Guillermo Pratta | Crop Science | AgriInnovator in Academia Award

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Dr. Guillermo Pratta | Crop Science | AgriInnovator in Academia Award

Investigador Principal | CONICET | Argentina

Guillermo Pratta is a researcher specializing in plant genetics, crop improvement, and quantitative genetics, with a strong focus on horticultural and agroecological systems. His research addresses genetic variability, gene expression regulation, and the identification of quantitative trait loci associated with fruit quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance, alongside emerging work on agroecological aptitude and genetic resource conservation. He serves as a faculty member at the National University of Rosario and is affiliated with CONICET, contributing to both academic research and applied breeding programs. Dr. Pratta’s key contributions include advances in tomato genomics, multivariate genetic analysis, identification of resistance genes, and the development of genetic resources for sustainable crop production. His work integrates molecular, statistical, and breeding approaches to enhance crop performance and resilience. Through translational research and international publications, he aims to support sustainable agriculture, strengthen food systems, and foster innovation in plant breeding and genetic resource management.

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Ferdinando Branca | Urban Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Ferdinando Branca | Urban Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Full Professor | University of Catania | Italy

Ferdinando Branca is a senior researcher and academic specializing in horticultural science, plant genetics, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on vegetable crop improvement and agrobiodiversity conservation. His research centers on Brassica crops, plant stress physiology, bioactive compounds, and the development of resilient, high-quality cultivars under Mediterranean and climate-stressed environments, integrating molecular markers, phenotyping, and sustainable production systems. He has held long-term academic positions at the University of Catania, progressing through research and professorial roles and currently serving as a Full Professor in agricultural and environmental sciences. His key contributions include advances in Brassica germplasm characterization, identification of stress- and disease-resistance traits, and innovations in sustainable and organic horticultural practices with relevance to breeding and policy-oriented agrobiodiversity management. His impact vision emphasizes translating plant genetic research into sustainable food systems, supporting climate adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and global innovation in horticulture and crop resilience.

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Kourosh Vahdati | Horticulture & Floriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Kourosh Vahdati | Horticulture & Floriculture| Research Excellence Award

Professor of Horticultural Science |  University of Tehran | Iran

Prof. Kourosh Vahdati is a distinguished researcher specializing in horticulture, plant tissue culture, and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on walnut science and nut tree improvement. His research focuses on abiotic stress physiology, walnut breeding and genetics, micropropagation, orchard management, and rootstock development, integrating molecular, physiological, and agronomic approaches to enhance stress tolerance and productivity in perennial crops. He serves as a Professor of Horticulture and has held key academic leadership roles, contributing extensively to international research collaborations. Prof. Vahdati’s major contributions include advances in walnut micropropagation protocols, identification of physiological and genetic indicators of drought and salinity tolerance, and the development of improved breeding and rootstock strategies for nut trees. His work has informed sustainable orchard practices and breeding programs worldwide. His impact vision centers on translating plant stress biology into resilient horticultural systems that support climate-smart agriculture, food security, and long-term sustainability in nut crop production

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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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Assaf Eybishitz | Crop Science & Breeding | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Assaf Eybishitz | Crop Science & Breeding | Outstanding Scientist Award

Senior Scientist | World Vegetable Center | Taiwan

Dr. Assaf Eybishitz is a plant scientist specializing in tomato breeding and genetic improvement, with a strong focus on developing resilient, high-performing vegetable crops. His research centers on disease resistance breeding, quantitative trait loci (QTL) identification, and stress tolerance, particularly heat stress and multi-disease resistance using advanced genetic resources and MAGIC populations. Currently, he serves as Senior Scientist – Tomato Breeding at the World Vegetable Center, where he leads and contributes to strategic breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield stability and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. Eybishitz has made significant contributions through molecular screening of wild and cultivated germplasm, identification of key resistance loci, and development of tomato lines with improved resistance to viruses and insect-transmitted diseases. His impact vision emphasizes strengthening global food security, accelerating climate-resilient crop innovation, and translating genetic research into scalable solutions for sustainable agriculture worldwide.


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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.

Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Assistant | IITA/University Canada West | Nigeria

Dr. Alice Adenike Olatunji is a distinguished agricultural scientist specializing in yam agronomy and genotype performance evaluation, with a research focus on enhancing crop productivity and resilience under diverse environmental conditions. Her primary research centers on the agronomic performance, genetic improvement, and yield stability of elite White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes cultivated across multiple agroecological zones in Nigeria. As a Senior Research Officer at CGIAR, Montpellier, France, Dr. Olatunji contributes to global agricultural research through the development of sustainable practices and data-driven varietal selection frameworks. Her seminal work, including publications in the Agronomy journal and preprints in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has provided vital insights into genotype-environment interactions influencing yam yield stability. Dr. Olatunji’s research outcomes have informed breeding strategies, agricultural policies, and sustainable food security programs, offering practical pathways for improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and advancing resilient yam production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative research and innovation, she continues to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world agricultural needs, driving forward the CGIAR mission of transforming food, land, and water systems. Her impact vision emphasizes strengthening food system resilience, enhancing crop adaptation to climate variability, and empowering farmers through science-led agricultural innovation that contributes to global goals for nutrition security and sustainable development.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(9), 2093. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092093

2. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Preprints, 2024080964. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0964.v1

Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Dr. Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

