Hajer Darouez | Horticulturae | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Hajer Darouez |  Horticulturae |  Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at  Ghent University,  Belgium

Hajer Darouez is a passionate Ph.D. student at Ghent University with over 4 years of experience in plant biotechnology. Specializing in root-inducing molecules to improve micropropagation techniques, she has conducted groundbreaking research on woody plants and rooting recalcitrant species. Hajer has extensive experience in molecular techniques, advanced data analysis, and propagation methods, developed through her work at the Laboratory for Applied In Vitro Plant Biotechnology at UGent and her internship at Mission Biologica de Galicia in Spain. Her notable research includes transcriptomic analysis, histological techniques, and the use of new compounds to enhance rooting in species like chestnut and poplar.

Publication profile

🎓 Education and Research Focus:

Hajer Darouez is a passionate and dedicated PhD student at Ghent University specializing in plant biotechnology. With more than 4 years of research experience, her expertise lies in rooting recalcitrant and woody plants, particularly through the development of root-inducing molecules to enhance micropropagation techniques. During her PhD, she has pioneered the optimization of propagation methods using innovative approaches.
📝 PhD Dissertation: Application of New Root-Inducing Molecules in Plant Tissue Culture.

🔬 Research Experience:

  • Ph.D. Researcher (2019-Present): Conducting research on root-inducing molecules at the Laboratory for Applied In Vitro Plant Biotechnology at UGent, Belgium.
  • Part-Time Researcher (2022-2023): Contributed to the VLAIO Moss project focusing on in vitro cultivation for urban greening applications.
  • Internship (2023): Four-month internship at Mission Biologica de Galicia in Spain, where she enhanced her expertise in woody species biotechnology and transcriptomic analysis.

🧪 Skills and Techniques:

Hajer is proficient in a variety of molecular techniques, including:

  • Histological sections and gene expression studies.
  • Advanced data analysis tools.
  • Execution of micropropagation optimization experiments.

🌿 Key Projects:

  • Hevea Project (2016): Played a key role in sustainable agriculture research, focusing on Hevea brasiliensis cultivation.
  • Nigella Sativa Research (2015): Conducted in vitro methods to improve salt stress tolerance in this medicinal plant species.

🏆 Conferences and Presentations:

  • Oral Communication (2023): Presented research on dichlorprop esters at the Innovative Woody Plant Cloning Congress in Spain.
  • Poster Presentations (2022): Showcased findings at International Symposium on In Vitro Technology and the ATSB Congress on rooting and shoot growth techniques in Lavandula angustifolia.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “Red and Far-Red Light Combined with Trans-Cinnamic Acid Enhances In Vitro Rooting and Reduces Callus Formation in Lavender”
    Journal: Horticulturae
    Date: September 6, 2024
    Contributors: Hajer Darouez
  2. “Arinole, a Novel Auxin-Stimulating Benzoxazole, Affects Root Growth and Promotes Adventitious Root Formation”
    Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    DOI: erae282
    Date: June 26, 2024
    Contributors: Hajer Darouez

 

Arash Mokhtari | Medicinal Plant | Best Researcher Award

Dr Arash  Mokhtari |  Medicinal Plant |  Best Researcher Award

Research fellow at  Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Iran

Arash Mokhtari is a distinguished Agricultural Biotechnologist with extensive expertise in plant tissue culture and advanced biotechnological methodologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology from the University of Tehran, Iran, where he achieved National Rank 2 with his research on elicitor-mediated gene expression in Valeriana officinalis. His Master’s degree, also from the University of Tehran, focused on the effect of plant growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis in wheat.

Profile:

Research Excellence

Innovative Research: Dr. Mokhtari’s research in plant tissue culture and agricultural biotechnology is cutting-edge. His work on the elicitor-mediated expression of genes in Valeriana officinalis, and optimization of bioactive compound extraction methods, demonstrates significant contributions to the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Publication Record: With numerous high-impact publications, including studies on efficient production and accumulation of valuable compounds, Dr. Mokhtari has a robust record of disseminating his research. His papers are published in reputable journals, reflecting the high quality and relevance of his work.

