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: