Minyahil Kebede Earecho | Plant Pathology | Innovative Research Award

Innovative Research Award

Minyahil Kebede Earecho
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia
Minyahil Kebede Earecho
Affiliation Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
Country Ethiopia
Scopus ID 58953799600
Documents 3
Citations 7
h-index 1
Subject Area Plant Pathology
Event Agri Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-2825-1330

Minyahil Kebede Earecho is a plant pathology researcher affiliated with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research whose research addresses crop diseases, parasitic weeds, and agricultural pests affecting important Ethiopian crops. His published studies include resistance screening in wheat and sorghum and evaluation of soybean resistance to storage pests. The research record reflects an applied emphasis on identifying useful resistance sources for crop improvement and integrated plant protection. His work has appeared in agricultural and plant health journals and includes studies published through 2026, providing a basis for considering his research within an agricultural innovation and plant health recognition context. [1]

Abstract

Minyahil Kebede Earecho is a plant pathology researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research whose work addresses crop disease resistance and pest-related constraints affecting Ethiopian agriculture. His research includes Fusarium head blight of bread wheat, anthracnose resistance in sorghum, Striga hermonthica resistance, and soybean resistance to Callosobruchus chinensis. Across these studies, he evaluates diverse genotypes to identify resistance sources and support crop improvement. His work combines field and controlled screening with disease or pest measurements, contributing evidence for breeding and integrated crop protection. These research themes position his scholarly profile within applied plant health and agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. [2]

Keywords

Plant pathology, Fusarium head blight, wheat disease resistance, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, sorghum anthracnose, Striga hermonthica, sorghum landraces, soybean resistance, Callosobruchus chinensis, bruchid resistance, genotype screening, disease assessment, resistance breeding, crop protection, Ethiopian agriculture.

Introduction

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s research is situated within plant pathology and crop protection in Ethiopia. His studies examine diseases, parasitic weeds, and storage pests affecting economically important crops. The work emphasizes identifying resistant genotypes and documenting pathogen or pest pressures, providing evidence that can inform breeding, disease management, and agricultural production. [1]

Research Profile

Minyahil Kebede Earecho is affiliated with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research and the Assosa Agricultural Research Center. Publications associate him with plant protection research involving wheat, sorghum, and soybean. His scholarly profile reflects applied investigation of crop health, resistance screening, disease assessment, and pest management under Ethiopian production conditions. [3]

Research Contributions

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s research contributes resistance information for crop constraints. Studies have evaluated bread wheat against Fusarium head blight, sorghum against anthracnose and Striga hermonthica, and soybean against Callosobruchus chinensis. These investigations identify variation among genotypes and highlight candidates or traits that may support breeding, integrated management, and crop protection. [4]

Publications

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s documented publications include research on wheat head blight, sorghum Striga resistance, sorghum anthracnose resistance, and soybean bruchid resistance. These studies appear in journals including Advances in Crop Science and Technology, Weed Technology, Discover Plants, and Bulletin of Entomological Research, with several articles providing DOI-linked records recently online.Β [3]

Research Impact

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s research has relevance through identification of crop genotypes with stronger resistance to biological stresses. Such evidence can support breeding priorities and integrated crop protection in Ethiopia. His studies also provide baseline information on disease occurrence and resistance variation, helping connect field observations with agricultural research decisions. [2]

Award Suitability

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s research record aligns with an innovative research recognition focused on practical plant health challenges. His investigations address multiple crop constraints and use genotype screening to identify resistance sources. Disease assessment, pest evaluation, and crop improvement relevance provide a scholarly basis for consideration within an agriculture research award. [1]

Conclusion

Minyahil Kebede Earecho’s research profile demonstrates engagement with plant pathology and crop protection questions relevant to Ethiopian agriculture. His publications address disease and pest resistance across crops, generating evidence for resistance breeding and integrated management. Record supports recognition of contributions connecting plant health science with agricultural productivity and crop improvement. [4]

References

  1. ORCID. Minyahil Kebede EarechoΒ Research Profile.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2825-1330
  2. Scopus Author Profile. Minyahil Kebede Earecho.
    https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/58953799600
  3. Earecho, M. K., and H. Alemu. β€œPhenotyping sorghum genotypes for anthracnose resistance in Western Ethiopia.” Discover Plants, 3, Article 15, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-026-00478-3.
  4. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Scholarly publications and citation profile.
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nOarP14AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao.
  5. Earecho, M. K. β€œDistribution of Wheat Head Blight, Identification and Characterization of Associated Fusarium Species in Southwestern Ethiopia.” M.Sc. Thesis, Jimma University, 2018. Repository record: Jimma University Repository.

Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at St.Teresas College, Ernakulam, Β India

Ms. Smitha Thomas is a dedicated research scholar specializing in Agricultural Microbiology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Her research focuses on the role of beneficial microbes in enhancing soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity. With a strong academic background and passion for microbial interactions in agroecosystems, she aims to contribute to environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Profile:

πŸŽ“ Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Ongoing) in Botany – Agricultural Microbes, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala (Coursework Grade: A – 79.3%)

  • M.Phil. in Botany, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – M.G. University (Grade: A – 84.4%)

  • M.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 66.14%

  • B.Ed. in Natural Science, M.G. University, Kerala – 67%

  • B.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 75%

πŸ§ͺ Research Focus:

  • Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Olericulture

  • Biological Control, Molecular Genetics, Plant Tissue Culture, and Medical Drug Designing

πŸ† Academic Recognition & Awards:

  • SET Qualified, 2004

  • DCE Aspire Fellowship for Ph.D. (2022–2023), Govt. of Kerala

  • Outstanding Researcher Award, 1st International Agriculture Conference on Natural vs Organic Farming, Gujarat (Dec 2023)

  • Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing – Journal of Scientific Research and Reports (2024)

🎀 Oral Presentations:

  • PGPR research presentations at:

    • 7th Asian PGPR Conference, Telangana (2022)

    • 36th Kerala Science Congress, Kasaragod (2024)

    • RICERCA 2021 National Conference, Alappuzha

    • National Seminar on Miracle Millets, Ernakulam (2023)

🌱 Professional Experience:

  • Over 10 years of teaching experience (2004–2024) as Lecturer in Botany

🌍 Conferences & Training (2020–2024):

  • Attended and presented in 11 Conferences, 4 Oral Presentations, 47 Webinars/Seminars, and 4 Certified Courses

  • Topics include Biotechnology, Natural Farming, Thesis Writing, Molecular Docking, and AI Tools in Research

  • Notable Participation:

    • International Conference on Decarbonizing Agriculture (2023)

    • National Conference on Ethnic Vegetables, Dr. YSRHU (2023)

🧬 Certifications & Courses:

  • Research and Publication Ethics – St. Thomas College & Calicut University

  • Advanced Molecular Docking – SAFI Institute of Advanced Studies

  • AI Tools in Academia – Assumption College, Kerala

  • International Internship on Bioanalytical Techniques – Sacred Heart College & BSN

πŸ“ Peer Reviewer For:

  • Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

  • Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

  • Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Publication Top Notes:

  • Molecular Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Their Antiphytopathogenic Compounds by LC-MS TOF Analysis
    Preprint published on March 26, 2025
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6083519/v1
    Contributors: Smitha Thomas, Lizzy Mathew

  • Isolation and Molecular Identification of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis UBPSB-07 Capable of Enhancing Seed Germination in Vigna radiata L.
    Published in: Phytomorphology (Journal Article)
    Author: Smitha Thomas

 

Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms.Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Student at H. V. Desai College Pune, Maharashtra, India

Ms. Yogita M. Patil is an experienced academician and researcher in the field of Microbiology with over 14 years of teaching and research experience. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at P.D.E.A’s Waghire College, Saswad, Pune, and serves as a Senior Research Fellow under SARTHI-CSMNRF since 2022.

Profile:

πŸŽ“ Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Pursuing) – Savitribai Phule Pune University
    Research Topic: Techno-economic feasibility assessment of novel health-promoting probiotics from natural sources

  • M.Phil. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University (Grade A)
    Dissertation: An Insight in the Methods to Establish Culture as Probiotic

  • M.Sc. & B.Sc. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University

  • Qualified SET & ICAR-NET (Microbiology)

πŸ§ͺ Research & Publications:

Ms. Patil has contributed to applied microbiological research, particularly in:

  • Probiotics & Gut Health

  • Soil Microbiology

  • Environmental Microbiology

πŸ“„ Notable Publications:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and FMT – J. Pure & Applied Microbiology (2021)

  • Soil Beneficial Bacteria Studies in Saswad & Ketkawale Regions (2017)

πŸ‘©β€πŸ« Professional Experience:

  • 🌟 14+ years of teaching and research experience

  • Assistant Professor (Microbiology) at P.D.E.A.’s Waghire College, Saswad – 8 years

  • Former lecturer at MJ College Jalgaon and Dnyansarita Institute

  • Currently a Senior Research Fellow (SARTHI CSMNRF) since 2022

πŸ† Awards & Recognitions:

  • πŸ₯ˆ Multiple Second Prizes in National & International Poster Competitions (2006–2022)

  • πŸ₯‰ Third Prize – International Conference on Microbiology & Environmental Sciences (2021)

  • 🎯 Participant – Avishkar University Research Competition, SPPU Pune (2022)

πŸ’» Skills:

  • Proficient in microbiology lab techniques and basic computer applications (MS-CIT certified)

  • Multilingual: Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi

Publication:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation
    Yogita M. Patil, Rajashree B. Patwardhan, Pragati S. Abhyankar
    Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp.