Sallah Al Hashedi | Plant Microbiology | Excellence in Research award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sallah Al Hashedi | Plant Microbiology | Excellence in Research award

Central Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa | Saudi Arabia

Sallah Abdulgani Ahmed Al-Hashedi is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology specializing in Food Microbiology, with a PhD and MSc from Sana’a University. His academic and professional career spans food industries, university teaching, research laboratories, and quality management roles in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on food and dairy microbiology, bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, natural antimicrobials from plants, microbial food safety, essential oils, and nanoparticle applications. He has led and contributed to multiple research projects, supervised laboratory operations, and published extensively in international journals. His work advances safe, functional, and sustainable food systems through applied microbiological research.

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Featured Publications


Classification and Nomenclature of Different Site-Specific Nucleases for Genome Editing

– Genome Editing for Crop Improvement: Theory and Methodology , 2025

Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Naser Safaie is a distinguished plant pathologist and mycologist whose academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Plant Protection from Isfahan University of Technology, followed by an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Chamran University, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology–Mycology from Tarbiat Modares University. Over more than three decades, he has developed deep expertise in the biological control of phytopathogenic fungi using microbial antagonists, molecular diagnostics, fungal taxonomy, bioformulation of biocontrol products, and plant–microbe interaction studies. As a seasoned professor and long-time department head at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, he has led numerous high-impact research projects spanning fungal pathogen epidemiology, stress tolerance via endophytes, biofertilizers, and cold-plasma applications in agriculture. Recognized for his leadership roles (including editorial responsibilities and presidency of the Iranian Society of Plant Pathology), he has mentored generations of students and spearheaded the translation of lab innovations into practical biocontrol and biofertilizer products. His work bridges fundamental science and agricultural application, contributing to sustainable crop protection and biotechnology development.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Najafi, M. R., Kordrostami, M., Aghajani, M. A., Safaie, N., & Rahmanpour, S. (2025, October 7). Multilayer perceptron neural network–genetic algorithm for modeling Nicotiana tabacum leaf quality. PLOS One.

Jahedi, A., Safaie, N., Goltapeh, E. M., & Ahmadifar, S. (2024). Auricularia (wood ear mushroom) genus: A contribution to classification and new species records for Iran and world. Plant and Fungal Systematics.

Rahimi-Soujeh, Z., Safaie, N., Moradi, S., Abbod, M., Sharifi, R., Mojerlou, S., & Mokhtassi-Bidgoli, A. (2024, October). New binary mixtures of fungicides against Macrophomina phaseolina: Machine learning-driven QSAR, read-across prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation. Chemosphere.

Abbod, M., Safaie, N., & Gholivand, K. (2024, August). Genetic algorithm multiple linear regression and machine learning-driven QSTR modeling for the acute toxicity of sterol biosynthesis inhibitor fungicides. Heliyon.

Hussein, S. N., Safaie, N., Shams-bakhsh, M., & Al-Juboory, H. H. (2024, August). Harnessing rhizobacteria: Isolation, identification, and antifungal potential against soil pathogens. Heliyon,

Muhammad Imran | Plant Pathology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Muhammad Imran | Plant Pathology | Editorial Board Member

Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan | China

Dr. Muhammad Imran is a plant pathologist currently working as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the School of Biological Engineering at Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China. He earned his PhD (2018–2022) in Arid Land Agriculture (Crop Protection) from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, after completing an MPhil in Plant Pathology from China Agricultural University and a Bachelor’s in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) from the University of Sargodha, Pakistan. His Google Scholar profile shows , reflecting a growing research impact. On ResearchGate he lists about 25 publications and 211 citations. Dr. Imran’s research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, with a strong interest in biological control of plant diseases, using beneficial microorganisms such as endophytes, fungi (Trichoderma), and bacteria combined with nanotechnology (e.g., zinc nanoparticles) to sustainably manage pathogens like Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea. He has participated in projects dealing with fungicide resistance, deploying integrated disease management strategies, and exploring eco-friendly biocontrol agents. He has published in high-impact journals, including work on Trichoderma culture filtrates for early blight suppression, and co-authored studies on zinc nanoparticle-mediated induction of plant defense. Dr. Imran’s commitment to reducing chemical pesticide use and promoting green agriculture reflects his broader vision of strengthening crop resilience while safeguarding ecosystems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Imran, M., Alomran, M. M., Khalifa, H. A., Bilal, M. S., Ahmed, A. F., Ali, E. F., Alqurashi, A. S., Aldayel, M. F., & Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M. (2025). Exploring smart solutions for stressed soils: Dual-action of culture filtrates and nanoparticles for sustainable onion cultivation. European Journal of Plant Pathology.

