Anshul Kumar | Fruit Science | Young Researcher Award

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Dr Anshul Kumar |  Fruit Science | Young Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Shoolini University, India

Dr. Anshul Kumar is an Assistant Professor specializing in Fruit Science at the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University. With a strong academic and research background, he is actively engaged in teaching, mentoring, and contributing to advancements in horticultural science.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Fruit Science), Dr. Y.S. Parmar UHF, Nauni – 70.50% (2021)

  • M.Sc. (Fruit Science), Dr. Y.S. Parmar UHF, Nauni – 74.00% (2017)

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar UHF, Nauni – 73.80% (2015)

📚 Research Highlights:

M.Sc. Thesis

Title: Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

  • Demonstrated that integrated use of fertilizers, organic manure, and bio-fertilizers can reduce costs, enhance soil health, and increase productivity.

Ph.D. Thesis

Title: Identification and Characterisation of Bud Sports in Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)

  • Over 10,000 apple trees screened; 19 distinct bud sports identified.

  • 4 bud sports registered with ICAR-NBPGR with IC & INGR numbers.

  • Research published in Scientia Horticulturae.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience:

Assistant Professor (Fruit Science)

Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh
Tenure: 3 Years
Responsibilities:

  • Teaching, Research, and Extension.

  • Leading projects on:

    • Strawberry germplasm evaluation

    • Dragon fruit nutrition/orchard management

    • Cold stress evaluation in Hippophae spp.

Agri/Horti Officer

Himalayan Action Research Centre (HARC) – ILSP Project by Govt. of Uttarakhand & IFAD
Focus:

  • Sustainable rural livelihood enhancement through agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors.

  • Vocational training, agri-business strategies, and market linkage development.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • INGR Numbers: INGR 20103 – INGR 20106 (Apple bud sports)

  • IC Numbers: IC-0647748 – IC-0647751

  • RASSA Prof. Ram Nath Singh Best Ph.D. Thesis Award (2022)

  • Outstanding Student Award (2016)

  • Best Sports Person Award (2012–13)

  • Represented in multiple Inter-University Sports Meets (Badminton, Volleyball)

🧠 Trainings & Workshops Attended:

  1. Advanced Agricultural Techniques (DST, 2022) – 7 days

  2. Technological Advancements in Horticulture & Forest Crops (DST, 2022) – 7 days

  3. National Online Training on Conservation, Management – 5 days

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Kumar, A., Sharma, D.P., Kumar, P., Sharma, G., & Suprun, I.I. (2022). Comprehensive insights on Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) bud sport mutations and epigenetic regulations. Scientia Horticulturae, 297, 110979. [Citations: 20]

  2. Kumar, A., Kumar, P., Sharma, A., Sharma, D.P., & Thakur, M. (2022). Scientific insights to existing know-how, breeding, genetics, and biotechnological interventions pave the way for the adoption of high-value underutilized super fruit Sea buckthorn (Hippophae spp.). South African Journal of Botany, 145, 348–359. [Citations: 19]

  3. Gill, K., Kumar, P., Kumar, A., Kapoor, B., Sharma, R., & Joshi, A.K. (2022). Comprehensive mechanistic insights into citrus genetics, breeding challenges, biotechnological implications, and omics-based interventions. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 18(2), Article 9. [Citations: 18]

  4. Kumar, A., Sharma, D.P., Dogra, R.K., Singh, G., Sharma, R., & Kumar, P. (2022). Identification and characterization of Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) bud sports mutations in the apple growing Northwestern Himalayan region. Scientia Horticulturae, 304, 111308. [Citations: 7]

  5. Kumar, A., Sharma, D.D., Sharma, D.P., Shylla, B., & Sharma, S. (2019). Effect of integrated nutrient sources on fruit quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8(2), 1120–1123. [Citations: 7]

  6. Kumar, A., Sharma, D.D., Sharma, D.P., Shylla, B., Singh, U., Verma, P., … (2024). Integrated Nutrient Management as a Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Strategy for Sustainable Fruit Production in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). International Journal of Fruit Science, 24(1), 18–32. [Citations: 6]

  7. Kumar, A., Mushtaq, M., Kumar, P., Sharma, D.P., & Gahlaut, V. (2024). Insights into flowering mechanisms in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) amidst climate change: An exploration of genetic and epigenetic factors. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – General Subjects, 130593. [Citations: 6]

  8. Padhan, A., Kumar, A., Pathirana, R., Sharma, D.P., Thakur, D.S., Rana, V.S., … (2024). Potential of wild, underutilized Actinidia callosa and Actinidia strigosa from Northeast India for kiwifruit breeding. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 71(1), 39–52. [Citations: 6]

  9. Kumar, A., Dangi, G., Kumar, P., Sharma, D.P., Sharma, G., Sangwan, P., … (2024). Exploring pollination mechanisms in walnut: Production and breeding perspectives. South African Journal of Botany, 171, 673–681. [Citations: 1]

  10. Kumar, A., Negi, M., Joshi, Y., Dangi, G., Sharma, D.P., & Sharma, K.C. (2024). Anti-hail nets under hailstorm incidence: Impact on apple orchard dynamics. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1–21.

