Faheem shahzad Baloch | Crop Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof Faheem shahzad Baloch |  Crop Genetics |  Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. at  Mersin University,  Turkey

Prof. Dr. Faheem Shehzad Baloch is a distinguished professor specializing in plant genetics and breeding at Mersin University, Turkey. He completed his Ph.D. in Field Crops from Çukurova University with a dissertation on QTL mapping in wheat. His research is deeply rooted in plant phenomics, genetics, genomics, and biotechnology, with a focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA molecular markers. Dr. Faheem has extensive experience in germplasm characterization and the development of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction, particularly in cereals and legumes. He has participated in numerous national and international projects and has supervised many MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates from various countries.

Profile:

Education:

Ph.D. in Field Crops
Çukurova University, Institute of Applied Science, Adana, Turkey
Dissertation: QTL Mapping of Some Agronomic Traits in Bread Wheat
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rüştü Hatipoğlu

M.Sc. in Agronomy
Bahuddine Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Thesis: Effect of Soil Applied Zinc Sulphate on Wheat
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Khan

B.Sc. in Agronomy
Bahuddine Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Work Experience:

Professor
Mersin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biotechnology
2024 – Present

Associate Professor
Sivas University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
2020 – 2024

Assistant Professor
Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Department of Field Crops
2015 – 2020

Niğde Ömer Halis Demir University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering
2013 – 2015

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Gold Medal for M.Sc. (Hons) Agronomy, Bahuddin Zakariya University
  • Cultural Exchange Scholarship for Ph.D. Studies, Turkish Govt.
  • Doctoral Fellowship, TÜBİTAK
  • Multiple Publication Prizes, TÜBİTAK
  • Travel Grants from Kirkhouse Trust and COST
  • Financial Aid from OIC-COMSTECH

Notable Publications and Projects:

  • SCI/SCIE/ESCI Articles: 112
  • Senior Author Articles: 29
  • International Book Edited: 8
  • International Book Chapters: 16
  • TÜBİTAK and other Research Projects: Numerous
  • Extensive involvement in COST actions and international collaborations

Research Focus: Crop Genetics

  • Crop Genetics and Breeding:
    • Enhancing crop performance through traditional and modern breeding techniques.
    • Developing new varieties with improved yield, disease resistance, and environmental tolerance.
  • Molecular Breeding:
    • Utilizing molecular markers to accelerate the breeding process.
    • Incorporating genetic diversity into breeding programs to enhance crop resilience.
  • Molecular Genetics:
    • Studying the genetic basis of important agronomic traits.
    • Investigating gene functions and interactions to understand trait expression.
  • Gene/QTL Tagging:
    • Identifying and mapping genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with key agronomic traits.
    • Developing marker-assisted selection strategies for efficient breeding.
  • Agronomy:
    • Integrating genetic research with agronomic practices to optimize crop production.
    • Studying the impact of environmental factors on crop growth and development.

Citations:

Total Citations: 4516
Citations Since 2019: 3663

h-index: 35
h-index Since 2019: 31

i10-index: 90
i10-index Since 2019: 83

Publication Top Notes:

  • DNA Molecular Markers in Plant Breeding: Current Status and Recent Advancements in Genomic Selection and Genome Editing
    Citation: 860 (2018)
    Journal: Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 32(2), 261-285
    Co-authors: MA Nadeem, MA Nawaz, MQ Shahid, Y Doğan, G Comertpay, M Yıldız, …
  • A Whole Genome DArTseq and SNP Analysis for Genetic Diversity Assessment in Durum Wheat from Central Fertile Crescent
    Citation: 172 (2017)
    Journal: PLOS ONE, 12(1), e0167821
    Co-authors: A Alsaleh, MQ Shahid, V Çiftçi, L E. Sáenz de Miera, M Aasim, …
  • Effect of Soil Applied Zinc Sulphate on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown on a Calcareous Soil in Pakistan
    Citation: 130 (2008)
    Journal: Cereal Research Communications, 36(4), 571-582
    Co-authors: M Khan, M Fuller
  • Diversity of Macro- and Micronutrients in the Seeds of Lentil Landraces
    Citation: 117 (2012)
    Journal: The Scientific World Journal, 2012(1), 710412
    Co-authors: T Karaköy, H Erdem, F Toklu, S Eker, B Kilian, H Özkan
  • Nutritional and Physicochemical Variation in Turkish Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Landraces
    Citation: 107 (2010)
    Journal: Euphytica, 175, 237-249
    Co-authors: S Özer, T Karaköy, F Toklu, B Kilian, H Özkan
  • iPBS-Retrotransposons-based Genetic Diversity and Relationship Among Wild Annual Cicer Species
    Citation: 97 (2013)
    Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 22, 453-466
    Co-authors: EE Andeden, M Derya, B Kilian, H Özkan
  • Diversity Assessment of Turkish Maize Landraces Based on Fluorescent Labelled SSR Markers
    Citation: 95 (2012)
    Journal: Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 30, 261-274
    Co-authors: G Cömertpay, B Kilian, AC Ülger, H Özkan
  • Genetic Analysis of Some Physical Properties of Bread Wheat Grain (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell)
    Citation: 90 (2009)
    Journal: Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 33(6), 525-535
    Co-authors: C Yücel, H Özkan
  • DNA Based iPBS-retrotransposon Markers for Investigating the Population Structure of Pea (Pisum sativum) Germplasm from Turkey
    Citation: 86 (2015)
    Journal: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 61, 244-252
    Co-authors: A Alsaleh, LES de Miera, R Hatipoğlu, V Çiftçi, T Karaköy, …
  • Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Turkish Common Bean Gene Pool Using Phenotypic and Whole-genome DArTseq-generated SilicoDArT Marker Information
    Citation: 82 (2018)
    Journal: PLOS ONE, 13(10), e0205363
    Co-authors: MA Nadeem, E Habyarimana, V Çiftçi, MA Nawaz, T Karaköy, …

