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.

 

Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at  Institute for Plant Protection and Environment,  Serbia

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment in Belgrade, Serbia. He specializes in forage crop genetics, seed quality assessment, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade in 2016, focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Expertise:

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is an accomplished plant scientist specializing in forage crop genetics, seed quality, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade (2016), focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

🔬 Research & Professional Experience:

  • Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (2012–present)
    • Head of the Laboratory for Seed Quality Testing
    • Specializes in seed quality assurance, genetic improvement, and molecular breeding
    • Oversees ISO/IEC 17025:2017 implementation in laboratory testing
  • Research Assistant at the Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac (2006–2011)
    • Focused on selection and breeding of perennial legumes

📑 Research Contributions & Impact:

✅ 167 scientific publications in international and national journals
✅ Key researcher in multiple national projects on forage breeding, genetic improvement, and sustainable livestock production
✅ Member of national commissions for soybean variety recognition
✅ Active in scientific societies, including the Society of Geneticists and Plant Breeders of Serbia

🛠 Skills & Achievements:

✔ Expertise in genetic variability, plant breeding, and seed technology
✔ Strong background in laboratory quality management and risk analysis
✔ Fluent in English and proficient in computer applications
✔ Experienced in international collaboration and research supervision

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 104
  • h-index: 6
  • Total Publications: 21
  • Cited Documents: 97

Publication Top Notes:

  • Seed Quality and Seedling Growth After Applying Ecological Treatments to Crimson Clover Seeds
    Plants, 2025-03-07. DOI: 10.3390/plants14060839
    Authors: Ratibor Štrbanović, Branimir Šimić, Mariana Stanišić, Dobrivoj Poštić, Nenad Trkulja, Violeta Oro, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Dynamics of Moisture Release from Maize Husks as a Function of Crop Density
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49481
    Authors: Marijneka Tabaković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ivana Živković, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ljubiša Kolarić, Mile Sečanski, Rade Stanisavljević, Violeta Oro

  • Evaluation of the Quality Indicators of Pepper Hybrid Seeds During Germination
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49491
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Nenad Pavlović, Sanja Đurović, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Quality of Alfalfa Seeds from Different Regions of Serbia During Storage Up to 42 Months
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49467
    Authors: Rade Stanisavljević, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Violeta Oro, Jasmina Milenković, Marijenka Tabaković, Dragoslav Đokić

  • Application of Alternative Methods of Crop Protection in Sustainable Agriculture
    Selekcija i Semenarstvo, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/SelSem2301043T
    Authors: Marijenka Tabaković, Vesna Dragičević, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ivana Živković, Milan Brankov, Sveto Rakić, Violeta Oro

  • Changes in Quality Indicators of Different Cucumber Hybrid Seeds During Five Years of Aging
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/jpea27-42793
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Ivana Živković, Marija Milivojević, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Influence of the Presence of Weeds and Other Impurities in Natural Alfalfa Seed on Finishing Machines Work and Seed Quality During Three Years
    Romanian Agricultural Research, 2023. DOI: 10.59665/rar4025
    Authors: Dragoslav Đokić, Dragan Terzić, Jasmina Knežević, Aleksandar Vuković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Rade Stanisavljević

 

Veena Devi | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Veena Devi |  Horticulture |  Best Researcher Award

senior research fellow at  ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India

Dr. Veena Devi is a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research in Ludhiana, Punjab. With a strong background in agricultural research, she contributes significantly to maize research and development. Her work focuses on enhancing maize productivity and sustainability, addressing challenges in crop management, and improving genetic diversity.

Profile:

Education:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
January 2018 – June 2022

  • Major: Biochemistry with specialization in Plants
  • Minor: Agricultural Biotechnology

M.Sc. in Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
July 2015 – November 2017

  • Major: Biochemistry with specialization in Plants
  • Minor: Agricultural Biotechnology

B.Sc. (Medical)
Government College for Girls, Ludhiana, India
July 2013 – April 2015

  • Subjects: English, Punjabi, Zoology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, E.V.S.

