Latif Ahmad Peer | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Latif Ahmad Peer  | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Kashmir, India

Dr. Latif Ahmad Peer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kashmir, specializing in plant morphogenesis and climate-smart agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany in 2022 with research focused on morphogenetic assessment in Zea mays L., contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. With over two decades of academic and teaching experience, Dr. Peer has served in various roles, progressing from Lecturer to Associate Professor since 2007.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Journey:

Dr. Latif Ahmad Peer earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Kashmir in 2022, with a thesis titled “Morphogenetic assessment in Zea mays L. with reference to climate smart agriculture.” He also holds a Master’s degree in Botany (2003) and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry (2001).

👨‍🏫 Academic Roles & Experience:

With over 20 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Peer currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany, University of Kashmir. He has previously worked as a Lecturer and Assistant Professor, contributing significantly to both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

🔬 Research Focus:

His research interests center around climate-smart agriculture, morphogenetic plant analysis, and the adaptation of Zea mays L. (maize) to environmental stress, with an emphasis on improving crop resilience and sustainability.

🏛️ University Service & Leadership:

Dr. Peer plays an active role in the university’s academic and administrative activities:

  • Academic & Career Counsellor

  • Member of UG/PG Boards of Studies

  • Incharge of the Computer Lab & Department Auditorium

  • Member of Research and Admission Committees

🌱 Impact & Vision:

Dedicated to sustainable agricultural development and botanical innovation, Dr. Peer’s work contributes to environmentally adaptive farming practices in the Himalayan region and beyond.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Floral Induction Pathways: Decision Making and Determination in Plants to Flower – A Comprehensive Review

  • High Temperature Triggered Plant Responses From Whole Plant to Cellular Level

  • Potential Antioxidant Activity of Some Mushrooms Growing in Kashmir Valley

  • Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae): A High-Value Medicinal Plant

  • Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Allelopathic Potential of Artemisia brevifolia Wall. ex DC. Across the Elevations of Western Himalayan Region of Ladakh

  • Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Ethnomedicinal Importance of the Highly Valuable Endangered Plant, Podophyllum hexandrum: A Comprehensive Review

  • Rhizosphere Mycobiome Diversity of Medicinal Plants: A Review

  • Genetic, Molecular and Physiological Crosstalk During Drought Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays): Pathways to Resilient Agriculture

  • Repurposing of Plant-Based Antiviral Molecules for the Treatment of COVID-19

  • Drought Stress-Induced Impact on Morpho-Physiological Traits in Maize Landraces of Kashmir

  • Phytochemistry, Biological Properties, Economic and Ecological Importance of Taraxacum officinale: A Review

  • Genetic Diversity Analysis in Maize Landraces Under Temperate Ecology

  • Phytochemistry, Biological Activity and Medicinal Importance of Urtica dioica: A Review

  • Self-Incompatibility Patterns and Signal Transduction

  • Medicinal Plants of the Himalayan Tral Region of Kashmir, India: An Ethnobotanical Study of Their Diversity, Use Patterns, and Health Implications

  • Maize Characterization: From Genotyping to High-Throughput Phenotyping

  • Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacillus Species on the Growth of Blue Pine Seedlings

  • Cowpea Wild Relatives for Cowpea Sustainability Through Introgression Breeding

  • Harnessing Phytohormone Dynamics to Fortify Crop Resilience Against Drought: A Comprehensive Review

  • Comprehensive Morphological Characterization of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Genotypes for Enhanced Breeding Programs in Jammu and Kashmir

 

Supriya Ambawat | Agricultural Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Supriya Ambawat |  Agricultural Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Agriculture University, Jodhpur, India

Dr. Supriya is an Assistant Professor specializing in Plant Biotechnology at the PC Unit, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, India. Her research focuses on crop improvement, genetic enhancement, and biotechnology applications in pearl millet. Passionate about advancing sustainable agricultural practices, she actively contributes to research initiatives aimed at enhancing millet productivity and resilience.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (2010) – CCS HAU, Hisar (Research at ICRISAT, Hyderabad)

    • Genetic diversity analysis & QTL mapping in pearl millet using DArT

  • M.Sc. (2006) – CCS HAU, Hisar

    • Biotechnology & Molecular Biology (Isolation of drought-related MYB transcription factor gene from Brassica carinata)

  • B.Sc. (2004) – Kurukshetra University

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • SPR-Springer Young Scientist Award (2024) – Society for Plant Research

  • Excellence Research Fellow Award (2021) – APSR, Plantica Foundation

  • Young Scientist Award (2020) – International Conference on GNRSA

  • Outstanding Woman in Agricultural Sciences (2019) – Venus International Foundation

  • Emerging Scientist Award (2018) – Society for Science and Nature

  • Multiple Best Oral & Poster Presentation Awards at national & international conferences

🔬 Research Focus:

  • Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

  • Genetic Diversity & QTL Mapping in Pearl Millet

  • Drought Tolerance Mechanisms in Plants

🏅 Notable Contributions:

  • Established a Common Facility Lab at PC Unit, Jodhpur

  • Principal Investigator (PI) for multiple research initiatives in plant biotechnology

  • Recognized for contributions to moisture conservation & yield improvement in pearl millet

Citations:

Citations: 2,120 (since 2020: 1,422)
h-index: 16 (since 2020: 14)
i10-index: 23 (since 2020: 19)

Publication Top Notes:

  • MYB Transcription Factor Genes as Regulators for Plant Responses: An Overview

  • Pearl Millet: A Climate-Resilient Nutricereal for Mitigating Hidden Hunger and Providing Nutritional Security

  • Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Consensus Linkage Map Constructed Using Four RIL Mapping Populations and Newly Developed EST-SSRs

  • Development of a Molecular Linkage Map of Pearl Millet Integrating DArT and SSR Markers

  • Water-Saving Traits Co-Map with a Major Terminal Drought Tolerance Quantitative Trait Locus in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

  • Mitochondrial DNA: A Tool for Phylogenetic and Biodiversity Search in Equines

  • QTL Mapping of Pearl Millet Rust Resistance Using an Integrated DArT- and SSR-Based Linkage Map

  • Development of Genome-Wide Informative Simple Sequence Repeat Markers for Large-Scale Genotyping Applications in Chickpea and Development of Web Resource

  • Stage-Specific Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis to Reveal Gene Networks Regulating Iron and Zinc Content in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

  • Validation of Molecular Markers for Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of White Rust Resistance Loci in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

  • Identification, Characterization, Validation, and Cross-Species Amplification of Genic-SSRs in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)

  • Genetic Analysis of Morphological and Physiological Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

  • Screening and Estimation of Allelic Differentiation in Indian Mustard Using SSR Markers for Background Selection

  • Development and Evaluation of Double Low Quality Lines in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)

  • Micronutrient-Rich Pearl Millet for Nutritionally Secure India

  • Genetic Structure Identification and Assessment of Interrelationships Between Brassica and Allied Genera Using Newly Developed Genic-SSRs of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

  • Genomic Designing for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

  • Biotechnological Applications for Improvement of the Pearl Millet Crop

  • Pearl Millet-Hybrids and Varieties

  • Identification and Characterization of New Resistance Sources Against Sclerotinia Stem Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in Oilseed Brassica

  • Morphological and Molecular Diversity Among Full-Sib Progenies of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

  • Use of Library Resources and Services by Students of PESITM and JNN College of Engineering in Shivamogga: A Comparative Study

 

 

Jalaja Naravula | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Jalaja Naravula | Plant Biotechnology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  Vignan Foundation for Science Technology and Research, India

Dr. Jalaja N is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at VFSTR Deemed to be University, Vadlamudi, Guntur, India. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and research, she has contributed significantly to the field of biotechnology. Her areas of expertise include [insert specific areas of research or interest]. Dr. Jalaja has [mention any notable achievements, awards, or publications] and actively engages in teaching and mentoring students in the field.

