Sabiha Ramadani | Plant Microbiology | Plant Pathology Research Award

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Mrs. Sabiha Ramadani | Plant Microbiology | Plant Pathology Research Award

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology | Taiwan

Dr. Sabiha Ramadani is a biotechnologist and plant scientist specializing in plant disease and pest management in tropical agriculture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Agroecotechnology with a focus on sustainable agriculture, followed by a double master’s degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology from the University of Brawijaya, Indonesia, and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Her academic experience includes internships in oil palm plantations and international agricultural cooperation programs. Her research interests encompass biological control of plant pathogens, molecular plant–microbe interactions, and agricultural biotechnology. Her peer-reviewed publications reflect her commitment to advancing sustainable crop protection and food security solutions.

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Alihan Katlav | Crop Protection | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Alihan Katlav | Crop Protection | Research Excellence Award

Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University | Australia

Alihan Katlav, PhD, is an agricultural entomologist specializing in biological control, insect–microbe interactions, and integrated pest management. He earned his PhD in Agricultural Entomology from Western Sydney University and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. His research integrates molecular, ecological, and field-based approaches to develop sustainable, pollinator-safe pest management strategies, particularly using entomopathogenic nematodes against honey bee pests. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, serves as an Associate Editor for leading entomology journals, and has received multiple competitive national and international research awards, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture and pollinator health.

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Sozan Elabeid | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Crop Improvement

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 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sozan Elabeid | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Crop Improvement

Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Sozan E. El-Abeid is a Senior Researcher in the Mycology and Disease Survey Research Department at the Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. She has developed her scientific career through progressive research positions at ARC, supported by international postdoctoral training at the Spanish National Research Council . With more than two decades of research experience, her work focuses on plant disease diagnosis, fungal taxonomy, and molecular identification of plant pathogens, contributing to improved diagnostic and management strategies. Her research interests include fungal endophytes, biological control agents, green and biogenic nanomaterials, nano-enabled delivery systems, and biosafety and environmental health in agriculture. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed JCR-indexed scientific publications, achieving an h-index of 9 with 378 total citations, reflecting the impact of her research within the plant pathology and agricultural biotechnology fields. She has supervised postgraduate research, acted as a scientific reviewer for leading international journals, and participated in several national and international research projects addressing quarantine pathogens, regenerative agriculture, nanotechnology, and sustainable crop protection. Her research aims to advance environmentally safe and innovative approaches for integrated plant disease management, supporting sustainable and resilient agricultural production systems.

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Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

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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,

Li Sui | Fungal Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Li Sui | Fungal Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Li Sui is a distinguished Researcher at the Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he has contributed to plant–microbe interactions, fungal endophytes, and biological control for over 15 years. He earned his PhD in Ecology from Northeast Normal University (2019), following a Master’s degree in Biophysics and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Jilin Agricultural University. His research focuses on endophytic entomopathogenic fungi, elevated CO₂–plant–microbe interactions, microbial biocontrol mechanisms, and eco-friendly pest management. Dr. Sui has led multiple national and provincial research projects, including major grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology. He has published impactful studies in Pest Management Science, BioControl, Frontiers in Microbiology, Virulence, and Biological Control, contributing significantly to maize, soybean, and sunflower protection strategies. His research record includes h-index: 10, citations: 296, and documents: 34. Dr. Sui has received prestigious recognitions, including the Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Progress Awards (First Class, 2017; Second Class, 2021) for innovations in green pest management. He continues to advance sustainable agriculture by integrating fungal symbiosis and biocontrol technology for improved crop resilience.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chang, Y., Lin, X., Sui, J., Li, Q., Zhao, Y., Sui, L., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Endophytic Beauveria spp. enhance tomato growth and resistance to Botrytis cinerea via transcriptomic regulation. Journal of Fungi.

Guo, W., Lu, Y., Du, S., Li, Q., Zou, X., Zhang, Z., & Sui, L. (2024). Endophytic colonization of Beauveria bassiana enhances drought stress tolerance in tomato via “water spender” pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences,

Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Plant Protection Research Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Yazd | Iran

Dr. Seyed Reza Fani is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Yazd, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, completed in 2013. His doctoral research focused on utilizing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates to control aflatoxin contamination in pistachio nuts. Dr. Fani’s professional journey includes roles as a researcher and expert in plant pathology laboratories within the Iranian Plant Protection Organization and the Agriculture Organization of Sistan-Baluchistan province. His research interests encompass mycotoxin management, biological control agents, and integrated pest management strategies. He has contributed to over 5 H- index, with more than 95 citations. His work has been presented at various international conferences, including the MYCOKEY International Conference and the International Mycotoxin Conference. Dr. Fani’s expertise is instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Iran.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fani, S. R., Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, December). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Fani, S. R., & Moradi, M. (2025, May 15). An overview of pistachio gummosis: A comprehensive analysis. Tropical Plant Pathology.

Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Fani, S. R., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, March 27). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance.

Kazemi, A., Sedaghati, E., Fani, S. R., Moradi, M., & Nadi, M. (2023). Effect of sulfur on toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in vitro. Journal of Nuts.

Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Fani, S. R., Ghasemi, M., & Aldaghi, M. (2023). Population density of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin content in different types of pistachio nuts. Journal of Chemical Health Risks.

Raviteja D H | Plant Physiology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Raviteja D H | Plant Physiology | Young Scientist Award

Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka | India

Author Profile

Scopus
Orcid ID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Raviteja D. H. began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, where he achieved a CGPA of 8.29. He then pursued his M.Sc. in Plant Physiology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, completing his thesis on the effects of elevated CO₂ and phosphorus nutrition in rice. His academic excellence culminated with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, where he secured the University Gold Medal for ranking first in his discipline. His doctoral research focused on heat tolerance in maize, particularly the physiological mechanisms underlying thermotolerance.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Raviteja’s professional career has spanned academia and national research institutes. He served as an Assistant Professor of Crop Physiology at JC Diwakar Reddy Agricultural College, affiliated with ANGRAU, for a brief but impactful period. Currently, he is working as a Senior Research Fellow under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, where he contributes to developing climate-resilient crop strategies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Raviteja’s work centers around plant stress physiology, focusing on drought stress, heat tolerance, climate resilience, and plant nutrition. He has contributed significantly to understanding the physiological and biochemical responses of crops to elevated CO₂, phosphorus nutrition, and abiotic stress. He has developed a Temperature Induction Response (TIR) Technique for rapid screening of thermotolerant maize genotypes and evaluated the efficacy of plant growth promoters and seaweed biostimulants in enhancing stress tolerance in horticultural crops like tomato and gherkins.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Raviteja’s research has direct implications on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable crop production, and resource-use efficiency in changing climatic conditions. His work on crop simulation modeling for tomato and onion is being integrated into the Infocrop software, aiding policy planners and farmers with predictive analytics. His publications in reputed journals have added value to the domains of plant physiology, abiotic stress management, and crop improvement.

📊 Academic Citations and Publications

Dr. Raviteja is a prolific academic with over 10 research papers, multiple review articles, book chapters, and popular science articles to his credit. His work has been cited in high-impact journals such as Plant Physiology Reports, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, and Agricultural Research Journal. Some notable publications include:

  • Impact of Elevated CO₂ and Phosphorus on Rice Quality

  • Standardization of TIR Technique for Maize

  • Biochemical and Yield Response of Maize under Heat Stress

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Raviteja is proficient in both field-based and laboratory-based physiological techniques, including:

  • Use of HPLC/UPLC, CHNS analyzer, IRGA (LICOR-6800), and ICP-AES

  • Expertise in SPURA automated drought simulator, hydroponics, and crop simulation modeling

  • Analytical skills in NUE (Nutrient Use Efficiency), root physiology, and mineral profiling

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

During his tenure as Assistant Professor, Dr. Raviteja engaged in teaching Crop Physiology, mentoring undergraduate students, and contributing to academic curriculum development. His blend of research insight and teaching acumen makes him a valuable asset in agricultural education and mentoring.

🏆 Awards and Achievements

  • 🥇 University Gold Medal for Ph.D. (Crop Physiology), UAS Raichur

  • ✅ Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) – Life Sciences

  • 🎓 ICAR-JRF in Crop Physiology (2018)

  • 💰 DBT-PG Fellowship for MSc in Plant Biotechnology

  • 🏅 Best M.Sc. Thesis Award, Agro-Environmental Development Society (2023)

📘 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Raviteja D. H. is poised to become a leading researcher in climate-resilient crop science. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges plant physiology, agronomy, biotechnology, and climate modeling. With a strong foundation in research, teaching, and innovation, he is committed to developing sustainable solutions for improving crop performance under abiotic stress, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.

🌱 Other Notable Contributions

  • 📚 Authored chapters on plant phenomics and magnetic field effects in agricultural science books.

  • 📰 Published popular science articles to enhance public awareness on topics like climate change, urban horticulture, and innovative crop hybrids.

