Mohammad Faisal | Plant Sciences | Excellence in Plant Research

Published on 31/07/202531/07/2025 by Plant Scientist

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Faisal | Plant Sciences | Excellence in Plant Research

King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mohammad Faisal is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology in the Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India, specializing in plant tissue culture and biotechnology. With postdoctoral training in Spain and India, he brings over 16 years of experience in plant biotechnology research. Dr. Faisal is renowned for his work on in vitro plant regeneration, molecular characterization, and nanoparticle-plant interactions. His academic contributions include 172 peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles in reputed journals, reflecting his leadership in sustainable plant biotechnology.

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Education

Dr. Faisal holds a BSc (Hons), MSc, MPhil, and PhD in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University, India, where his research focused on plant tissue culture and biotechnology. His PhD thesis explored tissue culture and regeneration in Tylophora indica and Rauvolfia tetraphylla. He completed two postdoctoral fellowships: one at AMU under the DST Fast-track scheme, and the other at Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Madrid, Spain, under Spain’s Ministry of Science & Innovation. He further expanded his expertise at Kangwon National University, South Korea, focusing on advanced techniques in plant genetic engineering and in vitro systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Faisal currently serves as a Professor at King Saud University since August 2023, following his roles as Associate Professor (2017–2023) and Assistant Professor (2011–2017). Prior to joining KSU, he held postdoctoral fellowships at CIB Madrid and AMU, and earlier research roles as SRF and Project Fellow at AMU. He has led and participated in various national and international research projects, contributing significantly to tissue culture protocols, crop improvement, and environmental biotechnology. With over 16 years of post-PhD experience, his work bridges academic research and applied biotechnology with a global impact in plant sciences.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Faisal has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Excellence of Research Award (2023) by ISAHRD and the Outstanding Scientist Award (2021) by VDGOOD Professional Association. He was honored with the Plant Biotechnologist Award (2017) and the Scientist of the Year Award (2015) by SESR and the National Environmental Science Academy, respectively. He is an elected Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, UK, and SESR, and serves as an international panel expert for the Czech Academy of Sciences. His academic excellence has also been recognized through editorial appointments in journals like Plant Cell, Tissue & Organ Culture and Plant Biotechnology Reports.

Research Skills

Dr. Faisal specializes in plant tissue culture, in vitro morphogenesis, mass propagation, and genetic transformation of economically important plant species. He employs molecular, phytochemical, and anatomical tools to characterize tissue culture-derived plantlets. His pioneering work includes synthetic seed technology for germplasm conservation and evaluating plant responses to nanoparticles. He has led multiple funded projects in environmental biotechnology and crop improvement. With 172 publications and a strong citation record, his research is both foundational and applied, addressing biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and plant-environment interactions using cutting-edge biotechnological techniques.

Conclusion

Prof. Mohammad Faisal exemplifies leadership in plant biotechnology through his impactful research, prolific publication record, and international collaborations. His contributions span fundamental studies and applied innovations in crop improvement, plant tissue culture, and nanotechnology applications. As a research leader, he continues to shape global discourse on sustainable agriculture and germplasm preservation. Through editorial work, professional memberships, and translational research, he actively promotes scientific progress. His expertise and dedication position him as a role model and mentor in the global scientific community, making him a worthy candidate for recognition in academic excellence and plant biotechnology advancement.

Publications

Cokuraj, M., Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2025). Synergistic effects of growth regulators and silicon nanoparticles on enhancing morpho-structural stability in Vitex agnus-castus L. plantlets. South African Journal of Botany, 2025

Munir, M., Ahmad, K., Khan, Z.I., Akhtar, S., Nadeem, M., Ashfaq, A., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., Nazir, H.M., & Malik, I.S. (2025). Trophic transfer of arsenic in the food chain from selected crops grown in long-term wastewater contaminated soil. Agricultural Water Management, 2025

Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2025). Unveiling the stimulatory effect of silicon nanoparticles on the direct regeneration and micro-structural developments in Cadaba trifoliata (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Environmental Science: Nano, 2025

Fazal, U., Zada, A., Hanif, M., Lee, S.Y., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., Sultana, T., & Sohail. (2025). Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications. Microorganisms, 2025

Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2024). In vitro regeneration and micro-morpho-anatomical characterization of leaves towards epiphytic adaptation in Aechmea bracteata (Sw.) Griseb. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant, 2024

Mani, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2024). In vitro propagation and assessment of the impact of nano silicon on growth and structural developments in Neomarica longifolia (Link & Otto) Sprague (Yellow Iris). South African Journal of Botany, 2024

ASHISHKUMAR VALA | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 09/07/202509/07/2025 by Plant Scientist

Dr. ASHISHKUMAR VALA | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

JUNAGADH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY | INDIA

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

The academic journey of this Plant Biotechnology professional began with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences, culminating in a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from Anand Agricultural University. Preceded by a Master’s in Agricultural Biotechnology from the same institution, this phase laid the groundwork for a career focused on plant molecular biology, genetic improvement, and advanced research. Certifications from renowned institutes, including Harvard Medical School and NIPB New Delhi, further underscore a commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

The professional career spans over 9 years of teaching and research, with the current role being an Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU), Gujarat since 2015. Before that, a vital role was played as an Agriculture Officer with the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, involving crucial analytical and technical responsibilities. Additionally, earlier work as a Senior Research Fellow at Anand Agricultural University helped refine skills in laboratory research and field applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A true innovator in the field, the researcher has led multiple initiatives in plant tissue culture, molecular cloning, NGS, CRISPR-Cas9, and genetic transformation. Research has specifically focused on groundnut, rice, tomato, stevia, and castor, targeting differential gene expression and drought/stress tolerance. With deep involvement in 8+ funded projects as principal or co-investigator, they have also developed transformation vectors and optimized codon usage for gene expression efficiency. Major contributions include transcriptome analysis, PR-1a and EIN2 gene characterization, and drought-tolerant rhizobacteria identification.

🌱 Impact and Influence

Recognized with the Distinguished Scientist Award, their influence extends beyond academic borders into practical agriculture and bioresource management. Contributions like the draft genome sequencing of phytopathogen Sclerotium rolfsii show a commitment to tackling plant diseases at the molecular level. Teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels have built a pipeline of emerging scientists. The involvement in training programs for farmers and students has ensured knowledge translation to grassroots levels, boosting sustainable agriculture.

📚 Academic Cites & Projects

The researcher has presented numerous papers at national and international platforms and has authored several academic projects, including:

Marker-Assisted Selection in Groundnut
Transcriptome Analysis of Castor
Cloning of PR-1a and EIN2 in Tomato
Rhizobacteria Studies in Chickpea
Micropropagation of Citrus sinensis

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

An accomplished teacher and mentor, the professional has consistently engaged in guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering their research ideas and helping with project development. The experience includes curriculum design, practical lab sessions, project proposal drafting, and faculty development initiatives, ensuring academic rigor and real-world relevance.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy being built is one of innovation, mentorship, and practical impact. From enhancing molecular breeding techniques to fostering biotechnology awareness among farmers, the work bridges science and society. With ongoing interest in genome editing, abiotic stress tolerance, and gene discovery via NGS, the future is poised for greater advancements in climate-resilient crops, sustainable agriculture, and cutting-edge plant genomics.

Publications

Altered expression levels of transcripts of GNAC TFs during drought stress in susceptible and tolerant cultivars of groundnut

Authors: Feba Jacob, Mahesh Mahatma, Yogita Deshmukh, Umesh K. Kandoliya, G.V. Maraviya, Meera Joshi, Ashish Vala
Journal: Plant Stress
Year: 2022

Unravelling the treasure trove of drought-responsive genes in wild-type peanut through transcriptomics and physiological analyses of root

Authors: Thoppurathu FJ, Ghorbanzadeh Z, Vala AK, Hamid R, Joshi M
Journal: Functional & Integrative Genomics
Year: 2022

Transcriptome analysis identifies novel gene(s) and pathways for salt stress responses in Dandi cultivar

Authors: Vala AK, Bano N, Deshmukh Y, Tomar RS, Joshi CG, Subhash N
Journal: Cereal Research Communications
Year: 2022

Water deficit stress enhances the bioactive compounds of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) kernels at the expense of primary metabolites

Authors: Solanki M.V., Mahatma M.K., Varma A., Thawait L.K., Singh S., Jangir C.K., Ashish Vala, Kandoliya U.K.
Journal: Food Bioscience
Year: 2024

