Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

Mr Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

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

 

Younes Rezaee Danesh | Plant Protection | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Younes Rezaee Danesh | ย Plant Protection | ย Best Researcher Award

Full Professor at ย Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey

Younes Rezaee Danesh is a Full Professor specializing in mycology, plant pathology, and biological control. His work focuses on symbiotic fungi, bio-fertilizers, and eco-friendly plant growth enhancers. He has held academic positions in Iran and Turkey, and led an EU-funded HORIZON 2020 project. With over 1000 citations, he has contributed significantly to sustainable agriculture research, collaborating with international partners and publishing numerous high-impact papers. He is also a member of various scientific societies and editorial boards. His research aims to promote plant resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses through microbial solutions.

Publication Profile

Academic and Professional Background:

Younes Rezaee Danesh has held various academic roles in multiple countries, beginning in 2007 at Urmia University, Iran. He has also led a HORIZON 2020 EU-funded project at the Soil, Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute in Ankara, Turkey. His research focuses on mycology, plant pathology, and biological control, emphasizing the eco-friendly use of symbiotic fungi as bio-fertilizers and biostimulants. With numerous international collaborations, Younes has over 1000 citations and is a member of several global scientific societies.

Research and Innovations:

  • Completed/Ongoing Research Projects:
    • Leader of 4 completed projects, co-researcher in 4 completed projects.
    • Currently leading 2 projects and acting as co-researcher in 2 others.
  • Citation Index:
    • H-Index: 16
    • More than 1000 citations
  • Consultancy/Industry Projects:
    • Advisor in 2 projects at the Soil, Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey.
    • Management Committee Member for COST Action Projects (COST 22158, COST 22142).
  • Books Published (ISBN):
    • Authored and contributed to 10 books and book chapters, including titles published by Springer and Elsevier.
  • Journals Published (SCI, Scopus, etc.):
    • Published 73 papers in indexed journals.
  • Editorial Appointments:
    • Member of editorial boards in journals including International Journal of Agricultural Technology and Frontiers in Physiology.
  • Collaborations:
    • Extensive collaborations with research institutes and universities in countries such as Turkey, Hungary, Italy, and Spain.

Professional Memberships:

  • Life member in various scientific organizations, including the Asian Mycorrhizal Society and the Iranian Society of Plant Pathology.

Areas of Research:

  • Agricultural Sciences, Mycology, Plant Pathology, Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, and Microbial Genetics.

Contributions:

Younes Rezaee Danesh’s work has significantly impacted sustainable agriculture by promoting eco-friendly microbial solutions to enhance plant growth and stress resilience. His research on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant-microbe interactions has offered innovative biofertilization strategies, improving nutrient uptake and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. These contributions address critical challenges in food security, particularly in regions affected by drought and salinity.

Citations:

  • All time: 1046
  • Since 2019: 601

h-index:

  • All time: 16
  • Since 2019: 13

i10-index:

  • All time: 28
  • Since 2019: 17

Publication Top Notes

  • Mycorrhizal fungi: what we know and what should we know?
    EM Goltapeh, YR Danesh, R Prasad, A Varma
    Mycorrhiza: State of the Art, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Eco-function
    Citations: 121 (2008)
  • Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on growth, essential oil production, and nutrients uptake in basil
    M Rasouli-Sadaghiani, A Hassani, M Barin, YR Danesh, F Sefidkon
    Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(21): 2222-2228
    Citations: 115 (2010)
  • Mycorrhiza: state of the art, genetics and molecular biology, eco-function, biotechnology, eco-physiology, structure and systematics
    A Varma
    Citations: 84 (2008)
  • Fungi as bioremediators
    EM Goltapeh, YR Danesh, A Varma
    Springer Science & Business Media
    Citations: 50 (2013)
  • Effects of heavy metal resistant soil microbes inoculation and soil Cd concentration on growth and metal uptake of millet, couch grass, and alfalfa
    M Rahmanian, K Habib, RD Younes, RS Mir Hasan
    African Journal of Microbiology Research, 5(4): 403-410
    Citations: 31 (2011)
  • Genetic analysis of partial resistance to basal stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in sunflower
    M Amouzadeh, R Darvishzadeh, P Haddadi, BA Mandoulakani
    Genetika (Belgrade), 45(3): 737-748
    Citations: 30 (2013)
  • Bioremediation and genetically modified organisms
    M Jafari, YR Danesh, EM Goltapeh, A Varma
    Fungi as Bioremediators: 433-451
    Citations: 29 (2012)
  • Mycoremediation of heavy metals
    YR Danesh, M Tajbakhsh, EM Goltapeh, A Varma
    Fungi as Bioremediators: 245-267
    Citations: 29 (2012)
  • Biological control of Fusarium basal rot of onion using Trichoderma harzianum and Glomus mosseae
    B Ghanbarzadeh, N Safaie, E Mohammadi Goltapeh, Y Rezaee Danesh
    Journal of Crop Protection, 5(3): 359-368
    Citations: 28 (2016)
  • Optimizing carrot hairy root production for monoxenic culture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Iran
    YR Danesh, EM Goltapeh, A Alizadeh, MM Sanavy
    Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(1): 87-91
    Citations: 28 (2006)
  • Antagonistic effects of Trichoderma species in biocontrol of Armillaria mellea in fruit trees in Iran
    M Asef, E Goltapeh, Y Danesh
    Journal of Plant Protection Research, 48(2)
    Citations: 26 (2008)
  • Pathogenic interactions between Trichoderma species and Agaricus bisporus
    ME Goltapeh, Y Rezaei Danesh
    Journal of Agricultural Technology, 2: 29-37
    Citations: 24 (2006)
  • Effects of some biological agents on the growth and biochemical parameters of tomato plants infected with Alternaria solani (Ellis & Martin) Sorauer
    G Boyno, S Demir, YR Danesh
    European Journal of Plant Pathology, 162(1): 19-29
    Citations: 23 (2022)
  • Effects of thyme (zaatar) essential oil and some chemical compounds in the control of citrus bacterial canker in Iran
    S Samavi, N Hassanzadeh, MM Faghihi, YR Danesh
    Journal of Plant Pathology: 691-696
    Citations: 21 (2009)
  • Identification of Trichoderma species causing green mould in button mushroom farms, distribution and their relative abundance
    YR Danesh, EM Goltapeh, H Rohani
    Citations: 18 (2001)
  • Studies on interaction between Trichoderma species and Agaricus bisporus mycelium
    EM Goltapeh, YR Danesh
    Citations: 17 (2000)
  • Morphophysiological and biochemical responses of Zinnia elegans to different irrigation regimes in symbiosis with Glomus mosseae
    Z Heidari, MJ Nazarideljou, Y Rezaei Danesh, N Khezrinejad
    International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 3(1): 19-32
    Citations: 15 (2016)
  • The complex interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and strigolactone: Mechanisms, synergies, applications and future directions
    G Boyno, Y Rezaee Danesh, S Demir, N Teniz, JM Mulet, R Porcel
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(23): 16774
    Citations: 14 (2023)
  • Foliar applications of ZnO and its nanoparticles increase safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) growth and yield under water stress
    M Ghiyasi, Y Rezaee Danesh, R Amirnia, S Najafi, JM Mulet, R Porcel
    Agronomy, 13(1): 192
    Citations: 14 (2023)
  • Rock phosphate solubilizing potential of soil microorganisms: advances in sustainable crop production
    B Khoshru, AF Nosratabad, D Mitra, M Chaithra, YR Danesh, G Boyno
    Bacteria, 2(2): 98-115
    Citations: 13 (2023)