📖Publications

Elevated Atmospheric CO₂ and Its Potential Impacts on Field Crops: Implications for Plant Biology and Food Quality
  • Authors: D. H. Raviteja, A. Manik
    Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology
    Year: 2025
Enhancing Antioxidant Activity and Osmolyte Accumulation in Heat-Stressed Maize Hybrids with Plant Growth Promoters and Thermotolerance-Induced Seeds
  • Authors: Raviteja, D.H.; Dhanoji, M.M.; Kuchanur, P.H.; Amaregouda, A.; Patil, R.P.; Barkeer, S.
    Journal: Agricultural Research Journal
    Year: 2024
Heat Stress in Maize: Understanding the Physiological and Biochemical Impacts
  • Authors: Doddaghatta H. Raviteja; Swamy N.; Ranjeetha R.; Anil Jadhav
    Journal: Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology
    Year: 2024
    Date: July 11, 2024
Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Promoters and Thermotolerance-Induced Seeds Improves the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Summer Maize
  • Authors: Doddaghatta H. Raviteja
    Journal: Plant Archives
    Year: 2024
Nutrient Remobilization and C:N:P Stoichiometry in Response to Elevated CO₂ and Low Phosphorus Availability in Rice Cultivars Introgressed With and Without Pup1
  • Authors: Sharma, S.; Raviteja, D. H.; Kumar, T.; Bindraban, P. S.; Pandey, R.
    Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
    Year: 2024

Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg | South Africa

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Martha Ligola Gorases (née Sheepo) is an exceptional agriculturalist with over 15 years of expertise in crop science, research, and training. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, focusing on optimizing crop production, improving soil health, and empowering farmers with cutting-edge agricultural techniques. As an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, she has played a key role in policy development, research extension, and farmer support programs. Her doctoral research on cattle manure as a nutrient source for sweet potato production exemplifies her dedication to sustainable farming solutions. Martha’s work in conservation science and agricultural advisory services highlights her multidisciplinary approach to food security and land management. With a passion for knowledge dissemination, she has trained countless farmers and students, contributing to the advancement of crop science in Namibia. Her significant contributions make her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Martha Ligola Gorases is a Doctoral Candidate in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2023-2025), researching the potential of cattle manure as a sustainable nutrient source for sweet potato cultivation. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture Management (2018) from the University of the Free State, where she studied the adoption of food bank initiatives in peri-urban Namibia. Her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Management (2010) and National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (2008) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology provided a strong foundation in sustainable crop production. She has also obtained a Certificate in Applied Business Process Management (2011) to enhance her leadership skills in agricultural projects. With a diverse academic background integrating research, extension, and policy development, Martha’s education reflects her dedication to improving agricultural systems for both smallholder and commercial farmers.

 💼  Professional Experience

Martha Ligola Gorases has over 15 years of hands-on experience in crop science, agricultural research, and extension services. Since 2021, she has served as an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, where she provides agricultural extension services, develops policy frameworks, and empowers farmers through training. From 2020 to 2021, she worked as a Conservation Scientist at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, contributing to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation initiatives. Her experience also includes serving as a Research Technician at the University of Namibia (2012-2015), where she conducted rice cultivation research and provided farmer advisory services. Additionally, she has worked in the private sector as a Researcher at Agra Co-operative Limited, focusing on fodder nutrition for livestock. Her diverse experience in research, extension, policy-making, and education makes her an influential figure in sustainable agriculture and crop science.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Martha Ligola Gorases has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to crop science and agricultural development. She was a contributing author of the Kunene Drought Resilience Strategy (2022) and the Namibia Agriculture Extension Strategy (2022), highlighting her expertise in policy-making and sustainable farming. Her work on the Namibian Tourism Spatial Master Plan (endorsed by the UNWTO in 2021) showcases her interdisciplinary knowledge in conservation agriculture. She has been honored with multiple certificates for her research contributions, including Better Business Writing (2012), Meticulous Workplace Reporting (2011), and Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (2010). Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization Seed Improvement Project (2021-2023). Her work in fodder research, farmer training, and conservation planning has made a profound impact on Namibia’s agricultural landscape, making her an exemplary candidate for this award.

🌍Research skills On Crop Science

Martha Ligola Gorases possesses advanced research skills in crop science, soil fertility management, agricultural policy development, and sustainable farming practices. She specializes in nutrient recycling, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural systems, with a strong focus on empirical research and field trials. Her expertise includes data collection, statistical analysis, and research design for evaluating the impact of agricultural interventions. As a doctoral researcher, she is currently investigating the role of cattle manure in enhancing sweet potato yield and nutritional quality, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable soil fertility solutions. She has led multiple research projects in rice cultivation, peri-urban agriculture, and food security strategies, integrating farmer participatory research approaches. Her technical skills extend to GIS mapping for agricultural planning, stakeholder engagement, and scientific writing. With a strong publication record and extensive field experience, Martha is a leading researcher driving innovation in sustainable crop production.

📖Publications

Agricultural Scientific Officer
  • Authors: Martha Ligola Sheepo
  • Journal: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation
  • Year: 2023-05-31