Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Professor/Dean | University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem is a distinguished researcher specializing in Weed Science and Agronomy, with a particular focus on nano herbicides, herbicide resistance, allelopathy, and sustainable fodder production systems. His research explores the interactions between crops and weeds, emphasizing innovative and eco-friendly weed management approaches, plant–plant biochemical interactions, and the optimization of fertilizer and nutrient application for enhanced yield and quality. Serving as a leading academic at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan, Dr. Nadeem has played a vital role in advancing agricultural science through his extensive teaching, research supervision, and collaborative projects aimed at improving productivity and environmental sustainability. His scholarly contributions encompass over a hundred peer-reviewed publications, including highly cited works such as “Pesticides: Impacts on Agriculture Productivity, Environment, and Management Strategies” and “Can Hormesis of Plant-Released Phytotoxins Be Used to Boost and Sustain Crop Production?” which collectively demonstrate his commitment to balancing agricultural efficiency with environmental health. His pioneering studies on the integrated use of microbial and synthetic nitrogen sources, drought tolerance mechanisms, and sustainable fodder production have provided practical insights into mitigating climate change impacts on crop systems. Dr. Nadeem’s expertise extends beyond laboratory research to field-level innovations, influencing regional agricultural practices and policy discussions related to weed management and food security. Recognized for his remarkable academic metrics with over 5,000 citations, an h-index of 43, and an i10-index of 127, his research continues to shape new paradigms in agro-ecosystem management and resource-efficient farming. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership, Dr. Nadeem envisions a future where advanced biotechnological and ecological principles drive resilient and sustainable agriculture. His ongoing work contributes profoundly to global innovation in sustainable crop protection, positioning him as a key figure in the advancement of eco-agronomic research and an advocate for science-led agricultural transformation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Sharar, M. S., & Mahmood, N. (2002). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) fodder to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 352–354.

2. Khan, B. A., Nadeem, M. A., Nawaz, H., Amin, M. M., Abbasi, G. H., Nadeem, M., & Ali, M. (2023). Pesticides: Impacts on agriculture productivity, environment, and management strategies. Emerging Contaminants and Plants: Interactions, Adaptations and Remediation, 219.

3. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tanveer, A., & Husnain, A. (2002). Effect of different levels of nitrogen and harvesting times on the growth, yield and quality of sorghum fodder. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 304–307.

4. Nadeem, M. A., Ahmad, R. A. R., & Ahmad, M. S. (2004). Effects of seed inoculation and different fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 3(4), 299–303.*

5. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tahir, M., Ibrahim, M., & Aslam, M. N. (2009). Effect of nitrogen application and harvesting intervals on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.). Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 7(2), 185–189.

Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

Professor | University of Agricultural Sciences | India

Dr. T.K. Nagarathna currently serves as Professor of Crop Physiology and Scientific Officer to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, where she also coordinates and heads the Project Planning and Monitoring Cell. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture and a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the same university, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Florida, USA, under the prestigious Raman Fellowship Award. With a prolific academic portfolio, her research primarily focuses on crop modeling, stress physiology, plant variety protection, and climate resilience in agriculture. She has authored over 130 scientific publications, including 53 refereed journal articles, multiple technical bulletins, research notes, conference proceedings, and book chapters, alongside two published books—Protection and Registration of Plant Varieties in India (2023) and Plant Growth & Stress Physiology (2024). A seasoned research leader, Dr. Nagarathna has spearheaded numerous national projects funded by the PPV&FR Authority, RKVY, and other government agencies, addressing hybrid seed production, DUS characterization, molecular-assisted selection, and enhancement of oilseed and cereal crop productivity. Her academic mentorship includes guiding postgraduate and doctoral students while contributing to advisory committees across agricultural disciplines. An active contributor to institutional development, she has facilitated the establishment of key research infrastructures worth several crores, including Seed Health Testing Laboratories and advanced molecular facilities. Her international engagements span training and collaborative programs across Germany, the USA, the Philippines, and Turkey, emphasizing global integration in agricultural innovation. Recognized for her scientific excellence, she is the recipient of honors such as the IRRI-India Resident Fellowship and multiple national research awards. Dr. Nagarathna further extends her influence through significant editorial contributions, notably as Chief Editor of the Plant Variety Journal of India, a bilingual national journal published by the PPV&FR Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. She has organized and led numerous international webinars, workshops, and expert committee meetings, fostering advancements in genome editing, DUS guidelines, and plant breeders’ rights. A life member of several prestigious scientific societies, she remains a driving force in shaping agricultural policy, research innovation, and farmer-centric technology dissemination in India’s crop science landscape. She has 27 citations from 4 publications, with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shashi, B. K., Sharan, S., & Hittalamani, S. (2007). Micronutrient composition, antinutritional factors, and bioaccessibility of iron in different finger millet (Eleusine coracana) genotypes. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Science, 20(3), 583–585.

2. Nagarathna, M., Shankar, A. G., & Udayakumar. (2010). Assessment of genetic variation in zinc acquisition and transport to seed in diversified germplasm lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 6(1), 171–178.

3. Nagarathna, T. M., Shadakshari, Y. G., & Ramanappa. (2011). Molecular analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for high oleic acid using microsatellite markers. Helia, 34, 63–68.

4. Nagarathna, Y. G., Prasad, T. G., Bagyaraj, D. J., & Shadakshari. (2007). Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphorus levels on growth and water use efficiency in sunflower at different soil moisture status. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 3(2), 221–229.

