Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr Zahoor Ahmad |  Crop Physiology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  University of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Associate Professor, Campus Coordinator University of Central Punjab, Constituent Punjab College Bahawalpur.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Post-Doctorate: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Crop Physiology: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (Completed on December 13, 2015)
    • Thesis Title: Maize (Zea mays L.) Responses to Supplemental Foliar Applied Phosphorus under Drought Stress
  • M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2011)
    • Thesis Title: Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Foliar Applied Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2009)
  • Intermediate (F.Sc. Pre-medical): BISE Bahawalpur (2005)
  • Matric (Science): BISE Bahawalpur (2002)

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Head of Botany Department: Constituent College of University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur (October 2, 2020 – Present)
  • Post-Doctoral Researcher: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Visiting Faculty Member: Department of Life Sciences (Botany), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (October 4, 2017 – January 10, 2020)
  • Lecturer: Allama Iqbal College Bahawalpur (September 15, 2017 – December 31, 2019)
  • Assistant Professor: Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan (July 19, 2016 – July 18, 2017)

Research Interests:

  • Understanding the physiological limitations to crop productivity under field and controlled conditions.
  • Exploring abiotic stress tolerance (drought, salinity, heavy metals, heat) through foliar application of nutrients and trace elements.
  • Identifying morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for enhanced stress tolerance in crops.
  • Screening germplasm for stress tolerance traits and developing methodologies for productivity enhancement under abiotic stress conditions.

Conclusion:

Considering Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research focus, academic background, professional experience, publication record, and contribution to crop physiology under abiotic stress conditions, he seems to be a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work is significant for improving crop resilience and productivity, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural sciences.

Citations:

  • 1,729 Citations from 1,395 documents
  • 91 Documents authored
  • h-index of 22

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions
    Ahmad, Z., Younis, R., Ahmad, T., Alharby, H.F., Alsamadany, H. (2024). Silicon, 16(12), 5199–5211.
  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress
    Sabir, A., Waraich, E.A., Ahmad, M., Ahmad, Z., Bibi, S. (2024). Silicon, 16(7), 3095–3109. (1 Citation)
  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance
    Alsamadany, H., Alharby, H.F., Ahmad, Z., Alzahrani, Y.M., Almaghamsi, A. (2024). Silicon, 16(5), 2233–2244.
  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
    Sana, S., Binyamin, A., Ramzan, M., Avila-Quezada, G.D., Abd-Allah, E.F. (2024). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Iqbal, M.A., Ahmed, S., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 117–137).
  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Barutçular, C., Ahmad, M., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 67–84).
  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield
    Siuda, A., Artyszak, A., Gozdowski, D., Ahmad, Z. (2024). Agriculture (Switzerland), 14(1), 86.
  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture
    Abbasi, A., Asif, A., Ahmad, Z., Saleha, A., Zafar, Z. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 2, pp. 931–957. (1 Citation)
  • Climate Change and Global Crop Production
    Ahmad, Z., Ahmad, T., Abbasi, A., Sana, S., Jameel, J. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 1, pp. 27–56. (1 Citation)
  • Silicon-Mediated Growth, Physiological, Biochemical and Root Alterations to Confer Drought and Nickel Stress Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Ishaq, H., Waraich, E.A., Hussain, S., Ahmad, Z., Saifullah. (2023). Silicon, 15(15), 6579–6589. (1 Citation)

 

 

Chikezie Onuora Ene | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Chikezie Onuora  Ene |  Plant Breeding |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer II at  Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

 

Dr. Chikezie Onuora Ene is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Crop Science at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI). He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Jimma University, Ethiopia, in 2023, where he conducted genetic analysis and quantitative trait loci mapping for tomato traits, graduating with a GPA of 3.86/4.00. He also holds an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, achieving a CGPA of 4.91/5.00, and a B.Sc. in Crop Production and Protection from Abia State University, Uturu, with first-class honors.

Profile:

Qualifications and Education:

  1. Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Jimma University, Ethiopia, with a thesis on genetic analysis and QTL mapping for tomato traits. Graduated with a high GPA of 3.86/4.00.
  2. M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a focus on variability and heritability in cucumber, and an outstanding CGPA of 4.91/5.00.
  3. B.Sc. in Crop Production and Protection from Abia State University, Uturu, with first-class honors and a CGPA of 4.62/5.00.

Research Interests:

Dr. Ene’s research focuses on improving fruit/grain yield and quality of vegetables and cereals under abiotic stresses using plant molecular breeding techniques. This is a highly relevant and impactful area of research, addressing critical issues in agriculture.

