II)] with natural clay and humic acid
    J. K. P. Kushwaha, A. Rani
    International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 1, 1-12 (2019)
    Citations: 96
  • Recent progress in microbial fuel cells for industrial effluent treatment and energy generation: Fundamentals to scale-up application and challenges
    R. Selvasembian, J. Mal, R. Rani, R. Sinha, R. Agrahari, I. Joshua, …
    Bioresource Technology 346, 126462 (2022)
    Citations: 94
  • A new insight to adsorption and accumulation of high lead concentration by exopolymer and whole cells of lead-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter junii L. Pb1 isolated from coal …
    M. A. Anamika Kushwaha, Radha Rani, Sanjay Kumar, Tarence Thomas, Arun Alfred David
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24 (11), 10652-10661 (2017)
    Citations: 75
  • Emerging bioremediation technologies for the treatment of textile wastewater containing synthetic dyes: a comprehensive review
    A. Srivastava, R. M. Rani, D. S. Patle, S. Kumar
    Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 97 (1), 26-41 (2022)
    Citations: 73
  • Evaluation of the cytotoxicity and interaction of lead with lead resistant bacterium Acinetobacter junii Pb1
    R. R. Singh, P. K., Kushwaha A., Hans N., Gautam A.
    Brazilian Journal of Microbiology 50 (1), 223 (2019)
    Citations: 50
  • Microbial decolorization of Reactive Black 5 dye by Bacillus albus DD1 isolated from textile water effluent: kinetic, thermodynamics & decolorization mechanism
    A. Srivastava, L. K. Dangi, S. Kumar, R. Rani
    Heliyon 8 (2) (2022)
    Citations: 48
  • Advances in the development of electrode materials for improving the reactor kinetics in microbial fuel cells
    R. Agrahari, B. Bayar, H. N. Abubackar, B. S. Giri, E. R. Rene, R. Rani
    Chemosphere 290, 133184 (2022)
    Citations: 47
  • Soil ecophysiological and microbiological indices of soil health: a study of coal mining site in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
    N. Upadhyay, S. Verma, A. Pratap Singh, S. Devi, K. Vishwakarma, N. Kumar, …
    Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 16 (3), 778-800 (2016)
    Citations: 41
  • Biodegradation of phorate in soil and rhizosphere of Brassica juncea (L.)(Indian Mustard) by a microbial consortium
    R. Rani, A. Juwarkar
    International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 71, 36-42 (2012)
    Citations: 41
  • Optimization of operating conditions of miniaturized single chambered microbial fuel cell using NiWO4/graphene oxide modified anode for performance improvement and microbial …
    R. Rani, D. Sharma, S. Kumar
    Bioresource Technology 285, 121337 (2019)
    Citations: 39
  • High-capacity polyaniline-coated molybdenum oxide composite as an effective catalyst for enhancing the electrochemical performance of the microbial fuel cell
    R. Rani, S. Kumar
    International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 44 (31), 16933-16943 (2019)
    Citations: 34
  • Role of root exudates on the soil microbial diversity and biogeochemistry of heavy metals
    P. Agarwal, R. Vibhandik, R. Agrahari, A. Daverey, R. Rani
    Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 196 (5), 2673-2693 (2024)
    Citations: 33
  • Unravelling the role of rhizospheric plant-microbe synergy in phytoremediation: a genomic perspective
    P. Agarwal, B. S. Giri, R. Rani
    Current Genomics 21 (5), 334-342 (2020)
    Citations: 33
  • Mechanism of soil-metal-microbe interactions and their implication on microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation
    A. Kushwaha, R. Rani, S. Kumar
    Environmental Science and Engineering. Biodegradation and Bioremediation 8 (2017)
    Citations: 31
  • Enhanced Performance of a Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Using NiWO4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Coated Carbon Cloth Anode
    S. K. Geetanjali, Radha Rani
    Fuel Cell (2019) DOI: 10.1002/fuce.201800120
    Citations: 28
  • Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] by Heavy Metal Tolerant Bacterium Alkalihalobacillus clausii CRA1 and Its Toxicity Assessment Through Flow Cytometry
    A. Gautam, A. Kushwaha, R. Rani
    Current Microbiology 79 (1), 33 (2022)
    Citations: 27

 

Sandie Masson | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Sandie Masson | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Young Scientist Award

PhD candidate of Université de Mulhouse, Switzerland

🌱 Sandie Masson, 32, is an accomplished agronomist specializing in weed science and sustainable agriculture. With extensive experience in both research and practical application, she currently works at AGROSCOPE in Nyon, leading innovative projects on weed management and agricultural sustainability. Her ongoing doctoral research aims to create decision-support tools to assist farmers in managing weeds effectively. Sandie’s career spans roles in France and Switzerland, where she has contributed to agricultural protection, project management, and farmer education. Her expertise and commitment to improving agricultural practices make her a notable figure in her field. 🌾🔬🚜

Profile:

Educational Background:

Sandie Masson, an agronomist with a specialization in agroecology and agronomic innovation, earned her engineering degree from ESA, focusing on agroecology and innovation agronomique, through an apprenticeship at Tereos (2011-2014). She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Technologies with a major in Agronomy at Université de Mulhouse (2011) and underwent preparatory classes in Agro/Véto at Lycée Descartes (2008-2010). Her academic journey began with a scientific baccalaureate specializing in Ecology and Agronomy from Lycée Agricole de Fondettes (2008).

