Duggireddy Mahesh Reddy | Plant Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Duggireddy Mahesh Reddy | Plant Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University | India

D. Mahesh Reddy is a passionate researcher specializing in horticulture, with a strong focus on floriculture and landscaping. With extensive experience in biotechnology-based crop genetics, he has worked on genetic diversity, crop improvement, and sustainable cultivation practices, particularly in ornamental and medicinal plants. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Dr. YSR Horticultural University and has actively contributed to research, publications, and academic events. His expertise is demonstrated in molecular characterization, plant tissue culture, and SSR marker analysis. Mahesh aims to serve in academia as an Assistant Professor, contributing to education, innovation, and scientific excellence in horticulture.

Author Profile

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Education 

D. Mahesh Reddy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture (Floriculture and Landscaping) at Dr. YSR Horticultural University, expected to submit his thesis in 2025. He completed his M.Sc. in Horticulture from Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and his B.Sc. (Horticulture) from Dr. YSRHU. He also completed intermediate and SSC education in Andhra Pradesh with distinction. His academic projects have focused on morphological and molecular characterization of orchids and genetic diversity studies in Crossandra species. He has hands-on experience in nursery management, ELP projects, RHWEP, and various cultivation techniques including protected cultivation of floricultural crops.

Professional Experience

Mahesh Reddy served as a Consultant at the A.P. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Board, Vijayawada, for three months, supporting technical research and outreach for medicinal plant cultivation. He contributed to planning awareness programs and technical documentation. He has qualified the ASRB National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2023 for Assistant Professor roles. His research training includes experimental work at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, and academic institutions in Arunachal Pradesh. Mahesh also gained practical exposure through hands-on training programs, workshops, and internships, particularly in molecular biology, biotechnology, and nursery and field-level horticultural practices.

Awards and Recognition 

D. Mahesh Reddy received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on Ornamental Horticulture (TNAU, 2025) for his work on SSR-based diversity in Crossandra. He has been invited to present in national and international seminars and conferences, including ICAR-IIHR and DFR, Pune. His research presentations and poster displays at national symposiums and webinars highlight his active academic engagement. His qualification in the ASRB-NET exam (2023) adds to his academic credentials. Additionally, he has co-authored multiple high-impact journal publications, five book chapters, and four popular articles, showcasing consistent scholarly contribution in horticultural science.

Research Skills 

Mahesh possesses strong expertise in molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA fingerprinting using SSR markers. He is proficient in using bioinformatics tools like NTSYS, MEGA, GeneAlex, and STRUCTURE for genetic analysis. His research integrates morphological and molecular approaches to assess genetic diversity in ornamental crops like Dendrobium and Crossandra. He has experience in nursery techniques, protected cultivation, vermicomposting, and field experimentation including trait analysis and statistical interpretation. His understanding of horticultural biotechnology is supported by trainings from IARI, ICAR-IIHR, and CAU, making him adept at both lab-based and field-oriented research activities.

Publications

Reddy, D. M., Safeena, S. A., Chandrashekar, N., Srinivas, P. T., Kumar, P. N., Arivalagan, M., & Sonavane, P. (2025). Deciphering genetic diversity and population structure in Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.) genotypes based on SSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution.
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Singh, A. K., Kumar, S., Wangchu, L., & Bhargav, V. (2024). Genetic diversity of Dendrobium species revealed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Kumar, S., Singh, A. K., & Arun Kumar, P. (2025). Phenotyping and diversity assessment of Dendrobium species by using DUS guidelines. Plant Science Today
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Kumar, S., Singh, A., & Phurailatpam, A. (2024). Morphological characterization of Dendrobium orchid species of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Horticultural Sciences
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Lego, N., Chakradhar, P., Siva Teja, V., & Mahesh, U. (2025). Genetic variability and character association analysis of various quantitative traits of orchids (Dendrobium spp.) from the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Applied Horticulture

 

RAM CHANDRA JENA | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. RAM CHANDRA JENA | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

R.S.More College (B.B.M.K. University) | India

Author Profile

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DR. RAM CHANDRA JENA: PIONEERING BOTANIST AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST 🌿

