Prbhu Narayan Meena | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Prbhu Narayan Meena | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Paper Award

Dr. Prbhu Narayan Meena , ICAR-NRIIPM, New delhi , India

Dr. P. N. Meena, M.Sc. (Ag), Ph.D., is a renowned Scientist in the field of Plant Pathology. With a career that began in 2013 at ICAR-CRIJAF, Kolkata, Dr. Meena played a crucial role in developing two varieties of kenaf resistant to foot and stem rot disease. Over the years, Dr. Meena has made significant contributions to plant pathology research, publishing 7 international and 27 national research papers, 12 abstracts, 2 books/compendiums, and numerous other scientific works. She has delivered over 13 invited lectures, organized several farmer field schools, and participated in 22 trainings and conferences. Her research has earned her awards, including the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024. Dr. Meena’s work continues to benefit horticulture, fibre, and pulse crops through innovative disease management solutions.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Contributions to Plant Pathology: Dr. P. N. Meena has made significant contributions to plant pathology research, particularly in the development of disease-resistant crops and bio-control strategies. Her work on kenaf varieties resistant to foot and stem rot disease, and her extensive publications on molecular detection and disease management strategies, are impressive achievements that underscore her excellence in the field.

  2. Comprehensive Research Focus: Dr. Meena has worked across multiple aspects of plant disease management, including molecular diagnostics, eco-friendly management practices, and bio-control agents like Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. This broad research focus ensures her work impacts horticulture, fibre crops, and pulses.

  3. Recognition & Awards: She has received prestigious awards such as the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024, highlighting her esteemed position in the research community.

  4. Extensive Publication Record: With over 7 international papers, 27 national papers, 2 books, 13 book chapters, and numerous abstracts and technical bulletins, Dr. Meena has demonstrated a prolific research output. Her works are valuable for both academia and practical applications in agriculture.

  5. Leadership & Community Engagement: Dr. Meena has played a leadership role in organizing numerous farmer training programs, field schools, and workshops. This active engagement with the farming community, along with her work in disseminating scientific knowledge, strengthens her candidacy for the award.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Collaborative Research in Emerging Fields: While Dr. Meena has a strong background in traditional crop disease management, there is potential to expand her research into emerging fields like genomic data integration and precision agriculture. Collaborations with experts in genomics or climate change could open new avenues for disease resistance and crop resilience.

  2. Expansion in Global Research Networks: While her contributions are highly recognized nationally and regionally, further involvement in international research collaborations, especially with top global agricultural institutions, could elevate the global impact of her research.

  3. Publication of Research in High-Impact Journals: Though Dr. Meena’s publication record is commendable, focusing more on high-impact international journals could further boost the visibility of her work on a global scale, ensuring that her research reaches a wider, more diverse audience.

Education:

Dr. P. N. Meena pursued her Master’s in Science (Agriculture) with a specialization in Plant Pathology and later completed her Ph.D. in the same field. Her academic journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to understanding plant diseases and finding sustainable solutions. Her advanced education laid the foundation for her impactful research at ICAR-CRIJAF, where she actively contributed to various projects focused on disease resistance in crops. Throughout her educational career, Dr. Meena has exhibited excellence, being well-versed in molecular detection and plant disease management. Her knowledge has allowed her to develop various technologies in disease management strategies, particularly for horticultural and fibre crops. She has remained engaged with both national and international research communities, collaborating extensively to share insights and expertise.

Experience:

Dr. P. N. Meena began her career as a Scientist (Plant Pathology) at ICAR-CRIJAF, Kolkata, in 2013, where she made notable contributions to the development of kenaf varieties resistant to major diseases. Her extensive experience includes publishing 7 international and 27 national research papers, authoring 2 books, and developing 21 technologies for disease management. Dr. Meena has served as a Co-PI in 2 externally funded projects, PI in 2 institute projects, and Co-PI in 14 institute projects. She has delivered 14 oral/poster presentations and 13 invited lectures in farmer training programs. Her leadership is reflected in organizing 18 farmer field schools (FFS) and coordinating 5 FLDs. Dr. Meena has received multiple awards for her contribution to plant pathology, including the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024. Her active involvement in conferences, workshops, and research continues to influence the agricultural community.

