Kourosh Vahdati | Horticulture & Floriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Kourosh Vahdati | Horticulture & Floriculture| Research Excellence Award

Professor of Horticultural Science |  University of Tehran | Iran

Prof. Kourosh Vahdati is a distinguished researcher specializing in horticulture, plant tissue culture, and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on walnut science and nut tree improvement. His research focuses on abiotic stress physiology, walnut breeding and genetics, micropropagation, orchard management, and rootstock development, integrating molecular, physiological, and agronomic approaches to enhance stress tolerance and productivity in perennial crops. He serves as a Professor of Horticulture and has held key academic leadership roles, contributing extensively to international research collaborations. Prof. Vahdati’s major contributions include advances in walnut micropropagation protocols, identification of physiological and genetic indicators of drought and salinity tolerance, and the development of improved breeding and rootstock strategies for nut trees. His work has informed sustainable orchard practices and breeding programs worldwide. His impact vision centers on translating plant stress biology into resilient horticultural systems that support climate-smart agriculture, food security, and long-term sustainability in nut crop production

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Featured Publications

Aarthi R | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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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. 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.

Mohamed Saleh – Agricultural Biotechnology – Best Researcher Award

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Mohamed Saleh - Agricultural Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Mohamed Saleh - Agricultural Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

National Research Centre - Egypt

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SUMMARY

Mohamed Maher Saad Saleh is an Emeritus Research Professor and Former Head of the Pomology Department at the National Research Centre, Egypt. With decades of experience in horticultural science, he has contributed significantly to the propagation, cultivation, and postharvest management of fruit crops. His extensive academic and field-based research has made notable advancements in improving fruit yield, quality, and sustainability under various agricultural conditions. Saleh is highly regarded for his leadership in national projects, scholarly publications, and as a mentor to postgraduate students in horticultural sciences.

EDUCATION

Mohamed Maher Saad Saleh earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University. His master’s thesis focused on the effect of planting distance on bananas, while his doctoral research explored the impact of nitrogen fertilizers on banana growth and productivity. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his lifelong contributions to pomology, where he applied scientific principles to practical agricultural challenges. His formal education was strongly complemented by his participation in specialized training programs in scientific imaging and research methodology.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professor Saleh has served the National Research Centre since 1982 in various academic and research roles, including Assistant Researcher, Researcher, and eventually, Head of the Pomology Department (2010–2013). He was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2016, reflecting his distinguished career. Throughout his tenure, he led and contributed to major national and international agricultural projects, particularly in fruit crop development, climate adaptation, and sustainable farming techniques. His expertise extends to teaching, supervising graduate research, and guiding training programs in horticultural practices across Egypt.

RESEARCH INTEREST

His primary research interest revolves around the propagation, production, postharvest handling, and physiological improvement of fruit crops. Special attention is given to bananas, citrus, grapes, olives, mangoes, and date palms. His work integrates traditional practices with modern innovations such as biofertilizers, nanotechnology, and sustainable irrigation to optimize yield and quality. He has also contributed to molecular studies for cultivar identification and genetic improvement. Professor Saleh’s interdisciplinary approach merges field trials with laboratory research to develop practical solutions for Egyptian and regional horticulture.

AWARD AND HONOR

Professor Saleh’s illustrious career is highlighted by several honors, including memberships in prestigious scientific committees such as the Permanent Scientific Committee for Agricultural Sciences and the Basic and Applied Research Ethics Committee. He has been an active contributor and organizer of key national and international conferences. His editorial responsibilities in numerous peer-reviewed journals underscore his authority in the field. His role as a scientific supervisor for international doctoral research also demonstrates his global recognition and academic influence.

RESEARCH SKILL

Professor Saleh’s research skills include expertise in experimental design, soil and plant nutrition, physiological analysis, and the application of biotechnology in fruit crop improvement. He is proficient in advanced agronomic practices, including foliar nutrition, growth regulator usage, irrigation optimization, and plant tissue culture. His analytical capabilities extend to evaluating genetic markers and postharvest treatments. His ability to combine fieldwork with scientific methodology has resulted in numerous actionable outcomes for Egypt’s agricultural sector.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Title: Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilization on Productivity and Fruit Quality of 'Crimson Seedless' Grapes
    Authors: A. El-Razek, D. Treutter, M.M.S. Saleh, M. El-Shammaa,
    Journal/Conference: First Symposium on Horticulture in Europe, 17-20 February 2008, Vienna, Austria.
  • Title: Minimizing the quantity of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on grapevine by using humic acid, organic and biofertilizers
    Authors: A. Eman, A. El-Monem, M. Saleh, E. Mostafa
    Journal: Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Vol. 4 (1), pp. 46-50, 2008.
  • Title: Response of Balady mandarin trees to girdling and potassium sprays under sandy soil conditions
    Authors: E.A.M. Mostafa, M.M.S. Saleh
    Journal: Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Vol. 2 (3), pp. 137-141, 2006
  • Title: Yield and fruit quality of Florida prince peach trees as affected by foliar and soil applications of Humic acid
    Authors: E.A. El-Razek, A.S.E. Abd-Allah, M.M.S. Saleh
  • Title: The beneficial effect of minimizing mineral nitrogen fertilization on Washington navel orange trees by using organic and biofertilizers
    Authors: M.M. Abd El-Migeed, M.M.S. Saleh, E.A. Mostafa
    Journal: World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 3 (1), pp. 80-85, 2007.

CONCLUSION

Mohamed Maher Saad Saleh exemplifies the ideal blend of scientific rigor and practical application in agricultural research. His lifelong dedication to pomology, combined with his leadership, prolific publication record, and mentorship, has positioned him as a pillar in Egyptian agricultural development. His influence extends beyond academia into policy-making and sustainable farming practices. As he continues to contribute as an Emeritus Professor, his legacy shapes future research directions and the next generation of agricultural scientists.