Professional Experience:

Senior Research Fellow
ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India
March 2024 – Present

  • Project: Maize Research for Sustainable Ethanol Production in India

Young Professional-II
ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India
April 2022 – March 2024

  • Conducted laboratory evaluation of biochemical parameters of maize kernels including protein, starch, tryptophan, lysine, methionine, oil, and various other compounds.
  • Managed field observations on maize growth and development.
  • Focused on enhancing bioethanol production from maize.

Technical Expertise:

  • Biochemical and Molecular Techniques:
    • Molecule and enzyme extraction, purification, concentration, and activity estimation.
    • DNA and RNA extraction, cDNA construction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, SDS, and native PAGE.
  • Field Trial Management:
    • Crossing, phenotypic screening, and data collection.
  • Bioinformatics:
    • Primer designing, gene mining, GWAS, meta-QTL analysis, comparative genomics.
    • Proficient in R programming, CPCS1, SPSS, Statistix 10 software.
  • Ethanol Production:
    • Basic knowledge of ethanol production, purification, estimation, and bacterial culture.
  • Instrument Handling:
    • Ultra-centrifuge, cooling centrifuge, UV-visible spectrophotometer, compound microscope, hot plate, incubator, water bath, pH meter, vortex, magnetic stirrer, distillation unit, electrophoresis apparatus, Kjel Tech apparatus, BOD incubator, NIR analyzer, nanodrop, PCR, RT-PCR, HPLC, UPLC, oil extractor, freeze drier, concentrator.

Research Focus: Horticulture

Dr. Veena Devi is a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research in Ludhiana, Punjab. She holds a Ph.D. with a research focus on horticulture, particularly in the areas of crop improvement, sustainable horticultural practices, and enhancing the genetic diversity of horticultural crops. Her contributions aim to advance the field of horticulture through innovative research and practical applications, improving crop yield and quality.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Enhancing Germination and Growth in Wild Okra Genotypes through Gibberellic Acid Priming
    Kamboj, A., Sangha, M.K., Devi, V., Pathak, M., Singla, D.
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2024, 334, 113332
  • Beyond Colors: The Health Benefits of Maize Anthocyanins
    Bhushan, B., Kumar, S., Kaur, C., Chandran, D., Kumar, M.
    Applied Food Research, 2024, 4(1), 100399
    Citations: 2
  • Unraveling the Role of δ-Zeins in Methionine Bio-fortification of Maize
    Devi, V., Sethi, M., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Cereal Chemistry, 2024, 101(3), pp. 583–593
  • Elucidation of Zein Isoforms Associated with High Protein Quality Traits for Targeted Improvement in Maize-Based Nutrition
    Sethi, M., Singh, A., Garg, M., Gupta, M., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Cereal Chemistry, 2024, 101(2), pp. 418–430
  • Status of Soluble Sugars and the Related Enzymes of Momordica charantia L. Seedlings in Response to Low Temperature Stress
    Devi, V., Kaur Sangha, M., Pathak, M., Kumar, P., Pal, M.
    European Journal of Horticultural Science, 2023, 88(6)
  • Corrigendum: Unraveling the Genetic Framework Associated with Grain Quality and Yield-Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Sethi, M., Saini, D.K., Devi, V., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Genetics, 2023, 14, 1343846
    Citations: 1
  • Genetic and Molecular Understanding for the Development of Methionine-Rich Maize: A Holistic Approach
    Devi, V., Bhushan, B., Gupta, M., Rakshit, S., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, 1249230
    Citations: 1
  • Unraveling the Genetic Framework Associated with Grain Quality and Yield-Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Sethi, M., Saini, D.K., Devi, V., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Genetics, 2023, 14, 1248697
    Citations: 2
  • A Rapid Single Kernel Screening Method for Preliminary Estimation of Amylose in Maize
    Dhir, A., Kaur, C., Devi, V., Rakshit, S., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Food Analytical Methods, 2022, 15(8), pp. 2163–2171
    Citations: 5
  • Optimization of Protein Quality Assay in Normal, Opaque-2, and Quality Protein Maize
    Kaur, C., Singh, A., Sethi, M., Bhushan, B., Rakshit, S.
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2022, 6, 743019
    Citations: 6