5. Nagarathna, K. T., Shadakshari, Y. G., Parama, V. R. R., & Jagadish. (2012). Examination of root characters, isotope discrimination, physiological and morphological traits and their relationship used to identify the drought tolerant sunflower. Helia, 35, 1–8.

Ricardo Luna Murillo | Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ricardo Luna Murillo | Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Technical University of Cotopaxi | Ecuador

Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of agricultural sciences, with a specialization in microbiology and livestock production. Over the course of his career, he has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and consultancy, focusing on sustainable livestock management, organic agriculture, and innovative agronomic practices. His experience spans universities, research institutions, and consultancy roles, where he has worked on multidisciplinary projects, published numerous scientific papers, and participated in international conferences. Through his academic and professional efforts, he has strengthened agricultural knowledge in Ecuador and beyond, promoting scientific innovation and sustainability in rural development.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Education

Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo pursued his undergraduate studies in Animal Science, earning a degree as an Agricultural Engineer specializing in Zootechnics. He later advanced his knowledge with a Diploma in Microbiology and subsequently a Master’s degree in Advanced Microbiology with an Industrial focus. Complementing his academic foundation, he received international certification in project formulation, evaluation, and management, which broadened his expertise in planning and implementing research-based projects. His continuous participation in specialized courses on biotechnology, livestock production, and sustainable farming has enriched his scientific background, allowing him to integrate theory with practical innovations in agriculture and microbiology.

Professional Experience

With a professional career spanning decades, Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo has served in diverse academic, technical, and consultancy roles. He has been a professor and researcher at multiple institutions, including the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, and Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi. His teaching has covered areas such as microbiology, animal nutrition, and pasture management, while his research projects have focused on sustainable livestock production and organic agriculture. Beyond academia, he has worked as a technical consultant, advising on agricultural investment and scientific projects. His leadership in research units and scientific committees reflects his strong commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Research Interests

Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo’s research interests are centered on sustainable livestock production, animal nutrition, microbiology, and organic agriculture. He has dedicated much of his career to studying the nutritional value of tropical forages, the use of biofertilizers and organic amendments, and the role of rhizobacteria in promoting crop growth. His interests also extend to silvopastoral systems, integrated farming practices, and the application of biotechnology in agriculture. By exploring the intersection of animal science and microbiology, his research aims to improve productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability, contributing to food security and rural development in Ecuador and the wider Latin American region.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo has been recognized for his outstanding academic and research contributions. He has received honors for his role as a dedicated tutor, professor, and researcher in various institutions. His scientific leadership has been acknowledged at national and international congresses, where he has been commended for advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability. He has been accredited by Ecuador’s national higher education authority as a categorized researcher, underscoring his valuable contributions to scientific knowledge. These distinctions reflect his dedication to education, research, and the dissemination of innovative practices that benefit both academia and the agricultural sector.

Research Skills

Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo possesses a diverse range of research skills developed through years of academic and professional engagement. He is adept at designing, planning, and executing research projects, often leading multidisciplinary teams across agricultural and microbiological studies. His expertise includes animal nutrition analysis, forage evaluation, microbiological techniques, and the application of biofertilizers in crop production. Additionally, he has experience in statistical analysis, technical writing, and scientific publication. His skills extend to organizing scientific events, mentoring young researchers, and contributing as a peer reviewer for academic journals, which highlights his ability to promote high-quality, impactful scientific work.

Publications

A prolific author, Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo has published numerous articles in indexed journals, conference proceedings, and scientific books. His publications span topics such as animal nutrition, organic fertilization, pasture and forage evaluation, microbiology, and sustainable crop production. His research findings have been disseminated in national and international journals, contributing to advancements in agricultural science. Notably, he has explored the effects of enzymes, biofertilizers, and organic amendments on animal and crop productivity. His academic output demonstrates his commitment to producing practical knowledge that supports sustainable agricultural systems, reinforcing his reputation as a respected researcher and academic leader in his field.

Avellaneda-Cevallos, J. H., Cedeño-Cedeño, T. A., Suárez-Chiquito, A., Montañez-Valdez, O., Cepeda-Cantos, C. D., Luna-Murillo, R., Espinoza-Guerra, I., Quintana, J., & Casanova-Ferrín, L. (2007). Effect of palm kernel meal plus urea on finishing of Brown Swiss young bulls. Journal of Animal Science, 85(Suppl. 1), 96.

Avellaneda-Cevallos, J. H., Quintana-Zamora, G., Espinoza-Torrico, F., Montañez-Valdez, O., Espinoza-Guerra, I., Luna-Murillo, R., González-Muñoz, S., & Tuárez-Cobeña, J. (2007). Effect of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme on in vivo digestibility of king grass hay. Journal of Animal Science, 85(Suppl. 1), 337.

Avellaneda-Cevallos, J. H., Montanez-Valdez, O. D., Romero-Garaicoa, D., Luna-Murillo, R., Bravo-Loor, J., & Pena-Galeas, M. (2011). Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on dry matter in situ digestibility of two Brachiaria grasses. Journal of Animal Science, 89(Suppl. E. 1), 387.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ricardo Augusto Luna Murillo stands as a distinguished figure in the fields of microbiology, zootechnics, and sustainable agriculture. His professional journey reflects a balance between teaching, research, and consultancy, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Through his contributions to scientific literature, leadership in research projects, and participation in international congresses, he has become a reference point for agricultural development in Ecuador. His commitment to fostering young researchers and promoting environmentally responsible practices ensures his work continues to have a meaningful impact on academia, agricultural producers, and broader rural communities across the region.