 

Zaryab Murad | Plant Growth | Young Scientist Award

Mr Zaryab Murad |  Plant Growth  |  Young Scientist Award

Ph.D. Scholar at  Huazhong Agriculture University, China

Zaryab Murad, born on April 14, 1996, is a Pakistani national currently residing in Wuhan, Hubei, China. With a solid academic background in Soil and Environmental Sciences, he is pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Huazhong Agriculture University. Zaryab completed both his Master of Sciences (Hons) and Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) in Agriculture at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. His research focuses on the effects of bentonite clay and biochar on soil contamination and plant growth. Professionally, he has served as a Field Survey Project Manager at TAMEER-E-KHALAQ Foundation, where he works towards improving food security and agricultural practices. Additionally, he has held the position of Agriculture Policy Officer at the Agriculture Extension Department in KP, Pakistan. Fluent in Urdu and proficient in English, Zaryab has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including being a Gold Medalist at his alma mater. His technical skills include expertise in MS Office, Endnote, Statistics 8.1, Graphpad, and Sigmaplot.

Profile: 

Education and Training:

Zaryab Murad is a Doctoral candidate in Soil Science at Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China, with a focus on soil and environmental sciences. He completed his Master of Sciences (Hons) and Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) in Agriculture at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. His research includes the effects of bentonite clay and biochar on soil contamination and plant growth. He has gained hands-on experience with various soil analysis techniques, including using Flame Photometers and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers.

Work Experience:

Currently, Zaryab is a Field Survey Project Manager at TAMEER-E-KHALAQ Foundation, where he focuses on agricultural development and food security. He has previously served as an Agriculture Policy Officer at the Agriculture Extension Department in KP, Pakistan. His work involves enhancing production, facilitating value addition, and improving crop varieties.

Honors and Awards:

  • Gold Medalist, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, 2022

Certificates and Trainings:

  • Attended workshops and congresses on sustainable soil management and weed science.
  • Participated in the HZAU Happy Festival at Huazhong Agriculture University.

Research Focus: Plant Growth

Zaryab Murad’s research focuses on enhancing plant growth through innovative soil management techniques. His work primarily investigates the effects of soil amendments, such as bentonite clay and biochar, on the phytoavailability of heavy metals and overall plant health. Zaryab’s research aims to improve crop yields and soil fertility while mitigating contamination effects. His studies include evaluating how biochar and other amendments can stabilize heavy metals in soil and enhance the growth of various crops, particularly in contaminated environments. This research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by improving soil conditions and plant resilience against pollutants.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Murad, Z., Bibi, S., Ahmad, S.E.Y., Manan, U., & Younas, M. (2024). Stabilization of Cd in Soil by Biochar and Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Artificially Contaminated Soil. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 40(1), 231–245.
  • Khan, U., Irfan, M., Murad, Z., Waleed, M., & Kamal, A. (2023). Enhancing Lettuce Growth and Cadmium and Lead Tolerance Through Biochar and Bacteria. Gesunde Pflanzen, 75(6), 2685–2696.
  • Ilyas, M., Khan, M.J., Murad, Z., Ullah, A., & Farhan. (2023). Biofortification of Iron in Wheat Varieties Using Different Methods of Application. Gesunde Pflanzen, 75(5), 2177–2185.
  • Murad, Z., Ahmad, I., Waleed, M., Hashim, S., & Bibi, S. (2022). Effect of Biochar on Immobilization of Cadmium and Soil Chemical Properties. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74(1), 151–158.
  • Tariq, M., Khan, M.O., Hussain, A., Khalil, M.K., Muhammad, S., & Murad, Z. (2021). Impact of Soil and Foliar Application of Various Zinc Sources on the Yield and Uptake by Onion Under Agroclimatic Condition of Swat. International Journal of Agricultural and Statistical Sciences, 17, 2363–2376.