  11. Sharma, D.P., Singh, N., & Kumar, A. (2020). Pollination assisted production of fruit crops. National Seminar on Smart Horticulture, 1, 87–94.

  12. Kumar, A., Gautam, S., Smakaria, S., Negi, N., & Abrol, D. (2024). Epigenetic regulation of pre- and postharvest quality traits in fruits and vegetables. In Bioengineered Fruit and Vegetables (pp. 185–218).

 

Arun kumar | Fruit science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Arun kumar | Fruit science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. Scholar at Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India

Arun Kumar is a dedicated researcher in horticulture and post-harvest technology, specializing in nano-coatings, fruit preservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. He holds an M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science) from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • M.Sc. (Horticulture – Fruit Science), Lovely Professional University, Punjab (2023)

  • B.Sc. (Agriculture) Hons., Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala (2021)

🔬 Research Focus & Contributions:

Arun Kumar specializes in post-harvest technology, nano-coatings, and sustainable agricultural practices. His M.Sc. thesis focused on the effect of nano silicon dioxide coatings on winter guava quality, contributing to enhanced fruit preservation techniques.

📜 Intellectual Property & Innovation:

  • 9 Copyrights on post-harvest storage, edible coatings, and sustainable agriculture

  • 3 Patents (Recommended), including innovations in vermicomposting and nano-coating applications

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • Best Researcher Award – Vigyan Varta Magazine (2022)

  • Emerging Scientist Award – Vigyan Varta Magazine (2022)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Vikanksha, A. K., & Singh, J. (2023). Trends in hydroponics practice/technology in horticultural crops: A review. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 35(2), 57-65.

  • Kumar, N. (2024). Hydroponics and environmental bioremediation. Springer Nature Switzerland.

  • Kumar, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Microbial synthesized nanoparticles in environment management. In Microbiome-Based Decontamination of Environmental Pollutants (pp. 381-401).

  • Thakur, V., Kumar, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Mycobial nanotechnology in bioremediation of wastewater. In Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants (pp. 1-11).

  • Vikanksha, A., Kumar, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Hydroponic root mats for wastewater treatment: A review. In Hydroponics and Environmental Bioremediation: Wastewater Treatment (pp. 269-296).

  • Himanshu, Sharma, S., Rana, V. S., Ankit, Thakur, V., Kumar, A., Prachi, …, & others. (2024). Unlocking the sustainable role of melatonin in fruit production and stress tolerance: A review. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 5(1), 103.

  • Mirza, A., Kumar, A., Singh, G., Arya, S. K., Bhalla, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Microbial technology: Tools for waste management; environmental sustainability and environmental safety. In Microbial Applications for Environmental Sustainability (pp. 41-70).

  • Thakur, V., Sharma, S., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Kumar, R., Sharma, N., Thakur, S., & others. (2025). Exploring the impact of agrovoltaics on horticultural crop yields and environmental stress mitigation: A comprehensive review. Ecological Frontiers.

  • Kumar, A., Vikanksha, A., & Singh, J. (2025). Rhizosphere microbiome and plant tolerance against biotic agents. In Plant Microbiome and Biological Control: Emerging Trends and Applications.

  • Kumar, A., Singh, J., Verma, P., & Kundana, M. (2024). Seed germination and seedling growth as pretentious by various growing media in Red Lady-786 papaya. Journal of Applied & Natural Science, 16(3).

  • Thakur, V., Jassal, P. S., Kumar, A., Bhatia, A., Mirza, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Enzyme biotechnology toward cleaner production in industry. In Enzyme Biotechnology for Environmental Sustainability (pp. 33-53).

  • Kumar, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Importance of microbial surfactants in heavy metal remediation. In Microbiome-Based Decontamination of Environmental Pollutants (pp. 97-122).

  • Kumar, A., Thakur, V., & Singh, J. (2023). Enhancing shelf life of winter guava “Allahabad Safeda” fruits using nanoemulsion coatings. Journal of Food Chemistry & Nanotechnology, 9(S1), S594-S601.

  • Singh, J. (2023). Mutation breeding in citrus.

  • Vikanksha, A. K., & Singh, J. (2023). Horti-silviculture system of farming.

  • Kumar, J. S. A., & Vikanksha, A. (2022). Nano-silicon coating on fruit crops: Review. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(11), 2395-2400.

  • Kumar, A., & Singh, J. (2024). Integrated pest management through biological control. In The Role of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Agriculture (pp. 54-76).

  • Mirza, A. A., & Singh, J. (2024). Modern trends in horticulture.

  • Kumar, A., Vikanksha, H., & Singh, J. (2024). Maximizing sustainability through vertical farming and urban agriculture. In Smart and Sustainable Agricultural Technology (pp. 395).