Arun kumar | Fruit science | Best Researcher Award

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).

 

Veena Devi | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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