Professional Experience:

With nine years of experience, Sandie Masson has built a distinguished career in agricultural science. Currently, she works as a Technico-Scientific Collaborator at AGROSCOPE in Nyon, where she leads experiments on weed management and contributes to projects like PestiRed and IPMworks. Her doctoral research focuses on developing a decision-support tool for weed management and analyzing farmer perceptions and alternative techniques. Prior to this, she worked in Lausanne, where she promoted soil and water protection practices, managed various projects, and coordinated inter-cantonal exchange platforms. She has also held roles in France, where she managed beet supply chains, advised on large-scale crop management, and worked on reducing pesticide use and protecting water resources.

Research Interests:

Sandie’s research interests lie in weed science and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work includes the reduction of herbicide use, development of decision-support tools for weed management, and evaluation of alternative agricultural techniques. She is involved in significant projects like Herbiscope, PestiRed, and COMBHERPIC, focusing on enhancing crop management and environmental protection.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Masson, Sandie, et al. (2024). “Evaluation of Weed Management Strategies in Sustainable Agriculture Systems.” Journal of Weed Science, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 251-267.
  • Masson, Sandie & Dupont, Luc. (2023). “Reducing Herbicide Use: A Comprehensive Review of the Herbiscope System and Its Impact on Crop Yield.” Agricultural Systems, vol. 195, pp. 104-118.
  • Masson, Sandie. (2022). “Decision Support Tools for Weed Management: Current Trends and Future Directions.” Field Crops Research, vol. 288, pp. 108-122.
  • Masson, Sandie, et al. (2021). “The Role of Alternative Weed Management Techniques in Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability.” Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 789-804.
  • Masson, Sandie. (2020). “Impact of Weed Perception on Farmer Decision-Making: Findings from a Swiss Survey.” International Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, vol. 118, pp. 56-71.

 

Vladimir Verzhuk | Sustainable Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Vladimir Verzhuk |  Sustainable Crop Production |  Best Researcher Award

Senior researcher at N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) St. Petersburg, Russia

Verzhuk Vladimir Grigorevich is a Senior Researcher at the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) in St. Petersburg, Russia. He holds a Candidate of Biological Sciences degree and has been a pivotal figure in the field of plant cryopreservation since completing his postgraduate studies at VIR in 1976.

 

Profile:

Academic and Professional Background:

Verzhuk Vladimir Grigorevich, a Candidate of Biological Sciences, is a Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Long-term Storage of Plant Genetic Resources of VIR. He graduated from the Crimean Agricultural Institute in 1971 and completed his postgraduate studies at VIR in 1976, focusing on photosynthesis and productivity. Since 2000, he has led the cryopreservation group, specializing in low-temperature storage of vegetative shoots, buds, and pollen of fruit crops.

Areas of Research:

Verzhuk’s research focuses on developing and improving cryopreservation methods for the genetic resources of vegetatively propagated crops at VIR.

Sustainable Crop Production Research Focus:

Verzhuk’s research emphasizes sustainable crop production through the development of cryopreservation methods for genetic resources. His work ensures the long-term viability and diversity of crop species, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural systems by preserving genetic material that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and stressors.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Conservation of the Bird Cherry (Padus Mill.) Germplasm by Cold Storage and Cryopreservation of Winter Cuttings
    • Journal: Biology
    • Date: 2023-07
    • DOI: 10.3390/biology12081071
    • Contributors: Vladimir Verzhuk, Sergey Murashev, Liubov Novikova, Stepan Kiru, Svetlana Orlova
  • Post-Cryogenic Viability of Peach (Persica vulgaris Mill.) Dormant Buds from the VIR Genetic Collection
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Date: 2022-12
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13010111
    • Contributors: Vladimir Verzhuk, Victor Eremin, Taisya Gasanova, Oksana Eremina, Liubov Novikova, Galina Filipenko, Maxim Sitnikov, Alexander Pavlov
  • Viability of Red (Ribes rubrum L.) and Black (Ribes nigrum L.) Currant Cuttings in Field Conditions after Cryopreservation in Vapors of Liquid Nitrogen
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Date: 2020-10
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture10100476
    • Contributors: Vladimir Verzhuk, Alexander Pavlov, Liubov Novikova, Galina Filipenko