Leadership and Impact

Leadership Roles: As Head of the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Advanced Research Greenhouses at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Dr. Mokhtari has shown leadership in both research and practical applications. His role in managing teams and optimizing research protocols indicates his capability in driving significant advancements in his field.

National Recognition: Dr. Mokhtari has achieved high national rankings in his academic endeavors, including his Ph.D. and Master’s studies, which underscores his excellence and impact in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Practical Applications

Agricultural Biotechnology: His research directly impacts agricultural practices by improving plant propagation techniques and enhancing crop yield efficiency. The practical applications of his work in plant tissue culture and genetic improvement are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.

Professional Affiliations

Institutional Involvement: Dr. Mokhtari is affiliated with prestigious institutions, including the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Tehran. His involvement with these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology.

Conclusion

Dr. Arash Mokhtari’s extensive research contributions, leadership in advanced biotechnology research, and the practical implications of his work make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His innovative approaches and significant achievements in plant biotechnology stand out as exemplary in his field.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “A highly efficient method for somatic embryogenesis of Kelussia odorotissima Mozaff., an endangered medicinal plant” in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2017.
  • “Effect of plant growth regulators on direct shoot regeneration of wheat immature embryonic explants” in Journal of Agricultural Engineering and Biotechnology, 2013.
  • “Direct regeneration from leaves and nodes explants of Physalis peruviana L.” in International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences, 2013.
  • “Rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin content improvement by foliar application of Fe and Zn fertilizer in Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)” in International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research, 2014.
  • “Plant regeneration through callus induction on medicinal herb Viola odorata – Role of plant growth regulators and explants” in Agriculture & Forestry, 2015.
  • “Callus induction and plant regeneration of Valeriana officinalis are affected by different leaf explants and various concentrations of plant growth regulators” in BioTechnologia, 2016.
  • “Rapid micropropagation of Cucumis sativus var. Dastgerdi (Iranian cultivar) by Node Culture Technique” in British Biotechnology Journal, 2014.
  • “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination and Development of Protocorm and Seedling of Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume (Orchidaceae)” in Annual Research & Review in Biology, 2014.
  • “Engineering of secondary metabolites in tissue and cell culture of medicinal plants: an alternative to produce beneficial compounds using bioreactor technologies” in Crop Improvement: Sustainability Through Leading-Edge Technology, Springer Publications, 2017.
  • “Interactive effects of plant growth regulators and explants on direct shoot regeneration of Viola odorata” in BioTechnologia, 2016.
  • “Influence of plant growth regulators on in vitro culture and regeneration of Dracocephalum kotschyi” in International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research, 2014.

 

YiPing Li | Plants | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Northwest A&F University,  China

YiPing Li is a Professor at Northwest A&F University, specializing in sustainable agriculture and pest management. His research focuses on the interaction between insect midgut proteases and peritrophic membranes with host plants and Bt, as well as the green prevention and control technologies for pests affecting fruit trees, vegetables, edible fungi, and cotton. He has led multiple major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and other prominent organizations. His notable projects include studying peritrophic membrane proteins, pest control technologies, and monitoring techniques for fruit-eating worms. YiPing Li has made significant contributions to the field, including numerous publications in top journals and several patents. He has been recognized with awards such as the Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award and the Ministry of Agriculture China Agricultural Science and Technology Award. His work also extends to educational reforms, with numerous teaching achievements and published papers on the subject.

Profile:

🔬 Academic and Professional Background:

YiPing Li focuses on the interaction between insect midgut proteases and peritrophic membranes, and the green prevention and control of pests on various crops, including fruit trees, vegetables, edible fungi, and cotton.

🔍 Research and Innovations

  • NSFC Projects: Leading research on Bt synergism, midgut protease adaptation, and cotton bollworm resistance.
  • National Key Projects: Integration of technologies to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use in Xinjiang and Gansu.
  • Major Science and Technology Project: Studying pest occurrence patterns in apple and developing monitoring technologies.

🏆 Contributions & Awards:

Awarded for significant contributions to agricultural science, including the Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award and several teaching achievement awards.