 

Barbara Wiewióra | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Barbara Wiewióra |  Plant Breeding |  Best Researcher Award

Associated professor at  Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute – National Research Institute, Poland

Barbara Wiewióra was born on December 6, 1970. She pursued her higher education at the Academy of Agriculture in Kraków, Poland, where she studied from 1989 to 1994, earning a Master of Science degree in Agriculture.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

Academy of Agriculture, Kraków, Poland
Master of Science, Faculty of Agriculture (1989-1994)

🌱 Career Highlights:

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, Poland

    • Department of Seed Science and Technology
    • Laboratory of Seed Health and Identity Evaluation
    • Assistant Professor (since January 2006)
    • Associate Professor (since March 2013)

🔬 Research Focus: Plant Breeding

Barbara Wiewióra’s research at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute is primarily focused on advancing seed science and technology. Her work encompasses:

  • Investigating seed genotypes for microorganism incidence
  • Assessing ergot contamination in grass seed
  • Studying seed factors affecting barley quality
  • Analyzing pea seed health at different maturity stages
  • Exploring the impact of tannin content on faba bean seed health
  • Ensuring seed health during triticale multiplication processes

Her contributions are instrumental in enhancing seed quality and agricultural sustainability.

Publication Top Notes:

  • The Infection of Barley at Different Growth Stages by Bipolaris sorokiniana and Its Effect on Plant Yield and Sowing Value
    • Agronomy, 2024-06
    • DOI: 10.3390/agronomy14061322
    • Contributors: Barbara Wiewióra, Grzegorz Żurek
    • Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
  • Amenity Grasses—A Short Insight into Species, Their Applications and Functions
    • Agronomy, 2023-04-19
    • DOI: 10.3390/agronomy13041164
    • Contributors: Barbara Wiewióra, Grzegorz Żurek
    • Source: Crossref
  • Quantification of DNA of Fusarium culmorum and Trichothecene Genotypes 3ADON and NIV in the Grain of Winter Wheat
    • Pathogens, 2022-11-30
    • DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121449
    • Contributors: Tomasz Góral, Jarosław Przetakiewicz, Piotr Ochodzki, Barbara Wiewióra, Halina Wiśniewska
    • Source: Crossref
  • Quantification of DNA of Fusarium culmorum and Trichothecene Genotypes 3ADON and NIV in the Grain of Winter Wheat
    • Preprint, 2022-11-15
    • DOI: 10.20944/preprints202211.0279.v1
    • Contributors: Tomasz Góral, Jarosław Przetakiewicz, Piotr Ochodzki, Barbara Wiewióra, Halina Wiśniewska
    • Source: Crossref
  • Different Response of Perennial Ryegrass—Epichloë Endophyte Symbiota to the Elevated Concentration of Heavy Metals in Soil
    • Journal of Applied Genetics, 2021-09-21
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13353-021-00661-0
    • Contributor: Barbara Wiewióra
    • Source: Barbara Wiewióra
  • The Response of the Associations of Grass and Epichloë Endophytes to the Increased Content of Heavy Metals in the Soil
    • Plants, 2021-02
    • DOI: 10.3390/plants10030429
    • Contributors: Barbara Wiewióra, Grzegorz Żurek
    • Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
  • Ocena zdrowotności materiału nasiennego traw w zależności od wybranych zapraw nasiennych
    • Biuletyn Instytutu Hodowli i Aklimatyzacji Roślin, 2021-01-22
    • DOI: 10.37317/biul-2021-0001
    • Contributors: Barbara Wiewióra, Dagmara Bronisz
    • Source: Crossref
  • The Fungal Communities on Spring Wheat Seeds from Different Environmental Conditions
    • Plant Breeding and Seed Science, 2018
    • Contributor: Barbara Wiewióra
    • Source: Barbara Wiewióra
  • Environmental Effect on Epichloë Endophyte Occurrence and Ergovaline Concentration in Wild Populations of Forage Grasses in Poland
    • Plant and Soil, 2017
    • DOI: 10.1007/s11104-016-3028-5
    • Contributor: Barbara Wiewióra
    • Source: Barbara Wiewióra
  • Endophyte-Mediated Disease Resistance in Wild Populations of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
    • Fungal Ecology, 2015
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2015.01.004
    • Contributors: Barbara Wiewióra, Grzegorz Żurek, Marcin Żurek
    • Source: Barbara Wiewióra via Scopus – Elsevier