Chetan Shinde | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Chetan Shinde | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Chetan Shinde, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, India

Mr. Shinde Chetan Subhash is a dedicated and passionate agricultural researcher from India with a strong academic foundation and significant contributions to plant genetics and breeding. Known for his positive thinking, excellent presentation skills, and remarkable stage courage, he has demonstrated leadership from his undergraduate days, including his involvement in NSS and technical councils. With a keen interest in crop improvement and biotechnology, Mr. Shinde has co-authored two books and published over 15 peer-reviewed research articles in reputed journals. His work focuses on genetic diversity, molecular characterization, and breeding strategies for crops like soybean, rice, and millet. He shows great promise as a young scientist committed to advancing agricultural innovation. His academic excellence, practical exposure, and publication record make him a valuable contributor to the scientific community.

Publication Profile: 

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Performance

    • Secured 89.60% in M.Sc. (Agri.) and 88.70% in B.Sc. (Agri.), both with First Class Distinction from prestigious institutes under Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri.

  2. Robust Research Publication Profile

    • Co-authored 15+ research articles in reputed, peer-reviewed national and international journals.

    • Authored 2 academic books on Plant Breeding and Genetics and Biotic Stress Resistance, published by respected publishers.

  3. Diverse and Applied Research Focus

    • Research spans crop improvement, genetic diversity, molecular marker-assisted selection, stress resistance, and microbial consortia, with applications to rice, soybean, pearl millet, finger millet, and moringa.

  4. Technical and Leadership Engagement

    • Served as an NSS volunteer and participated in rural development activities.

    • Member of the All India Council for Technical Skill Development, reflecting commitment to national agricultural capacity building.

  5. Professional Strengths

    • Demonstrates positive thinking, presentation skills, and stage courage—key traits for academic dissemination and leadership in research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Exposure & Collaborations

    • Can benefit from engaging in international conferences, research networks, or joint publications to enhance global scientific presence.

  2. Advanced Data Analytics

    • Opportunity to deepen skills in bioinformatics, genomics data analysis, and AI applications in plant breeding for future-ready research.

  3. Research Commercialization or Field Application

    • Encouraged to explore technology transfer, patent filings, or on-ground trials that connect his research to real-world farming outcomes.

Education:

Mr. Shinde Chetan Subhash holds an M.Sc. (Agri.) in Genetics and Plant Breeding (2022) from the College of Agriculture, Pune, under Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, securing 89.60% with first class distinction. He earned his B.Sc. (Agri.) in 2020 from Shramashakti College of Agriculture, Maldad, also affiliated with MPKV Rahuri, graduating with 88.70% and first class with distinction. His strong academic record is complemented by active co-curricular participation, including serving as an NSS volunteer and engaging in technical skill development activities. Throughout his academic career, he has consistently excelled in both theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural science. His education has laid a solid foundation for his current research pursuits in crop genetics, plant breeding, and biotechnology, with a specific interest in improving genetic traits and addressing challenges related to biotic stress in crops.

Experience:

Mr. Shinde has an impressive background in both academic and applied agricultural research. During his M.Sc. and B.Sc. studies, he gained hands-on experience in field trials, molecular marker analysis, and statistical evaluation of crop performance. His involvement in multiple research projects has allowed him to collaborate with reputed scientists across India. He has actively participated in NSS rural development programs and is a member of the All India Council for Technical Skill Development. Mr. Shinde’s practical experience is evident from his diverse publication portfolio, including topics on genetic variability, microbial consortia, land use implications, and drought tolerance in crops. His contributions span both classical breeding techniques and modern molecular tools. He has also co-authored two books on plant breeding and biotic stress resistance, showcasing his versatility and scholarly engagement. He is well-prepared for independent research and future leadership in plant science innovation.

Research Focus:

Mr. Shinde’s research is centered on Genetics and Plant Breeding, with an emphasis on improving crop performance under stress conditions. His work spans molecular characterization, development of microbial consortia for nutrient management, and genetic diversity analysis in major crops like rice, soybean, pearl millet, drumstick, and finger millet. He utilizes classical breeding methods and integrates modern biotechnological approaches, including marker-assisted selection. His interest in drought tolerance, biotic stress resistance, and sustainable crop productivity addresses critical agricultural challenges. Notably, he has contributed to molecular research on Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor and lipoxygenase genes in soybean, ecological land use dynamics, and nutrient optimization in legumes. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, Mr. Shinde has positioned himself at the forefront of agricultural innovation. His work is aligned with the goals of food security, climate resilience, and genetic conservation. He aspires to contribute further to national and global agricultural research as a young scientist.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 📘 Plant Breeding and Genetics: Present Concepts and Approaches – Volume 2 (Book)

  2. 📗 Biotic Stress Resistance in Horticultural Crops (Book)

  3. 📝 Evaluation of Wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] Genotypes in Response to Late Sown Conditions

  4. 🌱 Development of Microbial Consortia for Nutrient Supplementation to Chickpea

  5. 🌍 Ecological Implications of Land Use Dynamics in Western Maharashtra

  6. 🌾 Estimation of Genetic Variability in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

  7. 🌿 Association of Characters and Path Coefficient Analysis in Fodder Drumstick

  8. 🌾 Evaluation of Genetic Divergence in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

  9. 🧬 Identification of Soybean Segregants for Kunitz and Lipoxygenase Genes via Molecular Markers

  10. 🌱 Genetic Variability Studies in Fodder Drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.)

Conclusion:

Mr. Shinde Chetan Subhash is highly suitable for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His academic excellence, multi-dimensional research contributions, and commitment to agricultural innovation strongly align with the award’s purpose—to encourage and recognize emerging researchers. His work bridges traditional breeding and modern biotechnology with a clear focus on sustainable and productive agriculture.

With continued mentorship and strategic research direction, he holds the potential to become a leading young scientist in India’s agri-biotech and crop improvement ecosystem.

Chikezie Onuora Ene | Genotypes | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Chikezie Onuora Ene | Genotypes | Young Scientist Award

Lecturer II of Alex Ekwueme-Federal University, Nigeria

Dr. Chikezie Onuora Ene is a passionate researcher and educator in the field of crop science. He is focused on enhancing crop yields and quality under challenging environmental conditions through advanced molecular breeding techniques. With a strong academic background and practical experience in teaching and research, Dr. Ene is committed to advancing agricultural science and improving food security. 🌾🌱👨‍🏫

Profile :

Educational Background :

  • Ph.D. in Plant Breeding (2019-2023) – Jimma University, Ethiopia. Thesis: “Genetic analysis and quantitative trait loci mapping for selected quantitative traits in tomato (Solanum spp.)” (GPA: 3.86/4.00).
  • M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics (2013-2017) – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Thesis: “Variability and heritability studies in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)” (CGPA: 4.91/5.00).
  • B.Sc. in Crop Production and Protection (2006-2011) – Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. Thesis: “Performance of three soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) varieties under varying weeding regimes” (CGPA: 4.62/5.00) – First Class Honours.

Professional Experience :

Since 2017, Dr. Ene has been a Lecturer in the Crop Science Department at Alex Ekwueme-Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He teaches a range of crop science courses including Crop Taxonomy, Anatomy and Physiology, Arable Crops Production, Principle of Crop Protection, Crop Breeding and Genetics, Principle of Crop Production, Permanent Crop Production, and bio-statistics/Field experimentation. Previously, he worked as a Research/Laboratory Assistant at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria (2009-2010), conducting research on yam breeding, plant protection, tissue culture, and in-vitro propagation and multiplication of cassava, cocoyam, yam, and other crops. He also served as a Field Enumerator/Farm Attendant for the Ministry of Agriculture, Abia State (2009-2010), where he collated data on rural cassava farmers and related stakeholders. Additionally, Dr. Ene taught agricultural science at Kono Secondary School, Rivers State, Nigeria, as part of the National Youth Service Corps (2012-2013).

