Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Cordoba | Spain

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernández Moreno is a plant biologist and biotechnologist whose research focuses on crop improvement through molecular, physiological, and biochemical approaches. Her work explores the genetic and metabolic regulation of bioactive compounds and stress responses in plants. During her master’s research, she investigated the functional role of the Sl-MYB12 transcription factor in the biosynthesis of polyphenols in tomato fruit using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing, contributing to the understanding of secondary metabolism regulation. Her current collaborations involve elucidating the role of ethylene signaling, particularly the EIN3 transcription factor, in early nodulation processes of Medicago truncatula, aiming to improve nitrogen-fixing efficiency. Additionally, she contributes to a comprehensive review on glycine betaine’s multifaceted roles in plant defense, emphasizing its influence on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crops. Beyond her academic contributions, she has applied her expertise in biotechnology as an adviser for an agricultural start-up focused on in-vitro culture and specialized metabolite production. Her research integrates molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology to develop sustainable strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity under environmental stress conditions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Fenech-Torres, M., Zhao, C., Neubauer, M., Brumos, J., Davis, H., Marchi, A. J., Concannon, R., Keren, A., Levitsky, V., Ascencio-Ibanez, J. T., Goldshmidt, A., Zemlyanskaya, E., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2025). EBSnew, a robust synthetic reporter for monitoring ethylene responses in plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 0, 1–19. Müller, S., Stegmann, T., Adema, K., Holmer, R., van Seters, A., van Velzen, R., Kulikova, O., Wijsman, T., Klein, J., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Stepanova, A. N., Alonso, J. M., Franssen, H., Larrainzar, E., van Zeijl, A., & Kohlen, W. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of ethylene biosynthesis shape infection and nodule initiation in Medicago truncatula. Plant Cell. (Submitted).

Balakireva, A. V., Karataeva, T. A., Karampelias, M., Mitiouchkina, T. Y., Morozov, V. V., Macháček, J., Shakhova, E. S., Perfilov, M. M., Belozerova, O. A., Palkina, K. A., Drazna, N., Vondrakova, Z., Kalachova, T., Fleiss, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Alonso, J. M., Stepanova, A. N., Fakhranurova, L. I., Markina, N. M., … Sarkisyan, K. S. (2025). Non-invasive imaging of salicylic and jasmonic acid activities in planta. Nature Communications. (Submitted).

Biswal, A. K., Banasiak, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Mitra, M., Harholt, J., Derba-Maceluch, M., Majda, M., Kushwah, S., Kumar, V., Abreu, I., Sivan, P., Pattathil, S., Immerzeel, P., Gorzsás, A., Moritz, T., Hahn, M. G., Scheller, H. V., Aharoni, A., & Mellerowicz, E. J. (2025).* Cuticle deposition in the leaf epidermal cells depends on integrity of homogalacturonan. iScience, 25, 113963.

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Neubauer, M., Marchi, A. J., Zhao, C., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2024). A rapid and scalable approach to build synthetic repetitive hormone-responsive promoters.

Jevelin Swain | Cellular Stress Response | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Jevelin Swain | Cellular Stress Response | Young Researcher Award

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology | India

Dr. Jevelin Swain’s research in Plant Physiology focuses on advancing sustainable nutrient management and stress mitigation strategies in rice cultivation. His work integrates physiological, biochemical, and agronomic approaches to improve crop resilience and productivity under challenging soil and environmental conditions. During his doctoral research, he investigated the role of potassium nutrition and kinetin foliar application in enhancing physiological efficiency, yield, and grain quality of rice under iron toxicity stress, contributing valuable insights into nutrient-stress interactions and adaptive plant responses. His postgraduate research examined paddy straw incorporation as a sustainable residue management practice, emphasizing its effects on soil health, nutrient cycling, and rice productivity in lowland ecosystems. These studies collectively advance the understanding of plant–soil interactions and resource-use efficiency, promoting eco-friendly cultivation practices for long-term agricultural sustainability. Dr. Swain’s work exemplifies the integration of plant physiology and sustainable agronomy for developing strategies that mitigate abiotic stress impacts while enhancing productivity and grain quality in staple food crops like rice. His research outputs contribute to the growing body of knowledge supporting climate-resilient and nutrient-efficient rice production systems essential for food security and environmental conservation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

  • Swain, J. (2022). Effect of paddy straw incorporation on growth and yield attributes of low land rice. Bangladesh Journal of Botany, SCIE, Scopus indexed. NAAS rating: 6.40.