Research Focus:

Dr. P. N. Meena’s research focus primarily revolves around plant diseases, particularly in horticultural, fibre, and pulse crops. Her groundbreaking work includes developing molecular detection technologies for various plant pathogens and strategies for managing diseases like foot and stem rot in crops. A significant part of her research is centered on eco-friendly disease management, using bioagents such as Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Additionally, she is passionate about exploring host plant resistance, disease diagnostics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Meena’s work extends to protecting crops like jute and groundnut from harmful pathogens, improving yield, and promoting environmental sustainability. With 21 technologies developed in disease management and ongoing research in biocontrol, her work contributes substantially to integrated pest management (IPM). Her research also involves extensive work in genetic diversity and the development of resistant crop varieties.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Biocontrol activity of Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens against Meloidogyne incognita, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani 🌱
  2. Bio-efficacy of phytoextracts and oil cakes on Macrophomina phaseolina causing stem rot disease of jute, Corchorus spp. 🌿
  3. Host plant resistance in cultivated jute and its wild relatives towards jute hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) 🦋
  4. Eco-friendly management of major diseases in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) 🌾
  5. Evaluation of stem rot disease in jute (Corchorus olitorius) germplasm caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid 🍂
  6. Problems and prospects of pest management in jute and allied fibre crops 🌱
  7. Simultaneous detection of potato viruses A and M using CP gene-specific primers in an optimized duplex RT-PCR 🥔
  8. Detection of Mesta yellow vein mosaic virus (MeYVMV) in field samples by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction 🌾
  9. In vitro screening of white Jute (Corchorus capsularis L) against salinity stress 💧
  10. Evaluation of efficacy of different bioagents and fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn) ⚗️

Conclusion:

Dr. P. N. Meena is an exceptional researcher with a proven track record of developing innovative solutions for plant disease management, particularly in the horticultural and fibre crop sectors. Her work is characterized by both depth and breadth, making a significant impact on the agricultural community. The strengths of her research, leadership, and recognition make her a strong contender for the Research for Best Paper Award. However, future directions could involve expanding collaborations into cutting-edge technologies and increasing visibility through international journals. Overall, Dr. Meena’s work stands out for its scientific rigor, practical applications, and contribution to sustainable agriculture.

Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Microbe Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Microbe Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah , Department of Plant science, Quaid-i-Azam University , Pakistan

Fahim Hussain Shah is a passionate and highly skilled researcher specializing in plant sciences. Born on April 5, 1998, in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, he holds an M.Phil. in Plant Science from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, where he graduated with a CGPA of 3.9/4.00. With a keen interest in plant breeding, pathology, and mycology, Fahim’s research contributes significantly to the understanding of plant-microbe interactions and crop improvement. He has authored multiple research papers and contributed to exploring the ethnomycological potential of wild mushrooms from Pakistan. His proficiency in techniques like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR, along with his extensive work on fungi and algae, underscores his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Fahim is a dedicated team player and strives to enhance his performance in every project he undertakes, with an unwavering commitment to excellence in research.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Fahim Hussain Shah’s exceptional academic background, with an M.Phil in Plant Science, a CGPA of 3.9, and a deep focus on diverse research areas such as plant breeding, mycology, and plant disease control, showcases his strong foundation. His expertise in cutting-edge technologies like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and phylogenetic analysis, coupled with his substantial contribution to research publications in high-impact journals, demonstrates his scientific rigor. With more than 10 publications and active involvement as a research reviewer, Fahim’s reputation in the scientific community is steadily growing. His collaborative work with international researchers and a vast range of research interests enriches his profile. His research on the morpho-genetic identification of wild mushrooms from Pakistan and algae diversity reflects his commitment to advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in his field.

