Malavika Dadlani | Seed Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Malavika Dadlani | Seed Physiology | Best Researcher Award

National consultant at Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, Bengaluru,  India

Dr. (Mrs.) Malavika Dadlani is a distinguished expert in [mention her field of expertise, e.g., Seed Science & Technology, Agricultural Research, etc.]. With a remarkable career spanning several decades, she has contributed significantly to [key areas of contribution]. She has held prestigious positions at [institutions/organizations], leading groundbreaking research and policy initiatives.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications 🎓

  • Ph.D. (Agricultural Seed Science) – Calcutta University, 1979

  • Post-Doctoral Research (Seed Technology) – International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, 1987-1989

Professional Experience 👩‍🔬

With over four decades of expertise in agricultural research, education, and extension, Dr. Dadlani has held key leadership positions in India’s premier agricultural institutions:

🔹 Consultant & Honorary Research Fellow – Bioversity International, New Delhi (2014-2016)
🔹 Joint Director (Research) – ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi (2010-2013)
🔹 Head, Division of Seed Science & Technology – ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2006-2010)
🔹 Principal Scientist & Senior Scientist – ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (1979-2006)
🔹 Scientist – Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow (1978-1979)

Her work focused on institution building, research management, extension coordination, and capacity development in seed science.

Global Contributions 🌍

Dr. Dadlani has played a pivotal role in international seed policy and capacity building. Some key global engagements include:

🌱 FAO Expert Consultation (2003) – Contributed to the Quality Declared Seed System publication.
🌍 SAARC Seed Forum (2009) – Organized the first workshop on Quality Seed Systems and contributed to forming the SAARC Regional Seed Bank.
🌾 FAO Consultancy in Bangladesh, Myanmar & Cambodia – Strengthened seed systems and hybrid rice development.
📜 SeedNL Consultant (Netherlands, 2023-24) – Conducted a fact-finding study on the Indian seed system.
🤝 Indo-German Seed Sector Development Consultant (2018-2022) – Studied and advised on harmonization of Indian seed regulations with international standards.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Dadlani has been honored with several prestigious awards for her contributions:

🏅 Best Research Paper in Seed Research – ISST, India (1984, 1990)
🌾 Best Research Paper in Agriculture – Philippines (1989)
🎓 Best Teacher Award – IARI, India (2001)
🏅 Dr. Ram Dhan Singh Memorial “Best Seed Technologist” Award (2006-07)
👩‍🔬 Fellow, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) (2010)
🏆 Excellence Award for Supporting Seed Industry in India – ITPBR, India (2022)

Key Contributions & Innovations 💡

✅ Farmers’ Participatory Seed Production – Initiated “Beej India”, a farmer-led seed production initiative.
✅ SAARC Seed Policy Development – Drafted the SAARC Regional Seed Bank & Material Transfer Framework.
✅ Capacity Building & Training – Led numerous FAO, SAARC, and AARDO training programs to strengthen seed systems.
✅ Women Empowerment in Agriculture – Advocated for women-friendly agricultural technologies in global forums.

A Legacy in Seed Science & Agricultural Development 🌾

Dr. Malavika Dadlani’s work has shaped India’s seed industry, global seed policies, and farmer-centric innovations. Her extensive research, leadership, and global collaborations continue to make a lasting impact on sustainable agriculture and food security.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 2,511

  • Citations Since 2020: 933

  • h-index: 23 (13 since 2020)

  • i10-index: 53 (20 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  1. The subcellular basis of seed priming

    • A. Varier, A.K. Vari, M. Dadlani

    • Current Science, 2010, 450-456 (Citations: 510)

  2. Techniques in Seed Science and Technology

    • P.K. Agrawal, M. Dadlani, P.K. Agrawal

    • South Asian Publishers, 1987 (Citations: 228)

  3. Effect of hydropriming on field emergence and crop growth of maize genotypes

    • R.P. Nagar, M. Dadlani, S.P. Sharma

    • 1998 (Citations: 96)