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Ram Chandra Jena is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Botany at R.S. More College, BBMK University, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. With a strong academic background in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation, and DNA Fingerprinting, he has made significant contributions to the field of plant sciences. His research focuses on genetic diversity, DNA marker-trait association, and phytoremediation, establishing him as a key figure in modern botanical research.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Jena’s journey in academia began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany (Hons.), and Zoology from Fakir Mohan University (2003). He then pursued an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from North Orissa University (2006), where his dissertation on Hexavalent Chromium Immobilization by Aerobic Microbial Granules showcased his early inclination toward environmental and microbial biotechnology. He later earned his Ph.D. from Utkal University (2019), where he conducted groundbreaking research on DNA Fingerprinting of Some Promising Indian Genotypes and Hybrids of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) under the supervision of Prof. P.K. Chand.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently heading the Department of Botany at R.S. More College, BBMK University, Dr. Jena has over 13 years of teaching experience in diverse disciplines, including Botany, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. He has also taught at Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, and BJB Autonomous College. Beyond teaching, he has played a pivotal role in academic coordination, research journal management, and library development.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Biotechnology

Dr. Jena’s research expertise spans multiple cutting-edge areas, including:

  • DNA Fingerprinting and Genetic Diversity Analysis
  • Advance DNA Marker Development and Trait Association Studies
  • Plant Tissue Culture and Clonal Fidelity Analysis
  • Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated Hairy Root Induction
  • Phytoremediation and Bioremediation Technologies
  • Environmental Biotechnology and Synthetic Seed Production
  • Molecular and Elemental Profiling of Wild Leafy Greens

His work on genetic stability, molecular characterization of plants, and conservation of plant biodiversity has had a lasting impact on both academia and applied research.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Jena’s research is widely recognized in national and international scientific communities. His studies have provided valuable insights into genetic diversity, molecular plant identification, and conservation strategies. His collaborations with ICAR Ranchi, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research-Dhanbad, and private agricultural research sectors have significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture and the promotion of high-tech farming practices.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

  1. Validation of PCR amplicon-based DAMD markers for genetic diversity, population structure, and fruit trait association assessment of Indian elite mangoes – Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Springer), 2024.
  2. DNA Marker-based Auditing of Genetic Diversity and Population Structuring of Indian Mango Elites – Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Springer), 2022.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Professor B.K. Nanda Memorial Award for Best Poster Presentation (39th Orissa Botanical Society, 2015).
  • Young Researcher Award from R.S. More College, BBMK University (2025).
  • Keynote Speaker at the National Conference ‘Kisan Banega Udhogpati’, KICCI, New Delhi (2024).
  • NCBI Gene Bank Contribution with accession numbers MT081417 and MN971581.

Dr. Jena has worked on major research projects funded by UGC, DST, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, including:

    • Molecular Screening of Mungbean Germplasm for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance.
    • DNA Fingerprinting of Mango and Other Major Fruit Crops of Odisha.
    • Morphological, Biochemical & Molecular Characterization of Mango Germplasm.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a dedicated scientist, educator, and conservationist, Dr. Jena’s work has laid a strong foundation for future research in plant biotechnology, genetic conservation, and molecular marker technology. His ongoing collaborations with international institutions and focus on high-tech agricultural advancements promise a future rich in scientific innovation and environmental sustainability.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Dr. Jena’s commitment to scientific research, conservation, and sustainable agriculture has made him a highly respected figure in plant sciences. His contributions to DNA marker development, genetic diversity studies, and phytoremediation research continue to inspire budding researchers and scientists worldwide.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

An overview of remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation

Authors: RG Kerry, FJP Montalbo, R Das, S Patra, GP Mahapatra, GK Maurya, …
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2022

Endogenous microbial contamination during in vitro culture of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]: Identification and prevention

Authors: RC Jena, KC Samal
Journal: J Agric Technol
Year: 2011

Fruit and leaf diversity of selected Indian mangoes (Mangifera indica L.)

Authors: RC Jena, K Agarwal, PK Chand
Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
Year: 2021

Multiple DNA marker-assisted diversity analysis of Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) populations

Authors: RC Jena, PK Chand
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021

Assessment of air pollution tolerance index of some selected roadside plants of Bhubaneswar city of Odisha State in India

Authors: S Acharya, RC Jena, SJ Das, C Pradhan, PK Chand
Year: 2017