Areas for Improvements:

While Fahim’s research portfolio is impressive, expanding his involvement in collaborative interdisciplinary research projects and increasing the diversity of his research networks can further enhance his impact. Publishing in higher-impact international journals and gaining more international visibility through conferences would broaden his influence in the global research community. Additionally, continued development in mentoring younger researchers or contributing to educational outreach can establish his role as a future leader in plant science.

Education:

Fahim Hussain Shah completed his M.Phil. in Plant Science at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad (2019-2021), where he excelled academically, earning a CGPA of 3.9/4.00. His thesis focused on the “Morpho-Genetic Identification and Ethnomycological Potential of Wild Mushrooms from District Bannu, KP,” reflecting his interest in mycology and plant pathology. Prior to this, Fahim earned a B.S. in Botany from the University of Science & Technology Bannu (2015-2019), with a CGPA of 3.95/4.00, where his research explored the effects of Gamma-γ radiation on seed germination and physiology of wheat. Fahim also holds professional qualifications in education, completing a B.Ed. (1st Division) and a C.T. from Allama Iqbal Open University. His strong academic foundation in both plant sciences and education equips him with the knowledge and skills to make valuable contributions in research, teaching, and public outreach.

Experience:

Fahim Hussain Shah has gained practical experience through his work as an Office Assistant in the Community Development Program (CDP) with an NGO project (2020-2021). His role involved assisting with administrative tasks, contributing to the smooth running of programs, and gaining exposure to the organizational aspects of research and development projects. Fahim’s academic and professional journey also includes active participation in multiple conferences and workshops. He attended the 4th International Conference on Biosciences (ICBS-2021) organized by the Biological Society of Pakistan and participated in a webinar on Pandemic Preparedness and One Health. He has also engaged in a workshop on “Human Artificial Intelligence” and was part of the Capital Youth Expo in Islamabad (2019). These experiences highlight his dedication to advancing his knowledge in both scientific research and the application of modern technologies.

Research Focus:

Fahim Hussain Shah’s research is centered around various aspects of plant science, with a particular focus on crop breeding, plant pathology, and mycology. His primary research interests include genomics in crop breeding, plant-microbe interactions, plant disease control, and the identification and characterization of macrofungi. Fahim has made significant contributions to the study of wild mushrooms and their ethnomycological potential, particularly in the region of Bannu, Pakistan. He is also deeply engaged in the characterization and application of microalgae, which has immense potential in fields like biofuel production and environmental sustainability. Additionally, his work in phytochemical characterization and fungal taxonomy reflects his broad scientific curiosity and commitment to exploring novel plant-based solutions to pressing global challenges. Fahim’s interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, genetics, and environmental science, makes him a promising researcher in the field of plant sciences.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan 🍄🔬
    New Zealand Journal of Botany (2024).
  2. Taxonomic study of freshwater microalgal diversity and its optimum culturing condition of district Karak, Pakistan 🌱💧
    Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (2024).
  3. The morpho-anatomical analysis of Gasteroids fungi and two novel hosts for Pisolithus albus (Sclerodermataceae), from Pakistan 🍄🔬
    International Journal of Biosciences (2024).
  4. A new species of Agaricus; Agaricus totalaiiensis in section Minores from Pakistan 🍄🔍
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  5. Morchella palazonii (Morchellaceae, Ascomycotina): A new edible mushroom record from Pakistan 🍄🧑‍🍳
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  6. Lactarius sinozonarius and L. subatlanticus (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), new records for Pakistan 🍄📜
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  7. Conocybe karakensis sp. nov. (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan 🍄🔬
    Phytotaxa (2023).
  8. Biochemical Characterization of Halotolerant Bacillus safensis PM22 and Its Potential to Enhance Growth of Maize under Salinity Stress 🌾🧪
    Plants (2022).

Conclusion:

Fahim Hussain Shah has consistently demonstrated excellence in both academic achievement and research productivity, making him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His combination of technical skills, high-quality publications, and significant contributions to understanding plant sciences and their applications makes him a standout researcher. His future contributions have the potential to lead to breakthroughs in areas like plant disease management, crop breeding, and environmental sustainability.

 

 

 

 

Btissam ZOUBI | Plant Pathology | AgriExcellence Award

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Dr. Btissam ZOUBI | Plant Pathology | AgriExcellence Award

Dr of sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco

Dr. Zoubi Btissam is an expert in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nematology, and Phytochemistry. She is known for her synthesis skills, rigor, organization, and teamwork abilities. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Plant Protection at the Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz of Fez and the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Marrakech. Her ongoing research focuses on phytoparasitic nematodes associated with citrus in Morocco, specifically Tylenchulus semipenetrans, encompassing their identification, distribution, and biological control. Dr. Btissam holds a Master’s degree in Biodiversity Management and Conservation and a Bachelor’s degree in Microbial Biotechnology, both from the Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz.

Profile:

Educational Background 🎓:

  • 2023-2024: PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Plant Protection, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz of Fez (USMBA) – Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Marrakech (UCA)
  • Since 2018-2019: Ongoing PhD in Biology on Phytoparasitic Nematodes Associated with Citrus in Morocco: Identification, Distribution, and Biological Control of Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz of Fez (USMBA) – Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Marrakech (UCA)
  • 2016-2018: Master’s Degree in Biodiversity Management and Conservation, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), Fez
  • 2015-2016: Bachelor’s Degree in Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz (FSDM), Fez
  • 2012-2013: Scientific Baccalaureate, Physical Sciences Option, Fez

Professional Experience 🏢:

  • June 2024: Jury member for end-of-studies projects in Agricultural Microbiology Techniques, Technological Activity in Microbiology, and Applied Microbiology
  • February – June 2018: Internship at the Laboratory of Physiopathology, Nutrition, and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Fez
  • July 2017: Internship at the Integrated Crop Production Research Unit (PIC), INRA-Agadir
  • August 2016: Internship at the Microbiology and Serology Laboratory, UHC Fez
  • August 2015: Internship at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, UHC Fez

Research Interests:

  • Phytoparasitic Nematodes 🪱
  • Mycorrhizae and Citrus 🍊
  • Microbial Biotechnology 🦠
  • Phytochemistry 🌿
  • Climate Change Adaptation 🌍

Publication Top Notes:

  • ZOUBI, B., et al. (2022). Occurrence and Geographic Distribution of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Citrus in Morocco and Their Interaction with Soil Patterns. Life, 12(5), 637.
  • ZOUBI, B., et al. (2023). Eco-friendly management of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans using some aromatic and medicinal plants. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 56(1), 66-86.
  • ZOUBI, B., et al. (2023). The efficiency of Thymus vulgaris against citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans. Journal of Analytical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, 5(1), 5-1.
  • ZOUBI, B., et al. (2024). Citrus rootstocks vs. nematodes; A battle for resistance against Tylenchulus semipenetrans. Scientia Horticulturae, 331, 113115.
  • BENKEBBOURA, A., et al. (2023). Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves quality attributes and yield of melon (Cucumis melo). Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 1-17.
  • AKACHOUD, O., et al. (2022). Mycorrhizal inoculation improves the quality and productivity of essential oil distilled from three aromatic and medicinal plants: Thymus satureioides, Thymus pallidus, and Lavandula dentata. Agronomy, 12(9), 2223.
  • EL BARNOSSI, A., et al. (2022). Tangerine, Pomegranate, and Banana Peels: A Promising Environmentally Friendly Bioorganic Fertilizers for Seed Germination and Cultivation of Pisum sativum L. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 13(8), 3611-3627.
  • Krif, G., et al. (2024). Potential Effects of Nematophagous Fungi Against Meloidogyne javanica Infection of Tomato Plants Under in vitro and in vivo Conditions. Journal of Crop Health, 1-11.

 

Amar Singh | Plant Disease | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Amar Singh | Plant Disease | Best Researcher Award

Professor Amar Singh, Lovely Professional University, India

Professor Amar Singh is a distinguished academic affiliated with Lovely Professional University in India. He is recognized for his expertise and contributions to [specific field/department]. With a strong educational background and extensive research experience, Professor Singh has made significant strides in [mention specific areas of research or teaching]. He is committed to fostering innovation and excellence in academia, contributing to the university’s mission of providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

Profile: Plant Disease 

Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from IKG Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar (2018).
  • M.Tech. in Information Technology from M. M. Engineering College, Mullana (2009).
  • M.Sc. in Computer Science (Software) from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (2007).
  • Bachelor of Computer Applications (B.C.A.) from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (2004).

