Prof. Maruthi Gowda | Molecular Plant Pathology | AgriExcellence Award

Prof. Maruthi Gowda | Molecular Plant Pathology | AgriExcellence Award

Professor | Natural Resources Institute | United Kingdom

Dr. Maruthi M. N. Gowda is a leading researcher specializing in Molecular Plant Pathology and Plant–Virus–Vector Interactions, with extensive expertise in whitefly-transmitted viral diseases affecting major food crops. His research focuses on the epidemiology, molecular diversity, and control of plant viruses, particularly cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak disease, and tomato leaf curl viruses, integrating field epidemiology with genomics, transcriptomics, and diagnostics. He has held progressive research and academic positions at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, including Postdoctoral Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, Reader, and currently Professor of Molecular Plant Pathology, and has also served as a Visiting Research Fellow at the John Innes Centre. Dr. Gowda’s key contributions include identifying whiteflies as vectors of cassava brown streak viruses, developing dual virus- and vector-resistant cassava varieties, advancing virus-free plant production systems, and uncovering resistance-associated genes such as PAL1. His impact vision centers on delivering sustainable, science-driven solutions that enhance global food security, support smallholder farmers, and translate molecular research into resilient agricultural systems worldwide.

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Featured Publications

Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

PhD researcher | Università degli studi di Firenze | Italy

Dr. Dario Gaudioso is a distinguished researcher specializing in molecular plant pathology, with expertise in plant health, quarantine pathogens, and molecular biology. His research primarily focuses on developing rapid, economical, and high-throughput diagnostic strategies for the detection of quarantine plant pathogens, using Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens as a model organism. He also explores innovative, eco-friendly biotechnological approaches for sustainable crop protection and microbial interactions in leguminous plants. Currently serving as a PhD researcher at the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI), University of Florence, Dr. Gaudioso also contributes as a Scientific Communicator and OpenLab Operator, bridging science and public understanding. His prior work as a Research Fellow at the same institution strengthened his contributions to applied plant pathology and diagnostic microbiology. Among his significant scientific outputs are publications such as Isolation of a Novel Microplastic-Degrading Bacterial Strain in Chemosphere (2025), Fly High: Volatile Organic Compounds for the Early Detection of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens in Agronomy (2025), and Exploiting Bacterial Pigmentation for Non-Destructive Detection of Seed-Borne Pathogens in Sensors (2024). He has also contributed to the book Innovative Detection of the Quarantine Plant Pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens published in Plant Pathology (2022), and to reviews on multidrug transporters in Microorganisms (2024), highlighting his diverse contributions across microbiology and plant science. As an active member of prestigious organizations, including the British Society for Plant Pathology, the Italian Society of Plant Pathology, and the Italian Association for Plant Protection, he continuously engages with the international scientific community. His research outputs integrate molecular diagnostics, sensor technologies, and microbial ecology to advance sustainable agriculture and improve global plant biosecurity frameworks. Through his innovative and interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Gaudioso envisions a future where sustainable diagnostic solutions enable effective management of plant diseases, safeguard agricultural biodiversity, and support resilient food systems. His scientific vision emphasizes strengthening global plant health surveillance, fostering early detection methods that reduce economic losses and environmental impact, and promoting a collaborative framework that bridges science, technology, and sustainability to address emerging agricultural challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Isolation of a novel microplastic-degrading bacterial strain: A promising agent for low-density polyethylene remediation. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144400

2. Gaudioso, D. (2025). On the effectiveness of ozone treatments: A silver bullet for plant health? Agronomy, 15(3), 567. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030567

3. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Fly high: Volatile organic compounds for the early detection of the seed-borne pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. Agronomy, 15(2), 497. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020497

4. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Exploiting bacterial pigmentation for non-destructive detection of seed-borne pathogens by using photoacoustic techniques. Sensors, 24(23), 7616. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237616

5. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporters: Ubiquitous multifaceted proteins in microbes, plants, and their interactions. Microorganisms, 12(12), 2433. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122433

Jalal Gholamnezhad – Plant Pathology – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jalal Gholamnezhad - Plant Pathology - Best Researcher Award

Ardakan university - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SUMMARY

Dr. Jalal Gholamnezhad is an esteemed academic in the field of plant pathology, with expertise spanning biological control, molecular mycology, and gene expression studies. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Ardakan University, Iran, his work integrates biotechnology, plant defense mechanisms, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a commitment to education, research, and innovation, Dr. Gholamnezhad has significantly contributed to both academic literature and applied agricultural solutions.

