HAFTAY GEBREYESUS GEBREZIHER | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. HAFTAY GEBREYESUS GEBREZIHER | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Adigrat University | Ethiopia

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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

 

Deepika Sharma | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Deepika Sharma | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture Amity University Noida, India

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🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deepika Sharma stands as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Plant Pathology due to her groundbreaking work in sustainable disease management. Her research on seed biopriming, eco-friendly biocontrol, and plant-microbe interactions has significantly impacted modern agriculture. She has presented and published extensively, demonstrating expertise in tackling plant diseases through innovative strategies. Her experience as an Assistant Professor at DAV University and her previous role as a Research Fellow at Dr. YSP UHF showcase her commitment to academia and research. With multiple scholarships, awards, and ICAR-NET qualifications, she has proven excellence in her field. Her ability to translate research into practical applications makes her a frontrunner for this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Deepika Sharma has an outstanding academic background with a focus on Plant Pathology. She completed her B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture from Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) in 2017, securing an impressive 8.62 CGPA. Her M.Sc. in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) from the same university in 2019 was marked by research on Fusarium wilt of cucumber, achieving an 8.58 CGPA. Pursuing her passion further, she completed her Ph.D. in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) in 2023, researching seed biopriming for managing damping-off disease in solanaceous vegetables, earning an 8.78 CGPA. She has consistently excelled in her academic pursuits, receiving merit-based scholarships throughout her educational journey. Her dedication to research in plant disease management and bio-based solutions establishes her as a strong contender for this award.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Deepika Sharma has been actively involved in research and teaching, contributing significantly to Plant Pathology. She served as a Research Fellow in the Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. YSP UHF, Nauni Solan HP (June 2022 – August 2023), where she conducted extensive studies on plant disease management. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, where she mentors students and advances research on plant health and disease resistance. Her work focuses on biocontrol methods, sustainable disease management strategies, and soil microbiota for plant protection. With her commitment to knowledge dissemination and research, she has played a vital role in developing innovative solutions for plant disease mitigation. Her experience bridges academic excellence with practical applications, making her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Plant Pathology.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Deepika Sharma’s contributions to Plant Pathology have been widely recognized. She is a Swami Vivekananda Scholarship recipient for her academic excellence and was awarded the Excellence Award by FYLFOT Forum (Solan) for her outstanding performance in senior secondary education. She has received multiple Merit Scholarships during her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs. She also holds a NET (ICAR) qualification (2018 & 2023) under the unreserved category. Her research excellence was acknowledged through the Second Best Poster Award at the National Symposium on Confluencing Indigenous and Modern Strategies for Plant Health Management. In addition, she received a Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing from the Journal of Applied Life Sciences International (2024). These recognitions reflect her dedication to advancing Plant Pathology and solidify her as a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

🌍Research skills On Plant Pathology

Dr. Deepika Sharma is a leading researcher with expertise in plant disease diagnostics, biocontrol strategies, microbial interactions, and sustainable disease management. She specializes in seed biopriming, fungal pathogen characterization, and biopesticide applications. Her research focuses on eco-friendly solutions to mitigate plant diseases, ensuring agricultural sustainability. With advanced skills in pathogen identification, molecular techniques, and field-based disease surveillance, she has contributed significantly to the scientific community. Her work integrates integrated pest management (IPM), soil microbiota applications, and organic disease control strategies. Through participation in international conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs, she stays at the forefront of plant pathology research. Her interdisciplinary approach, coupled with strong analytical skills, makes her a visionary researcher dedicated to transforming plant health management.

📖Publications

Oxidase-Like Nanozyme Activity of Ultrathin Copper Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets With High Specificity for Catechol Oxidation

  • Authors: A.K. Kumar Singh, Ajit Kumar; D. Sharma, D.; D.K. Singh, Devesh Kumar; A. Saha, Avishek; A. Indra, Arindam

  • Journal: ChemCatChem

  • Year: 2025

Advanced Functional Spiropyran-Based Smart Materials with Rapid and Reversible Photochromic Response for Optical Sensing Applications

  • Authors: D. Sharma, D.; S. Goyal, Sachin; K.S. Kumar, Kamlesh Senthil; A.L. Sharma, Amit Lochan

  • Journal: Advanced Materials Technologies

  • Year: 2025

Synthesis of Low-Temperature Irreversible Thermochromic Indicator Based on Functional Polydiacetylene for Food Storage Applications

  • Authors: S. Goyal, Sachin; D. Sharma, D.; K.S. Kumar, Kamlesh Senthil

  • Journal: Journal of Materials Science

  • Year: 2024

Polydiacetylene/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Films as a Low-Temperature Irreversible Indicator for Drug Storage Applications

  • Authors: S. Goyal, Sachin; D. Sharma, D.; A. Deep, Akash; K.S. Kumar, Kamlesh Senthil; A.L. Sharma, Amit Lochan

  • Journal: ACS Applied Polymer Materials

  • Year: 2024

Phosphorylation of AGO1a by MAP Kinases Is Required for miRNA-Mediated Resistance Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Infection in Rice

  • Authors: K. Singh, Kirti; D. Sharma, D.; P.K. Bhagat, Prakash Kumar; S. Noryang, Stanzin; A.K. Sinha, Alok Krishna

  • Journal: Plant Science

  • Year: 2024