  4. Tetrazolium test for seed viability and vigour

    • V.N. Patil, M. Dadlani

    • Handbook of Seed Testing, 2009, 209-241 (Citations: 86)

  5. Seed coating to improve stand establishment in rice

    • M. Dadlani, V.V. Shenoy, D.V. Seshu

    • 1992 (Citations: 69)

  6. Mechanism of seed dormancy in rice

    • D.V. Seshu, M. Dadlani

    • Seed Science Research 1(3), 187-194, 1991 (Citations: 68)

  7. Seed dormancy and regulation of germination

    • P.C. Nautiyal, K. Sivasubramaniam, M. Dadlani

    • Seed Science and Technology 52, 39-66, 2023 (Citations: 63)

  8. Crop residues management with conservation agriculture: Potential, constraints, and policy needs

    • H.S. Gupta, M. Dadlani

    • Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 2012 (Citations: 62)

  9. Effect of packaging on vigour and viability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seed during ambient storage

    • K.K. Singh, M. Dadlani

    • 2003 (Citations: 53)

  10. Characterization and evaluation of variability in farmers’ varieties of rice from West Bengal

  • S.K. Chakrabarty, M.A. Joshi, Y. Singh, A. Maity, V. Vashisht, M. Dadlani

  • Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 72(2), 136, 2012 (Citations: 48)

 

Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at  Institute for Plant Protection and Environment,  Serbia

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment in Belgrade, Serbia. He specializes in forage crop genetics, seed quality assessment, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade in 2016, focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Expertise:

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is an accomplished plant scientist specializing in forage crop genetics, seed quality, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade (2016), focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

🔬 Research & Professional Experience:

  • Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (2012–present)
    • Head of the Laboratory for Seed Quality Testing
    • Specializes in seed quality assurance, genetic improvement, and molecular breeding
    • Oversees ISO/IEC 17025:2017 implementation in laboratory testing
  • Research Assistant at the Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac (2006–2011)
    • Focused on selection and breeding of perennial legumes

📑 Research Contributions & Impact:

✅ 167 scientific publications in international and national journals
✅ Key researcher in multiple national projects on forage breeding, genetic improvement, and sustainable livestock production
✅ Member of national commissions for soybean variety recognition
✅ Active in scientific societies, including the Society of Geneticists and Plant Breeders of Serbia

🛠 Skills & Achievements:

✔ Expertise in genetic variability, plant breeding, and seed technology
✔ Strong background in laboratory quality management and risk analysis
✔ Fluent in English and proficient in computer applications
✔ Experienced in international collaboration and research supervision

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 104
  • h-index: 6
  • Total Publications: 21
  • Cited Documents: 97

Publication Top Notes:

  • Seed Quality and Seedling Growth After Applying Ecological Treatments to Crimson Clover Seeds
    Plants, 2025-03-07. DOI: 10.3390/plants14060839
    Authors: Ratibor Štrbanović, Branimir Šimić, Mariana Stanišić, Dobrivoj Poštić, Nenad Trkulja, Violeta Oro, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Dynamics of Moisture Release from Maize Husks as a Function of Crop Density
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49481
    Authors: Marijneka Tabaković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ivana Živković, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ljubiša Kolarić, Mile Sečanski, Rade Stanisavljević, Violeta Oro

  • Evaluation of the Quality Indicators of Pepper Hybrid Seeds During Germination
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49491
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Nenad Pavlović, Sanja Đurović, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Quality of Alfalfa Seeds from Different Regions of Serbia During Storage Up to 42 Months
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49467
    Authors: Rade Stanisavljević, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Violeta Oro, Jasmina Milenković, Marijenka Tabaković, Dragoslav Đokić

  • Application of Alternative Methods of Crop Protection in Sustainable Agriculture
    Selekcija i Semenarstvo, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/SelSem2301043T
    Authors: Marijenka Tabaković, Vesna Dragičević, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ivana Živković, Milan Brankov, Sveto Rakić, Violeta Oro

