Ahoya Dèwanou Kant David | Plant disease | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Ahoya  Dèwanou Kant David |  Plant disease |  Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at  University of Parakou, Benin Republic, Benin

Dèwanou Kant David AHOYA is a bilingual Agronomist and Plant Protection Expert based in Benin. He holds a Master’s Degree in Plant Biotechnology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Protection at the University of Parakou. With extensive experience in the development of transboundary plant disease management strategies, he is dedicated to improving agricultural practices in West Africa. His work focuses on promoting certified seed use and supporting the growth of the seed sector to enhance food security and sustainability.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. Candidate in Plant Protection (2022–Present)
    Doctoral School of Agricultural and Water Sciences (ED-SAE), University of Parakou (UP)
  • Master’s in Plant Biotechnology and Plant Improvement (2021)
    Doctoral School of Life and Earth Sciences (ED-SVT), Abomey-Calavi University (UAC)
  • Bachelor’s in Plant Production Sciences and Techniques (2016)
    Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA), Abomey-Calavi University (UAC)

Professional Experience:

  • Junior Consultant (March 2024 – Present)
    Supporting the professionalization of sustainable seed chains for climatic resilience, with monitoring and advisory roles in the seed sub-sector under PADAAM/ProCaR.
  • Junior Technical Assistant (March 2022 – Feb 2024)
    Provided support for innovative agricultural technologies, including the development of Farmers’ Field Schools on certified seeds and sustainable land management techniques like biochar, as part of the IFAD Framework Programme in rural Benin.
  • Laboratory Technician (Jan 2019 – Jan 2022)
    Contributed to plant biotechnology projects focused on the production of pineapple and cassava vitroplants under the LCBVAP/PROCAD World Bank-funded project. Educated farmers about viral diseases and their impact on cassava crops.

Key Skills:

  • Transboundary Plant Disease Management
  • Seed Sector Development
  • Agricultural Technology Dissemination
  • Farmer Training and Education
  • Plant Biotechnology

Publication Top Notes

Factors Influencing Adoption of the PlantVillage Nuru Application for Cassava Mosaic Disease Diagnosis Among Farmers in Benin
Agriculture, 2024-11-07 | DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14112001
Contributors: Dèwanou Kant David Ahoya, Eveline Marie Fulbert Windinmi Sawadogo-Compaore, Jacob Afouda Yabi, Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin, Jerome Anani Houngue, Serge Sètondji Houedjissin, Justin Simon Pita, Corneille Ahanhanzo

 

Thomas Thomidis | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr Thomas Thomidis | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at International Hellenic University, Greece

Dr. Thomas Thomidis, born in Naoussa, Greece, is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of plant science. He is currently a Full Professor at the International Hellenic University in Sindos, Greece.

 

Profile:

Education and Academic Background:

Dr. Thomidis holds a BSc Degree from T.E.I. Thessaloniki (1997) and a BSc (Hons) from Writtle College, University of Essex (2005). He completed his MSc at the University of Essex with a thesis on iron-pathogen interactions in peach trees. He earned his PhD from the same university, focusing on the detection and control of Phytophthora in Prunus species.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Thomidis has extensive experience in higher education, having served as an Assistant Professor (2004-2014) and Associate Professor (2015-2019) at the Alexander Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki. Since May 2019, he has been with the International Hellenic University, first as an Associate Professor and then as a Full Professor from March 2022. He has supervised five PhD candidates and twelve MSc students.

Research and Contributions:

An active researcher, Dr. Thomidis has reviewed papers for 43 international journals and served as Guest Editor for “Frontier in Plant Science” and Editor for “Agriculture”. He has evaluated research projects for various prestigious organizations, including the Hellenic Ministry of Education and Horizon 2020.

Recognitions and Service:

Dr. Thomidis has held advisory roles with the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs and participated in numerous scientific committees and organizing committees for international conferences. He was awarded a postdoctoral research scholarship by the Greek National Organization of Public Scholarships. His work has garnered over 2070 citations.

 Research Focus in Plant Pathology:

Dr. Thomas Thomidis, a distinguished academic in plant pathology, focuses his research on the detection, identification, and control of plant pathogens, particularly within fruit crops. His significant contributions in the field include studying iron-pathogen interactions and developing novel approaches for controlling iron chlorosis in peach trees. His PhD research at the University of Essex centered on the detection, identification, and potential control strategies for Phytophthora in Prunus species.