PhD researcher | Università degli studi di Firenze | Italy

Dr. Dario Gaudioso is a distinguished researcher specializing in molecular plant pathology, with expertise in plant health, quarantine pathogens, and molecular biology. His research primarily focuses on developing rapid, economical, and high-throughput diagnostic strategies for the detection of quarantine plant pathogens, using Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens as a model organism. He also explores innovative, eco-friendly biotechnological approaches for sustainable crop protection and microbial interactions in leguminous plants. Currently serving as a PhD researcher at the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI), University of Florence, Dr. Gaudioso also contributes as a Scientific Communicator and OpenLab Operator, bridging science and public understanding. His prior work as a Research Fellow at the same institution strengthened his contributions to applied plant pathology and diagnostic microbiology. Among his significant scientific outputs are publications such as Isolation of a Novel Microplastic-Degrading Bacterial Strain in Chemosphere (2025), Fly High: Volatile Organic Compounds for the Early Detection of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens in Agronomy (2025), and Exploiting Bacterial Pigmentation for Non-Destructive Detection of Seed-Borne Pathogens in Sensors (2024). He has also contributed to the book Innovative Detection of the Quarantine Plant Pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens published in Plant Pathology (2022), and to reviews on multidrug transporters in Microorganisms (2024), highlighting his diverse contributions across microbiology and plant science. As an active member of prestigious organizations, including the British Society for Plant Pathology, the Italian Society of Plant Pathology, and the Italian Association for Plant Protection, he continuously engages with the international scientific community. His research outputs integrate molecular diagnostics, sensor technologies, and microbial ecology to advance sustainable agriculture and improve global plant biosecurity frameworks. Through his innovative and interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Gaudioso envisions a future where sustainable diagnostic solutions enable effective management of plant diseases, safeguard agricultural biodiversity, and support resilient food systems. His scientific vision emphasizes strengthening global plant health surveillance, fostering early detection methods that reduce economic losses and environmental impact, and promoting a collaborative framework that bridges science, technology, and sustainability to address emerging agricultural challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Isolation of a novel microplastic-degrading bacterial strain: A promising agent for low-density polyethylene remediation. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144400

2. Gaudioso, D. (2025). On the effectiveness of ozone treatments: A silver bullet for plant health? Agronomy, 15(3), 567. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030567

3. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Fly high: Volatile organic compounds for the early detection of the seed-borne pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. Agronomy, 15(2), 497. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020497

4. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Exploiting bacterial pigmentation for non-destructive detection of seed-borne pathogens by using photoacoustic techniques. Sensors, 24(23), 7616. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237616

5. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporters: Ubiquitous multifaceted proteins in microbes, plants, and their interactions. Microorganisms, 12(12), 2433. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122433

Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

Professor | University of Agricultural Sciences | India

Dr. T.K. Nagarathna currently serves as Professor of Crop Physiology and Scientific Officer to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, where she also coordinates and heads the Project Planning and Monitoring Cell. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture and a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the same university, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Florida, USA, under the prestigious Raman Fellowship Award. With a prolific academic portfolio, her research primarily focuses on crop modeling, stress physiology, plant variety protection, and climate resilience in agriculture. She has authored over 130 scientific publications, including 53 refereed journal articles, multiple technical bulletins, research notes, conference proceedings, and book chapters, alongside two published books—Protection and Registration of Plant Varieties in India (2023) and Plant Growth & Stress Physiology (2024). A seasoned research leader, Dr. Nagarathna has spearheaded numerous national projects funded by the PPV&FR Authority, RKVY, and other government agencies, addressing hybrid seed production, DUS characterization, molecular-assisted selection, and enhancement of oilseed and cereal crop productivity. Her academic mentorship includes guiding postgraduate and doctoral students while contributing to advisory committees across agricultural disciplines. An active contributor to institutional development, she has facilitated the establishment of key research infrastructures worth several crores, including Seed Health Testing Laboratories and advanced molecular facilities. Her international engagements span training and collaborative programs across Germany, the USA, the Philippines, and Turkey, emphasizing global integration in agricultural innovation. Recognized for her scientific excellence, she is the recipient of honors such as the IRRI-India Resident Fellowship and multiple national research awards. Dr. Nagarathna further extends her influence through significant editorial contributions, notably as Chief Editor of the Plant Variety Journal of India, a bilingual national journal published by the PPV&FR Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. She has organized and led numerous international webinars, workshops, and expert committee meetings, fostering advancements in genome editing, DUS guidelines, and plant breeders’ rights. A life member of several prestigious scientific societies, she remains a driving force in shaping agricultural policy, research innovation, and farmer-centric technology dissemination in India’s crop science landscape. She has 27 citations from 4 publications, with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shashi, B. K., Sharan, S., & Hittalamani, S. (2007). Micronutrient composition, antinutritional factors, and bioaccessibility of iron in different finger millet (Eleusine coracana) genotypes. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Science, 20(3), 583–585.

2. Nagarathna, M., Shankar, A. G., & Udayakumar. (2010). Assessment of genetic variation in zinc acquisition and transport to seed in diversified germplasm lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 6(1), 171–178.

3. Nagarathna, T. M., Shadakshari, Y. G., & Ramanappa. (2011). Molecular analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for high oleic acid using microsatellite markers. Helia, 34, 63–68.

4. Nagarathna, Y. G., Prasad, T. G., Bagyaraj, D. J., & Shadakshari. (2007). Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphorus levels on growth and water use efficiency in sunflower at different soil moisture status. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 3(2), 221–229.

5. Nagarathna, K. T., Shadakshari, Y. G., Parama, V. R. R., & Jagadish. (2012). Examination of root characters, isotope discrimination, physiological and morphological traits and their relationship used to identify the drought tolerant sunflower. Helia, 35, 1–8.

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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