Jinli Gong | Horticulture | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Jinli Gong | Horticulture | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, China

Dr. Jinli Gong is a specialist in pomology, with a research focus on postharvest biology and the mechanisms of environmental signals regulating fruit coloration and ripening. She completed her Ph.D. at Huazhong Agricultural University and was a visiting researcher at Durham University, UK, in cell biology. Dr. Gong has led four research projects, published 21 peer-reviewed papers (SCI/Scopus), and holds three patents. Her notable contributions include the discovery of red and blue light-responsive mechanisms in citrus and the development of advanced techniques for studying plastid protein complexes.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Training:

  • Ph.D. in Pomology, Huazhong Agricultural University (2015–2021)

  • Research Exchange, Cell Biology, Durham University, UK (2019–2020)

🔬 Research Focus:

  • 🍊 Postharvest biology of horticultural fruits

  • 🌈 Environmental signal mechanisms in fruit coloration and ripening

🧪 Research Highlights & Innovations:

  • Identified red light-responsive proteins influencing citrus fruit coloration.

  • Developed advanced plastid isolation and visualization techniques in citrus.

  • Established real-time dynamic organelle imaging in citrus roots and fruits.

📊 Research Output:

  • 📄 21 Publications (SCI, Scopus)

  • 🔍 4 Research Projects

  • 🤝 6 Industry Consultancies

  • 🔏 3 Patents

  • 🔁 Reviewer: Journal of Experimental Botany, New Phytologist, Horticulture Research

  • 📈 Citations: ResearchGate Profile

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Autophagy positively regulates ethylene-induced colouration in citrus fruits
    Guo Y., Gong J., Cheng Y., Wang P.
    Plant Journal, 2025.

  2. Advances in the Relationship Between Cell Wall Metabolism and Physiological Diseases of Citrus Peel
    Zhang S., Zheng S., Wang X., Sun X., Gong J.
    (2025, Source details not available).

  3. Red and blue light promote tomato fruit coloration through modulation of hormone homeostasis and pigment accumulation
    Xu Y., You C., Xu C., Zhang C., Hu X., Li X., Ma H., Gong J., Sun X.
    Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2024.

  4. Tracking organelle activities through efficient and stable root genetic transformation system in woody plants
    Gong J., Chen Y., Xu Y., Gu M., Ma H., Hu X., Li X., Jiao C., Sun X.
    Horticulture Research, 2024.

  5. Combining BN-PAGE and microscopy techniques to investigate pigment-protein complexes and plastid transitions in citrus fruit
    Gong J., Zhang H., Zeng Y., Cheng Y., Sun X., Wang P.
    Plant Methods, 2022.

  6. Red light-induced kumquat fruit coloration is attributable to increased carotenoid metabolism regulated by FcrNAC22
    Gong J., Zeng Y., Meng Q., Guan Y., Li C., Yang H., Zhang Y., Ampomah-Dwamena C., Liu P., Chen C., Deng X., Cheng Y., Wang P.
    Journal of Experimental Botany, 2021.

  7. Differential regulation of red light- and ethephon-induced degreening in postharvest kumquat fruit
    Gong J., Yang H., Xu Y., Zeng Y., Liu P., Chen C., Wang P., Sun X.
    Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2023.

  8. Illuminating the cells: transient transformation of citrus to study gene functions and organelle activities related to fruit quality
    Gong J., Tian Z., Qu X., Meng Q., Guan Y., Liu P., Chen C., Deng X., Guo W., Cheng Y., Wang P.
    Horticulture Research, 2021.

  9. Transient expression assay and microscopic observation in kumquat fruit
    Gong J., Sun X.
    Bio-Protocol, 2024.

  10. Cytological and metabolomic analysis of Citrus fruit to elucidate puffing disorder
    Wang T., Zheng S., Ke F., Zhang S., Xiao J., Sun X., Zhang S., Zhang L., Gong J.
    Food Chemistry, 2024.

  11. Regulation of chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism in citrus fruit
    Lu Y., Shen X., Li Y., Xu Y., Chen Y., Hu X., Li X., Sun X., Gong J.
    Horticultural Plant Journal, 2024.

  12. Diversity in plastids contributes to variation in fruit color
    Gong J., Li Y., Shen X., Xu Y., Hu X., Shen D., Chen C., Sun X.
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2024.

 

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).