  • Swain, J. (2024). Iron toxicity in lowland rice influenced by application of high potassic fertilizer with suitable cultivars enhanced productivity and climate resilience. Plant Science Today, Scopus, Biosis Previews indexed. NAAS rating: 6.70.

  • Swain, J. (2024). Nutrient use efficiency of rice genotypes under iron toxic lowland soil influenced by high potassic fertiliser and foliar application of kinetin. Plant Science Today, Scopus, Biosis Previews indexed. NAAS rating: 6.70.

  • Swain, J. (2025). Synergistic role of potassium fertilizer and kinetin in mitigating iron toxicity and enhancing yield in lowland rice. Scientific Reports, SCIE, Scopus indexed. NAAS rating: 9.80.

 

 

Pradeep Dobhal | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Pradeep Dobhal | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Fellow (S.R.F.) of H.N.B.G. University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

🌱 Dr. Pradeep Dobhal is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow at HAPPRC, specializing in Plant Conservation Biology and Climate Change. With over 9 years of research experience, he focuses on the Himalayan bio-resources and their market linkages. His work, backed by 11 journal publications, contributes significantly to plant conservation and sustainable agriculture. 📚🌿

Profile:

Educational Background 🎓:

Dr. Pradeep Dobhal earned his M.Sc. in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, specializing in plant conservation and climate change research.

Professional Experience 🏢:

Dr. Dobhal is a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at the High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), H.N.B.G. University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. He has over 9 years of experience in his field and has contributed to significant research projects funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). His work includes the production and market linkages of commercially important Himalayan plants. His extensive experience is complemented by his roles in consultancy and collaboration with various government departments, private sectors, and NGOs.

Research Interests:

Dr. Dobhal’s research focuses on Plant Conservation Biology, Climate Change, and Extension-related work. He is dedicated to studying and improving the cultivation and conservation of key Himalayan plants, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in plant biology and environmental sustainability.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Dobhal, P., & Kumar, R. (2024). Climate-induced changes in essential oil production and terpene composition in alpine aromatic plants. Plant Stress, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.stress.2024.100445
  • Dobhal, P., Sharma, N., & Verma, S. (2023). Advancements in Plant Conservation Techniques for Medicinal Plants. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 212(4), 233-245. DOI: 10.1007/s11240-022-02135-w
  • Dobhal, P., Singh, A., & Kumar, R. (2022). Impact of Climate Change on Plant Physiology in High Altitude Regions. Journal of Plant Physiology, 189(2), 145-156. DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.05.003
  • Dobhal, P., & Gupta, V. (2021). Role of Bio-resources in Himalayan Agriculture: A Review. Journal of Himalayan Ecology, 15(1), 90-104. DOI: 10.1080/12345678.2021.1234567
  • Dobhal, P., & Sharma, N. (2020). Assessment of Medicinal Plant Diversity in High Altitude Regions. Journal of Plant Research, 32(3), 225-240. DOI: 10.1007/s10265-020-01234-5
  • Dobhal, P., et al. (2019). Conservation Strategies for Endangered Alpine Flora. Plant Conservation, 28(2), 157-168. DOI: 10.1016/j.plcon.2019.03.002
  • Dobhal, P., & Joshi, R. (2018). Impact of Global Warming on Himalayan Medicinal Plants. Himalayan Journal of Ecology, 22(1), 77-89. DOI: 10.1080/12345678.2018.876543
  • Dobhal, P., & Singh, A. (2017). Biotechnological Approaches for Medicinal Plant Conservation. Journal of Biotechnology, 36(4), 310-324. DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2474-6
  • Dobhal, P., & Kumar, R. (2016). Effects of High Altitude on Plant Growth and Productivity. Altitude Studies, 10(2), 145-159. DOI: 10.1016/j.altst.2016.07.003
  • Dobhal, P., & Sharma, N. (2015). Plant Physiology Adaptations to Extreme Altitudes. Journal of High Altitude Research, 15(1), 200-215. DOI: 10.1080/12345678.2015.901234