Hajer Darouez | Horticulturae | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Hajer Darouez |  Horticulturae |  Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at  Ghent University,  Belgium

Hajer Darouez is a passionate Ph.D. student at Ghent University with over 4 years of experience in plant biotechnology. Specializing in root-inducing molecules to improve micropropagation techniques, she has conducted groundbreaking research on woody plants and rooting recalcitrant species. Hajer has extensive experience in molecular techniques, advanced data analysis, and propagation methods, developed through her work at the Laboratory for Applied In Vitro Plant Biotechnology at UGent and her internship at Mission Biologica de Galicia in Spain. Her notable research includes transcriptomic analysis, histological techniques, and the use of new compounds to enhance rooting in species like chestnut and poplar.

Publication profile

🎓 Education and Research Focus:

Hajer Darouez is a passionate and dedicated PhD student at Ghent University specializing in plant biotechnology. With more than 4 years of research experience, her expertise lies in rooting recalcitrant and woody plants, particularly through the development of root-inducing molecules to enhance micropropagation techniques. During her PhD, she has pioneered the optimization of propagation methods using innovative approaches.
📝 PhD Dissertation: Application of New Root-Inducing Molecules in Plant Tissue Culture.

🔬 Research Experience:

  • Ph.D. Researcher (2019-Present): Conducting research on root-inducing molecules at the Laboratory for Applied In Vitro Plant Biotechnology at UGent, Belgium.
  • Part-Time Researcher (2022-2023): Contributed to the VLAIO Moss project focusing on in vitro cultivation for urban greening applications.
  • Internship (2023): Four-month internship at Mission Biologica de Galicia in Spain, where she enhanced her expertise in woody species biotechnology and transcriptomic analysis.

🧪 Skills and Techniques:

Hajer is proficient in a variety of molecular techniques, including:

  • Histological sections and gene expression studies.
  • Advanced data analysis tools.
  • Execution of micropropagation optimization experiments.

🌿 Key Projects:

  • Hevea Project (2016): Played a key role in sustainable agriculture research, focusing on Hevea brasiliensis cultivation.
  • Nigella Sativa Research (2015): Conducted in vitro methods to improve salt stress tolerance in this medicinal plant species.

🏆 Conferences and Presentations:

  • Oral Communication (2023): Presented research on dichlorprop esters at the Innovative Woody Plant Cloning Congress in Spain.
  • Poster Presentations (2022): Showcased findings at International Symposium on In Vitro Technology and the ATSB Congress on rooting and shoot growth techniques in Lavandula angustifolia.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “Red and Far-Red Light Combined with Trans-Cinnamic Acid Enhances In Vitro Rooting and Reduces Callus Formation in Lavender”
    Journal: Horticulturae
    Date: September 6, 2024
    Contributors: Hajer Darouez
  2. “Arinole, a Novel Auxin-Stimulating Benzoxazole, Affects Root Growth and Promotes Adventitious Root Formation”
    Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    DOI: erae282
    Date: June 26, 2024
    Contributors: Hajer Darouez

 

Meisam Mohammadi | Horticulture Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Meisam Mohammadi | Horticulture Sciences |  Best Researcher Award

Faculty member, assistant professor at  ilam university, Iran

Dr. Meisam Mohammadi earned his PhD in Physiology and Breeding of Ornamental Plants in 2018. He has been a dedicated faculty member at Ilam University since 2014, serving as an assistant professor since 2019. His research focuses on crop physiology, stress responses, and post-harvest technology. Dr. Mohammadi has led 32 research projects, published 26 journals, and holds a local patent. He also serves as the internal manager of the Iranian Journal of Vegetable Sciences and is involved in 20 collaborative projects. His work addresses salt stress, chilling in crops, and postharvest physiology.

Profile:

Academic Background:

PhD in Physiology and Breeding of Ornamental Plants (2018)

Professional Experience:

Since 2014, Dr. Mohammadi has been a lecturer and researcher at Ilam University. He became an assistant professor in 2019 and has led multiple projects on crop physiology, stress, and post-harvest management.

Research Focus in Horticulture Sciences:

  • Salt Stress: Investigating the effects of salt stress on crop physiology and finding ways to mitigate its impact on plant growth and productivity.
  • Chilling Injury: Studying the physiological responses of crops to chilling temperatures and developing strategies to protect plants from cold damage.
  • Post-Harvest Physiology: Examining the physiological processes of crops after harvest to improve storage, quality, and shelf-life of horticultural products.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Impact of Gibberellic Acid and Calcium Chloride Treatments on Neck Bending Prevention and Vase Life Extension of Gerbera Cut Flowers

  • Journal: Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
  • Date: April 2024
  • DOI: 10.1007/s00344-023-11164-z
  • Contributors: Meisam Mohammadi, Mohammad-Ebrahim Ranjbar, Ghasem Eghlima

2. β-Aminobutyric Acid Enhances Salt Tolerance of African Marigold by Increasing Accumulation Rate of Salicylic Acid, γ-Aminobutyric Acid, and Proline

  • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
  • Date: March 2024
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112828
  • Contributors: Rafid Majeed Hussein, Meisam Mohammadi, Ghasem Eghlima, Mohammad-Ebrahim Ranjbar, Faisal Zulfiqar

3. Pre-harvest Spray of GABA and Spermine Delays Postharvest Senescence and Alleviates Chilling Injury of Gerbera Cut Flowers During Cold Storage

  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Date: December 2021
  • DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93377-4
  • Contributors: Meisam Mohammadi, Mitra Aelaei, Mehdi Saidi

4. Antibacterial Properties of Scrophularia Striata Boiss. (Tashenehdari) Extract on Vase Life Improvement in “Stanza” and “Pink Elegance” Gerbera Cut Flowers

  • Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Date: September 2020
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101738
  • Contributors: Meisam Mohammadi, Mitra Aelaei, Mehdi Saidi

5. Pre-harvest and Pulse Treatments of Spermine, γ- and β-Aminobutyric Acid Increased Antioxidant Activities and Extended the Vase Life of Gerbera Cut Flowers ‘Stanza’

  • Journal: Ornamental Horticulture
  • Date: June 2020
  • DOI: 10.1590/2447-536x.v26i2.2120
  • Contributors: Meisam Mohammadi, Mitra Aelaei, Mehdi Saidi