Research Focus :

Dr. Chikezie Onuora Ene is dedicated to improving fruit and grain yields and the quality of vegetables (cucumber, pepper, tomato) and cereals (maize) under various abiotic stresses such as heat stress, salinity, drought, and humidity. He focuses on plant molecular breeding techniques, particularly marker-assisted selection.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Ogah O., Ene C.O., Ebenyi L.N., Frederick O.O., Okpuru I.G., Nwankwo, S.E. (2024). Comparative assessment for nutritional and antinutritional qualities revealed better performance of traditional white-fleshed sweet potatoes than orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. 120/2: 1-17. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica. doi: https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2024.120.2.15297 (WOS) (SCOPUS)
  • Ene, C.O., Abtew, W.G., Oselebe, H.O., Chukwudi, U.P., Okechukwu, E.C., Menamo, T.M., Ozi, F.U., Ene,K., Atugwu, A.I. (2024). Selfing revealed potential for higher yield performance than backcrossing among tomato segregating populations of Solanum lycopersicum × S. Pimpinellifolium crosses under tropical humid climate. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 15(2024): 100993. doi: https://doi.org/1016/j.jafr.2024.100993 (WOS) (SCOPUS)
  • Nwankwo, M.C., Ogwo, N., Oti, V.O., Nweze, N.O., Ohabuiro, A.A., Ene, O.C. (2023). Effects of indole butyric acid and coconut liquid endosperm on rooting of Crateva adansonii Journal of Biological Research & Biotechnology (Bio-Research). 21(2): 2003-2018. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/br.v21i2.7s
  • Ene, C.O., Abtew, W.G., Oselebe, H.O., Ozi, F.U., Ogah, O., Okechukwu, E.C., Chukwudi, U.P. (2023). Hybrid vigour and heritability estimates in tomato crosses involving Solanum lycopersicum × pimpinellifolium under cool tropical monsoon climate. International Journal of Agronomy. Article ID 3003355. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3003355 (WOS) (SCOPUS)
  • Ahaiwe, M.C, Nwoko, M.C., Ogwo, N., Ene, C.O. (2022). Effect of pasteurization techniques on productivity, morphology and mycochemical composition of Pleurotus ostreatus (JACQ.) fruit-bodies cultured on Andropogon gayanus Journal of Food and Fibre Production. 3(3): 15-25.
  • Ene, C.O., Abtew W.G., Oselebe, H.O., Ozi, F.U., Ikeogu, U.N. (2022). Genetic characterization and quantitative trait relationship using multivariate techniques reveals diversity among tomato germplasms. Food Science and Nutrition. 10: 2426-2442. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2850 (WOS) (SCOPUS)
  • Inyang, P., Ene, C.O., Emmanuel, A., Chukwudi, U.P., Ikeogu, U.N. (2021). Environmental impact and genetic expressions of new drought-tolerant maize genotypes in derived savannah agro-ecology. Notulae Scientia Biologicae. 13(1): 10691. doi: https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb13110691 (SCOPUS)
  • Onyia, V.N., Chukwudi, U.P., Ezea, A.C., Atugwu, A.I., Ene, C.O. (2020). Correlation and path coefficient analyses of yield and yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in a coarse-textured Ultisol. Information Processing in Agriculture. 7: 173–181. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inpa.2019.03.005 (SCOPUS)
  • Ogwo, N., Ene, C.O.,Ahaiwe, M.C., Chukwudi, U.P. (2019). Influence of varying preservation methods on the shelf life and proximate composition of Pleurotus plumonarius (Fr) Quel cultivated on Andropogon gayanus International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences. 3(3): 162-170. doi: https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2019.3.8
  • Uzoigwe, D.A., Muoneke, C.O., Nwokoro, C.C., Ene, C.O. (2019). Benefit cost analysis of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) varieties under varying planting density. Notulae Scientia Biologicae. 11(1): 145-148. doi: https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb11110381 (SCOPUS)