Throughout his career, Dr. Thomidis has advanced the understanding of plant-pathogen dynamics, contributing to the development of precise and data-driven agricultural practices. His research aims to enhance disease management in horticultural crops, thereby improving crop yield and quality. His extensive work includes:

  • Iron-Pathogen Interactions: Investigating how iron affects pathogen development and plant health, leading to innovative methods for managing iron chlorosis in fruit trees.
  • Phytophthora Detection and Control: Developing effective techniques for identifying and controlling Phytophthora species in Prunus crops, mitigating significant agricultural losses.
  • Disease Forecasting Models: Contributing to the creation of predictive models for plant disease outbreaks, aiding in the implementation of timely and efficient control measures.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Promoting IPM strategies that incorporate biological, cultural, and chemical controls to sustainably manage plant diseases.

Dr. Thomidis has shared his expertise through numerous publications and by serving as a reviewer and editor for several scientific journals. His work has been widely recognized, earning him over 2070 citations, reflecting the impact and relevance of his research in plant pathology.

Citations:

  • Citations: Over 2100
  • h-index: 25
  • i10-index: 67

Since 2019:

  • Citations: 929
  • h-index: 15
  • i10-index: 30
Publication Top Notes:
  • Effect of Greek Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Oregano and Mint
    • Citation: 154
    • Study: This research investigated the role of three Greek arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing the growth, nutrient concentration, and essential oil production of oregano and mint plants .
  • Impact of Peach Rootstocks on Yield and Resistance
    • Citation: 75
    • Study: This study evaluated the effect of 14 peach rootstocks on yield, fruit quality, mortality, girth expansion, frost damage resistance, and susceptibility to various stresses in the May Crest peach variety .
  • Effect of Boron on Brown Rot Development in Peaches
    • Citation: 70
    • Study: This research examined how boron application influences the development of brown rot (Monilinia laxa) on peaches, providing insights into potential control methods .
  • Pathogens’ Contribution to Peach Fruit Rot and Fungicide Sensitivity
    • Citation: 65
    • Study: The study focused on identifying pathogens causing peach fruit rot in northern Greece and their sensitivity to several fungicides, offering guidance on effective disease management practices .
  • Inheritance of Resistance to Plum Pox Virus in Apricot
    • Citation: 64
    • Study: This research explored the genetic inheritance of resistance to Plum pox virus in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), contributing to the development of resistant cultivars .
  • Diaporthe eres as a Pathogen of Peach Trees
    • Citation: 59
    • Study: The study identified Diaporthe eres as a new pathogen affecting peach trees in Greece, expanding the understanding of peach tree diseases .
  • Fruit Rots of Pomegranate in Greece
    • Citation: 52
    • Study: This research documented fruit rots in pomegranate (cv. Wonderful) in Greece, contributing to the knowledge of pomegranate diseases and their management .
  • Effects of Nitrogen and Irrigation on Grapes and Botrytis Bunch Rot
    • Citation: 45
    • Study: The study examined how nitrogen and irrigation affect grape quality and susceptibility to Botrytis bunch rot, informing better agricultural practices for grape production .
  • Rooting of Peach Hardwood and Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
    • Citation: 45
    • Study: This research investigated the rooting potential of different peach cuttings, providing insights into propagation techniques .
  • Rhizogenesis of Peach Cultivars in Relation to Carbohydrates and Hormones
    • Citation: 44
    • Study: The study explored the rooting process of various peach cultivars throughout the year, in relation to carbohydrate and natural hormone content .
  • Neofusicoccum parvum and Its Effects on Peaches
    • Citation: 42
    • Study: This research identified Neofusicoccum parvum as a pathogen causing fruit rot and shoot blight in peaches, contributing to the management of this disease .
  • Essential Oils as Bio-fungicides for Pomegranate Rot
    • Citation: 39
    • Study: The study evaluated the efficacy of five essential oils as bio-fungicides against Pilidiella granati rot in pomegranate, suggesting alternative, natural methods for disease control .