Aarthi R | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Ms. Aarthi R | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

PhD scholar | Central Rice Research Institute | India

Aarthi is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies as a PG Scholar in Plant Pathology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, where she focuses on advanced plant–microbe interactions. She holds a strong academic background in agricultural sciences, with specialized training in plant pathology, microbial biotechnology, and biocontrol strategies. Her primary research interests center on the exploration and application of endophytic microorganisms for the biological control of soilborne plant pathogens, alongside the development of sustainable disease management techniques. Emerging interests include molecular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions and the integration of microbial metabolites into crop protection frameworks. Professionally, Aarthi has gained valuable academic research experience through her role at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, contributing to multiple laboratory and field-based studies on crop disease mitigation. Among her key scientific contributions, Aarthi has led investigations into the antifungal properties of endophytes against Rhizoctonia bataticola, revealing novel metabolite profiles and plant defense responses that offer potential for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. Additionally, her work on isolating and characterizing saline-tolerant endophytes for the management of groundnut root rot has provided promising insights for agriculture in saline-prone regions, supporting both crop resilience and sustainable farming practices. Her research has resulted in peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology and Plant Science Today. Aarthi has been an active participant in scientific dissemination, engaging in peer review, conference presentations, and contributing to the academic community through institutional projects. She is affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s research network and participates in broader academic and scientific societies related to plant pathology and agricultural innovation. Her vision is to harness microbial biodiversity to develop sustainable, scalable plant disease management solutions that can reduce chemical inputs, enhance crop productivity, and support global food security in the face of climate change.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Aarthi. (2025). Biocontrol potential of endophytes against Rhizoctonia bataticola: Antifungal activity, metabolite profiling, and plant defense mechanisms. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 103(7), Article 102734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102734

2. Aarthi. (2024). Isolation, identification, characterization and in vitro assay of saline tolerant endophytes against groundnut root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler. Plant Science Today, 11(4), 4882. https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.4882

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.

.

Jalal Gholamnezhad – Plant Pathology – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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.