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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Dr. Xuxian Xuan – Pomology – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xuxian Xuan - Pomology - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Agricultural University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

SUMMARY

Xuxian Xuan is a dedicated doctoral student at Nanjing Agricultural University with deep expertise in grape molecular biology, particularly in the mechanisms of flower and fruit development, and the breeding of seedless grape varieties. His research contributions are impactful, evidenced by multiple publications in leading journals and involvement in significant scientific projects. His work integrates molecular genetics, hormone signaling, and epigenetics, advancing theoretical and practical knowledge in pomology. His commitment to academic excellence and research innovation establishes him as a promising figure in agricultural biotechnology.

EDUCATION

Xuxian Xuan is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Nanjing Agricultural University since 2021. His academic training focuses on the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation mechanisms in grape development. He has cultivated a solid foundation in plant biotechnology and fruit science, with his doctoral research combining both molecular and applied perspectives. He has also served as an associate editor for a Chinese academic monograph, indicating academic maturity beyond his level. His continuous academic journey supports his research contributions and scientific competence in plant developmental biology and seedless grape improvement.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Though still a doctoral student, Xuxian Xuan has shown professional excellence through his participation in four government-funded research projects. He has also collaborated with established scientists from Nanjing Agricultural University, the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and China Agricultural University. His contributions to both laboratory work and scholarly writing in collaborative environments underscore his ability to work in interdisciplinary and institutional settings. His position has enabled him to contribute to real-world agricultural challenges while refining his technical skills and contributing meaningfully to ongoing grape breeding efforts.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Xuan's research is rooted in understanding the molecular mechanisms of grape flower and fruit development, especially in seedless grape formation. His interests include transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications, hormone signal transduction, and molecular breeding strategies. He explores how gibberellins influence grape development and fruit set, and how miRNA networks regulate these processes. His passion lies in linking theoretical frameworks with practical grape breeding techniques to improve fruit quality and yield, making his work both foundational and applied in scope within the field of pomology and biotechnology.

RESEARCH SKILL

Xuan possesses a wide range of research skills, including transcriptomics, gene expression profiling, hormone signaling pathway analysis, miRNA functional studies, and molecular marker development. He is proficient in designing and executing laboratory experiments involving grape tissue cultures and transgenic analysis. His ability to manage complex data and interpret molecular interactions allows him to contribute significantly to understanding parthenocarpy and seedlessness in grapes. He also demonstrates expertise in academic writing, literature synthesis, and scientific communication, enabling him to present research findings clearly and effectively.

PUBLICATIONS

Xuan has published 13 SCI-indexed research articles in high-impact journals such as Plant, Cell & Environment, Horticultural Plant Journal, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His work covers diverse topics such as polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis pathways, GA-mediated fruit setting, and miRNA-regulated gene networks. In addition, he has co-authored a Chinese academic book titled Grape Breeding in China. His consistent publication record reflects both the depth and breadth of his research, marking him as a significant contributor to grape biotechnology and molecular plant science.

  • Title: Competitive network of polyamines metabolic and ethylene biosynthesis pathways during gibberellin-induced parthenocarpic grape fruit setting
    Authors: Xuan, X., Qu, Z., Sadeghnezhad, E., Xie, Z., Qi, Z., Yang, H., Song, X., Yu, M., Luo, L., Aziz, R.B., 
    Journal: HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL

  • Title: Gibberellin Mediates VvmiR397a-VvLAC4 via VvSLR1-VvWRKY26 Cascade Signal to Repress the Seed-Stone Development During GA-Induced Grape Parthenocarpy
    Authors: Wang, C., Xuan, X., Wang, W., Sadeghnezhad, E., Luo, L., Gong, P., Wu, Q., Chao, R., Chen, X., Yu, M., 
    Journal: PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT

  • Title: A Comprehensive Analysis of Cadmium Contamination in Viticulture: From Soil and Grape to Ecological Risks and Remediation
    Authors: Elatafi, E., Elhendawy, B., Elshahat, A., Iqbal, S., Ren, Y., Xuan, X., Li, W., Li, F., Fan, S., Hakeem, A.,
    Journal: JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION

  • Title: Geographical location influence 'Cabernet Franc' fruit quality in Shandong province
    Authors: Wang, C., Chen, X., Ren, Y., Xuan, X., Pervaiz, T., Shangguan, L., and Fang, J.
    Journal: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

  • Title: Identification of VvAGL Genes Reveals Their Network's Involvement in the Modulation of Seed Abortion via Responding Multi-Hormone Signals in Grapevines
    Authors: Liu, F., Aziz, R.B., Wang, Y., Xuan, X., Yu, M., Qi, Z., Chen, X., Wu, Q., Qu, Z., Dong, T., 
    Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

CONCLUSION

Xuxian Xuan represents the new generation of agricultural researchers whose work bridges molecular science with crop improvement. His dedication to understanding the genetic regulation of grape development and enhancing fruit quality through advanced breeding strategies has already yielded significant academic and practical outcomes. With his current trajectory of scholarly excellence and innovation, he is well-positioned to lead future breakthroughs in pomology and agricultural biotechnology. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has potential applications in improving food production and sustainable fruit cultivation globally.