Professional experience

  • Working as Professor in the Department of Computer Applications, Lovely
    Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar (Punjab), INDIA. w.e.f. 13
    December 2021.
  • Worked as Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Applications,
    Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar (Punjab), INDIA. from
    9th July 2018 to 12 December 2021.
  • Worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science &
    Engineering, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology, Baddi,
    Distt. Solan (Himachal Pradesh) INDIA. from 3rd March 2015 to 5th July 2018.
  • Worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science &
    Engineering, Yamuna Institute of Engineering & Technology, Distt.
    Yamunanagar (Haryana) INDIA. w.e.f. 13th August 2014 to 2nd March. 2015.
  • Worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science &
    Engineering , Surya World, Institutions of Academic Excellence, Distt. Patiala
    (Punjab) INDIA. From 19th Nov. 2013 to 12 Aug. 2014.
  • Worked as a Lecturer in in the Department of Computer science & Engineering,
    Institute of Science & Technology Klawad, Distt. Yamunanagar (Haryana)
    INDIA. From 4th Nov. 2009 to 18th Nov. 2013.

Research Focus

  • Artificial Intelligence,
  • Machine Learning,
  • Soft Computing,
  • Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture,
  • Precision Agriculture

 

Award and Honors

Best Paper Award for the paper titled Plant Image Classification: State of Art”, International Conference on innovation, Research and challenges in Emerging Technologies, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panipat, 19 November – 20 November 2021.

Publication and Top Notes

  1. Ghosh, Sukanta, Amar Singh, and Shakti Kumar. “HPB3C-3PG algorithm: A new hybrid global optimization algorithm and its application to plant classification.” Ecological Informatics, Elsevier, 31 March, 2024, p. 102581.
  2.  Amar Singh, Shakti Kumar, Ajay Singh, Rahul Sharma, “Pollination Based Optimization: A New Global Optimization Algorithm and its Application to Paddy Disease Detection”, International Journal of Innovation in Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJIMSR), Vol. 1, Issue 1, 20 September 2023, pp. 52-65.
  3. Sartaj Singh, Amar Singh, “An Enhanced Authenticated Key Agreement Scheme for Cloud-Based IoT in Wireless Sensor Networks”, International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research, Volume 11, Issue 4, 20 November 2023, pp. 1030-1038
  4. Sukanta Ghosh, Amar Singh, Shakti Kumar, “BBBC-U-Net: Optimizing U-Net for automated plant phenotyping using big bang big crunch global optimization algorithm”, International Journal of Information Technology, Springer, Vol. 15, 13 September 2023, pp. 4375-4387.
  5. Kanish Bansal, Amar Singh, “Development of VGG-16 transfer learning framework for geographical landmark recognition”, Intelligent Decision Technologies, Vol. 17, No. 3, July 2023, pp. 799-810.
  6. Kanishk Bansal, Amar Singh, “A new parallel bat colony optimization algorithm and its application for evolving CNN architectures with artificial selection”, Soft Computing, Springer, 6 July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-023-08846-x
  7. Rahul Sharma, Amar singh, “VGG16 feature selection using PCA-big bang big algorithm“, Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 45, no. 1, 2 July 2023, pp. 1437-1451.
  8. Sukanta Ghosh, Amar Singh, Shakti Kumar, “PB3C-CNN: An integrated Parallel Big Bang-Big Crunch and CNN based approach for plant leaf classification”, INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL, Vol. 26, Issue 72, June 2023, pp. 15-29.
  9. Gaurav Kumar, Amar Singh, Ashok Kumar, “Ensemble Deep Learning Network Model for Dropout Prediction in MOOCs”, International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering Systems, Vol. 14, Issue 2, January 2023, pp. 187 – 196