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  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher stands as a leading figure in Environmental Horticulture, bringing over 15 years of research, education, and leadership experience. His groundbreaking studies on pest management, herbivore-induced plant volatiles, and cactus management have earned international attention. He has served as Vice President for Academics and Research at Adigrat University, coordinated research promotion, and mentored numerous MSc students. His collaborative work spans multiple countries, showcasing his global research footprint. Dr. Haftay’s impactful publications, especially on cochineal infestation and eco-friendly pest deterrents, are highly cited and used in policy-making. His innovative push–pull systems and nighttime light traps have significantly enhanced pest management strategies in Ethiopia and beyond. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and horticultural science, Dr. Haftay’s contributions embody the criteria of the Best Researcher Award.

 Education 

Dr. Haftay holds a BSc in Horticulture from Jimma University, Ethiopia (2007), and went on to earn an MP and PhD in Environmental Horticulture from Chiba University, Japan (2013, 2016). He also completed a Certificate in Intensive Japanese Language at Chiba University, enabling him to effectively engage in advanced research collaborations. His education is complemented by a series of prestigious international training programs including experimental design, digital transformation, cactus management, curriculum development, and higher education leadership. His exposure to diverse academic systems—Ethiopia, Japan, Germany, Kenya, Netherlands, and Canada—equips him with unique interdisciplinary insights. These academic experiences underpin his deep understanding of plant-insect interactions and horticultural innovation, allowing him to create context-specific solutions for Ethiopia and contribute to global horticulture knowledge.

   Professional Experience

Dr. Haftay began his academic career in 2007 at Jimma University as a Graduate Assistant and rose through the ranks. While pursuing his PhD, he served as a Teaching Assistant at Chiba University and Secretary of the Association of Ethiopian Students in Japan. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at Adigrat University, Ethiopia, actively engaged in teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and community outreach. He served as Director of Research and Community Services and held the position of Interim Vice President for Academics and Research. Dr. Haftay also coordinates postgraduate programs and academic promotion committees. His experience blends administrative leadership with hands-on academic mentorship and cutting-edge research. His diverse professional journey reflects his commitment to advancing horticultural science, supporting academic excellence, and fostering innovation in pest management, plant defense systems, and sustainable agriculture.

 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Gebreziher’s contributions have been acknowledged through various accolades. He received recognition for serving as an External Examiner for Mega Projects at Mekelle University (2017) and for MSc theses and mega research projects at Aksum University (2018). His expertise in cactus and cochineal management has been pivotal in training programs at the Beles Institute, Adigrat University. In 2024, he participated in the DIES University Leadership and Management Training Programme and the UNILEAD Eastern Africa program, both organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), highlighting his leadership in higher education management.​

Research skills On Horticultural Science

Dr. Gebreziher’s research expertise lies in plant-insect interactions, sustainable pest management, and the application of HIPVs in agriculture. His work on cochineal infestation and fall armyworm control has provided innovative solutions for pest management in Ethiopia. He has successfully integrated traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems. His proficiency in experimental design, data analysis using SAS, and scientific publishing underscores his methodological rigor and commitment to advancing horticultural science.​

Publications

Trends of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) Infestation as Affected by Armed Conflict and Intervention Mechanisms for Sustainable Management in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

• Authors: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher; Simon Zebelo; Yohannes Gerezihier Gebremedhin; Gebremedhin Welu Teklu; Yemane Kahsay Berhe; Daniel Hagos Berhe; Araya Kahsay Gerezgiher; Araya Kiros Weldetnsae; Zinabu Hailu Siyum; Gebrekidan Tesfay Weldeslasse et al.

• Journal: Preprint (via Preprints.org)

• Year: 2025

Night-time light-traps and push–pull integrated system enhanced the control of different life stages of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

• Authors: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher; Fissiha Gebreyesus Gebreazgaabher

• Journal: CABI Agriculture and Bioscience

• Year: 2024

Effect of tree tobacco leaf extracts on mortality rate of carmine cochineal

• Authors: Z. Hailu; H.G. Gebreziher; E. Abrha

• Journal: Acta Horticulturae

• Year: 2022

Awareness creation of smallholder farmers on and adoption of push-pull technology reduces fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestation on maize in Hawzien Woreda, Northern Ethiopia

• Author: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher

• Journal: Universität Kassel (KOBRA repository)

• Year: 2021

Advances in herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as plant defense and application potential for crop protection

• Author: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher

• Journal: International Journal of Botany Studies

• Year: 2020