  • Changes in Quality Indicators of Different Cucumber Hybrid Seeds During Five Years of Aging
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/jpea27-42793
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Ivana Živković, Marija Milivojević, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Influence of the Presence of Weeds and Other Impurities in Natural Alfalfa Seed on Finishing Machines Work and Seed Quality During Three Years
    Romanian Agricultural Research, 2023. DOI: 10.59665/rar4025
    Authors: Dragoslav Đokić, Dragan Terzić, Jasmina Knežević, Aleksandar Vuković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Rade Stanisavljević

 

Amira Ibrahim | Crop Evolution | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr Amira Ibrahim |  Crop Evolution |  Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Science Arish University at  Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of science, Arish University, Egypt

Dr. Amira Abdallah Ibrahim Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Plant Genetics in the Botany Department at Arish University, Egypt. Born on July 7, 1985, in Aga, Dakahlia, she has dedicated her career to advancing research in plant genetics. As a single Muslim woman, Dr. Ahmed embraces her identity while contributing to the scientific community. Her work focuses on understanding the genetic basis of plant traits, which is crucial for agricultural improvement and sustainability.

Publication Profile

Education:

  1. B.Sc. in Botany-Chemistry (2006), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
  2. M.Sc. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2012), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
  3. Ph.D. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2018), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.

Research Interests:

Dr. Amira specializes in plant genetics and cytology, with a particular focus on biocontrol agents, phytochemical analysis, molecular markers, plant stress responses, and crop improvement under environmental stresses.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Biochemical Characterization and Disease Control Efficacy of Pleurotus eryngii-Derived Chitosan
    An In Vivo Study against Monilinia laxa, the Causal Agent of Plum Brown Rot
    Published: 2024-09-17
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13182598
    Contributors: Ippolito Camele, Amira A. Mohamed, Amira A. Ibrahim, Hazem S. Elshafie
  2. Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
    Published: 2024-06
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01789-0
    Contributors: Khaled F. M. Salem et al. (including Amira A. Ibrahim)
  3. Association Study Between Some Cultivated Species and Their Wild Relatives from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae Families Based on Molecular and DNA Barcoding in Egypt
    Published: 2024-03
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01681-x
    Contributors: Nerveen M. Essa, Amira A. Ibrahim, Magda I. Soliman
  4. Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analyses of Complete Chloroplast Genome on Trema orientalis L.
    Published: 2024-03
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01678-6
    Contributors: Amira A. Ibrahim et al.

 

Chikezie Onuora Ene | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Chikezie Onuora  Ene |  Plant Breeding |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer II at  Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

 

Dr. Chikezie Onuora Ene is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Crop Science at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI). He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Jimma University, Ethiopia, in 2023, where he conducted genetic analysis and quantitative trait loci mapping for tomato traits, graduating with a GPA of 3.86/4.00. He also holds an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, achieving a CGPA of 4.91/5.00, and a B.Sc. in Crop Production and Protection from Abia State University, Uturu, with first-class honors.

Profile:

Qualifications and Education:

  1. Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Jimma University, Ethiopia, with a thesis on genetic analysis and QTL mapping for tomato traits. Graduated with a high GPA of 3.86/4.00.
  2. M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a focus on variability and heritability in cucumber, and an outstanding CGPA of 4.91/5.00.
  3. B.Sc. in Crop Production and Protection from Abia State University, Uturu, with first-class honors and a CGPA of 4.62/5.00.

Research Interests:

Dr. Ene’s research focuses on improving fruit/grain yield and quality of vegetables and cereals under abiotic stresses using plant molecular breeding techniques. This is a highly relevant and impactful area of research, addressing critical issues in agriculture.

Work Experience:

  1. Lecturer in Crop Science Department at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike since 2017, teaching various crop science courses and contributing significantly to the academic community.
  2. Research/Laboratory Assistant at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), involved in yam breeding, plant protection, and tissue culture.
  3. Field Enumerator/Farm Attendant at the Ministry of Agriculture, Abia State, focusing on cassava farming and processing data collection.
  4. Agricultural Science Teacher during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Kono Secondary School.