System-wide analysis of groundnut’s salinity resilience: Integrating plant-cell interactions with environmental stress dynamics through cutting-edge transcriptomics

Authors: Meera K Joshi, Gopal V Marviya, Feba Jacob, Umesh K Kandoliya, Priyanka M Pandya, Ashish G Vala
Journal: Journal of Biotechnology
Year: 2024

Idrissou Ahoudou | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on 18/03/202518/03/2025 by Plant Scientist

Mr. Idrissou Ahoudou | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Genetics, Biotechnology, and Seed Sciences Unit, University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

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🌟 IDRISSOU AHOUDOU: A LEADING RESEARCHER IN GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Idrissou Ahoudou is a distinguished researcher in Genetics and Plant Breeding, with a strong academic background and extensive experience in plant genetics, biotechnology, and crop improvement. His research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of genetic diversity and crop resilience, particularly in Africa.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Ahoudou’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Production from the National School of Agricultural Sciences and Techniques of Djougou, University of Parakou, Benin, in 2014. He later pursued a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Plant Breeding at the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, completing his studies in 2018. Currently, he is set to defend his PhD at the University of Abomey-Calavi on March 19, 2025.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Ahoudou has served in multiple research capacities, notably as a Research Assistant from 2019 to 2022 in the “Improved Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Value Chains for Food and Nutrition Security in Benin, Niger, and Nigeria” project. His responsibilities included:

Study Design and Implementation – Conceptualizing and executing baseline studies.
Germplasm Conservation – Preserving sweet potato genetic diversity.
Cultivar Evaluation – Identifying high-yield sweet potato cultivars.
Capacity Building – Training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Genetics

Dr. Ahoudou specializes in plant genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and crop breeding. His research encompasses:

Participatory Breeding Approaches – Engaging farmers in cultivar evaluation.
Genetic Improvement of Crops – Enhancing yield and stress resistance.
Bioinformatics Applications – Utilizing computational tools for genetic analysis.
Climate Change Adaptation – Developing resilient crop varieties.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Ahoudou’s work has had a profound impact on food security and sustainable agriculture in West Africa. His research in genetic improvement of sweet potatoes and tomatoes has contributed to better yield stability and nutritional value, benefiting local farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Ahoudou has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including:

Ahoudou, I., et al. (2023). Farmers’ selection criteria for sweet potato varieties in Benin: An application of Best-Worst Scaling, Experimental Agriculture, 59, p. e25. [DOI: 10.1017/S0014479723000224]
Ahoudou, I., et al. (2025). Multi-environmental traits selection and farmer’s participatory assessment of mean performance and stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato genotypes in Benin, Heliyon, 11(2), p. e41685. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41685]

HONORS & AWARDS

2018 – Letter of Congratulations from the Director of the Genetics, Horticulture, and Seed Science Laboratory for securing an African Union Research Grant.
2011 – Benin Government Scholarship for Bachelor studies.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With his dedication to plant genetics and breeding, Dr. Ahoudou aims to:

Develop new resilient crop varieties.
Enhance bioinformatics integration in genetic studies.
Strengthen collaborations between research institutions and farmers.

FINAL NOTE

Dr. Ahoudou continues to be a trailblazer in genetics and plant breeding, focusing on improving food security and sustainable agricultural practices. His research and fieldwork have positioned him as an influential figure in crop genetics and biotechnology.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Multi-environmental traits selection and farmer’s participatory assessment of mean performance and stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato genotypes in Benin

Authors: I. Ahoudou, V.N. Fassinou Hotegni, D.E.O. Sogbohossou, I. Moumouni-Moussa, E.G. Achigan-Dako
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2025

Mounia ENNAMI | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on 17/02/202517/02/2025 by Plant Scientist

Prof . Mounia ENNAMI | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

IAV Hassan II | Morocco

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🌱 DR. ENNAMI MOUNIA: A PIONEERING SCHOLAR IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Ennami Mounia is a distinguished Assistant Professor at the Production, Protection, and Biotechnology Plant Department of the Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco. With a profound dedication to agronomy and plant biotechnology, she has significantly contributed to research and education in her field. Her expertise lies in microbial biotechnology, plant protection, and sustainable agricultural practices, making her an influential figure in modern agronomic sciences.