EDUCATION

Dr. Gholamnezhad earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology (Molecular Mycology) from Modares University in 2014. He completed his M.S. in Plant Pathology with a focus on Biological Control at Tehran University in 2009. His undergraduate degree was in Plant Protection from Isfahan University of Technology. His education emphasized biotechnology, molecular biology, and gene expression related to plant disease management.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Since 2015, Dr. Gholamnezhad has served as an Assistant Professor at Ardakan University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has also taught courses in plant biotechnology, genetics, botany, and agricultural principles. Earlier, in 2012, he worked as a lecturer at Pakdash Agriculture College. He also led the university’s Central Laboratory from 2017 to 2019, contributing to infrastructure and academic development.

RESEARCH INTEREST

His research focuses on the biological and molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, postharvest disease management, and natural product applications in agriculture. He is particularly interested in defense gene expression, biocontrol agents like yeasts and Trichoderma species, and enhancing plant resistance using natural extracts and stress-mitigation techniques. These interests are directed toward sustainable and eco-friendly plant disease solutions.

AWARD AND HONOR

Dr. Gholamnezhad’s recognition is evident through his extensive supervisory roles, numerous research publications, and conference presentations at international platforms such as IUMS and SGEM. His work in reducing environmental impact through biological control strategies has gained appreciation within both academic and applied research communities.

RESEARCH SKILL

Dr. Gholamnezhad is skilled in molecular diagnostics, defense gene expression analysis, use of biocontrol agents, postharvest treatment, and application of natural products in plant disease management. He demonstrates expertise in experimental design, enzyme activity assays, transcriptomics, and integrating biotechnology into agricultural solutions. His teaching and leadership roles further highlight his technical proficiency and mentoring capabilities.

PUBLICATIONS

He has authored more than 25 journal papers in both international and national journals. Topics include biocontrol of apple molds, gene expression in wheat, plant extract efficacy, nano-coating applications, and effects of salicylic acid. Notable contributions involve transcriptomic evaluations and innovative techniques in plant-pathogen resistance. He has also co-authored two academic books on genetics and biotechnology, enriching agricultural education.

  • Title: Effect of plant extracts on activity of some defense enzymes of apple fruit in interaction with Botrytis cinerea
    Author: J Gholamnezhad
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture

  • Title: Time-dependent crack propagation in a poroelastic medium using a fully coupled hydromechanical displacement discontinuity method
    Author: A Abdollahipour, MF Marji, AY Bafghi, J Gholamnejad
    Journal: International Journal of Fracture

  • Title: Biological control of apple blue mold with Candida membranifaciens and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
    Author: J Gholamnejad, HR Etebarian, N Sahebani
    Journal: African Journal of Food Science

  • Title: The Effect of Humic Acid and Biochar on Growth and Nutrients Uptake of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.)
    Author: E Karimi, M Shirmardi, M Dehestani Ardakani, J Gholamnezhad
    Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

  • Title: Effect of salicylic acid on enzyme activity in wheat in immediate early time after infection with Mycosphaerella graminicola
    Author: J Gholamnezhad, F Sanjarian, EM Goltapeh, N Safaie, KH Razavi

CONCLUSION

Dr. Jalal Gholamnezhad is a committed researcher and educator whose work bridges academic excellence with practical agricultural solutions. His dedication to plant pathology, particularly through eco-friendly disease control and defense mechanisms, showcases a progressive approach to sustainable agriculture. His leadership in education, supervision, and impactful research underlines his value as a scholarly and applied contributor to the field.