Veena Devi | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Veena Devi |  Horticulture |  Best Researcher Award

senior research fellow at  ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India

Dr. Veena Devi is a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research in Ludhiana, Punjab. With a strong background in agricultural research, she contributes significantly to maize research and development. Her work focuses on enhancing maize productivity and sustainability, addressing challenges in crop management, and improving genetic diversity.

Profile:

Education:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
January 2018 – June 2022

  • Major: Biochemistry with specialization in Plants
  • Minor: Agricultural Biotechnology

M.Sc. in Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
July 2015 – November 2017

  • Major: Biochemistry with specialization in Plants
  • Minor: Agricultural Biotechnology

B.Sc. (Medical)
Government College for Girls, Ludhiana, India
July 2013 – April 2015

  • Subjects: English, Punjabi, Zoology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, E.V.S.

Professional Experience:

Senior Research Fellow
ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India
March 2024 – Present

  • Project: Maize Research for Sustainable Ethanol Production in India

Young Professional-II
ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, India
April 2022 – March 2024

  • Conducted laboratory evaluation of biochemical parameters of maize kernels including protein, starch, tryptophan, lysine, methionine, oil, and various other compounds.
  • Managed field observations on maize growth and development.
  • Focused on enhancing bioethanol production from maize.

Technical Expertise:

  • Biochemical and Molecular Techniques:
    • Molecule and enzyme extraction, purification, concentration, and activity estimation.
    • DNA and RNA extraction, cDNA construction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, SDS, and native PAGE.
  • Field Trial Management:
    • Crossing, phenotypic screening, and data collection.
  • Bioinformatics:
    • Primer designing, gene mining, GWAS, meta-QTL analysis, comparative genomics.
    • Proficient in R programming, CPCS1, SPSS, Statistix 10 software.
  • Ethanol Production:
    • Basic knowledge of ethanol production, purification, estimation, and bacterial culture.
  • Instrument Handling:
    • Ultra-centrifuge, cooling centrifuge, UV-visible spectrophotometer, compound microscope, hot plate, incubator, water bath, pH meter, vortex, magnetic stirrer, distillation unit, electrophoresis apparatus, Kjel Tech apparatus, BOD incubator, NIR analyzer, nanodrop, PCR, RT-PCR, HPLC, UPLC, oil extractor, freeze drier, concentrator.

Research Focus: Horticulture

Dr. Veena Devi is a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research in Ludhiana, Punjab. She holds a Ph.D. with a research focus on horticulture, particularly in the areas of crop improvement, sustainable horticultural practices, and enhancing the genetic diversity of horticultural crops. Her contributions aim to advance the field of horticulture through innovative research and practical applications, improving crop yield and quality.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Enhancing Germination and Growth in Wild Okra Genotypes through Gibberellic Acid Priming
    Kamboj, A., Sangha, M.K., Devi, V., Pathak, M., Singla, D.
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2024, 334, 113332
  • Beyond Colors: The Health Benefits of Maize Anthocyanins
    Bhushan, B., Kumar, S., Kaur, C., Chandran, D., Kumar, M.
    Applied Food Research, 2024, 4(1), 100399
    Citations: 2
  • Unraveling the Role of δ-Zeins in Methionine Bio-fortification of Maize
    Devi, V., Sethi, M., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Cereal Chemistry, 2024, 101(3), pp. 583–593
  • Elucidation of Zein Isoforms Associated with High Protein Quality Traits for Targeted Improvement in Maize-Based Nutrition
    Sethi, M., Singh, A., Garg, M., Gupta, M., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Cereal Chemistry, 2024, 101(2), pp. 418–430
  • Status of Soluble Sugars and the Related Enzymes of Momordica charantia L. Seedlings in Response to Low Temperature Stress
    Devi, V., Kaur Sangha, M., Pathak, M., Kumar, P., Pal, M.
    European Journal of Horticultural Science, 2023, 88(6)
  • Corrigendum: Unraveling the Genetic Framework Associated with Grain Quality and Yield-Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Sethi, M., Saini, D.K., Devi, V., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Genetics, 2023, 14, 1343846
    Citations: 1
  • Genetic and Molecular Understanding for the Development of Methionine-Rich Maize: A Holistic Approach
    Devi, V., Bhushan, B., Gupta, M., Rakshit, S., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, 1249230
    Citations: 1
  • Unraveling the Genetic Framework Associated with Grain Quality and Yield-Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Sethi, M., Saini, D.K., Devi, V., Singh, A., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Frontiers in Genetics, 2023, 14, 1248697
    Citations: 2
  • A Rapid Single Kernel Screening Method for Preliminary Estimation of Amylose in Maize
    Dhir, A., Kaur, C., Devi, V., Rakshit, S., Chaudhary, D.P.
    Food Analytical Methods, 2022, 15(8), pp. 2163–2171
    Citations: 5
  • Optimization of Protein Quality Assay in Normal, Opaque-2, and Quality Protein Maize
    Kaur, C., Singh, A., Sethi, M., Bhushan, B., Rakshit, S.
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2022, 6, 743019
    Citations: 6

 

 

Asim Mehmood | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr  Asim Mehmood |  Horticulture |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal campus, Pakistan

Dr. Asim Mehmood is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of population genetics, tissue culture, and horticulture genetics. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Sahiwal Campus of COMSATS University Islamabad. Dr. Mehmood’s work has significantly contributed to the understanding and advancement of plant genetic resources (PGR) and their insights. His research interests and expertise lie at the intersection of genetics and horticulture, aiming to enhance crop yield and sustainability through innovative genetic approaches.

Profile:

Academic Background

  • PhD (Horticulture): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 1st Division, 2013
  • M.Sc (Honors) Horticulture: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 1st Division, 2008
  • B.Sc (Honors) Horticulture: Pir Mehr Ali Shah – Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 1st Division, 2006
  • F.Sc. (Pre-Medical): Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Pakistan), 1st Division, 2002
  • Matric (Science): Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi, 1st Division, 2000

Professional Experience

Dr. Asim Mehmood has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences at COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus since February 12, 2014. His expertise lies in horticulture, particularly in plant biotechnology interventions in population genetics and breeding. His specialized areas include:

  • Polyploid breeding
  • Germplasm conservation and clonal propagation of fruit plants
  • Genetic resources characterization
  • PGRs usage in tissue culture media

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work independently and in team environments
  • Well-developed planning skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good management abilities

Research Focus:

Dr. Asim Mehmood is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in horticulture genetics, population genetics, and tissue culture. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Sahiwal Campus of COMSATS University Islamabad. Dr. Mehmood’s research in horticulture focuses on the genetic improvement of horticultural crops to enhance their yield, quality, and resistance to environmental stresses. His work involves advanced tissue culture techniques and genetic analysis to develop superior varieties of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Dr. Mehmood aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of plant genetic resources through his innovative research.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 596
  • Citations since 2019: 459
  • h-index: 10
  • i10-index: 12

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Isolation, characterization, and effect of phosphate-zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growth
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019
    Co-authored with A. Zaheer et al.
    Citations: 110
    This study examines bacterial strains that enhance chickpea growth by solubilizing phosphate and zinc.
  2. Genetic diversity of Pakistani guava (Psidium guajava L.) germplasm and its implications for conservation and breeding
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2014
    Co-authored with M.J. Jaskani et al.
    Citations: 100
    Research on the genetic diversity of guava germplasm, which has implications for its conservation and breeding.
  3. Effect of colchicine on in vitro polyploidy induction in African marigold (Tagetes erecta)
    Pak. J. Bot, 2013
    Co-authored with Y. Sajjad et al.
    Citations: 80
    This paper explores the use of colchicine for inducing polyploidy in marigold, enhancing its genetic traits.
  4. Evaluation of genetic diversity in open-pollinated guava by iPBS primers
    Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013
    Co-authored with M.J. Jaskani et al.
    Citations: 75
    Study on genetic diversity in guava using iPBS markers.
  5. Molecular variability and phylogenetic relationships of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivars using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and microsatellite (SSR) markers
    Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2016
    Co-authored with S. Luo et al.
    Citations: 46
    Analysis of the molecular variability and phylogenetic relationships among guava cultivars.