Feng, X., Shi, Y., Sun, Z., Li, L., Imran, M., Zhang, G., Zhang, G., & Li, C. (2025). Control of Fusarium graminearum infection in wheat by dsRNA-based spray-induced gene silencing. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Sahibzada, K. I., Shahid, S., Akhter, M., Faisal, M., Abd El Rahman, R. A., Imran, M., Lv, Y., Wei, D., & Hu, Y. (2025). Advancing enzyme-based detoxification prediction with ToxZyme: An ensemble machine learning approach. Toxins

Imran, M., Khalifa, H. A., Sun, Z., Bilal, M. S., Abd El-Wahed, M. H., Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Ali, E. F., & Li, C. (2025). Insights into the dynamics of biochemical profile and relative gene expression of cucumber fruits associated with Fusarium spoilage. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, Advance online publication.

Imran, M., Sun, Z., Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Ali, H., Aldayel, M. F., & Li, C. (2024). One stone two birds: Endophytes alleviating trace elements accumulation and suppressing soilborne pathogen by stimulating plant growth, photosynthetic potential and defense-related gene expression. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

East China University of Technology | China

Dr. Qihong Tu is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in soil and fertilizer science, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Nanchang University, a Master’s degree in Crop Cultivation and Farming, and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Chemistry from Jiangxi Agricultural University. With over 17 years of professional experience, Dr. Tu has served as a Researcher at the Jiangxi Soil and Fertilizer Technology Extension Station, Visiting Scholar at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center (USA) and the Agriculture Research Center in Okayama (Japan), and currently serves as a Teacher at the East China University of Technology. His research focuses on soil fertility assessment, nitrogen management, green rice production, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Tu has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Scientia Horticulturae, Journal of Food Science, and Minerva Biotecnologica, along with several books and technical standards. He has received multiple national and provincial awards, including the National Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Harvest Prize. With more than 31 citations, an h-index of 3, and over 5 published documents, his contributions to soil fertility enhancement, green agriculture, and carbon sink research have significantly advanced eco-friendly and sustainable farming technologies in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Che, Q., Chen, G., Hu, T., Zhang, J., & Tu, Q. (2025). Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and analysis of driving factors in Jiangxi Province’s livestock industry from a life cycle perspective. Sustainability.

Tu, Q. (2021). Effect of reducing nitrogen and applying organic fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield in red soil regions of southern China. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Tu, Q. (2021). Optimizing conditions for the measurement of soil inorganic nitrogen with a micro-plate reader. Global Journal of Agricultural Innovation, Research & Development,

Tu, Q., Zhao, H., & Chen, J. (2015). Optimization of medium for biological potency of fermentation supernatant of Paenibacillus brasilensis YS-1. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Tu, Q. (2013). The preliminary study on isolation of antifungal active substances produced by Paenibacillus brasilensis. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Faizah Urooj | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Faizah Urooj | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Department of botany | Pakistan