📜 Editorial & Professional Memberships:

Active in the field of agricultural pest management, disaster mechanisms, and green technologies.

Research Focus: Plant

YiPing Li’s research primarily revolves around the interaction between insect pests and plants, with a special emphasis on:

  1. Insect Midgut Proteases and Peritrophic Membranes: Studying how these digestive enzymes and protective layers in insects interact with host plants and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to develop effective pest control strategies.
  2. Pest Occurrence Patterns: Investigating the patterns and behaviors of pests on various crops including fruit trees, vegetables, edible fungi, and cotton, aiming to enhance green prevention and control technologies.
  3. Green Prevention and Control Technologies: Developing and integrating sustainable technologies to manage and mitigate pest impacts on plants, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
  4. Adaptive Mechanisms of Midgut Proteases: Researching how midgut proteases adapt to different host plants and their potential as targets for pest control, focusing on pests like Grapholita molesta and cotton bollworm.

YiPing Li’s work is integral to advancing sustainable agriculture by improving pest management practices and reducing reliance on chemical controls.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Trypsin‐encoding gene function of efficient star polycation nanomaterial‐mediated dsRNA feeding delivery system of Grapholita molesta”
    Pest Management Science
    July 5, 2024
    DOI: 10.1002/ps.8289
  • “Structural Characteristics of Mitochondrial Genomes of Eight Treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Centrotinae) and Their Phylogenetic Implications”
    Genes
    July 24, 2023
    DOI: 10.3390/genes14071510
  • “Larval midgut protease activity of Illiberis pruni (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) feeding on multiple characteristic hosts”
    Phytoparasitica
    November 2022
    DOI: 10.1007/s12600-022-01019-w
  • “RNA Sequencing Reveals the Potential Adaptation Mechanism to Different Hosts of Grapholita molesta”
    Insects
    September 2022
    DOI: 10.3390/insects13100893
  • “Antibiotic Treatment Reduced the Gut Microbiota Diversity, Prolonged the Larval Development Period and Lessened Adult Fecundity of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)”
    Insects
    September 15, 2022
    DOI: 10.3390/insects13090838
  • “Comparison of Gut Bacterial Communities of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Reared on Different Host Plants”
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    October 2021
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011266
  • “Comparison of Gut Bacterial Communities of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Reared on Different Host Plants”
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    June 25, 2021
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136843
  • “Enhanced hydrolysis of β‐cypermethrin caused by deletions in the glycin‐rich region of carboxylesterase 001G from Helicoverpa armigera”
    Pest Management Science
    April 2021
    DOI: 10.1002/ps.6242
  • “Geographic variation in sexual communication in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera”
    Pest Management Science
    November 2020
    DOI: 10.1002/ps.5893
  • “The effect of host plant on the development and larval midgut protease activity of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)”
    Phytoparasitica
    September 1, 2019
    DOI: 10.1007/s12600-019-00746-x
  • “Ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of three fruit borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae or Tortricidae)”
    PLOS ONE
    October 11, 2018
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205604

 

 

Saeid Hazrati | Medicinal plants | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Saeid Hazrati | Medicinal plants |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  Department of Agronomy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

Dr. Saeid Hazrati is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran. With a specialization in agronomy, Dr. Hazrati focuses on the cultivation of medicinal plants and oilseeds. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the University of Shiraz, Iran (2006), and both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Agronomy Engineering (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (2011 and 2015, respectively).

Profile:

Qualification:

B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding Engineering, University of Shiraz, Iran, 2006. M.Sc. in Agronomy Engineering (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 2011. Ph.D. in Agronomy Engineering (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 2015

Experience:

Dr. Saeid Hazrati completed his B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding Engineering from the University of Shiraz in 2006. He further pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agronomy Engineering, focusing on medicinal and aromatic plants, from Tarbiat Modares University in 2011 and 2015, respectively. His doctoral research emphasized crop stress physiology and the impact of environmental stresses on medicinal and aromatic plants.