Work Experience:

  1. Lecturer in Crop Science Department at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike since 2017, teaching various crop science courses and contributing significantly to the academic community.
  2. Research/Laboratory Assistant at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), involved in yam breeding, plant protection, and tissue culture.
  3. Field Enumerator/Farm Attendant at the Ministry of Agriculture, Abia State, focusing on cassava farming and processing data collection.
  4. Agricultural Science Teacher during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Kono Secondary School.

Training and Workshops:

  1. Training on GLMM at Jimma University.
  2. Hands-on training on marker-assisted breeding at BecA-ILRI hub, Nairobi, Kenya.
  3. Training on econometrics for policy analysis using Stata.
  4. Workshop on publishing and grant proposal writing.

Research Contributions and Impact:

Dr. Ene has been involved in significant research contributions across multiple projects and publications, particularly in:

  1. Fruit/Grain Yield Improvement under abiotic stresses.
  2. Plant Molecular Breeding and marker-assisted selection.
  3. Collaboration with international research bodies and institutions

Conclusion:

Given Dr. Ene’s extensive education, research focus, teaching experience, and contributions to the field of crop science, he is well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses crucial agricultural challenges, and his academic and professional achievements highlight his dedication and impact in the field.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Studies of phenotypic and genotypic variation in sixteen cucumber genotypes
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, 76(3), 307-313, 2016. (82 citations)
  • Heterosis and combining ability in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Information Processing in Agriculture, 6(1), 150-157, 2019. (38 citations)
  • Evaluation of Sixteen Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes in Derived Savannah Environment Using Path Coefficient Analysis
    CO Ene, PE Ogbonna, CU Agbo, UP Chukwudi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 8(1), 85-92, 2016. (35 citations)
  • Correlation and path coefficient analyses of yield and yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in a coarse-textured Ultisol
    VN Onyia, UP Chukwudi, AC Ezea, AI Atugwu, CO Ene
    Information Processing in Agriculture, 7(1), 173-181, 2020. (18 citations)
  • Environmental impact and genetic expressions of new drought-tolerant maize genotypes in derived savannah agro-ecology
    UNI Paul Inyang, Chikezie Onuora Ene, Ankrumah Emmanuel, Uchechukwu P. Chukwudi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 13(1), 10691, 2021. (15 citations)
  • Genetic characterization and quantitative trait relationship using multivariate techniques reveal diversity among tomato germplasms
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, FU Ozi, UN Ikeogu
    Food Science & Nutrition, 10(7), 2426-2442, 2022. (7 citations)
  • Benefit Cost Analysis of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties under Varying Planting Density
    DA Uzoigwe, CO Muoneke, CC Nwokoro, CO Ene
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 11(1), 145-148, 2019. (6 citations)
  • Hybrid Vigor and Heritability Estimates in Tomato Crosses Involving Solanum lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium under Cool Tropical Monsoon Climate
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, FU Ozi, O Ogah, EC Okechukwu, …
    International Journal of Agronomy, 2023(1), 3003355, 2023. (5 citations)
  • Analysis of Leaf Yield Components in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) Grown in Derived Savannah Agro-ecology
    UP Chukwudi, CU Agbo, CO Ene, CU Uba, JI Enyi
    Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 9(3), 386-391, 2017. (4 citations)
  • Growth and yield response of selected improved soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) varieties to varying weeding regimes under a tropical condition
    CO Ene, A Anyim, UP Chukwudi, EC Okechukwu, UN Ikeogu
    Journal of Central European Agriculture, 20(1), 157-178, 2019. (3 citations)
  • Evaluation of Tomato Genotypes Growth, Yield, and Shelf Life Enhancement in Nigeria
    VN Onyia, UP Chukwudi, VC Ogwudu, AI Atugwu, SC Eze, CO Ene, …
    Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 21(1), 143-152, 2019. (3 citations)
  • Selfing revealed potential for higher yield performance than backcrossing among tomato segregating populations of Solanum lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium crosses under …
    CO Ene, WG Abtew, HO Oselebe, UP Chukwudi, EC Okechukwu, FU Ozi, …
    *Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 100993, 2024. (1 citation)
  • Influence of varying preservation methods on the shelf life and proximate composition of Pleurotus plumonarius (Fr) Quel cultivated on Andropogon gayanus substrate
    CM Ahaiwe, O Nnamdi, CO Ene, UP Chukwudi
    International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, 3(3), 2019. (1 citation)

 

Faheem shahzad Baloch | Crop Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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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

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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.