Prof. Maruthi Gowda | Molecular Plant Pathology | AgriExcellence Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

6000

2000

100

50

0

Citations
5,799

h-Index
44

i10-index
80

 

🟦 Citations
🟥 h-index
🟩 i10-index

View Google Scholar
 View ORCID
 View Research Gate

Featured Publications

Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Dr. Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Assistant | IITA/University Canada West | Nigeria

Dr. Alice Adenike Olatunji is a distinguished agricultural scientist specializing in yam agronomy and genotype performance evaluation, with a research focus on enhancing crop productivity and resilience under diverse environmental conditions. Her primary research centers on the agronomic performance, genetic improvement, and yield stability of elite White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes cultivated across multiple agroecological zones in Nigeria. As a Senior Research Officer at CGIAR, Montpellier, France, Dr. Olatunji contributes to global agricultural research through the development of sustainable practices and data-driven varietal selection frameworks. Her seminal work, including publications in the Agronomy journal and preprints in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has provided vital insights into genotype-environment interactions influencing yam yield stability. Dr. Olatunji’s research outcomes have informed breeding strategies, agricultural policies, and sustainable food security programs, offering practical pathways for improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and advancing resilient yam production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative research and innovation, she continues to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world agricultural needs, driving forward the CGIAR mission of transforming food, land, and water systems. Her impact vision emphasizes strengthening food system resilience, enhancing crop adaptation to climate variability, and empowering farmers through science-led agricultural innovation that contributes to global goals for nutrition security and sustainable development.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(9), 2093. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092093

2. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Preprints, 2024080964. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0964.v1

Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Dr. Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Professor | The Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Clay Sneller is a distinguished researcher and professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics. His research primarily focuses on improving genetic diversity, yield stability, and environmental resilience in major crops such as soybean and wheat. He has significantly contributed to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying yield potential, drought tolerance, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, offering innovative strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity. Over his extensive career, Dr. Sneller has held key academic roles driving advanced crop improvement programs and mentoring future agricultural scientists. His collaborative research has produced impactful publications on topics like genomic prediction of wheat landraces, the relationship between genetic variance and parental diversity in soybean, and marker-assisted introgression of yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs). His pioneering studies, including “Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential” and “Genomic selection for wheat traits and trait stability,” have guided global plant breeding strategies and influenced both policy and practice in agricultural biotechnology. With an h-index of 42 and over 5,800 citations, Dr. Sneller’s scholarly contributions have shaped the scientific understanding of crop genetics and breeding efficiency. His work bridges the gap between molecular genetics and practical agronomy, advancing the development of resilient, high-yield cultivars adapted to climate variability. Driven by a vision to enhance food security through science-led innovation, Dr. Sneller continues to contribute to the global effort toward sustainable crop production, genetic resource conservation, and next-generation breeding technologies that empower farmers and strengthen agricultural systems worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., & Sneller, C. H. (2004). Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential. Trends in Plant Science, 9(2), 70–75.

2. Carter, T. E. Jr., Nelson, R. L., Sneller, C. H., & Cui, Z. (2004). Genetic diversity in soybean. In Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses (Vol. 16, pp. 303–416).

3. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., King, C. A., Sneller, C. H., Chen, P., & Vadez, V. (2007). Drought tolerance and yield increase of soybean resulting from improved symbiotic N₂ fixation. Field Crops Research, 101(1), 68–71.

4. Sneller, C. H., Kilgore‐Norquest, L., & Dombek, D. (1997). Repeatability of yield stability statistics in soybean. Crop Science, 37(2), 383–390.

5. Crossa, J., Jarquín, D., Franco, J., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Burgueño, J., & Sneller, C. H. (2016). Genomic prediction of gene bank wheat landraces. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 6(7), 1819–1834.*

Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Google Scholar

Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

.

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. He has 21 citations from  across 11 publications, with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

.