During his academic journey, Dr. Hazrati also spent six months in Italy for a sabbatical at the University of Turin, researching the influence of nutrient solutions in the New Growing System on leafy vegetables and aromatic plants under the co-supervision of Prof. Silvana Nicola.

Dr. Hazrati is currently an Associate Professor at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, where he teaches courses at the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels in Agronomy Crops and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

Research, Innovations, and Contributions:

Dr. Saeid Hazrati has made significant contributions to research, particularly in the field of medicinal plants and agronomy. He has completed three research projects and has one ongoing project, with a total funding of USD 51,000. He has authored or co-authored approximately 100 publications, including over 60 international journal articles.

He is a reviewer for several international scientific journals and has served as an editor or member in 15 editorial boards of journals and conferences. Dr. Hazrati has presented his research in 60 conferences and has graduated 32 research scholars, with four currently under his supervision.

His work has earned him a citation index of 13 in Scopus/Web of Science, an H-index of 13, and various awards and recognitions in the scientific community. Dr. Hazrati has visited four countries for research activities and has one functional MoU with other universities/industries.

Research Focus on Medicinal Plants:

Dr. Saeid Hazrati’s research primarily centers on the cultivation and stress physiology of medicinal plants. His work investigates the impact of various environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, on the growth, yield, and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. By understanding these stress responses, Dr. Hazrati aims to develop strategies to enhance the resilience and productivity of these plants under adverse conditions.

Key Areas of Research: Environmental Stress Physiology: Examining how different environmental factors affect the physiological processes of medicinal plants. Studying the mechanisms by which these plants adapt to and mitigate the effects of stressors. Cultivation Practices: Developing and optimizing cultivation techniques to improve the yield and quality of medicinal plants. Investigating the role of nutrient management and soil conditions in the growth of these plants. Medicinal Plant Biochemistry: Analyzing the biochemical responses of medicinal plants to stress, focusing on the production of bioactive compounds. Identifying the stress-induced changes in secondary metabolites that contribute to the medicinal properties of these plants. Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the cultivation of medicinal plants. Exploring the use of organic and eco-friendly farming methods to ensure the long-term viability of medicinal plant cultivation. Innovative Growing Systems: Researching advanced growing systems, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, for the efficient cultivation of medicinal plants. Assessing the influence of different nutrient solutions and growing media on plant growth and phytochemical production.

 

Citations:

 

  • Citations:
    • All: 1265
    • Since 2019: 1167
  • h-index:
    • All: 17
    • Since 2019: 16
  • i10-index:
    • All: 32
    • Since 2019: 28

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Effects of Water Stress and Light Intensity on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters and Pigments of Aloe vera L.
    • Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2016
    • Citations: 291
  2. Effects of Zeolite and Water Stress on Growth, Yield, and Chemical Compositions of Aloe vera L.
    • Agricultural Water Management, 2017
    • Citations: 111
  3. Extraction of Essential Oils of Ferulago Angulata with Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation
    • Industrial Crops and Products, 2019
    • Citations: 91
  4. Evaluation of Aloe vera Gel as an Alternative Edible Coating for Peach Fruits During Cold Storage Period
    • Gesunde Pflanzen, 2017
    • Citations: 73
  5. Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives, Probiotic, and Mannan-Oligosaccharides on Performance, Blood Metabolites, Meat Quality, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Population of Poultry
    • British Poultry Science, 2020
    • Citations: 60
  6. Essential Oil Variation and Antioxidant Capacity of Mentha pulegium Populations and Their Relation to Ecological Factors
    • Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2020
    • Citations: 44
  7. Physiological and Biochemical Traits in Coriander Affected by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Under Salt Stress
    • Heliyon, 2020
    • Citations: 38
  8. The Potential of the Synthetic Strigolactone Analogue GR24 for the Maintenance of Photosynthesis and Yield in Winter Wheat Under Drought
    • Plants, 2021
    • Citations: 29
  9. A Comparative Study: Influence of Various Drying Methods on Essential Oil Components and Biological Properties of Stachys lavandulifolia
    • Food Science & Nutrition, 2021
    • Citations: 28