Publication profile:

Educational Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Genetics: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) – Osmania University, Hyderabad (2011)
  • M.Sc. in Biotechnology: Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh (2005)
  • B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry: Sree Vidyanikethan, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh (2003)
  • Intermediate (10+2): Ratnam Junior College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (2000)
  • SSC (10th): Girvani Vidyalaya, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh (1998)

Research Experience:

  • Research Associate, School of Life Science, University of Hyderabad
    • DBT funded project on Molecular Basis of Groundnut PGPR Interactions (Apr 2013 – Apr 2014).
  • Scientist, NIC, Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited, Hyderabad
    • Development of transgenic for stem borer resistance in Sweet Sorghum (Apr 2011 – Mar 2013).

Employment Details:

  • Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, VFSTR, Guntur (June 2014 – Present)
    • Joined as Assistant Professor in 2014; promoted to Associate Professor in 2019.
  • Administrative Experience:
    • Deputy Chief Warden, Priyadarsini Girls Hostel (2016-2019)
    • Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Office of Student Affairs (2016-2019)
    • Head, Student Counseling Center (2018-2022)
  • Academic Areas:
    • Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Nanobiotechnology, Crop Production and Process Engineering, Food Storage and Processing, Molecular Phylogeny, Evolutionary Ecology and Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Transgenics, DNA Barcoding, Next Generation Sequencing, Natural Product Technology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology Lab, Biochemistry Lab, Molecular Biology Lab, PTC Lab, rDNA Technology (2014-2019).

Academic Honors & Fellowships:

  • Fellowships:
    • Associate Fellow, AP Akademi of Science
    • Asia PGPR Life Member and Associate Member
  • Training Programs:
    • Molecular Markers in Plant Genetics, TILLING Technique, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (Jan – Mar 2008)
  • Research Fellowships:
    • Senior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission (2010-2011)
    • Junior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission (2008-2010)
  • Project Assistant: Development of transgenics in Pearl millet (2006-2008).

University Committee Memberships:

  • Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC)
  • M.Tech Coordinator, Department of Biotechnology
  • Secretary, University Sports Contingency
  • Member, University Girls Sports
  • Member, Gender Champion
  • Coordinator, University Events
  • Coordinator, Hostels Maintenance
  • Secretary, Women Empowerment & Development Cell
  • Member, University Discipline Committee
  • University R&D Coordinator
  • Department Coordinator for NBA Inspection

Conferences & Workshops Organized:

  • Biotech – Industry Awareness Conference (2016) – Convener
  • International Conference “ICCSHD” (Dec 2019) – Steering Committee Member
  • INSYB 2020 International Conference (Nov 2020) – Organizing Secretary
  • 21 Webinars organized as Department Coordinator (2020-2021)
  • INBIX 2022, International Conference (Hybrid Mode) – Convener

Technical Expertise:

  • Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Development of Liquid Formulations of PGPR Strains
  • Tissue Culture and Transgenic Development
  • Molecular Markers
  • Maintenance of Greenhouse and Large Field Areas
  • Seed Storage and Data Collection for Large Populations
  • Handling High Throughput Methods

Citations Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 258
  • Citations Since 2019: 217
  • h-index: 9
  • h-index Since 2019: 8
  • i10-index: 9
  • i10-index Since 2019: 7

Publication Top Notes:

  • Role and regulation of osmolytes and ABA interaction in salt and drought stress tolerance
    G Rajasheker, G Jawahar, N Jalaja, SA Kumar, PH Kumari, DL Punita, …
    Plant Signaling Molecules, 417-436, 2019.
  • Genome-wide identification and expression profile analysis of nuclear factor Y family genes in Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)
    P Maheshwari, D Kummari, SR Palakolanu, U Nagasai Tejaswi, …
    PloS One 14 (9), e0222203, 2019.
  • Plant cell cultures: biofactories for the production of bioactive compounds
    VA Bapat, PB Kavi Kishor, N Jalaja, SM Jain, S Penna
    Agronomy 13 (3), 858, 2023.
  • Effect of growth regulators, carbon source and cell aggregate size on berberine production from cell cultures of Tinospora cordifolia Miers
    RB Rama, KD Vijay, AR Naga, J N., V K., RA Maruthi, R Srinath, …
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 2 (2), 269-276, 2008.
  • Osmolyte diversity, distribution, and their biosynthetic pathways
    G Jawahar, G Rajasheker, P Maheshwari, DL Punita, N Jalaja, PH Kumari, …
    Plant Signaling Molecules, 449-458, 2019.
  • Plant Signaling Molecules
    G Rajasheker, G Jawahar, N Jalaja, SA Kumar, PH Kumari, DL Punita, …
    Elsevier, 2019.
  • In vitro regeneration and optimization of conditions for transformation methods in Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.)
    N Jalaja, P Maheshwari, KR Naidu, PB Kavi Kishor
    International Journal of Clinical and Biological Sciences 1 (1), 34-52, 2016.
  • Functional exploration of chaperonin (HSP60/10) family genes and their abiotic stress-induced expression patterns in Sorghum bicolor
    M Nagaraju, A Kumar, N Jalaja, DM Rao, PB Kishor
    Current Genomics 22 (2), 137-152, 2021.
  • Cloning, characterization and impact of up- and down-regulating subabul cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) gene on plant growth and lignin profiles in transgenic tobacco
    VL Sirisha, S Prashant, DR Kumar, S Pramod, N Jalaja, PH Kumari, …
    Plant Growth Regulation, doi:10.1007/s10725-011-9647-1, 66 (3), 239-253, 2012.
  • Metabolomic and proteomic signature of Gloriosa superba leaves treated with mercuric chloride and phenylalanine, a precursor of colchicine alkaloid
    J Gandra, HK Patel, SA Kumar, M Doma, Y Deepthi, P Bhalothia, N Jalaja, …
    Industrial Crops and Products 178, 114557, 2022.
  • Contribution of Bioinformatics to Gene Discovery in Salt Stress Responses in Plants
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, P Suravajhala, J N, PR Giri, KPB Kavi
    Agricultural Bioinformatics, pp 109-127, 2014.
  • Transgenic tomatoes for abiotic stress tolerance and fruit traits: a review of progress and a preview of potential
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, G Rajasheker, D Madhavi, N Jalaja, KK Shridhar, …
    Genetically Modified Crops: Current Status, Prospects and Challenges, 2021.
  • Development of transgenics for fungal resistance and discovery of chemically induced mutations in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) population by TILLING
    N Jalaja
    Osmania University, 2011.
  • Identification and analysis of proline-rich proteins and hybrid proline-rich proteins super family genes from Sorghum bicolor and their expression patterns to abiotic stress
    G Rajasheker, M Nagaraju, RP Varghese, N Jalaja, AK Somanaboina, …
    Frontiers in Plant Science 13, 952732, 2022.
  • Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana in pest management
    MVK Srivani, N Jalaja
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 16 (4), 553-561, 2022.
  • Factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill.)
    MM Rao, AJ Amita Jain, AM Rao, MSL Sunita, N Jalaja, PBK Kishor, 2009.
  • High frequency plant regeneration from callus cultures of two finger millet (Eleusine coracana) cultivars
    AM Rao, IS Kumar, N Jalaja, R Polavarapu, PB Kavi Kishor
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 3 (1), 85-89, 2009.
  • Nutritional Value, In Vitro Regeneration and Development of Transgenic Cucurbita pepo and C. maxima for Stress Tolerance: An Overview
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, G Rajasheker, N Jalaja, K Sujatha, PS Kumari, …
    Genetically Modified Crops: Current Status, Prospects and Challenges, 2021.
  • Essential oils from plant resources as potent insecticides and repellents: current status and future perspectives
    B Jyotsna, S Patil, YS Prakash, P Rathnagiri, PBK Kishor, N Jalaja
    Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 103395, 2024.