Training and Workshops:

  1. Training on GLMM at Jimma University.
  2. Hands-on training on marker-assisted breeding at BecA-ILRI hub, Nairobi, Kenya.
  3. Training on econometrics for policy analysis using Stata.
  4. Workshop on publishing and grant proposal writing.

Research Contributions and Impact:

Dr. Ene has been involved in significant research contributions across multiple projects and publications, particularly in:

  1. Fruit/Grain Yield Improvement under abiotic stresses.
  2. Plant Molecular Breeding and marker-assisted selection.
  3. Collaboration with international research bodies and institutions

Conclusion:

Given Dr. Ene’s extensive education, research focus, teaching experience, and contributions to the field of crop science, he is well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses crucial agricultural challenges, and his academic and professional achievements highlight his dedication and impact in the field.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Studies of phenotypic and genotypic variation in sixteen cucumber genotypes
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, 76(3), 307-313, 2016. (82 citations)
  • Heterosis and combining ability in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Information Processing in Agriculture, 6(1), 150-157, 2019. (38 citations)
  • Evaluation of Sixteen Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes in Derived Savannah Environment Using Path Coefficient Analysis
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 8(1), 85-92, 2016. (35 citations)
  • Correlation and path coefficient analyses of yield and yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in a coarse-textured Ultisol
    VN Onyia, UP Chukwudi, AC Ezea, AI Atugwu, CO Ene
    Information Processing in Agriculture, 7(1), 173-181, 2020. (18 citations)
  • Environmental impact and genetic expressions of new drought-tolerant maize genotypes in derived savannah agro-ecology
    UNI Paul Inyang, Chikezie Onuora Ene, Ankrumah Emmanuel, Uchechukwu P. Chukwudi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 13(1), 10691, 2021. (15 citations)
  • Genetic characterization and quantitative trait relationship using multivariate techniques reveal diversity among tomato germplasms
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, FU Ozi, UN Ikeogu
    Food Science & Nutrition, 10(7), 2426-2442, 2022. (7 citations)
  • Benefit Cost Analysis of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties under Varying Planting Density
    DA Uzoigwe, CO Muoneke, CC Nwokoro, CO Ene
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 11(1), 145-148, 2019. (6 citations)
  • Hybrid Vigor and Heritability Estimates in Tomato Crosses Involving Solanum lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium under Cool Tropical Monsoon Climate
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, FU Ozi, O Ogah, EC Okechukwu, …
    International Journal of Agronomy, 2023(1), 3003355, 2023. (5 citations)
  • Analysis of Leaf Yield Components in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) Grown in Derived Savannah Agro-ecology
    UP Chukwudi, CU Agbo, CO Ene, CU Uba, JI Enyi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 9(3), 386-391, 2017. (4 citations)
  • Growth and yield response of selected improved soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) varieties to varying weeding regimes under a tropical condition
    CO Ene, A Anyim, UP Chukwudi, EC Okechukwu, UN Ikeogu
    Journal of Central European Agriculture, 20(1), 157-178, 2019. (3 citations)
  • Evaluation of Tomato Genotypes Growth, Yield, and Shelf Life Enhancement in Nigeria
    VN Onyia, UP Chukwudi, VC Ogwudu, AI Atugwu, SC Eze, CO Ene, …
    Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 21(1), 143-152, 2019. (3 citations)
  • Selfing revealed potential for higher yield performance than backcrossing among tomato segregating populations of Solanum lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium crosses under …
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, UP Chukwudi, EC Okechukwu, FU Ozi, …
    *Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 100993, 2024. (1 citation)
  • Influence of varying preservation methods on the shelf life and proximate composition of Pleurotus plumonarius (Fr) Quel cultivated on Andropogon gayanus substrate
    CM Ahaiwe, O Nnamdi, CO Ene, UP Chukwudi
    International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, 3(3), 2019. (1 citation)