 

Bejoysekhar Datta | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Bejoysekhar Datta | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Dr Bejoysekhar Datta, University of Kalyani, India

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kalyani, specializing in plant pathology and mycology. He completed his Ph.D. at Bose Institute, focusing on the phylogeny of bacteria from Cicer arietinum. With over a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Datta has contributed significantly to sustainable agriculture through research on bioinoculants and bioremediation techniques. He is a member of esteemed organizations like the Indian Mycological Society and has led several innovative research projects. His dedication to education and research positions him as a strong candidate for the BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ†

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academics

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has a distinguished academic background in life sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in 2010 from Bose Institute, Kolkata (University of Calcutta), focusing on the phylogeny of a bacterium from Cicer arietinum and its siderophore biosynthesis. He obtained his M.Sc. in Botany, specializing in Mycology and Plant Pathology, from the University of Calcutta in 2001. His undergraduate studies culminated in a B.Sc. from Presidency College (University of Calcutta) in 1999, with honors in Botany and a general study in Zoology and Chemistry. He also holds a B.Ed. in Life Science from the University of Calcutta, awarded in 2003. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š

Position and Employment

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has an extensive career in academia, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kalyani since September 29, 2020. Prior to this role, he was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from January 19, 2011, to September 28, 2020. He began his teaching career as an Assistant Professor at Kashipur Micheal Madhusudan Mahavidhyalaya in Purulia, where he worked from August 29, 2008, to January 18, 2011. Dr. Datta also contributed as an Assistant Teacher at Chowgachha Panugopal High School in Chakdaha from October 12, 2007, to August 28, 2008. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

Honours and Awardsย 

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2002, organized jointly by CSIR and UGC, earning a Junior Research Fellowship in Life Sciences under the UGC fellowship scheme. His academic accomplishments reflect his dedication to advancing research in botany and plant pathology. Dr. Datta is also a life member of the Indian Mycological Society in Kolkata and the Indian Phytopathological Society in New Delhi, showcasing his active involvement in the scientific community. These memberships enhance his networking opportunities and contribute to his commitment to promoting knowledge in mycology and plant health. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ”ฌ

Research Focus

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta’s research primarily focuses on plant pathology, emphasizing the interactions between fungi and plants, particularly in sustainable agricultural practices. His work includes evaluating the efficacy of mycelia from edible fungi as bioinoculants to promote plant growth and combat fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, he investigates multi-metal tolerance in fungi and their role in enhancing plant health. His studies on the phylogenetic analysis and toxigenic potential of fungal species associated with root diseases further contribute to understanding plant-microbe interactions, showcasing a commitment to improving agricultural sustainability and crop protection. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒฑ

Symposia participated and paper presented

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has actively contributed to several prestigious symposiums, showcasing his expertise in plant pathology. He presented an invited lecture titled “Structural analyses of Fusarium solani ฮฒ-tubulin protein to design novel tubulin-targeted antifungal compounds” at the National Symposium on โ€œRole of Plant Pathology in Global Environment and Food Securityโ€ in March 2022. Additionally, he shared insights on “Taxonomy of Fusaria: an overview and current perspective” at the International Symposium on Nature, Microbes, and Society in February 2020. His research on carbendazim resistance in Fusarium oxysporum was highlighted at the 3rd Regional Science and Technology Congress in December 2018. ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌโœจ

Publication Top Notes

Fungal antagonists of some plant pathogens

Fusarium oxysporum isolates showed varied benzimidazole fungicides sensitivity under low temperature and heavy metal stress

Synthetic, structural, spectral and DNA binding aspects of copper (II), nickel (II) and zinc (II) dimers of new carboxylate-based tripodal ligand

Conclusion

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta is an exemplary candidate for the BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award. His work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also promotes innovative solutions to pressing agricultural challenges.