Dr. Faizah Urooj is a plant pathology researcher with an h-index of 10, 220 total citations, and over 17documents indexed in Scopus. She earned her M.Phil/Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Karachi (2012–2019), focusing on biocontrol potential of endophytic Penicillium spp. against root-rotting fungi and root-knot nematodes, and holds a B.S. (4-year) in Botany (2011) where she studied lead effects on seed germination. Currently, she is a Teaching Associate (since June 2025) in the Department of Botany, University of Karachi, after serving as Visiting Assistant Professor (Feb–Jun 2025) at the same institution, as well as previously (Jan–Jun 2022) at Federal Urdu University, and as an Assistant Professor / IPFP-Fellow (Dec 2020–Dec 2021). She is Associate Editor of the Journal of Sustainable Earth Management (JSEM). Her research interests include plant–microbe interactions, endophytic fungi, seaweed biostimulants, systemic resistance induction, molecular profiling (GC-MS, gene expression), and biological disease control. She has secured funding as Principal Investigator for an HEC-SRGP project on sunflower systemic resistance enhancement via fungi and seaweed. She has completed training such as the National Faculty Development Program (2020) and Project Management fundamentals (2021). Her contributions earned recognition in national capacity-building programs. In conclusion, Dr. Urooj is an active researcher and educator advancing sustainable phytopathology and biocontrol strategies in Pakistan.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Urooj, F., Azam, M., Riaz, S., Farhat, H., & Sohail, N. (2025). Elucidation of the anti-phytopathogenic and hepatoprotective potentials of Halimeda tuna*: A comprehensive phytochemical assessment using GC–MS profiling with emphasis on its bioefficacy against root rot disease.

Urooj, F., Riaz, S., Ummulbaneen, Nawaz, F. M., & Gul, S. (2025). Carbon sequestration potential of woody vegetation in public institutions: A case study of University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan. Global NEST Journal.

Urooj, F., Farhat, H., & Riaz, S. (2025). Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi and seaweed (Padina pavonica) against root rotting fungi in sunflower. Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology.

Urooj, F., Farhat, H., Riaz, S., Azam, M., & Sohail, N. (2025). Evaluation of combined application of endophytic fungi and Melanothamnus afaqhussaini against phytopathogens in Helianthus annuus L. In M. F. Nawaz, S. Gul, & Z. S. Siddiqui (Eds.), Climate change mitigation and environmental amelioration through plants and other sustainable practices.

Urooj, F., Farhat, H., Riaz, S., & Azam, M. (2024). Combined role of endophytic fungi and seaweeds in induction of systemic resistance in sunflower against root rotting fungi, and GC–MS profiling of mycelium of Penicillium citrinum. Pakistan Journal of Botany.

Rehab Ghareeb farrag | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rehab Ghareeb Farrag | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

City of Scientific Research and Technological Application | Egypt

Dr. Rehab Yassin Ahmed Ghareeb is an Associate Professor at the Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Egypt, with a distinguished research career in plant protection and nematology. She earned her BSc (2002), MSc (2008), and PhD (2015) in Plant Pathology from Alexandria University, where she developed a strong foundation in molecular genetics, plant–nematode interactions, and advanced diagnostic tools. Her expertise encompasses plant-pathogenic nematodes, gene silencing, biosensors, bio-pesticides, green nanotechnology applications, and sustainable pest management. With 48 publications indexed in international journals, an h-index of 21, over 1149 citations, and one granted patent in eco-friendly technology, she has significantly advanced molecular and eco-friendly approaches for controlling nematode diseases. Dr. Ghareeb has successfully led national and international collaborations, including research projects in China and Chile, and serves as an editor and peer-reviewer for leading journals such as Springer Nature, Frontiers in Plant Science, and MDPI. She is an active member of professional societies, including ASPP and IASR, and a founding committee member of the World Association of Scientists and Inventors. Her contributions continue to shape sustainable agriculture and innovative plant health solutions globally.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

“Mulberry based zinc nano-particles mitigate salinity induced toxic effects and improve the grain yield and zinc bio-fortification of wheat by improving antioxidant activities …”

“Co-application of organic amendments and inorganic P increase maize growth and soil carbon, phosphorus availability in calcareous soil”

“The nematicidal potentiality of some algal extracts and their role in enhancement the tomato defense genes against root knot-nematodes”

“The potential of endophytic fungi as bio-control agents against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)”

“Genotoxicity assessment of amino zinc nanoparticles in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as cytogenetical perspective”

“Zinc Nutrition Responses to Agronomic and Yield Traits, Kernel Quality, and Pollen Viability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)”